Meet the individuals behind this mission, each dedicated to transforming hope into tangible progress. Together, we are shaping a future where peace is not just a possibility but a reality for all.

“You must learn a new way to think before you can master a new way to be.”
We are a diverse and passionate team of visionaries, changemakers, and creators united by a shared commitment to building a more peaceful, equitable world. Our board members and creative crew come from varied backgrounds, bringing unique perspectives and expertise to support the mission of fostering justice, healing, and collaboration.
We work together to address the root causes of conflict. Whether through policy advocacy, storytelling, or grassroots engagement, our team combines creativity with compassion to promote systemic change and inspire collective action.
Founding Members
-
Sherry Welch
PRESIDENT
Sherry Welch, 71, is a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, as well as a dedicated advocate for her family and community. Her lifelong commitment has been to identifying and providing resources for children, youth, individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and those facing addiction.Over the years, Mrs. Welch has cared for nieces and a grandson through foster care, provided childcare for other grandchildren, assumed guardianship of a handicapped sibling, and cared for both an elderly parent and a mother-in-law with dementia.
Her early career was rooted in medicine, where she served as Assistant to the Director of the Regional Intensive Care Nursery in Reno, Nevada. She later owned and operated an accounting software and hardware company, worked as Assistant Controller for the manufacturing firm PolyPhaser, and served as General Manager and Accountant for her husband’s motorcycle manufacturing and repair corporation for over two decades.
A passionate advocate for peace, particularly world peace, Mrs. Welch has been actively involved in local and national politics since 2019. She has volunteered for Marianne Williamson’s presidential campaigns in both 2020 and 2024, demonstrating her dedication to progressive change and community engagement.
-
Kiki Penn
VICE PRESIDENT
Kiki is a dynamic force of resilience, compassion, and advocacy. A proud single mother and grandmother, Kiki's rich life experience is matched by a diverse and impactful career. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida, with a double major in Psychology and Exceptional Education, and a minor in Philosophy and Religious Studies.Kiki’s career began in the arts as a child model and actress, expanding into childcare, hospitality, animal welfare, and over 25 years in real estate. She specialized in residential and commercial sales, new home construction, and supporting military families with a VA/Military designation.
In 2012, Kiki’s diagnosis of late-stage Neurological Lyme Disease shifted her focus to advocacy and healthcare reform. She now serves as a board member for All for Freedoms, a team lead with the Center for Lyme Action, and a peer mentor for the Global Lyme Alliance. As a Reiki Master and holistic health practitioner, Kiki is passionate about supporting those facing chronic illness and mental health challenges.
Outside of her advocacy work, Kiki enjoys gardening, cooking, creating art, and inspiring others through social media.
-
Karen-Nicole Mitchell
SECRETARY
Karen-Nicole Mitchell is a multifaceted creative professional: a producer, Pushcart Prize-nominated writer, and certified mindfulness meditation teacher. Known for her passion for storytelling and dedication to impactful work, she contributed her talents to the 2024 Marianne Williamson campaign, advancing a vision of progressive change.
Academically accomplished, Karen-Nicole holds dual master’s degrees—a Master’s in Science Writing from Johns Hopkins University and a Master’s in Producing for Film, Video, and Television from American University. These degrees reflect her unique ability to combine the art of storytelling with the technical expertise of production.
Her work has reached global audiences, featured on prominent platforms such as the BBC in London, NPR, Discovery Channel Networks, WPFW, MHz Networks, PBS, and U.S. News & World Report. Infusing her creative projects with intentionality and presence, she leverages her certification as a mindfulness meditation teacher to bring depth and balance to her craft.
Karen-Nicole’s dedication to excellence, her passion for elevating diverse voices, and her belief in the transformative power of creativity continue to shape her career and inspire audiences worldwide.
-
Kathy Scaman
TREASURER
Kathy is an accomplished financial professional and philanthropist with over three decades of experience in corporate finance and non-profit management. As a magna cum laude graduate from the University of St. Thomas with a BBA in Accounting (1995) and a paralegal degree (1987), she has established herself as a distinguished controller specializing in Real Estate operations. Her 34-year tenure in financial management includes notable service with The Brown Foundation in Houston.Kathy's professional achievements are complemented by her significant contributions to the arts and community service. In the early 1990s, she co-founded Heartsong Chorus Inc., a Houston-based non-profit organization, where she performed as a first soprano. Her musical background includes formal voice training and a memorable solo performance of "Sing Low, Sweet Chariot" before an audience of 800. Her artistic lineage includes a family connection to Louis Bellson, the renowned 1950s drummer known for his appearances on The Tonight Show. Recently, she collaborated with Bruce Yarock on the lyrical composition "Happy Dream."
