“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” -1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
About Us
Divine OpPAWtunities is a Christian-based non-profit organization founded in 2021 in Richmond, VA. The mission of our organization is to dedicate our time and skill to improving the lives of less fortunate animals located in Richmond and the surrounding communities.
Shanice Brown, the founder, has a BA in Laboratory Animal Science from North Carolina A&T State University, with nine years of experience in professional grooming and animal care. Brown was inspired to start Divine OpPAWtunities due to the desire to provide grooming services for animals residing in local animal shelters & rescue facilities; and help raise funds to assist with their daily upkeep and operations.
Divine OpPAWtunities plans to expand its services soon by offering free services for registered ESA’s of homeless veterans and discounted grooming for low-income families. With the help of investors and sponsors, we aspire to improve our city’s animal outreach one paw at a time by organizing habitat restoration programs and community clean-up events; to benefit both Richmond neighborhoods and local wildlife.
Meet Our Board Membrs
WHERE THE PASSION BEGINS
Nikita Williamson
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING/PUBLIC RELATIONS
Nikita Williamson, born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey, is a graduate from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro with a degree in Social Science and Communications. Working in executive leadership for a tech company in California, Williamson has a knack for public speaking & writing and is passionate about content creation & video editing. Ironically she grew up terrified of dogs and other animals but found a kindred spirit in her eight-year-old Bichon/Shih Tzu mix Prince; when life was in flux and constantly changing, her dog helped her cope with loneliness. He became her companion and more, thus causing her love for dogs to grow because she believes animals can speak to parts of our humanity that even other humans can not.
Crystal Bass
DIRECTOR OF VOLUNTEER SERVICES
Greensboro, North Carolina native Crystal Bass has been in the animal industry for nine years, with a background in veterinary care and professional grooming. She's had a love for animals throughout her entire life and is an avid dog lover. Bass has even had all kinds of rescued companions spanning from deer, a falcon, snakes, and a bat. With natural gravitation towards animals, she is just as passionate for the human race and doesn't hesitate to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Tasheeka Stewart
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Growing up in the District of Columbia, Tasheeka Stewart is also a North Carolina A&T State University alumna with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. Stewart enjoys outdoor activities and is a huge advocate on mental health in the workplace, diversity & inclusion, and the need for therapy animals. She started gaining experience by volunteering at the University Farm and interning at a local D.C. veterinary hospital, which led to her becoming a vet assistant and advanced her into a lead surgical technician position. Her passion and dedication for animals helped propel her to great heights in the animal industry, from managing the adoption team for a local Maryland animal shelter to being a veterinary hospital manager.
