SOJOURNER TRUTH HOUSE EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Angela Paul, MSW, MBA, MHRM
Executive Director
apaul@sojournertruthhouse.org

Angela Paul became the Executive Director of Sojourner Truth House on July 5, 2021. She brings to the role over 20 years of business management experience. A Gary native, she graduated from Wirt Senior High, and served in the United States Army for over 10 years.

She worked for several years in management before she began her career in social services as at Sojourner Truth House in 2014. Prior to taking on the Executive Director position, Angela was the Administrator of Nazareth Home, a ministry of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ caring for medically fragile children.

For over 14 years, Angela has played a prominent role in empowering and advocating for families becoming interdependent members of the community.  Her greatest career success has been helping families learn to advocate for their needs and navigate service systems to have those needs met.

Angela holds master’s degrees in Social Work, Business Administration, and Human Resource Management, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Business Management.

Angela has two wonderful children, Miesha and Freddie, and three handsome grandboys. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends.

Veronica Collins-Ellis
Operational Manager

Veronica Collins-Ellis is a dedicated public servant and community leader with more than 23 years of experience serving the Gary community through public health and human services. She recently joined Sojourner Truth House as the Operational Manager, bringing with her a wealth of experience in organizational leadership, community outreach, program management, and service delivery.

Before joining Sojourner Truth House, Veronica spent 23 years with the City of Gary Health Department, serving in a variety of roles and ultimately as Executive Director for six years. As Executive Director, she provided leadership for the department’s daily operations, managed city and grant-funded budgets, implemented policies, allocated resources, supervised staff, and worked to ensure that residents received effective and high-quality public health services.

Her earlier roles as a Community Liaison, Community Health Coordinator, and Maternal and Child Health Case Manager allowed Veronica to work directly with individuals and families and develop a deep understanding of the challenges many people face when accessing healthcare and other essential services. She has helped connect families to healthcare, insurance, social services, and community resources while building partnerships among agencies and organizations throughout the community.

Veronica’s professional journey reflects her belief that strong communities are built when people have access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. That belief aligns closely with the mission of Sojourner Truth House, a ministry of hope and help for homeless and at-risk women and their children that provides support through hospitality, advocacy, integrative services, and collaboration.

In her role as the Operational Manager, Veronica is committed to strengthening organizational operations while supporting the people and programs that make the mission of Sojourner Truth House possible. She brings a leadership style grounded in service, compassion, accountability, collaboration, and genuine commitment to the Gary community.

Veronica holds a Master of Public Administration from Indiana University Northwest and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She is also a Certified Prenatal Care Coordinator and Certified Community Health Worker.

Kristy Olsen
Community Resource Supervisor
kolsen@sojournertruthhouse.org

Kristy Olsen serves as the Community Resource Supervisor at Sojourner Truth House, where she plays a vital role in coordinating services, including a food pantry, clothes boutique, community garden, and community events for individuals and families in need. With nearly a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, Kristy brings both passion and professionalism to every aspect of her work.

Holding a B.A. in Art Education with a minor in English, from Northern Arizona University, Kristy leads with compassion, creativity, and a deep commitment to serving others.

Kristy is a firm belief in the power of working together toward a greater purpose. She believes in walking alongside those she serves—uplifting and encouraging, so that clients may feel seen, supported, and empowered. She views her role not just as a job, but as a calling—to be a vessel for hope, healing, and transformation – in supporting STH’s mission of helping individuals and families find stability, dignity, and hope.