Currently based in Delray Beach, Florida, where she has resided for over two decades, Kathy maintains an active role in community service. She is dedicated to various charitable causes, including Meals on Wheels and the Catholic Church. Her expertise in non-profit administration and grant writing has supported multiple charitable organizations. She has also demonstrated political engagement through her volunteer work with Marianne Williamson's 2024 Democratic presidential campaign. Kathy continues her personal development through the study of A Course in Miracles while maintaining her commitment to both professional excellence and community service.
-
Chris Crouch
BOARD MEMBER/GRAPHICS
Chris is a seasoned professional with a diverse background spanning design, technology, and holistic health. She began her career studying graphic design, later transitioning into the corporate travel industry, where she became an expert in early airline computer systems during the pre-internet era. In recent years, Chris returned to graphic and web design, leveraging advancements in technology and the internet to craft impactful, user-friendly websites with a creative and strategic approach.Her career also includes over 20 years in holistic health, earning certifications in modalities such as BodyTalk® and deep tissue massage, as well as experience as a Hatha yoga instructor. These roles have honed her ability to collaborate effectively, innovate, and foster meaningful connections. A dedicated advocate for environmental stewardship and community engagement, Chris has volunteered for Marianne Williamson’s presidential campaigns in 2020 and 2024, demonstrating her commitment to systemic change and unity.
In her personal life, Chris enjoys running agility courses with her two Australian Shepherds and finds inspiration in the natural beauty of the Manzanita Mountains near Albuquerque, where she resides with her husband. Her extensive expertise, creative vision, and systems-oriented mindset make her a valuable contributor to initiatives that promote peace, sustainability, and a harmonious future.
-
Karl Hester
ILLUSTRATOR
Karl Hester is a devoted artist, professional chef, and lifelong supporter of the peace movement. Art and service have always been at the heart of Karl’s life, reflecting his commitment to unity, compassion, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Inspired by the counterculture of the 1960s, Buddhist philosophy, and the transformative power of creativity, Karl has spent decades using his talents to promote a vision of peace and mindfulness.
Karl’s artistic journey began with sketches drawn from dreams, nature, and his early fascination with 1920s art. Over time, his work evolved into intricate ink drawings, using stippling and pointillism to explore themes of unity, hope, and the spiritual dimensions of life. His art serves as both a personal meditation and an invitation for others to reflect on the deeper truths of existence.
Alongside his art, Karl has built a remarkable career in the culinary arts. For him, cooking is more than preparing meals—it is an act of service and mindfulness. Whether crafting dishes in fine-dining kitchens or serving at spiritual retreats, Karl infuses his work with intention, using food to nourish both the body and spirit.
A dedicated student of Buddhist teachings and A Course in Miracles, Karl has spent his life seeking to align his actions with his values. His spiritual journey has informed his art, cooking, and advocacy. As a supporter of Marianne Williamson’s 2020 and 2024 presidential campaigns, Karl has worked to promote a compassionate, justice-oriented vision of politics.
Through his art, culinary craft, and advocacy, Karl continues to inspire others to live with purpose and compassion, embodying the change he hopes to see in the world.
-
Laura Butterworth
NARRATOR
Laura is a creative force whose 40-year career spans writing, illustrating, and producing, all driven by a passion for advocacy and the transformative power of storytelling. Through her work in visual arts and narrative, Laura has enriched countless lives, crafting meaningful experiences that inspire and uplift.
An accomplished editor with a BA from Catawba College in North Carolina, Laura is also the founder of Other Nice People LLC, a trademarked publishing company specializing in products designed for young audiences. Her commitment to creativity and youth empowerment is at the heart of her entrepreneurial pursuits.
Recently, Laura returned from a year-long presidential campaign tour supporting Marianne Williamson, further demonstrating her dedication to progressive change and visionary leadership.
A private pilot, she brings a sense of adventure and exploration to every aspect of her life and work. Splitting her time between Maine and North Carolina, Laura continues to blend creativity and purpose in everything she does.