Our Leadership
Alexandria Young
Founder & Executive Director l CEO l The Emberline Initiative Inc.
Alexandria Young is the founder and executive director of The Emberline Initiative Inc., a survivor-led nonprofit based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, dedicated to ending the cycle of domestic violence through housing, advocacy, and systemic reform. Drawing on her personal experience as a survivor and her professional expertise, Alexandria has transformed her journey into a mission-driven career focused on empowering survivors to rebuild their lives with stability, dignity, and independence.
Before founding Emberline, Alexandria built a 12-year career in the medical device and pharmaceutical industries, working with startup companies to bring innovation and close care gaps in the healthcare field. Her work focused on improving patient outcomes and advancing solutions for unmet medical needs, reflecting her commitment to accountability, precision, and ethical leadership.
Following her transition into the roofing industry, Alexandria became a licensed Roofer and Residential Builder, learning every aspect of construction and insurance claims to support families recovering from disasters, including those affected by the tornado that devastated Idabel, Oklahoma. She guided her clients through the aftermath, helping them rebuild homes and hope while navigating complex systems.
Alexandria is not afraid to hold people accountable and challenge systems to rise to a higher standard — whether advocating for patient care, fighting for families who have lost everything to natural disasters, or refusing to be gaslit by courts that fail survivors. Under her leadership, The Emberline Initiative has developed programs addressing critical gaps in survivor support, including transitional housing, credit restoration, legal advocacy, and legislative reform.
Known for her strategic vision, compassionate leadership, and unwavering dedication, Alexandria continues to advocate for policies and programs that ensure every survivor has access to safety, justice, and a pathway to lasting independence. Through Emberline, she transforms the fire of personal adversity into a beacon of empowerment for women and families across Oklahoma and beyond.
Shawn Connolly
Founder & Executive Director | Construction Professional | The Emberline Initiative Inc.
Shawn Connolly is the founder and executive director of The Emberline Initiative Inc, a Tulsa-based nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of domestic violence through housing, advocacy, and systemic reform. Drawing on over a decade of experience in commercial construction and executive leadership, Shawn brings a unique, solutions-driven perspective to rebuilding lives and communities from the ground up.
As a seasoned construction professional, Shawn has led large-scale commercial projects and managed diverse teams, earning a reputation for his integrity, innovation, and commitment to excellence. His background in project development, strategic operations, and sustainable building practices directly informs The Emberline Initiative’s mission to create long-term housing and financial stability for survivors.
Beyond construction, Shawn’s leadership is grounded in compassion and accountability. He is dedicated to developing partnerships that expand access to resources, promote justice reform, and empower survivors to rise into independence, dignity, and ownership.
Under his direction, The Emberline Initiative continues to transform awareness into action — providing tangible solutions that help survivors move from silence to strength.