About Us

Karlette Dandy-Brewster is a public servant, nonprofit founder, educational advocate, and community leader whose life's work is dedicated to expanding access, opportunity, and empowerment for underserved youth and families. With more than two decades of public service experience, she currently serves as an Applications Systems Analyst, where she leverages her expertise in technology, analytics, risk management, and strategic problem-solving to support critical public-sector programs. She is also a licensed North Carolina Real Estate Broker and Surety Bail Bondsman. 

Driven by a deep belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive, Karlette founded Our Village Pathways, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to eliminating barriers to opportunity through coordinated, wraparound support services. Grounded in equity, compassion, and community partnership, the organization addresses the interconnected needs of underserved youth and families through educational access, scholarship opportunities, expressive arts-based mental health and wellness programming, housing and homeownership pathways, financial literacy education, and community resource connections. Our Village Pathways guides individuals from crisis toward long-term stability and self-sufficiency while fostering generational resilience, strengthening families, and building more empowered communities. 

Under Karlette's leadership, Our Village Pathways helps students successfully navigate their educational journeys through college and career readiness programming, including FAFSA assistance, portfolio development, résumé building, scholarship and grant searches, and individualized mentoring. The organization also equips individuals and families with practical tools for economic empowerment through financial literacy and homeownership workshops while connecting community members to critical resources that help remove barriers to success. 

A cornerstone of Karlette's vision is ensuring that mental health and emotional wellness are accessible, culturally relevant, and community-centered. Through initiatives such as Therapy Session, Our Village Pathways promotes mental health awareness through the arts, creative expression, cultural engagement, and educational programming. By incorporating hip hop, dance, science activities, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, these programs create safe spaces where youth and families can engage in meaningful dialogue, develop resilience, and support holistic well-being. 

Karlette is also the founder of the Dandy Educational Scholarship for Hornets in Extracurricular Activities (D.E.S.H.E.A.), an initiative established to reduce financial barriers to participation in extracurricular activities for students at her alma mater, Hillside High School. Through this scholarship, she helps ensure that students have access to opportunities that cultivate leadership, confidence, personal growth, and academic success. 

Her commitment to educational access and community impact extends beyond her own organizations. Karlette serves on the Board of Directors of the Auntie Bev's AllWordz Matter Scholarship Fund and previously served as Secretary of the Aggie Moms Scholarship and Resource Foundation, an organization founded by seven North Carolina A&T mothers dedicated to supporting student achievement, wellness, and educational success. 

Above all, Karlette considers her greatest accomplishment to be her role as a mother. She is the proud mother of three accomplished children: Kala, a dual-degree graduate of Purdue University; Dizni, a Spelman College alumna and graduate of Pepperdine Law School; and James, a student at North Carolina A&T State University. She takes immense pride in watching each of them continue to build upon their academic foundations while pursuing excellence in their careers, leadership, and service to others.

Inspired by the educational journeys of her children, Karlette returned to college to pursue her own academic goals. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Business Analytics – Cloud Computing from Fayetteville State University and is currently pursuing a Master of Management, Risk and Analytics degree, with aspirations of ultimately earning a doctorate.

Through public service, educational advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and mentorship, Karlette remains committed to opening doors, creating pathways, and ensuring that every individual and family has the support, resources, and opportunities needed to build a brighter future.

Through Our Village Pathways, Karlette is building more than programs. She is creating a village of support that helps individuals and families access opportunity, overcome barriers, and develop the tools needed to thrive for generations to come.

Donna Alston is an accomplished finance and operations leader with over 25 years of experience. A Durham, North Carolina native, she holds a B.S. in Business Administration, an MBA, and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA). She also holds Series 7 and Series 66 securities licenses and Life & Health insurance licenses.

Donna began her career at American Express as a Credit Analyst, where she discovered her lifelong passion for finance and financial education. Over the next two decades, she built a distinguished career in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors, rising from Accounting Analyst to Director of Global Procurement Operations. Throughout her career, Donna has been recognized for her commitment to fiscal budgeting integrity, strategic process improvement, project management and developing high-performing teams that drive operational excellence.

Beyond her corporate achievements, Donna has long been dedicated to service and community leadership. She has served as church treasurer for many years and has been a featured finance panelist for the City of Durham’s Annual Women’s Forum and the nonprofit organization CoolKids.org. She also serves as a board member and treasurer for Sidekick’s Academy. 

Motivated by a desire to make a greater impact, Donna transitioned from corporate America to focus on promoting financial literacy and empowerment within her community.  As a business owner and Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, she helps individuals, families and businesses make informed financial decisions, build wealth with purpose, and create lasting legacies. Through workshops, mentorship, and collaboration with tax and estate planning professionals, Donna equips clients with the knowledge and confidence to live their best financial lives.

Kala Hinnant, a native of Durham, NC, has a background in education, psychology, social work and performing arts.  She received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts-Acting  from Purdue University.  Upon returning to North Carolina, she began her journey as an educator, director of theatre & production and social advocate.  

Kala continues her work as a community educator and soul/hip-hop performing artivist (Maestra) at major events in North Carolina.  She has now broadened her scope for using her innovative skills by founding the TheRAPy Session non-profit by way of Maestra Feel Good Music powered by Our Village Pathways.