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.
COO
Aaron Hoxworth has a decade of experience working in the nonprofit sector. He holds a master’s degree in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management from Grand Valley State University.
Aaron has a passion for volunteering, serving in varying capacities for his home churches for over 20 years. In summer 2014, Aaron participated in the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults “4k for Cancer” event, traveling over 4,000 miles in 70 days to raise money and awareness for young adults with cancer and their families. He is a doting husband to his wonderful wife, Elise, and a proud dad to his daughter, Endsley, and son, Milo. The full house is rounded out with two cats, Doughnut and Cider, and one dog, Copper.
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 United States as a financial planner and tax preparer. Sylivia also met her husband, Papa Njai, in the United States and eventually moved with him 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.
