Our Team

Our Team and Advisory Board is comprised of many talented people with various experience and skills: CEO, President and CFO of a successful apparel business; Digital Marketing Strategist, Communications and Policy Creation; Social Media Research, as well as many other talented people. We devote our time, talent, and skills so women around the world will know that we are all Made for Freedom.

Dawn Manske: Founder and CEO

Founder and CEO Dawn Manske

The one with the idea to sell fisherman pants to help victims of sex trafficking. Dawn has been amazed at the talent that has come alongside her to get Made for Freedom off the ground. She loves people and enjoys being a “High I”, “ENFP” and “Champion of Causes.”

 

 

 

Eric Manske: Director of Operations

Eric taught high school and college mathematics for 10 years and then entered the corporate world for 10 years, serving in finance and IT for the mortgage and recruiting software industries. Now he intends to bring his broad expertise to help Made for Freedom as well as to train and encourage those coming from challenging backgrounds to start their own business ventures.

 

 

 

Ryan Stanley: Graphic Designer

Graphic Designer Ryan Stanley

Ryan brings his creative vision to Made for Freedom through his work as a graphic designer. When he gets an idea for a design, his mind is off and running. He does his best to see that our image and brand are presented well through visuals. He enjoys creative time with his Mac, fashioning beautiful logos, and time with his family.

 

 

 

Mandy Schmitt: Fashion Stylist

Fashion Stylist Mandy Schmitt

Mandy has a passion for people and great fashion. As our team’s designer and stylist, she makes sure everyone looks their best. She tries to think outside the box, and tries to get people outside of theirs too. She is a lover of art, her faith, deep conversations, honesty, silliness, and hot summer nights.

 

 

 

Jessica Novikoff: Social Media Specialist

Jessica, a self-proclaimed research fanatic, was hesitant to take on the responsibility of our social media to get that research out to the masses. She accepted the challenge and hasn’t looked back! With Pinterest boards, Facebook quotes and over 2000 tweets under her belt, she is a significant part of the advocacy piece of Made for Freedom. When not tweeting or posting she cuddles with her puppy, hangs with friends and cheers for the Detroit Tigers.

 

 

 

TJ Salopek: Marketing Consultant

In 2008, TJ Salopek graduated from Kent State University with a B.S. in Advertising. Shortly after graduation, TJ moved to St. Louis to work for KSDK (Gannett). In 2010, he completed his MBA from Webster University. Currently, he works at Charter Media as a Digital Planner.

 

 

 

Ashley McDonald: External Communications and Marketing

As the company's favorite grammar geek and wordsmith, Ashley keeps tabs on social media and manages the blog, along with proofing website content and helping with ideas and implementation. She's a current student of English (Creative Writing) and Philosophy at North Park University in Chicago, IL and will graduate in December of 2015 if all goes according to plan. Ashley enjoys working remotely for Made for Freedom because it means she can go to work in her pajamas.