Empowering Women. Restoring Hope. Strengthening Families.
The Sunflower Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women and strengthening families through trauma-informed support, education, advocacy, and community resources. We believe that every woman deserves the opportunity to heal, overcome life's challenges, and build a future filled with hope, stability, and purpose.
Founded on the belief that healing happens through connection and community, The Sunflower Project serves women navigating trauma, domestic violence, financial hardship, single motherhood, and other life transitions. By providing compassionate support, practical resources, and opportunities for personal growth, we help women move from surviving to thriving.
Like the sunflower, which naturally turns toward the light, we believe that even after life's darkest seasons, growth and transformation are always possible.
Our Team
Caroline Vandever
Caroline Vandever is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Sunflower Project, where she provides leadership and oversight to advance the organization's mission of empowering women, strengthening families, and creating lasting change within the community. She is passionate about advocacy, justice, and ensuring that women and families have access to the support and resources they need to thrive.
Caroline is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Political Science at the University of Houston and plans to continue her education by earning a degree in Social Work before attending law school to become a Public Defender. Her educational and professional goals reflect her lifelong commitment to advocating for underserved and vulnerable populations.
A dedicated advocate for survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence (IPV), Caroline is committed to creating safe spaces, promoting awareness, and helping individuals navigate pathways toward healing and justice. Through her leadership at The Sunflower Project, she works to build community partnerships, expand access to resources, and develop programs that empower women and strengthen families.
Outside of her work and studies, Caroline enjoys spending time with her two children and her fiancé, Eduardo. She believes that compassion, advocacy, and community collaboration are the foundation for meaningful change and is honored to help lead The Sunflower Project in creating brighter futures for women and families. 🌻
Co-Founder and President
Myrihael Fontenot
Myrihael Fontenot is the Co-Founder and Operations & Administrative Director of The Sunflower Project and the Founder of Sunflower Coaching & Wellness. She is passionate about empowering women, strengthening families, and helping individuals heal from trauma while building lives rooted in hope, resilience, and purpose.
Myrihael earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Psychology before pursuing her Master of Social Work at Prairie View A&M University. She has successfully passed the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) examination and will become fully licensed upon graduation and completion of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) licensure requirements.
Her professional experience includes working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in community mental health, providing trauma-informed care, behavioral health services, case management, parenting support, and psychoeducation. Through Sunflower Coaching & Wellness, she also provides coaching that helps women navigate life transitions, build healthy relationships, improve emotional wellness, and achieve personal growth.
Outside of her professional work, Myrihael enjoys traveling, reading, creating educational content, serving her community, and spending time with her family. She believes every woman deserves access to compassionate support, practical resources, and opportunities to thrive, and she is committed to helping create stronger families and healthier communities through the mission of The Sunflower Project. 🌻
Co-Founder and Treasurer
SecretaryJazilyn Jones
Jazilyn Jones is the Program Director of The Sunflower Project and a proud graduate of Prairie View A&M University, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Nutrition. She is passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles and empowering individuals to become the best version of themselves through education, encouragement, and wellness-focused support.
As an active member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Jazilyn is committed to community service, leadership, and making a positive impact in the lives of others. Her dedication to helping people aligns with The Sunflower Project's mission of empowering women and strengthening families through holistic well-being.
Outside of her professional and community involvement, Jazilyn enjoys traveling, staying active through fitness, and inspiring others to prioritize their physical and emotional health. She believes that true wellness encompasses the mind, body, and spirit, and she is honored to support individuals on their journey toward healthier, more fulfilling lives. 🌻