KAREN EL-TAWILBoard ChairpersonKaren, a retired oilfield services executive, has been an active volunteer and donor with Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) since 2012. She has been involved with the women's program since its inception and served as Interim Executive Director in EWOP's inaugral year. Karen is known and loved by the Lockhart ladies for her dedication, servant leader heart and can do spirit!
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BERT SMITHBoard MemberBert is the former CEO of Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) and has been involved within the organization since 2005. He has a law and investment background with many years of experience in a variety of industries. Bert is currently the President of the National Christian Foundation where he helps nonprofits and donors connect to change lives and experience growth.
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KAREN THORNTONBoard MemberKaren is Chief Administrative Officer for FTS International (FTSI), one the largest well completion companies in North America. She oversees the strategic direction of the HR function, leading the adoption of a culture of excellence among all employees and positioning the company as an employer of choice. Karen serves on the boards of Tarrant County College Foundation and the Tarrant County American Heart Association, where she chairs the Go Red for Women Movement.
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NEHA AGRAWALBoard MemberNeha is a real estate entrepreneur. She is a true Texan - born and raised in Houston, Bachelors of Arts from University of Texas at Austin and an MBA from Jones School of Business at Rice University. She is excited to be a part of EWOP as it combines two of her loves: giving women a voice and learning about various industries.
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KEITH GRAYDirector of Reentry Programs
Keith brings unique varied experience and a deep passion for restorative justice to the forefront of EWOP. His journey in public service highlighted as a Director of Accountability Courts complemented by over 13 years of program administration, non-profit management, strategic planning, business development, client advocacy, and cultivating relationships with community stakeholders. Applying his diverse experiences he will act as the Director of Reentry Programs and innovate comprehensive programs and strategies that assist in connecting participants with resources, support, and opportunities.
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JACIE MINNICKDirector of In Prison Programs
Propelled by a profound commitment to social justice and transformative change, Jacie assumes the role of Director of In Prison Programs with a deep sense of purpose. She believes in the organization's mission of breaking the chains of incarceration and empowering individuals to carve out new, hopeful paths toward a brighter future. Jacie holds a Master of Science in Leadership and Change from St. Edward’s University, and a BA in Sociology from Hanover College. Jacie’s journey in education and social services has been marked by a commitment to serving marginalized communities, including incarcerated youth. She is deeply honored to bring her expertise and compassion to EWOP's impactful work.
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BOBBIE PACHECOEducation Program Coordinator
Bobbie joins the team as a lifelong learner with a heart for service and a love of technology and entrepreneurship. She brings over 25 years of experience in various educational roles in non-profit settings. For the last 17 years, Bobbie has been an educator, supporting her students in shaping their character, developing technology skills, and believing in their abilities to start a business. As the Education Program Coordinator, she will facilitate our EWOP classes designed to support and empower women as they rebuild their lives.
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MINDI LOWINReentry Case Manager
Mindi joins the EWOP team as a graduate of EWOP Class #1 and the first EWOP Business Plan Competition Winner. She is a former Texas educator who has a heart for serving women and building relationships for success. Mindi utilizes her social services expertise and interpersonal skills to foster a positive reentry for women coming out of prison. The driving force behind her dedication is her love for Texas and her desire to contribute to the safety of the community.
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LAUREN REEVESAdministrative Assistant
Lauren brings both passion and professionalism to her role as administrative assistant at EWOP. With over ten years of experience in administrative and operational roles, Lauren honed her organizational skills and developed a deep understanding of effective workplace systems. Lauren leads with a commitment to fostering a collaborative, efficient, and supportive work environment, and she is motivated to take on new challenges and finding innovative solutions to support the growth of the organization and the impact on the lives we serve.
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