Our Team
Paula Knight
FOUNDER & CEO
Paula Knight founded The Honor Village, Inc. in 2023 while in the middle of a community crisis. She discovered how hard it was for Veterans to stay stable having to make 3 times the rent and with SSI checks not being enough to afford a safe place to live. Helping change lives by assisting those who have fallen on difficult times became a priority. When she did find resources in her community, she was met with unwelcome attitudes, slammed doors, and donors who didn't have the resources to help.
The most challenging part was decoding contact information that best fit her veterans needs. It was during this time that she dedicated her energy to being a strong sounding board for veterans in our community who are struggling to get help and support they need, who served our country. Now it's time for us to stand up and to give back.
With the various job titles received over her work years, Paula Knight was able to use all tools and skills acquired from previous works as a gateway to accessing the entrepreneurial world. She has obtained certificates and awards throughout her time working in the community. She has a large heart and has always been eager to help anyone she can. Her professional career in the community includes coaching volunteers and support groups on the services AZCEND provides, including emergency shelter, homeless services, the food bank, family resources, senior programs, and more. Paula’s family and her work are deeply rooted in the community. She is a third generation Chandler resident. Paula's father is a Veteran and fought.
What is the most rewarding part of what she does?“To know that I can help change a life in the community, day by day.”
While her experience as a single African American mother helped understand patience and being a leader showed her the importance of identifying when others are screaming for help. Honoring that skill allowed her to become a loyal person to her volunteers , co-workers, and the community.
This loyalty spilled over as the backbone of The Honor Village. Paula Knight understands the vulnerability and humility which accompany asking for help. She is able to relate to the community at which The Honor Village, inc. serves. When a veteran reaches out to the organization for help, they are met with warmth and sincerity, and feel welcomed, which allows Honor Village to build a relationship with the organization that results in long-term consultation.
Contact Paula:
Paula@honorvillage.org
The Board of Directors
-
Robert Owens
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF VETERAN AFFAIRS
Robert sits at the helm of the nonprofit organization, steering it, managing its operations, and carrying out its mission according to the strategic direction of a board of directors.
Contact Robert:
robertowens599@yahoo.com -
Kristin Ostrander
SECRETARY
Kristin is an active conduit for communication between board members. She is responsible for proactively collaborating with board members, attending community events, and providing relevant and current resources to clients.
Contact Kristin:
krisostrander44@gmail.com -
Shamea Hardy
MARKETING CONSULTANT
Shamea provides a social media presence. She provides us with the most recent and updated information in the cyber world. She is responsible for posting and responding to our followers. Shamea has an ASU degree in Social Work.
Contact Shamea: Shamea.owens@gmail.com
-
Sierra Owens
INTAKE SPECIALIST
Sierra provides relevant and current resources to clients, based on their specific needs. She remains in the public by attending events, maintaining communication with the community in efforts of establishing a consistent relationship.
Contact Sierra:
-
Patricia Lowe
COO
The COO (Vice President) shall, in the event of the absence or inability of the President, exercise his/her office to become acting president of the organization with limited rights, privileges and powers as if she had been the duly elected president. Additionally, she will oversee everyday work flow of employees; including, staff and providing program support.
Contact Patricia: Patricialowe62@yahoo.com
-
Deja Lowe
Case Manager
Deja will organize, facilitate and evaluate care options for Military Veterans to best meet an individual’s mental, physical and emotional health. The case manager strives to achieve holistic client well-being by advocating for their needs, identifying providers and ensuring service will be served. Deja has a Bachelor Of Arts in Psychology, ASU
Contact Deja:
Deja1108@gmail.com
-
Mechile Villanueva
Administration Coordinator
An administrative coordinator is responsible for managing the day-to-day administrative operations of the office, including scheduling meetings, managing calendars, handling communication, maintaining office supplies, coordinating logistics, and ensuring smooth workflow.
Contact Mechile:
villanuevamechile@yahoo.com