Meet Caitlyn – Peacekeeper President
Caitlyn Mason has a long history of volunteer work and giving back to her community. She always wants to use her skills and time to have a positive impact, directly or indirectly benefiting other peoples’ lives. She began her volunteer work as a pre-teen in North Carolina, giving her time to Webb Street (a school for differently-abled students), Special Olympics, Boys and Girls Club, and as a literacy tutor throughout high school. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke with a B.S. in Mass Communication with an emphasis on Public Relations. Caitlyn’s action in giving back to her community did not stop after gradation. She moved to Washington, D.C. and worked for the Armed Forces Foundation, where she successfully helped plan and execute the 2006 Armed Forces Foundation Congressional Gala which raised $750,000. Upon leaving AFF, she served as the President and Founder of the DC Metro Chapter with Operation Homefront.
In 2007, Caitlyn moved to Little Rock to work for Direct Action Resource Center (DARC), which she and her now-husband co-own. She and Ash got married in 2009 and have two children, a daughter Jade, 19, and a son Myles, 17, from Ash’s first marriage.
Caitlyn attended her first WCF Peacekeeper Event, Vegas on the Rocks, in 2012. She then attended Caribbean Cabaret in the Spring of 2013 and by Cocktails for a Cause that August, she was hooked! Caitlyn officially joined the Peacekeepers and has been at every PK event since then. Being a part of WCF has become a family affair – Ash is also a Peacekeeper and co-chaired the 2015 Caribbean Cabaret with Caitlyn; Jade spent a month volunteering before going to college; Myles helps in the Gentle Jungle and at holiday parties.
Caitlyn became the PK President in November 2014 and continues to serve in that role. Her goal for the PKs is that, in addition to the fundraising events and community awareness, they are able to host events for the shelter guests, especially the children. She wants to help create opportunities for the guests to have a bright spot and happy memory in the midst of a tough situation, where just for a moment they might be able to forget their troubles. As a survivor of domestic violence herself, Caitlyn has a unique insight and passion for the shelter, its mission, and the guests. The work and mission of WCF is very close to her heart and she considers it a privilege to be involved.
When asked what the best part about leading the PKs is, Caitlyn answered, “The Peacekeepers themselves! The sheer amount of work and dedication they give to the shelter is humbling and inspiring! In 2015, the Peacekeepers raised over $130,00 and logged 1975 volunteer hours! The group continues to grow and I’m excited to see what 2016 will bring!”.
To find out more information about the Peacekeepers and how you can be involved, visit their webpage or email Caitlyn.