From Sisterhood to Sanctuary

the she casa story

What began in 2013 as a haven for women’s wellness transformed in 2025 into a lifeline for survivors of domestic violence—fueled by loss, love, and unwavering purpose.

The SHE Casa Era (2013-2024)

Seeds of Change & The Birth of SHE Talks

A Catalyst For Focused Action – Honouring a friend

The SHE Casa Foundation Emerges (2025 – Present)

* Our journey began in 2013 with the founding of SHE Casa by Joella Corneille. SHE Casa quickly became a beloved multipurpose lifestyle center exclusively for women – a vibrant hub for holistic well-being. It was home to SHEflex, a unique Caribbean dance fitness therapy celebrating feminine energy (Sexy, Healthy, Energetic – S.H.E.), the SHE’que thrift boutique promoting sustainable style and community giving, and the SHE Casa Social Club, fostering connection through events and workshops. It was a place where women discovered their potential and found their tribe.

* Within the safe and supportive atmosphere of SHE Casa, deeper connections formed. Before and after the energetic SHEflex sessions, women began organically sharing their personal stories and challenges. These informal, heartfelt discussions became known among the members as “SHE Talks.” It became evident that many women within our community were quietly navigating the complexities of domestic violence, seeking solace and understanding among peers. This laid the groundwork for a more focused support system.

* The murder of Joella’s best friend, and the friend’s mother by an abusive partner shattered our community. Her friend’s unfinished story—her desire to help others ‘when this was all over’—ignited our resolve to act.

* Driven by purpose and honouring an unfulfilled wish, the SHE Casa Foundation was formally registered in early 2025. This strategic evolution allows us to dedicate our resources, experience, and the trusted community network built over twelve years specifically to the fight against domestic violence. We carry forward the spirit of SHE Casa’s community and empowerment, repurposing assets like the SHE’que Boutique into a social enterprise directly funding our programs, and formalizing SHE Talks into a core support offering.

Leadership & Governance

The SHE Casa Foundation is guided by a dedicated team of professionals with diverse expertise in management, law, public service, and education. Our governance structure, comprising a hands-on Board of Directors and a distinguished Board of Advisors, ensures that our work is strategic, compliant, and always centered on the needs of the survivors we serve.

Joella Corneille

Founder & Executive Director

With a B.Sc. in Hotel Management and a proven track record in leadership roles including Sales Manager, General Manager, and Lecturer, Joella brings over two decades of management and operational expertise to the foundation. For more than twelve years, she has cultivated a safe, informal community for women, which has now been formalized into the SHE Casa Foundation. Her vision and dedication are the driving force behind our mission.

Board of Advisors

Our strategic direction is shaped by a distinguished Board of Advisors, comprised of leading international experts in gender studies, clinical therapy, and business management. Their counsel ensures our programs are effective, trauma-informed, and sustainable.

**Dr. Gabrielle Hosein**
Dr. Gabrielle Jamela Hosein is a Senior Lecturer at the Institute for Gender and Development Studies at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, where she is also a former Head.

As one of the Caribbean’s foremost feminist scholars, her work is centered on critical issues including gender-based violence, women’s political leadership, and Indo-Caribbean identity. In addition to her extensive academic publications, Dr. Hosein is a well-respected public intellectual, writing a weekly column for the Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.

Her deep expertise and long-standing commitment to activism provide the SHE Casa Foundation with invaluable strategic guidance, ensuring our work is both evidence-based and deeply connected to the community.

**Dr. Julia Harper**
Julia Harper, PhD, MS, OTR/L is a wife, mother, occupational therapist, business owner, psychologist, life coach & mentor, speaker, and writer. She brings all of these roles together to serve her mission of helping people – all people to live their lives beyond limitations.

For over 25 years, Julia has worked as a pediatric occupational therapist focusing on creating brain-based therapeutic programs that tap into neural-plasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and change. Her world-renowned therapy center offers a WAY to HOPE which merges her two models: H.O.P.E.
(Harper’s Optimal Protocols for Enrichment), which focuses on re-wiring the brain, and W.A.Y. (What About You), which retrains the mind to move beyond emotional and thought limitations.

Board of Directors

Joella Corneille – Founder & Executive Director
Jeane Warner – Cybersecurity Specialist & Attorney at Law
Dr. Judith Small-Benn – Senior US Public Servant (retired) & Author
Safiya Cowie-Cotton – Virtual Assistant & Business Owner
Riekael Kistow – Visual Arts Teacher & Performing Arts Practitioner

Our Guiding Values

Empowerment: Equipping women with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to reclaim their lives and build independent futures.

Compassion: Approaching every individual with empathy, understanding, and non-judgmental support.

Confidentiality: Upholding the strictest privacy and safety protocols for all members and participants.

Community: Fostering a sense of belonging, shared strength, and peer support among survivors.

Advocacy: Raising public awareness, challenging harmful norms, and championing the rights and needs of domestic violence survivors.

Join Us in Creating Change

The journey from SHE Casa to the SHE Casa Foundation is one of evolution, driven by community need and profound purpose. We invite you to learn more about our vital programs, discover how you can get involved as a volunteer or donor, or reach out if you need support. Together, we can build a safer, more equitable Trinidad & Tobago for all women.

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LEARN ABOUT OUR PROGRAMMES

Founder’s Note

SHE Casa was always about empowerment, but after losing my friend, I realized empowerment without protection isn’t enough. Her words to me – “I’ll share my story when this is over” are why this Foundation exists. We are her voice now.
Joella Corneille

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Donations provide resources for victims & survivors and help us reach more women in need. Every dollar makes a difference.

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