Meet the Humans Behind the Mission
We strengthen the organizations that strengthen communities.
And yes, we've done this work. We've lived it—the long days before major events, the joy of successful programs, the disappointment of declined proposals, and the deep satisfaction of witnessing transformed lives.
Our team brings together decades of authentic experience across the nonprofit ecosystem. We've served as board members, grassroots organizers, executives, direct service providers, social workers, and philanthropy officers. We've gathered wisdom from every angle of the sector.
Paola Guzman, MSW, (she/ella), Learning Lead
Paola Guzman is VESTEDin™’s Learning Lead, bringing a deep commitment to human-centered nonprofit development and community empowerment. With a background in social work and leadership in immigrant justice and collaborative project design, she centers equitable learning pathways and capacity-building outcomes. Paola has led strategy, operations, and trauma-informed initiatives that streamline access to services and strengthen organizational learning. In her role at VESTEDin™, she curates learning experiences that deepen nonprofit practice, bridge reflection with action, and support leaders in adopting sustainable systems and adaptive leadership behaviors.
Crystalyn “Crys” Jordan (she/her), Business Administration Lead
Crys Jordan is VESTEDin™’s Business Administration Lead, bringing a background in education, public health, program coordination, and entrepreneurship. Her experience includes coordinating community programs with schools, libraries, and partner organizations, managing the administrative systems that support program delivery, and working in culinary education. This blend of community-facing and behind-the-scenes experience informs her practical, people-centered approach to operations. At VESTEDin™, Crys strengthens internal systems, coordinates communications, and supports team follow-through—creating the structure that lets thoughtful service and meaningful work flourish.
ALLISON Booker Brooks (she/her), Senior Capacity Coach
Allison Booker-Brooks is a Senior Capacity Coach with VESTEDin™ and a seasoned nonprofit leader with over 25 years of experience driving organizational strategy and impact. She currently serves as Chief Operating Officer at Northwest Assistance Ministries, where she oversees program delivery, financial management, and team leadership across complex social service systems. Allison’s career includes executive roles at major nonprofits, including YWCA of Houston and United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast, where she strengthened strategic planning, operations, and team development. As a licensed social worker and MBA graduate, she brings a practical, systems-informed coaching approach that helps organizations build resilient infrastructure, scale mission-aligned impact, and strengthen leadership capacity.
Jolea Payne (she/her), Senior Capacity Coach
Jolea Payne is a Senior Capacity Coach with VESTEDin™ and a seasoned nonprofit leader and ICF-certified healing-centered coach with 17+ years of experience in nonprofit leadership, human behavior strategy, and community-centered systems work. She is the Founder and Chief Community Builder of Inspirit Coaching & Consulting, where she supports organizations and changemakers in strengthening culture, leadership, and operations with intentional, values-aligned approaches. Jolea has also led development operations for major educational nonprofits and directed programming that expanded services in under-resourced communities. Her coaching blends systems insight, equity-centered facilitation, and deep commitment to reducing burnout while increasing impact for mission-driven teams.
Vanessa Ramirez(she/her), Senior Capacity Coach
Vanessa Ramirez is a Senior Capacity Coach with VESTEDin™, bringing experience across nonprofit executive leadership, education, workforce development, and youth justice. Her career includes supporting college access and persistence through KIPP, founding Eight Million Stories to create alternatives to incarceration for disconnected youth, and serving as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Program Officer at SER-Jobs for Progress. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics for Business and Management from Occidental College. Drawing on experience in organizational operations, program development, and community partnerships, Vanessa helps nonprofit leaders connect their priorities to practical action, strengthen organizational systems, and navigate implementation at a manageable pace.
SUSAN Sessions, CPA
Susan brings over 25 years of financial expertise across the public and private sectors, with exceptional tax and accounting knowledge, to the VESTEDin™ team. She began her career at a small Texas CPA firm. She later advanced to leadership roles at international accounting firms and multi-billion-dollar corporations, giving her a comprehensive understanding of financial management across organizations of all sizes. Susan excels at translating complex financial concepts into accessible language while creating collaborative relationships that help nonprofits confidently address their unique financial challenges.
Geertrui (Giulia) Lauwaert
Giulia brings extensive online community-building expertise to support both members and team operations behind the scenes. With a people-first approach, she ensures seamless coordination while creating welcoming environments for meaningful engagement. She guides new-member integration, manages daily operations, and develops a content strategy to keep the community active & aligned with our shared purpose. Giulia's thoughtful curation enables teams and members to focus on what matters most.
Twinkie, (he/him) Chief Joy Officer & Director of Paws
Twinkie brings a strong presence, excellent listening skills, and a firm commitment to keeping his human grounded. As Bridget’s beloved rescue companion, he embodies a core part of the VESTEDin™ philosophy: sustainable work requires care, connection, and time to recharge.
His portfolio includes morale, companionship, and reminding leadership that every priority deserves a pause—and sometimes a walk. Compensation is negotiable, preferably in treats.