Kelli Nowers is the Executive Director at AWAKE, a grassroots nonprofit that advocates for the systemic advancement of women and young people in Tennessee through education and policy change. Over the last four years in this role, Kelli has focused on strategic organizational growth using an intersectional lens. Her career began at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, where she established and grew their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative, working with underrepresented founders and creating a more equitable organizational infrastructure. She went on to receive her Master’s degree in Women, Peace, and Security at the London School of Economics, which focused on promoting justice, human rights, and the participation of women in conflict-affected areas around the world. Kelli has leaned on her entrepreneurial and gender equity background during her time at AWAKE by focusing on sustainable development, inclusive outreach, and systems change.

Elizabeth is a junior in high school. She loves her dog and coffee in the mornings, and she feels that Dunkin’s is superior to Starbucks. Elizabeth’s very passionate about women’s health, especially menstrual health! She has done work to bring a voice to teens around periods by running a study that gauged what teens and pre-teens know, think, and feel about periods as well as the obstacles associated with them. She is excited to see what she can do to help bring awareness and education to menstruation!

Erika Glover is a morning anchor at FOX 17 News. She graduated from Pennsylvania State University and says her passion is family and serving her community. When she’s not busy with her baby girl Ryman, she’s volunteering and organizing her own nonprofit events. Back in December, she organized and hosted Nashville North Pole at Jones Paideia Elementary School. She was able to hand out 100 FREE brand-new coats, new sneakers, hygiene packs, books, free haircuts, food, and much more! In April, she completed her second nonprofit event—Easter baskets for children at the Nashville Rescue Center’s new women’s campus.

Thank you to our Host Committee for your commitment to combating Period Poverty in Middle Tennessee by supporting the work of the Community Resource Center.

Contact Kathryn Bennett, Director of Development, to learn how you can become a Dignity Defender.