HANDS-ON DECK

 

DAWN CALLAHAN, MPA

Dawn Callahan is an integrated marketing specialist for the public & private sector with over 20 years of experience.

She is the President of Dawn, Inc., a project management firm for aspiring entrepreneurs and current business owners combating issues such as analysis paralysis to make authentic decisions quicker and more efficiently. Her program, LIVE IN 90 has launched new businesses nationally and supported entrepreneurs to scale and grow their businesses.

In her career, Ms. Callahan has:

Served as Director of Communications for Walker's Legacy, a national organization supporting Black women business owners

Created marketing and advertising collateral for annual events such as the Super Bowl, including promotional spots, print ads, and digital posts on all social media platforms.

Served on the team responsible for developing and executing Houston’s bid for the 2020 Democratic National Convention.

Volunteered as a Social Media Consultant with the business resource organization, SCORE, under the Small Business Administration.

Wrote and delivered motivational speeches with Bread of Life, encouraging individuals to reenter the workforce.

Founded Wishes Over Waters, a platform to provide Christmas gifts to victims of Hurricane Harvey.

Provided business advice on KPFT-FM Houston.

Ms. Callahan has a Master’s in Public Affairs focusing on philanthropy from Bernard Baruch College in New York. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from Columbia College Chicago, graduating with honors. She has a Certificate in Philanthropy from Loyola University Chicago and a Certificate in Fundraising from The Fundraising School through the Center on Philanthropy, Indiana University Purdue University.

Ms. Callahan is a National Urban Fellow alumna, a recipient of the Association of Black Foundation Executives Connecting Leaders Fellowship, and, a member of the Civic Leaders Club, National Urban Fellows.

Dawn Callahan is an advocate and speaker for domestic violence prevention. As a survivor, Ms. Callahan serves on the board of AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse) and encourages everyone to seek support for their traumas.

Originally from the Chicagoland area, Ms. Callahan made Houston home in 2013.

 

DR. JAMIE FREENY, DRPH MPH

Dr. Jamie Freeny is a dedicated public health practitioner with a desire to make a difference in the health and wellbeing of children and adolescents. She earned her doctorate in Public Health with a focus on child and adolescent mental health from the UT Health School Of Public Health. Her areas of research include adverse childhood experiences, adolescent mental health, trauma-informed care, and collaborative engagement. Dr. Freeny currently serves as the Director of the Center for School Behavioral Health at Mental Health America of Greater Houston which works collaboratively with school districts, public and nonprofit child-serving organizations, institutions of higher learning, and community stakeholders to develop and implement equitable projects and policies that promote the well-being of school-age youth. She has spent the last 15 years working through multiple avenues, healthcare systems, residential behavioral health centers, and non-profit organizations, to educate and advocate for adolescent mental health. Dr. Freeny has presented on various topics to professional audiences including adverse childhood experiences, child trauma, and equity in school mental health, and has galvanized systems change through an equitable and trauma-informed lens.  She was awarded the 2021 Child Advocate of the Year for the State of Texas and has been invited as a child mental health expert to provide education and testimony on behalf of proposed legislation and national and local policy.


ADVISORY GROUP & TEAM MEMBERS

  • Kevin Lampe

    Kurth Lampe Worldwide

    Speciality: International Political Consulting, Public Relations

  • Yen Azzaro

    The Paper Pusher

    Speciality: Visual Strategy, Illustrator, Storytelling

  • Carlecia Wright

    99 Possibilities, LLC

    Speciality: Unconscious Bias, Black Women, Equity Expert

  • James Sullivan

    Veteran

    Speciality: Corporate Responsibility, Foundation Giving

  • Whitney Gray

    The Halfassed Buddhist

    Speciality: Meditation, Spiritual Journey, Mental Health Retreats

  • Jodi Brockington

    NIARA Consulting

    Speciality: Brand Development, Strategy & Sustainability

  • Michelle Hudson

    Graphics by Michelle

    Speciality: Graphic Design, Branding, Promotions