Board Members - Tu Organics Foundation

Board of Directors

Founder & Executive Director - Mariatu Tu Browne

Mariatu Tu Browne is a first-generation doctoral scholar, licensed cosmetologist, business professor, and social entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry. Born in Sierra Leone, she immigrated to the United States as a child and built a purpose-driven career rooted in resilience, education, and service. She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Tu Organics Foundation, where she leads initiatives expanding access to cosmetology education, entrepreneurship training, and workforce readiness for underserved women. Mariatu also teaches business at Chaffey College and is pursuing her Doctor of Business Administration at University of La Verne, with research focused on updating and modernizing cosmetology curriculum to advance economic empowerment.

Entrepreneurship Advisor - William Donohoo

PROFESSOR OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP William (Bill) Donohoo has had a half century career in business, operating in managerial and executive positions with both large and small companies. During his career he started or helped to fund eight companies, one of which was listed on the New York Stock Exchange. He graduated with an MBA from the Harvard Business School. After retirement from industry, he began a second career teaching in the Cal State University system at Cal State San Bernardino and at Cal State Long Beach. He was a full time lecturer in Strategy and. Entrepreneurship for over 15 years.

Communication Coordinator - Georgina To’a Salazar

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION COORDINATOR Georgina To’a Salazar, PhD, is a skilled marketing and communications professional with a strong background in content creation, digital marketing, and strategic storytelling. As Marketing & Communications Coordinator at the Tu Organics Foundation, she develops compelling narratives and manages multi-channel campaigns to promote the Foundation’s mission of empowering underserved individuals through education and entrepreneurship. Georgina holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of California, Irvine, and a BS in Chemical Engineering from Stanford University. She is the founder of Redwood Scientific Communications, which provides writing and editing support for developing scientific manuscripts, grant proposals, and feature articles. Based in San Diego, she is passionate about using her communication expertise to support philanthropic initiatives and drive social change.

Treasurer

Joe Nazzal serves as Treasurer and Board Member of Tu Organics Foundation, where he combines his expertise in accounting, finance, and business strategy to help advance the Foundation’s mission of empowering women through education, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity. With a strong background in financial management, taxation, and organizational leadership, Joe is committed to ensuring the Foundation operates with transparency, accountability, and long-term financial sustainability. He works closely with the Board of Directors to provide strategic financial oversight, strengthen governance, and maximize the impact of every donor contribution. As the founder of Tier 1 Accountants and an experienced financial professional, Joe has dedicated his career to helping individuals, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations build strong financial foundations. His passion for service extends beyond numbers, focusing on creating systems and opportunities that allow organizations to grow while remaining faithful to their mission. Joe believes that financial stewardship is one of the most powerful tools for creating lasting change. Through his leadership at Tu Organics Foundation, he is honored to support programs that equip women with the education, mentorship, and resources needed to rebuild their lives with dignity, confidence, and purpose.

Workforce Development and Employer Partnerships Advisor -Giovanni "Gio" Vega

Giovanni “Gio” Vega is a Workforce Development and Employer Partnerships Advisor with over 15 years of experience connecting employers to talent, training, and workforce systems. He serves as a Business Solutions Account Manager with the EmployNV Business Hub at the Nevada Department of Employment, Training & Rehabilitation, supporting regional employers across multiple industries. Gio specializes in employer engagement, workforce funding strategies, and partnership development, using programs such as Silver State Works and work-based learning initiatives. As a Tu Organics Foundation board member, he provides strategic guidance on workforce alignment, partnerships, and scalable programs that promote equitable career pathways and economic mobility.

Community Advisor - Donna Corey

Assistant Executive Director, SWCREDA Rural Business Advisor, Nevada SBDC Donna Corey brings years of experience and passion to her role as a Community Advisor for the Tu Organics Foundation. She serves as the Assistant Executive Director of the Southwest Central Regional Economic Development Authority (SWCREDA), supporting Nye and Esmeralda Counties, and as a Rural Business Advisor with the Nevada Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Since 2017, Donna has empowered rural entrepreneurs by helping them start, grow, and sustain their businesses. Her diverse background includes: • Owning an automotive repair shop • Working in construction and solar energy development • Organizing large-scale community festivals • Teaching 2nd through 12th grade in a one-room schoolhouse Her hands-on experience and deep understanding of rural communities make her an invaluable asset to the Browne Foundation’s mission of empowering women and underserved populations through education and entrepreneurship. Donna’s collaboration with the Foundation supports strategic initiatives that foster community revitalization, economic growth, and career advancement in rural Nevada. When she's not working to uplift others, Donna enjoys singing and surrounding herself with the color green—a perfect match for her dedication to growth and renewal.

Secretary - Nicola Lester

Nicola is an author whose passion for storytelling is inspired by a lifetime of experiences, resilience, and a deep appreciation for family, history, and faith. After a successful career in nursing and a healthcare leader, she turned her attention to writing, where she shares stories to encourage, inspire, and preserve meaningful memories. Her writing includes both personal nonfiction and fiction, drawing readers into compelling characters and authentic life experiences. Whether writing about real life challenges or creating memorable fictional worlds, Nicola hopes her books will leave readers with hope, understanding, and a renewed appreciation for strength of the human spirit. Living in California, Nicola enjoys reading, researching history, and continuing to explore new ideas through her writing. She is committed to creating stories that entertain, inspire, and remain with readers long after the final page. She is the proud grandmother and great grandmother who believes every life has a story worth telling. She is currently working on two books, one regarding the prison systems and the second of child brides.

"Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge."