Worthy Women was founded by Mia Johnson to create spaces where women feel supported, inspired, and equipped to lead in their communities.

Mia Johnson - Founder

Mia Johnson, a 37-year-old mother of two, lives in the stunning White Mountains of Arizona. A dedicated Realtor and active leader in both her local and online communities, Mia is deeply passionate about empowering others—especially women—and giving back in meaningful ways.

With a degree in Criminal Justice, multiple banking licenses, extensive personal development training, and a background in teaching mental health to at-risk teens, Mia brings over 20 years of lived experience and growth to everything she does.

Mia’s journey has not been easy. A turbulent childhood led to significant challenges in her teenage years, but through resilience, self-work, and determination, she transformed her life. Her story is living proof that a difficult past does not define the future—and that pain can become a powerful catalyst for growth and purpose.

Today, Mia dedicates her life to continually bettering herself, building a strong financial future, raising her children with intention, and uplifting others. Through sharing her story, mentoring, and the Worthy Women Nonprofit  she recently founded, Mia embodies true resilience and inspires others to rise, heal, and create lives they are proud of.

Mia hosts women’s empowerment networking events, healing retreats, a podcast on Spotify, and is launching a Women's Summit this fall to bring in proceeds to support women all over Arizona in getting the personal development and coaching resources they need to transform their life. Her book, “From White Trash to Worthy” launches in the summer as well!

Mia sells real estate and serves women passionately and there is no doubt about it!

Kaitlin Draper - Executive Director

Kaitlin’s work is driven by a lifelong calling to help others, particularly women who know they want more but aren’t always sure what the next step looks like. She has a gift for recognizing potential, identifying where individuals or systems feel stuck, and aligning the right pieces so forward movement feels possible and supported. Whether through nonprofit leadership, mediation, or one-on-one guidance, she brings a calm, grounded presence that reassures others they are in capable hands. Through her business, Unraveling The Chaos, she extends this work by supporting women who need structure, clarity, and practical support to turn their vision into reality.

Her vision for Worthy Women is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: women are worthy—even in the midst of struggle. Many women drawn to the organization have already done meaningful healing work and are ready to move from survival into growth, identity, and purpose. Kaitlin understands this transition both personally and professionally, and she is passionate about creating a space where women feel validated, capable, and supported by a community they can rely on.

With experience working alongside multiple nonprofit organizations and a strong background in operations and organizational development, Kaitlin leads with both compassion and competence. Under her direction, Worthy Women continues to grow as a trusted, empowering presence—helping women step beyond the box’s society places around them and into the fullness of who they are becoming.

Corine Love - Treasurer

Corine Love serves as the treasurer of Worthy Woman, bringing a strong background in education, community advocacy, and family-centered programming. She has extensive experience in alternative education and microschool development, with a focus on holistic learning, future preparedness, and empowering parents and youth.

Her professional work includes supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, developing and launching nonprofit initiatives, and working closely with vulnerable youth and families within the foster care system. Corine’s work is grounded in trauma-informed, relationship-based practices that prioritize dignity, stability, and long-term sustainability for women and families.

Corine holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cultivating Holistic Sustainability, along with certificates in Business and Regenerative Organic Agriculture, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Legal Studies. As a mother of six and longtime advocate for women and children, she integrates academic training, professional experience, and lived insight to advance. Worthy Woman’s mission of empowerment, resilience, and community restoration.

Manuela Bowler - Vice President

Mannie brings over 40 years of grassroots community building experience to the organization. With a private-public professional background and advanced degrees, she offers a unique blend of nonprofit, private, and government administration experience that we believe will greatly benefit our leadership team. Her previous experience includes serving as the Executive Director of two nonprofits for seven years, as well as serving on three nonprofit boards over the course of ten years that provided support for families and children. 

At the core of her work is the belief that if our society were to put children at the center of our community investment and focus, the remainder of our issues would resolve themselves. She is a firm advocate for putting families and children first. Her background, commitment, grit and tenacity will be a great asset to Worthy Women

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Masters Degree in Government administration

Virginia Fugman - Assistant

Virginia supports the day-to-day operations of Worthy Women and works closely with Mia and Kaitlin to help bring ideas, projects, and programs to life. She enjoys helping turn big visions into practical steps—whether that means organizing schedules, updating the website, coordinating communication, or making sure details don’t fall through the cracks.

Virginia studied Art History at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, with minors in Psychology and German. She’s naturally organized and enjoys helping people take something messy or overwhelming and turn it into something clear and manageable.

Originally from the United States, Virginia now lives on the Gold Coast of Costa Rica.

When she’s not working, Virginia enjoys surfing, yoga, and spending time near the ocean with friends and family. She believes strongly in the mission of Worthy Women and is grateful to be part of a project focused on supporting women, building community, and helping people move forward in life.

Kathryn McDonald - Assistant

Kathryn supports the Worthy Women team by helping with organization, communication, and the many moving pieces that keep the nonprofit running smoothly. She works behind the scenes to assist with administrative tasks, coordination, and day-to-day support so the organization can focus on serving women and building community.

Kathryn is known for being dependable, thoughtful, and detail-oriented. She enjoys helping bring structure and clarity to projects and takes pride in supporting a mission that uplifts and empowers women.

She believes that strong communities are built through encouragement, connection, and shared purpose, and she is proud to contribute her time and energy to the work of Worthy Women.