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EXECUTIVE TEAM

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Jenny Williamson

CEO & Founder of Courage Worldwide

Jenny Williamson is a social entrepreneur, life coach, published author, business leader, and inspirational speaker. Through personal passion and professional leadership, Jenny has influenced national policy with regard to the issue of child sex trafficking due to her ground-breaking work with the population. Jenny led her team in creating a blueprint for success by developing—from scratch—a proven model of restoration in a long-term residential setting. ​ Jenny has spearheaded community campaigns to involve individuals, faith-based organizations, and business and government leaders in a collaborative effort to meet the needs of child victims impacted by the crime of trafficking. For her leadership, impact, and efforts in the community, Jenny has been recognized nationally, receiving awards including the prestigious FBI Director's Community Leadership Award, the Sacramento District Attorney Community Spirit Award, and the Community Impact Award from William Jessup University. She was additionally awarded the prestigious L'Oréal of Paris Women of Worth Award and was named one of the George H. W. Bush Presidential Points of Light Honorees. Jenny grew up in Jackson, Mississippi where she still has strong family and community ties, but relocated to Northern California and, later, Northern Nevada with her husband, Michael. She and Michael co-own Williamson Energy, Inc., an energy consulting business. She is a mother to three adult biological sons, two adopted adult daughters, and many other young women who now call Courage House home.

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GARY ALDRIDGE

CFO

Gary Aldridge was born in Jackson, Mississippi. He graduated from the University of Mississippi, where he was a cheerleader, and later received his MBA from the University of Alabama. He went on to acquire other credentials in accounting and finance such as CPA, CVA, and CFE. In 2016, he moved to Nashville, TN to be near his two adult sons and is now self-employed with a focus on helping business owners build their business for sale. His first book, titled “Build for Sale!,” is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025. As part of Gary’s spiritual journey, he became a Christian at 12 years old, participated in college ministry, and later taught adult Sunday school on and off for over 20 years. During this time, he served on various boards related to inner city ministry. He has been on mission trips to Ukraine, Belize, and Turkey. While his passion still involves missions abroad, he has a newfound passion for helping recover young women from sexual slavery so they can pursue the lives God intended for them. Gary is in the process of setting up his own nonprofit organization called Grow2Give, the sole purpose of which is to teach business owners how to grow the value of their business so they can give to those ministries whose efforts match their own passions. Proceeds from Grow2Give will be used to support ministries such as Courage Worldwide, among others. Gary is proud to add to his resume the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Courage Worldwide, Inc.

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MATT MCCARTHY

COO

Matt McCarthy is a strategic advisor and organizational consultant with over 20 years of experience helping teams navigate complexity and scale with integrity. With a background spanning corporate transformation, entrepreneurial ventures, and nonprofit leadership, he brings a systems-oriented approach to growth, grounded in clarity, alignment, and values. Matt holds an MBA with an emphasis in strategic leadership and is known for his ability to translate big-picture vision into sustainable, day-to-day operations. Throughout his career, Matt has served as a trusted partner to executives, founders, and boards across industries. His work often centers on aligning people, process, and technology to unlock capacity and accelerate meaningful outcomes. As the founder of Questful, he advises purpose-driven leaders on how to grow without compromising what matters most: ethics, mission, or human well-being. Matt now serves as Chief Operating Officer for Courage Worldwide, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and restoring children from sex trafficking. In this role, he is helping strengthen Courage’s operational infrastructure in preparation for its next chapter of growth and increased impact. Supporting the mission of Courage aligns with Matt’s personal values and faith, as he seeks to use his skills in service of those most vulnerable—and in pursuit of a world where every child has the freedom to dream.

Courage Worldwide is intentional about engaging community leaders and initiating strategic partnerships in each market where we operate safe houses. To ensure local needs are addressed and met, as well as cultural competence, we form a local

Board of Directors in each market.

We appreciate each of these individuals' willingness to share their time, talent, and expertise to ensure the mission and vision of Courage Worldwide becomes a reality.

Meet these incredible individuals and leaders.

Governing Board of Directors

Nevada Chapter Board

Tanzania Chapter Board

Advisory Board

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Dr. Benjamin Keyes

Director for Center for

Trauma and Resiliency Studies

at Divine Mercy University

Dr Benjamin Keyes is the Director for Internship and Training, an Associate Professor, and the Director for the Center for Trauma and Resiliency Studies at Divine Mercy University. His specialties include dissociative disorders, domestic violence, child abuse, addictions, and mood and anxiety disorders. Dr. Keyes received his Doctorate in Rehabilitation Counseling in 1985 from International College and his most recent in Counseling Psychology from the University of Sarasota in 2003. He also has Doctoral Degrees in Theology, Divinity and Ministry. Dr Keyes provides extensive expertise and leadership in maintaining Courage Worldwide programming as trauma-informed, as well as ensuring staff receive the emotional and mental health support needed. Dr Keyes continues to consult with Courage Worldwide on expanded projects, including a trauma assessment center. He is happily married to Kim and has two adult children and three beautiful granddaughters.

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Annette Simonson

Business Owner of

Tarangire Safari Lodge

Annette Simonson, along with her late husband, Jon, have been respected business leaders in Tanzania for more than 30 years. They own and operate Tarangire Safari Lodge in the heart of Tarangire National Park and Emayani Beach Lodge, on the coast of Tanzania. Annette has been lending her expertise for the launch and continued success of Courage Café in Moshi, Tanzania.

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