Staff

My name is Kristen Powers (she/ella/y'all) and I am proud to serve as Benevolence Farm's Executive Director. After working in the criminal legal reform movement here in North Carolina, I am excited to lead an innovative organization that blends direct services, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and advocacy. And all on a 13-acre farm in Alamance County! If you have questions about our work, you can reach me directly at kp [at] benevolencefarm.org

My name is Jenn Grimmett, and I have been a part of the Benevolence Farm community since July 2018. Through various roles as both a volunteer and professional staff, I have discovered the beauty of the work happening in this organization. My background includes years of program design for teams and groups looking to advance skills and knowledge in areas of diversity, inclusion, leadership, and cultural intelligence. These days, though, you'll likely find me playing in the dirt in one of our beautiful gardens. I have a dog named Imogene and a cat named Henry. My life goal is to own a farm of my own that is overridden with all shapes and sizes of emotional support animals!

I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the important work happening at Benevolence Farm! Together we can! #wheresecondchancesgrownaturally

My name is Qwai-Zia Pennix. I am a member of the recent Elon University Graduate Class of 2021. I studied Human Services with a minor in criminal justice which lead me to participate in various criminal justice reform programs, juvenile justice work, and community organizing. This has ignited a burning passion to help those affected by the criminal justice system. After completing an internship with Benevolence Farm while still being a student, I felt this was the perfect beginning to my journey into this work. I hope to push forward creating a more just and equitable world for those affected by these systems. I’m looking forward to working with Benevolence to make that happen!

My name is Jennifer Wardlaw-Stephens and aside from graduating from Temple University in Philadelphia with a degree in Psychology and concentrations in Sociology and African American Studies, I have Life experience of ongoing healing from early childhood trauma. I also have traveled as a nomad to countries like Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and all throughout the US. This has fueled my passion to always learn from other walks of life and to be an advocate for mental health and human rights. I am beyond excited to grow and learn in my role as a Reentry Coordinator. I seek to support our residents in achieving self-sufficiency, healing, and unlocking their unique voice. In my spare time, I am enjoying nature, playing with flowers, dancing, studying astrology, or on an adventure somewhere with my husband and our adopted greyhound named Ankh. Please let me know how I can be of service to you here at Benevolence Farm!

My name is Rosie, but my mommas call me Nosey Rosie Lee because my nose leads the way. I joined the Farm Family as the resident Farm Dog in March 2020. My job is to support our awesome residents and help them as they heal. I am very cute, very energetic, and very very protective.

It is my honor to succeed the Original Benevolence Farm Dog, Lady. I follow in her pawprints.