Building a successful fund begins with a strong foundation of guidance and stewardship. That’s why we assembled a powerhouse rural advisory council, deeply connected to the communities this Fund serves. Together, we’re committed to making impactful investments that truly resonate with the people they benefit.
About The Green Door Fund
The Green Door Fund (GDF) is dedicated to advancing workforce development and education in rural South Central Texas. By bringing together community partners, the Fund identifies resources and solutions to enhance economic security and educational opportunities for local students and professionals. Through strategic investments in organizations and programs, this community-led initiative empowers individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to drive growth, resilience, and long-term success in our region.
Green Door Fund for Workforce Development & Education Advisory Council Members
Chanelle Smith Hubbard - Williamson County
Chanelle Smith Hubbard is a Project Manager with Black Mamas ATX and Coordinator of the Perinatal Empowerment Alliance, where she leads cross-sector collaborations focused on improving maternal health outcomes and advancing economic stability for families across Central Texas.
Born and raised in Austin and now residing in Hutto, Chanelle is deeply rooted in the communities she serves. Her work centers on workforce development, professional advancement, and economic mobility for mothers and caregivers, recognizing employment and income stability as key drivers of long-term health and well-being.
Through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and program development, she works to strengthen systems that support families in both urban and rural communities.
Paula Lewellen - Fayette County
Paula brings a strong background in public administration, with experience working across local and county-level municipalities. A mother of three, she has long been engaged in community initiatives through K–12 systems and local civic efforts, grounding her professional work in a deep understanding of family, education, and workforce pathways.
Paula currently serves as U.S. People Manager at Powerscreen Texas, where she leads human resources strategy and operations, specializing in the implementation of policies and procedures that ensure compliance while supporting organizational goals.
She is skilled in managing diverse teams and complex projects, and is committed to fostering inclusive, productive work environments that empower individuals and strengthen organizational effectiveness.
Melanie Ramirez - Fayette County
Melanie Ramirez is the Program Director at the Stanzel Family Foundation, a private foundation dedicated to supporting educated and healthy communities in the Schulenburg and Weimar area of Fayette County, Texas.
She leads the foundation’s scholarship and grants work, helping manage funding programs that support local students, nonprofit organizations, and community initiatives. Melanie plays a key role in guiding the foundation’s community-led grant process and works closely with local organizations to ensure that funding is responsive to community needs.
Zach Velasquez - Fayette County
Zach Velasquez serves as the Chief Juvenile Probation Officer for Fayette County, Texas, where he provides leadership within the county’s juvenile justice system. In this role, he oversees juvenile probation services, including supervision, case management, and programming designed to support youth involved in or at risk of involvement with the justice system.
His work reflects a strong commitment to community safety, youth rehabilitation, and collaborative solutions that strengthen families and local systems of care.
In addition, he has played a meaningful role in supporting and uplifting the Thrive Mentoring Program within La Grange ISD and Schulenburg ISD, helping expand mentorship opportunities and positive guidance for local students.
Lee Fritsch - Fayette County
Lee Fritsch is a La Grange, Texas–based community member known for his work as an auctioneer, rancher, and livestock market reporter, operating independently and serving the agricultural and local event community.
He studied at Texas A&M University and has deep ties to Fayette County’s rural culture and economy. Beyond his professional pursuits, Lee engages actively in community events. He has served as an auctioneer at local fundraisers and as Master of Ceremonies for the Fayette County Fair, helping bring people together for civic and cultural occasions. In late 2025, he and his wife Phyliss were recognized by the Fayette County 4-H Council when the group presented them with a check for the Emily Fritsch 4-H Scholarship, showing support for youth and agricultural education locally.
We Look Forward to Your Leadership
This remarkable advisory council is shaping the Green Door Fund’s local collaboration, providing vocational training, and empowering youth entrepreneurship. By addressing systemic barriers, the Fund supports innovative programs that build a resilient workforce and foster long-term community growth.