The words of Isaiah 61 have long captivated Brandy’s heart: proclaiming the good news, binding up the broken hearted, and setting the captives free. She experienced God transform her own ashes into beauty, which fueled a passion to help others experience the same. Her path led her in and out of the corporate world, local ministries, and overseas missions, where she witnessed sex trafficking for the first time while serving in Thailand. She later came to see the issue in her own surrounding community and is inspired by the light Wings brings to the darkest situations. As a lifelong learner, she recently completed her Master of Arts in Christian Leadership and a certificate in Spiritual Direction through Sioux Falls Seminary. Brandy has three young adult step kids and a handy husband who happily builds whatever she dreams. She loves being outside, hiking with her adorable pup Stella, and waterskiing every chance she gets.

 Erin German has a heart for serving others and has given her time and talents to several faith-based ministries, providing hope and restoration. She learned about Wings from her church and is grateful her gifts of administration can be used in the finance area of the organization. She wholeheartedly believes in the mission of Wings and looks forward to helping grow the mission. Erin has 19 years of experience in banking and also worked at her local church as Finance Manager.  Erin resides in Ankeny with her husband and has three adult children.  She enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her dog.

Brenda has provided administrative support and leadership in several organizational settings, most recently within the senior living community. One of her favorite passages in the Bible is Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.” Brenda is grateful that God has clearly led her to serve at Wings in this next step of her journey. Brenda enjoys spending time with her husband Steve, 3 adult children, 1 son-in-law, and 1 adorable grandson. She also enjoys family vacations, cooking, reading and ISU football and basketball games.

In the spirit of Galatians 5:1, “For freedom we’ve been set free.” ‘Be free!’ Emma would say and she wholeheartedly means it! Emma came to Wings after spending several years working in overseas missions, advocating for anti-trafficking organizations. She was brought back to central Iowa for the mission of Wings of Refuge and has been honored to continue sharing freedom as the Lord has blessed her in three years on the Direct Care team before transitioning into her role as Development Coordinator. Emma’s hope in serving on the Wings Development team is that Jesus would be glorified and women’s stories of healing and hope magnified. When she is not connecting with our community, Emma loves spending time outside, daydreaming about her next travel adventures, and making delicious coffee (ideally all together at the same time!)

Shelby thinks Jesus said it pretty well in John 13:34 to "love one another", simply put! Whether it’s serving at a food bank, working a job, or interacting with our family and community, we are called to point others to the love of Jesus in everything we do. Shelby joined the Wings team excited to help participants gain a sense of freedom when it comes to work. She believes we have all been intentionally created to do great things and her hope is that the women leave the Social Enterprise ready to enter the secular workforce, feeling set up for success, and knowing that they are deeply loved wherever and in whatever they are doing.