Staff
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Right now, SowHope is working around the world to improve the conditions for thousands of women.
President & CEO
Mary Dailey Brown is the Co-Founder, President, and CEO of SowHope. Over the past 35 years, Mary has visited and traveled to 65 countries and been involved personally and vocationally with the poor. She is fluent in Spanish, having lived in Spain for nearly four years. She has led over 150 volunteer teams to over 40 countries.
Mary earned a BA from Southern Illinois University with majors in Photography and Psychology. She completed a Master’s of Public Administration (MPA) in Nonprofit Management and Leadership at Grand Valley State University, where she is now an adjunct professor.
Mary worked at the White House as a staff photographer serving Presidents Carter and Reagan. She owned a professional freelance photography business in the north suburbs of Chicago for 10 years.
Mary served as the founding Executive Director of Love INC (formerly, the US branch of World Vision) of Lake County, Illinois. She was the Director of Missions at Bella Vista Church in Rockford, Michigan for eight years, and it was during that time when she traveled to many developing countries and developed the vision to start SowHope.
Mary has been married to Doug Brown, SowHope’s Co-Founder, since 1981. They have two adult sons, John & Alex.
Director of Programs
Dr. Sylivia Tsitsi Juta serves as the Program Director of SowHope. Originally from Zimbabwe, Sylivia moved to the United States in 2006 to further her education. She completed her Master’s of Public Administration from Grand Valley State University (GVSU) in 2008 and her Doctorate in Public Administration from Western Michigan University in 2014. It was during her studies at GVSU that Sylivia met Mary Brown, the CEO of SowHope, and Sylivia fell in love with the organization. She soon became a board member for SowHope and later became a part-time employee overseeing SowHope projects.
Sylivia has worked as an adjunct professor at GVSU and Trine University. She was an entrepreneur, starting and owning a business in the U.S. as a financial planner and tax preparer. Sylivia also met her husband, Papa Njai, in the U.S. and eventually moved with him back to his home country of Sierra Leone in 2017, where they currently reside. In addition to working for SowHope, Sylivia is also a lecturer at Milton Margai Technical University in Sierra Leone.
Fund Development & Marketing Specialist
Jennifer Frank Brenton serves as the Fund Development and Marketing Specialist of SowHope. Jen brings over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, leveraging her expertise to drive meaningful community impact. Her work has spanned a range of crucial initiatives, from supporting survivors of assault to leading a community-wide effort focused on Black infant mortality. Her background in youth development has allowed her to contribute to programs that empower and uplift young individuals.
Holding a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in public health from Western Michigan University, Jen seamlessly integrates academic knowledge with hands-on leadership to advance public health and social advocacy.
Beyond her professional role, Jen is also a business owner, committed to fostering connection and community through entrepreneurship. Her dedication to bringing people together extends beyond her nonprofit work, creating welcoming spaces that encourage engagement and belonging. She also embraces adventure—whether it’s racing cars, flying planes, snorkeling, or parasailing, she thrives on experiences that push boundaries and break from the ordinary. And, of course, her love for dogs adds an extra layer of joy to the journey.
Administrative Specialist
Jess Lewis serves as the Administrative Specialist at SowHope, where she is learning to run the organization and support its mission of inspiring women around the world. With a heart drawn to uplifting women, Jess is especially passionate about SowHope’s commitment to dignified, sustainable solutions that equip women to transform their own communities.
Jess holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus on Christian counseling. For the past seven years, she has worked as an executive assistant to CEOs, gaining deep experience in project management, leadership development, strategic planning, and organizational growth. She has facilitated executive retreats, supported leadership teams, and helped translate vision into action across a range of initiatives.
Born and raised near Grand Rapids, Michigan, Jess has lived in four different states and, together with her husband Aaron, has planted three churches. Married since 2005, they have two teenaged daughters. Jess is deeply invested in mentoring and learning from women in every season of life – through church, jail ministry, friendships, and motherhood.
Grateful to bring both her professional expertise and personal passion to SowHope. Jess is excited to serve women globally through an organization that reflects her values and calling.