MEET OUR BOARD
KAREN EL-TAWILBoard Chairperson
Karen, 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 Member
Bert 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 Member
Karen 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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MARIA BRUEDERLINBoard Member
Co-Founder of Impact Coaching Solutions, Maria is a certified International Master Coach Trainer who's worked with global corporations such as Microsoft and ExxonMobil and institutions like MD Anderson and Rice University. Her expertise includes leadership development, communication, emotional intelligence, team alignment, elevating women leaders, and developing self-awareness/emotional skills. Maria is bilingual and has a broad knowledge of cultural diversity.
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MEET OUR STAFF
PAM THOMURE
Executive Director |
BOBBIE PACHECO
Education Program Coordinator |
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Pam has led a variety of nonprofit organizations over the past 25 years, with a focus on strategic planning and growth for start-up nonprofits. As an entrepreneur, Pam founded Southwest Senior Solutions, a for-profit business helping senior adults downsize and relocate. She served on the National Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors, building relationships and increasing awareness for arts education across the nation. Pam is a member of One Voice Central Texas and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She has a heart for seeing women thrive and is blessed to be a part of the EWOP family.
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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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CANDY KYLE |
Executive Assistant
Candy began a very fulfilling 30-year career as a small business owner in the salon industry. Although she loved working in her business, she wanted to join her husband in spending their free time volunteering in the prison system with Kairos Prison Ministry. After witnessing how much a volunteer can make a difference in prison, Candy felt a calling to join an organization that she could be a part of as a second career. She found EWOP and saw that the organization fit right in line with her background of being a small business owner and her passion to make a difference in the lives of the incarcerated. Candy is excited to be working with volunteers to help them impact women in our program.