Meet Our Team
Asheville Poverty Initiative has always thrived through the power of community. Each and every person who participates makes our programming beautiful, from the board, staff, and educators to everyone who joins around the table at 12 Baskets Café.
Dr. Ben williamson, executive director
Ben's a proud dad to daughters Grace and Keira and initially found API as a teacher bringing school groups on poverty walks. After years in education, Ben's most recent experiences are in community organizing and non-profit management.
When not working, Ben is usually found at home with his two dogs and his amazing wife Hayette (pictured), owner/operator of Back Porch Baking Company.
Ben’s favorite thing to eat is tacos!
Donna Earnshaw, Cafe Kitchen Coordinator
Kitchen Mama Donna, our Notorious KMD, can take the heat not only in the kitchen but with high degrees in lab science and nutrition, as well extensive studies in the culinary arts. Donna manages all the food coming in the café and into our bellies!
Donna has lived in Bucks county Pennsylvania and Philadelphia but she chose to settle in Asheville because she loves the mountains and the people.
Her favorite breakfast food depends on what's in season.
Aaron Ortego, Cafe Program Coordinator
Starting as a volunteer in the cafe, Aaron showed his commitment to service and demonstrated an understanding of the values we hold dear. Aaron is always the first to volunteer to help no matter the project and is a positive, calm presence in the café.
Aaron serves as a Realities of Poverty Educator for API and has led poverty education walks and panels. Aaron is passionate about community building and fostering connections with others.
While Aaron's roots lie deep in Cajun country where he grew up, he has traveled and lived all over including many years in Georgia before landing in Asheville, NC. His pastimes (in his words) include rocking chairs and bonfires. Aaron also holds a passion for playing hockey, going bass fishing, as well as jamming out to country and folk music. When asked what his favorite food is, this good southern boy quickly said, "Rice and gravy!"
Shelly Baker, communications & Outreach coordinator
Coming most recently from New York City, Shelly was born and raised not far from Asheville in Columbia, South Carolina. She is a huge Harry Potter and LSU fan and will talk about them at length if you get her started. In her spare time, Shelly likes to craft and spend time with friends & her husband Ryan.
Shelly’s primary focus is the coordination of media communications/strategy and on daily administrative needs of API & the 12 Baskets Café. She can be found frequenting the café garden to drink coffee and socialize.
Shelly’s favorite thing to eat is cheese in any form (mac and cheese, grilled cheese, string cheese, etc).
mae mims, realities of poverty education coordinator
We are so excited to have Mae as our new Realities of Poverty Education Coordinator and to restart this amazing program. Mae is a dedicated community member with a wide range of talents. She has been volunteering with 12 Baskets for two and a half years, coordinating food pickups and contributing to the relaunch of the social media and marketing campaigns in 2022.
With five years of experience in project management and small business ownership, she is someone who gets things done and is accustomed to making adjustments when necessary. Outside of work, Mae enjoys hiking, gardening, and powerlifting.
Hill Brown, Community Chaplain
Hill is going to be with us as a community chaplain from now until February on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Feel free to pull them aside if you need someone to chat with/you want some extra emotional or spiritual support. You can also let Hill know if there is someone you want them to visit in jail or the hospital.
Board of Directors
Kimberleigh Wells, Chair
Phil Leonard, Treasurer
Bill Buchanan, Secretary
Shunyu Huang
Taija Ventrella
Rashaad Bellomy
TJ Amos
Missy Harris
Steve Leventer
