Executive Director

Grace Morris

Grace was born in Pensacola, Florida, but has called Charlotte, NC home for the majority of her life. She found her heart for mission work and nonprofits while working with her church growing up, but credits her passion to her grandmother, who served many nonprofits throughout her life and passed down a love of service to Grace. After moving to Raleigh in 2018 to attend Meredith College, Grace was able to pursue her passion as she constructed her own degree in Nonprofit Management. Grace started with Designed For Joy in the fall of her senior year as an intern and joined the Designed For Joy staff full-time following her graduation in May. When she is not hard at work, you can catch Grace hanging out with her friends, binge watching reality TV, or reading a cheesy romance novel.

CO-FOUNDER AND DESIGNER

Kristen Sidow

A native New Yorker, Kristen is a city girl who is most comfortable among skyscrapers, concrete sidewalks, and lots of people. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, textiles is her love language. After working at Liz Claiborne for years, she moved to San Diego and ran logistics at Eagle Creek, a leading outdoor travel gear company. Her NC State alum husband Shawn convinced her to move back East and now Raleigh is her happily ever after. Proud parents to three kids; Jack & Stella who both attend High School at Wake Christian Academy and Eli who attends Vernon Malone High School. Adoption holds a special place in Kristen's heart, and they are blessed to have adopted one of their children from Kazakhstan. Serving women locally through Designed For Joy, as well as internationally through mission trips, gives Kristen the opportunity to be the church that Jesus calls us to be.  

Wholesale Sales Director

Vanessa Guirguis

Vanessa, a native New Yorker and self-proclaimed 'Jersey Girl,' bid farewell to her career in financial services and left behind the frigid winters of the Northeast for the welcoming embrace of the south. Along with her husband Hap and their faithful companion Sydney Grace, they enjoy exploring the abundant walking trails within the Triangle or soaking up the sun at their favorite NC beach. Her unwavering commitment to an active and healthy lifestyle is reflected in her passion for cycling and her dedicated yoga practice. Vanessa always had a yearning for something more profound and a desire to find a deeper purpose. In 2023, she embarked on a new chapter by joining Designed For Joy which resonated with her core values, faith and allows her to channel her passion for service.

Operations Manager

Stacy Thompson

Stacy's love for trying new things drew her to Designed for Joy, which allowed her to combine work experience with a need to support a passionate faith-filled mission. She has alway enjoyed working part time jobs in small businesses while her kids, Ben and Laura, were growing up. When her kids were off to college, she, alongside her husband John, designed, built, and ran a retail gift business in Cary. In 2017, she and John decided to make a move from Cary to downtown Raleigh, where they could walk and live closer to all the things they enjoy doing! After, the gift shop closed in late 2019, they transitioned the best-selling products from the gift shop to their website, and they now run the small online business from home. When they aren't working, they love gardening, traveling with friends, cooking, and of course, walking to all the local restaurants, music venues, and breweries!

Head of Production, Designer

Dana Friedli

Dana Friedli recently joined the team as a designer at DFJ following a 41 year career as a professional musician. She is a Parsons School of Design trained silversmith, and has been designing and creating silver and dichroic glass jewelry for over 30 years. Dana completed a Teen Life Coaching Certification in 2023, recognized through the ICF. This seemingly disparate set of skills synchronistically comes together in working with vulnerable women and product design at Designed for Joy.

Director of Programs

Maggie Burch

Maggie Burch, a Myrtle Beach native with a heart for adventure and a passion for impact, has always been drawn to the power of social enterprises. During a gap year, she did Semester At Sea where she toured a social enterprise in Ghana—a moment that cemented her desire to create meaningful change. This led her to earning her Bachelor of Science in Social Development: Innovation and Impact from Meredith College.

Maggie first joined Designed For Joy as an intern and now leads our programs, ensuring that every woman who walks through our doors leaves feeling empowered, confident, and part of a supportive community. When she’s not at the Studio, you’ll find Maggie enjoying downtown Raleigh, volunteering with the Junior League and B Local Triangle, or planning her next getaway.

Sales Director

Emily Padron

Emily Padron is a North Carolina native who brings heart, integrity, and a global perspective to everything she does including her new role as the Sales Director at Designed for Joy. She has a background in International Relations and Spanish from the University of Kentucky, and is passionate about using business as a force for good. Emily previously founded Valerosa, a vibrant brand focused on handmade artisan goods from Mexico. When she’s not working, Emily finds her greatest joy in spending time with her husband and their two daughters. She loves traveling, reading books together, and embracing every moment life has to offer with gratitude.

Care Manager

Chalyne Barrow

Originally from Belize, Chalyne immigrated to the United States and spent several years in New York City before settling in North Carolina, which she has called home for the past five years. She spent three years as a kindergarten teacher, but felt a deeper calling to serve her community in a broader capacity. This led her to pursue a master’s degree in Human Development and Family Science. During her graduate studies, Chalyne developed a strong passion for supporting the incarcerated population of Pitt County, providing education and resources aimed at empowering individuals and fostering personal growth. Now, as the Care Manager for DFJ, Chalyne continues her commitment to promoting the wellbeing of individuals and families. She provides resources and support to artisans, applying a trauma-informed lens to cultivate resilience, healing, and sustainable growth. When not working, you can find her tending to her garden, reading, thrifting, or baking!

Production Coordinator

Ayah Elsayed

Ayah Elsayed is a North Carolina native who first joined Designed For Joy as an artisan. After graduating from our primary program, she went on to complete the Hope Renovations trades program in January 2025 and soon returned to DFJ as our Production Coordinator. These days, Ayah keeps the studio running smoothly, helps lead our First Friday events, and loves adding her creative touch by designing new pieces like keychains and bag charms. Ayah’s journey gives her a deep understanding of the women we serve, and she leads with a spirit of encouragement and kindness. Outside the studio, she enjoys making jewelry, painting, spending time with her cat Nunu, and being out in nature.

Cutist

Kimberly McCoy

Kimberly is new to the Raleigh area but has deep North Carolina roots, having been raised in Charlotte after being born in New Jersey. A proud single mother of three teenagers—Arianna (13), Emanule (15), and Shyne (18)—she is outgoing, adventurous, and has always had a passion for caregiving and helping both people and animals. After graduating high school in 1999, she earned her Veterinary Assistant Certificate as well as her Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate. Kimberly’s journey with Designed For Joy began in the 7-Day program, where her dedication and enthusiasm quickly stood out. She was invited to join the 3-month Primary program and soon after was offered a permanent role as the team’s newest Cutist. Her time at Designed For Joy has not only provided her with new skills but also strengthened her confidence and trust in herself. Kimberly feels truly blessed to be part of the Designed For Joy family and is excited for all that the future holds.