MY STORY
Founder and CEO
My desire to help women struggling to find independence after surviving domestic abuse is personal. I have experienced the stress, trauma and anxiety associated with abuse. These experiences have had an enormous influence on my dedication to helping other women. I have overcome many obstacles to become the successful, confident woman I am today. I firmly believe every woman should be given opportunities to rise above their circumstances and have a safe and comfortable home for themselves and their children. My goal for Felicia‘s Donation Closet is to provide the basic necessities for women who are on a path to a new and hopeful future.
BOARD MEMBERS
Ryan Olson
Logistics Director
I have been motivated by a desire to help others from a young age. I am fortunate enough as an adult to be in a position where I am afforded the opportunity to give back in the ways I see most beneficial. My strong work ethic combined with my dedication to help others is why I choose to be involved in Felicia‘s great cause.
Marcia Sokol
Operations Director
I have worked in the Verona Area School District for over 20 Years. Working with students makes you aware and understand how important a safe home is for a child’s well being. Without stability at home, many students tend to fall behind in academic and social development. Volunteering and giving to others has always been very important to me. Being a part of Felicia’s Donation Closet is a great opportunity for me to give back and help support women and children in the community, who are starting over with new goals of a positive life for their families.
Gynel Orr
Outreach Coordinator
I am excited to be part of Felicia’s vision to create peaceful places for women and children who are survivors of abuse and homelessness. With my education in human services, business, substance abuse counseling and related work experience, I hope to offer encouragement and resources to open opportunities to empower change. I have assisted with establishing The Healing Place for women struggling with life issues, created a Bag Lunch Program for the homeless, worked as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in the court system and as a Peacemaker in the Dane County Community Restorative Court. Most recently, I have assisted women with children transitioning out of homelessness, helping them with resources for education, employment, finances, childcare, transportation and more. My mission is to SHOW MORE LOVE by offering and connecting helping hands wherever assistance is needed.
Rachel Radel
Executive Assistant/Inventory Manager
There are many aspects in life that bring me happiness – working in the medical profession, my family and friends, traveling, and to put it simply, giving to others. I have volunteered with various organizations throughout my life, and Felicia’s Donation Closet has been the perfect volunteer opportunity for me. I am passionate about Felicia’s Donation Closet’s mission to provide women and children the opportunity to turn their house into a safe home, which provides essential building blocks to be successful in life. By volunteering my time and abilities, I am able to help Felicia’s Donation Closet keep their mission alive.
Clint Dums
Executive Assistant/Inventory Manager
It is always a gratifying experience to help people in need. In order for Felicia’s Donation Closet to fulfill their mission, they need motivated, able-bodied volunteers. The ability to move a large piece of furniture across town is regularly taken for granted. I am very fortunate for the ability to assist with the gathering, storage, and distribution of donated items. I am proud to do my part in lending a helping hand.
Mike Birkeland
Grants Coordinator
I have a strong belief that giving back is essential to building and maintaining a healthy community and I am happy to lend my skills to Felicia’s Donation Closet. I have been a scientist for over 20 years and my focus is always on finding solutions. The challenge of preventing and helping to remove women from domestic abuse situations is near to my heart as I have friends and family members who had to live through this trauma. I have three daughters and I want them to see that there is always a better option than staying in a bad situation. Helping this organization continue to make a direct impact on the lives of women and children that society has forgotten is my motivation for getting involved.
Kelly Diny
Leadership Team
I have been in the banking and mortgage industry for over 25 years mainly in the Dane County area. I have been an active volunteer in the past for Hospice, Habitat for Humanity, VetConnect, and most recently I have fed the homeless once a month thru The Friends of State Street & The Beacon for the last 6 years. My goal is to help define and balance organization directives and leadership from my extensive past experiences with volunteering to maximize productive partnerships by encouraging “a boots on ground” philosophy. I am proud to be a part of an organization that can help remove the stigma and secrecy of those suffering from domestic abuse and strengthens the community circle of support for women and children.
