Our Story
BraveLume Foundation was born from lived experience, resilience, and the belief that no woman should have to rebuild alone.
What began as pain became purpose. Today, BraveLume exists to bring hope, and empowerment to women and families navigating life after domestic violence.
Our Mission
BraveLume Foundation is dedicated to creating a safe and empowering space for women and families overcoming domestic violence. Through community support, advocacy, healing-centered initiatives, and opportunities to grow, we aim to help support rediscover their strength and move toward a brighter future.
We are committed to turning healing into hope and hope into lasting change.
Stand Up for Survivors
Join us for an evening of laughter, community, and purpose as we come together to support survivors of domestic violence and the mission of BraveLume Foundation.
Meet Board of Directors
Liz Velazco Founder & Executive Director
Liz Velazco Founder & Executive Director
Liz Velazco Founder & Executive Director
BraveLume Foundation was created from resilience, healing, and hope. Founded by Liz Velazco, a mother and survivor, our mission is to support women and children facing domestic violence, hardship, and homelessness by helping provide stability, healing, and a path toward a brighter future.
Diana Ambia President
Liz Velazco Founder & Executive Director
Liz Velazco Founder & Executive Director
Diana Ambia serves as President of BraveLume Foundation, bringing compassion, leadership, and a deep commitment to supporting survivors. As a domestic violence survivor and longtime Northwest Arkansas community leader, she is passionate about helping women rebuild their lives with dignity, confidence, and hope.
Jose Esparza Vice President
Liz Velazco Founder & Executive Director
Jose Esparza Vice President
With over 20 years of real estate and community leadership experience, Jose brings compassion, service, and a strong commitment to supporting families and survivors. His personal connection to BraveLume’s mission inspires his dedication to helping create safer, brighter futures.
Diamante Vega Treasurer
JoJo Secretary
JoJo Secretary
Founder of KILL OR B KILLED, Diamanté is a survivor, advocate, and leader dedicated to empowering women through confidence, self-defense, and support. Her lived experience brings strength and purpose to BraveLume’s mission.
JoJo Secretary
JoJo Secretary
JoJo Secretary
JoJo is a community leader, event organizer, and advocate with experience in fundraising, marketing, sponsorships, and community outreach. Her passion for service and bringing people together helps strengthen BraveLume’s mission and impact.
Deran Ford
JoJo Secretary
Deran Ford
Deran is a seasoned leader in government relations, public policy, workforce development, and community service. He brings decades of leadership and strategic experience to BraveLume, helping strengthen our mission and expand our impact.
Nathan Bogart
Krista Pennington
Krista Pennington
Nathan is an experienced immigration and trial attorney dedicated to advocacy, community service, and supporting vulnerable families. His legal expertise and commitment to survivors strengthen BraveLume’s mission to help women rebuild their lives with safety and support.
Krista Pennington
Krista Pennington
Krista Pennington
Krista is a licensed Realtor and dedicated community advocate with a passion for helping others. She brings compassion, service, and a strong commitment to supporting survivors and strengthening the BraveLume mission.