Meet The Formation Team
Lenna Assaf (she/her)
Nonprofit Partnerships Manager
Before Resilia I…worked in education nonprofits with a specialization in program management–I’ve helped 500+ high school seniors experience paid summer internships as well as executed virtual and in-person professional development events for teachers and school leaders in New Orleans. I’ve also worked as a teacher and administrator in K-8 schools, primarily focused on serving high-quality enrichment programs to students.
My favorite part about working at Resilia is…hearing about a nonprofit’s mission and the activities they plan to achieve it. Nonprofits continuously inspire me to do more and make me feel more confident in the world we’re creating together.
When I am not working… I love where I live (New Orleans) and try to soak up as much music, food, parades, and good times as possible.
My favorite emoji is…🙃 It’s just too cute, and it generally represents how I feel a lot, even though I am rarely literally upside down!
Lenna Assaf (she/her)
Nonprofit Partnerships Manager
Bianca Brignac (she/her)
Nonprofit Partnerships Manager
Before Resilia I…worked in education nonprofits with a focus on growing the number of education advocates in communities, increasing the number of Black men in education, and providing access to free, high-quality STEM programs to communities across the country. I’ve also worked as an elementary teacher.
My favorite part about working at Resilia is…being able to connect with nonprofit leaders and assist them on their journeys to make the world a better place.
When I am not working…you can find me exploring my new city (Houston) with my puppy, Pepper.
My favorite song to jam out in the car is…anything Beyonce’ #BeyHive
Bianca Brignac (she/her)
Nonprofit Partnerships Manager
Emma Clements (she/her)
Sr. Project Formation Specialist
Before Resilia I…worked for a construction management and engineering company that helped set up 5G towers as a project coordinator.
My favorite part about working at Resilia is…being able to talk to nonprofit leaders, hearing their stories and dreams, and being able to start their nonprofit journey.
When I am not working…you can find me running around Audubon Park, biking, on a quest to find the perfect chai tea latte, or competing in weekly pub trivia.
The one food item I can’t live without is…Trader Joe’s matcha green tea ice cream.
Emma Clements (she/her)
Sr. Project Formation Specialist
Simone Jones (she/her)
Formation Specialist
Before Resilia I…spent a decade working in the hospitality industry. During my 10th year, I decided to make a change and began working at a nonprofit that specialized in education, wellness, and leadership training for girls.
My favorite part about working at Resilia is…having the opportunity to connect with nonprofit leaders; their work strengthens and builds communities. It’s inspiring to watch them pursue their goals.
When I am not working…I’m spending time with friends and family, writing, listening to podcasts, and rewatching my favorite movies!
My favorite Emoji is… :sob: Despite the tears, this emoji works for any feeling. I use it for BIG laughs!
Simone Jones (she/her)
Formation Specialist
Amanda Kemp (she/her)
Nonprofit Partnerships Manager
Before Resilia I…started my career in nonprofits through Americorps, rebuilding homes after Hurricane Katrina, managing more than 20,000 volunteers across 100 build sites in just under 2 years. I spent the next 7 years working for the YMCA in New Orleans in the metro office, learning everything I could about how to make a non-profit work before moving to St. Louis with my family for a few years and working for the Y there as a business manager for the largest facility in the association– we had more than 10,000 members at our branch alone!
My favorite part about working at Resilia is…learning the “why” behind every nonprofit we serve. I am endlessly inspired by the strength and heart of every individual who steps up to build a nonprofit in their community. I love learning about why they decided to start and it means so much to me to take any part of that weight off of their shoulders.
When I am not working…I love to spend time with my husband and 3 year old daughter– from binging disney movies to exploring new restaurants, it's always an adventure. I also love spending time outside in the garden and playing fetch (seemingly endlessly) with our 2 dogs Murphy and Cooper.
My favorite emoji is…😂 Whether truthfully or ironically, a laugh is the best answer to most things in the world!
Amanda Kemp (she/her)
Nonprofit Partnerships Manager
Dianne Perret (she/her)
Nonprofit Partnerships Manager
Before Resilia I…worked primarily in the nonprofit industry in organizations such as the HandsOn Network and the Parkinson’s Foundation. At HandsOn, I was able to work with hundreds of volunteers to lead revitalization projects in urban neighborhoods throughout South Florida as well as lead their marketing and social campaign efforts. This role really proved to me how much I loved working for mission driven organizations. I then worked in the Parkinson’s Foundation’s education team where I planned in person and virtual trainings on interdisciplinary care for health professionals as well as programming directed at care partners and loved ones of people living with PD. I find that my biggest accomplishments and drive are always tied to giving back, and hope to continue to do that with my time at Resilia.
My favorite part about working at Resilia is… being able to connect with multiple nonprofits and meet heartfelt individuals who are trying to do good in their communities. It’s motivating to know there are so many changemakers hoping to create a positive impact all over the country.
When I am not working… I try to find pockets of opportunity to travel as much as I can. I love hiking, trying new foods and the feeling of being surrounded by unfamiliarity. There is so much out in the world to explore! When not traveling, I enjoy spending time with family, my partner and my pets.
The one food item I can’t live without is…chocolate!