Meet Our Board

Ariel Koonce Fortes

Chair/Chief Executive Officer

Ariel is a visionary leader and compassionate entrepreneur whose life's work is rooted in one powerful truth: purpose is not accidental — it is intentional. With over a decade of entrepreneurship, she built a meaningful private shop boutique experience that centers and celebrates women, creating not just a shopping experience, but a space where women feel seen, valued, and inspired. Everything Ariel touches carries the imprint of her drive for impact, and her business is no exception.

Before stepping fully into entrepreneurship, Ariel cultivated a rich and diverse professional foundation — serving as a specialist in corporate Human Resources, lending her talents to the nonprofit organization spaces, and building meaningful connections through recruitment and retail sales. These experiences didn't just shape her career; they shaped her heart. They gave her an intimate understanding of people, their stories, and the silent journeys they carry. That understanding became the cornerstone of how she leads and how she loves.

At the core of who Ariel is lies an unwavering commitment to brightening the path of every person she encounters. She recognizes that behind every interaction is a journey, and she takes seriously the privilege of standing in the gap for others — walking alongside them, lifting them up, and leaving them better than she found them. For Ariel, walking in purpose is not a season — it is a lifestyle. And her greatest fulfillment comes not from her own success, but from watching others step more boldly into theirs.

President, Executive Officer

Paul brings a wide range of business and developmental skills to the industry. Early in his career, his passion for community and people led him to become an advocate of positive change. He built a foundation for organizational leadership in retail, leading teams, managing projects, and instilling operational excellence. For over 20 years, he provided leadership in Television operations and community news. He would later operate a boutique small business and advocate for community small businesses. He brings a wealth of organizational and operational leadership to the team. As a proud member of the American Marketing Association, Paul continues to leverage his leadership to advance progress and opportunity in the business community.

Beyond his professional achievements, it is Paul's heart for people — particularly young people — that truly sets him apart. He has dedicated himself to investing in the lives of youth, understanding that the future of any community is only as strong as the next generation it nurtures. It is this same spirit of service, compassion, and purpose-driven leadership that Mr. Paul Fortes now brings to his role as President — and the organization is all the better for it.

Yaritza Ramirez

Yaritza Ramirez is an experienced tax professional specializing in nonprofit organizations, including schools, associations, healthcare providers, and social service organizations. She works closely with clients to help identify and support the filings of Form 990 and Form 990-T. Her tasks include reconciliation of grants and contributions, allocating expenses accurately between program services, management and general, and fundraising.

With more than ten years of experience, Yaritza prepares nonprofit tax returns and helps organizations navigate compliance requirements with clarity and confidence. She is a member of the 1023 team that supports nonprofit groups applying for federal tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3). In early 2027, Yaritza is expected to receive a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Phoenix.

Yaritza is committed to community development and volunteers her time to support causes that strengthen the communities she serves.

Aja Walkes

Aja Walkes is a marketing leader with nearly two decades of experience building brands, launching new initiatives, and driving organizational growth through strategic marketing and communications. Her expertise spans the publishing and management consulting industries, where she has built programs that connect organizations with the audiences they serve.

As Director of Marketing at Rheinwerk Publishing, Inc., she leads integrated marketing efforts across digital channels, partnerships, events, and community engagement.

A lifelong commitment to volunteering and serving her community has shaped both her personal and professional life. As Director, Marketing & Fundraising Chair, she brings strategic marketing expertise, a collaborative approach, and a passion for building awareness, strengthening community connections, and encouraging others to support the organization's work.

Director, Partnership Development

Jennifer Uttaro is a seasoned executive and people leader with more than nineteen years of experience driving organizational growth, culture, and strategic partnerships across global consumer brands. She has served as a trusted advisor to CEOs and executive leadership teams, leading large-scale transformation initiatives that align people, strategy, and purpose.

Most recently, Jennifer served as Vice President of People & Culture at Bauer Hockey and Cascade Maverik Lacrosse, where she led the global Human Resources function and helped scale the organization through inclusive workforce strategies, leadership development, and change management. She has also held senior leadership roles at Crocs, Inc. and Reebok International.

As Director of Partnership Development, Jennifer brings a collaborative, values-driven approach, leveraging authentic leadership and strong relationship-building skills to cultivate meaningful partnerships that advance the mission of empowering and supporting women in need.

Briannah Hunt brings a deep passion for service, advocacy, and empowering individuals to recognize their strength, value, and potential. Her work has centered around supporting trauma-impacted adults and teens, creating safe and welcoming spaces where individuals feel heard, respected, understood, and empowered to move forward.

Through her experience in the mental health field, Briannah has had the opportunity to work alongside individuals navigating emotional, behavioral, and life challenges. These experiences have strengthened her ability to lead with compassion, patience, empathy, and understanding while meeting people where they are. She believes meaningful support begins with listening, building trust, and reminding individuals that their circumstances do not define their future.

A significant part of Briannah’s work has focused on empowering young people and adults who have experienced trauma and adversity. She is passionate about helping individuals identify their strengths, build confidence, develop healthy coping skills, and recognize their ability to create meaningful change in their lives. Briannah approaches this work with the belief that every person deserves to feel seen, valued, supported, and embraced.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Briannah’s love for helping others is at the heart of who she is. She is deeply committed to serving and embracing the members of her community, creating spaces where people feel a genuine sense of belonging. Whether through mentorship, advocacy, emotional support, or simply being someone others can turn to, Briannah strives to show up with compassion, authenticity, and purpose.

Briannah believes strong communities are built by investing in people—especially those who may have experienced circumstances that made them feel overlooked, unheard, or forgotten. Her commitment is to continue creating opportunities for connection, empowerment, healing, and growth while serving others with purpose, humility, and heart.