The Choose Courage Foundation began as a photography project:  Photographing survivors of domestic violence so they could see their amazing beauty.

What started as a one-time concept morphed into a charity art show celebrating 12 survivors of domestic violence from the Dallas / Fort Worth area.  During the preparation for the show a national nonprofit was formed, the Choose Courage Foundation 501(c)3), which has become a passionate pursuit to make a difference.

Highlighting what is possible and even admirable, we are proving that darkness does not have to define a victim and anyone can choose courage.  We are reaching out to victims through social media campaigns who feel trapped by the stigma and controlled into silence.

There is help. There is hope.

our story

we believe beauty has the power to inspire hope and create change.

Programs

We are committed to growing awareness about domestic abuse and these programs are the driving force behind our mission. 

Each program helps us break the shame, stigma, and silence of domestic abuse and we are able reach people right where they are with a message of hope and awareness, celebrating the courage of survivors and preventing the next generation of abuse across the nation.

Board Members

RHONDA BRUNSON

President

DANYELLE DAY

Vice President

MELISSA FORTNEY

Treasurer

MELISSA RICH

Secretary / Art Festival Cord.

DONNA HARRIS

Creative Team

ANGIE MARINO

Teen Coordinator

ANDREA BURGER

PR Coordinator

KATHLEEN BARNES

Survivor Relations

CHRIS KEITH

Tech / Website / Drone

FAITH CONAWAY

Special Events Coordinator

ARIEL COOKSEY

Grant Writer

CHANTI SPRAUVE

Photoshoot Coordinator

Content Contributors

RHONDA BRUNSON

Social Media Admin / Contributing Photographer

As the CEO of the Choose Courage Foundation Rhonda is involved in curating a message of hope and inspiration through social media and committed to the mission of growing awareness, inspiring victims to seek help and preventing the next generation of abuse.  

Rhonda is a photographer based out of Fort Worth, Texas, but willing to travel to get “the” shot!  Her passion is to show people their beauty through the lens of her camera.  She obsesses over fashion and fine art photography and how the two can work together to create timeless art.

DANYELLE DAY

Contributing Photographer

Danyelle is a teen dating violence survivor who serves as the Vice President of Choose Courage Foundation and Coordinator for the Butterfly Ninjas. As a survivor, she’s passionate about helping spread hope and encouraging others to help break the shame, stigma, and silence of domestic abuse.

Danyelle is a Fort Worth area native, a wife, and a mom to two wonderful sons. She loves fitness, reading, and spending time with friends and family. Through the Choose Courage Foundation, she has found a love for photography that stems from her desire to help others see their beauty and the strength they possess. As a behind the scenes photographer, her hope is to preserve and tell the story of their special day. 

CHANTI SPRAUVE

Contributing Photographer

Chanti is the owner of Personal Vision Photography.  She is married to her wonderful husband of 26 years Clinton, and has two amazing children Clinton III and Kai. Chanti uses her time and talents for Choose Courage. She is a committed volunteer who loves helping others.

BEV CHIDLRESS

Contributing Photographer

Bev is a Dallas/Fort Worth area photographer/artist. She’s a wife and boy mom to 1 and dog mom to 3. She specializes in action and sports images but loves to shoot a little of everything. She also has a passion for creating composites and designing sports posters and digital art.

When asked what made her want partner with the Choose Courage Foundation she said,

“I’ve always been an advocate for empowerment and self-esteem building for women. I love the role fitness plays in that and when I had the chance to combine fitness photography and survivors of Domestic Violence, I was thrilled. Nothing feels better than using your God-given talents to lift others up.”

KATIE ANDERSON

Contributing Photographer

Katie is an Omaha, NE based photographer. She’s a wife and mom to 2 cats. Her passion is working with entrepreneurs to capture their story through images.

When asked what made her want to partner with the Choose Courage Foundation she said,

“I wanted to be a part of something positive. Being able to use my skills to help others is always a great feeling.”

KATHLEEN BARNES

Contributor

Kathleen lives in Burleson, Texas with her husband, 2 dogs, and a cat who is in charge of them all.

“I love the message that Choose Courage shares, that there can be power and beautiful new beginnings after Domestic Violence. The community that has been formed through Choose Courage is inspiring!”

ANGIE MARINO

Social Media Contributor

Massage therapist, wife to her best friend, mother of 2 really awesome kiddos and a way-finder. Angie always strives to find a deeper level and share that curiosity. She is here to be a cheerleader of self love, a believer in digging deep to find your inner strength and to stand up for YOU.  Angie is an encourager for you to always choose to be courageous.

MELISSA RICH

Social Media Contributor

Survivor. Butterfly Ninja Recruiter.  Melissa wants to inspire and encourage people to give real hope and help for those in a domestic violence situation. She lives in Fort Worth and is a proud mother and grandmother.  She is pretty good in the kitchen too!

DONNA HARRIS

Social Media Content Monitor

Donna is a survivor of Domestic Violence who loves to inspire everyone she meets with a kind word, smile, hug or laughter. She resides in Haltom City with her husband, she is the mother to 3 wonderful children and also Nana to 3 beautiful grandchildren. She loves reading, traveling and spending time with friends.

One of her favorite quotes:  “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why” – Mark Twain