Our Team

“...let us continue to work together to develop and nurture in future generations a culture of human rights, to promote freedom, security and peace in all nations.”
Kofi Annan

JRPC Staff

Nicole Mitchell

She/Her/Hers | Executive Director

Since moving to Missoula in 2004, Nicole has worked in supporting youth development and advocacy. Nicole’s professional experiences have given her a valuable perspective on social justice and the importance of big-picture thinking and problem-solving. Her educational background in art education and anthropology provides a unique perspective on the world and how to approach tasks through a visionary lens.

Throughout her career, Nicole has developed a strong passion for creating meaningful experiences, which has helped her to stay motivated and dedicated to her work. Nicole strongly believes in creativity and fun and strives to incorporate these values into her work on a daily basis. Nicole’s guiding principles include perseverance and humility, which have helped her achieve success and positively impact our community.

Outside of work, Nicole enjoys spending time with her two children, hiking, biking, skiing, gardening, traveling, and visiting museums. She finds that these activities help her maintain a healthy work-life balance while she continually looks for new opportunities to grow and learn.

Jenny Zaso

She/Her/Hers | Fair-Trade Buyer-Merchandiser

Ashley Hernandez

She/Her/Hers | Fair-Trade Store Coordinator

Born and raised in Wisconsin, Ashley found her way to the Big Sky Country when she decided to attend the University of Montana in 2021. She is currently heading into her junior year and studying English Literature and Communication Studies. She has no idea what she is going to do with her degree yet but is taking it one step at a time, and hoping to win the lottery.

Due to her service work through her sorority Kappa Alpha Theta, she has developed a passion for child advocacy. She has been involved in programs like CASA (Case Appointed Special Advocates) and Flagship afterschool program in hopes of developing a warm and loving community for children. She also has coached numerous youth sports teams including football and basketball to help foster positive self-growth within the competition.

Outside of the store, Ashley loves spending as much time as she can outdoors. This previous summer, she was a River Rafting Guide on the Missouri River where she found a true passion for guiding. She prides herself on her compassion and interpersonal skills and is looking forward to all the amazing opportunities working at the Peace Center will bring her.

Isabella Chambers

She/Her/Hers | Fair-Trade Store Coordinator

Isabella also came to Missoula to study at the University of Montana. As a Colorado native, she grew up on a small sustainable farm building a passion for environmentalism. After high school, she flew across the world to volunteer and travel in Croatia with the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms organization. More recently, she went to Southeast Asia where she spent the summer in China and Thailand to learn about renewable energy and international development. It was a very eye opening experience!

During her months abroad, she became more aware of the global world and it has inspired her to create her own Multidisciplinary Studies major. She is now studying a combined major of International Development, Environmental Studies, and Journalism. She loves to learn and knows her various interests will prepare her for multiple career paths as well as build her as a more well rounded and a critical thinking individual.

Outside of school and work, Isabella is an avid skier and hiker, and loves spending time outside meandering around on bike or foot. On occasion she’ll do cold plunges into the Clark Fork or play intramural volleyball. Otherwise she’ll be cooking, reading, playing music, or spending quality time with friends and loved ones.

Jennica Norton

She/Her/Hers | Outreach and Events Coordinator

Jennica joins the Jeannette Rankin Peace Center as the Center Coordinator, bringing a vibrant blend of entrepreneurial spirit, artistic insight, and a profound commitment to community well-being. Having made the bold move from a coastal town of Carpinteria, California to the heart of Missoula in 2021, Jennica embarked on a journey of self-discovery through artisanship at the downtown People's Market. Through this experience, Jennica learned invaluable lessons about the power of connection and the transformative potential of creativity in fostering personal resilience and community cohesion.

Drawing from a background in hand crafting jewelry as a means of navigating periods of personal struggle, she discovered the profound therapeutic benefits of artistic expression. This journey sparked a deep-seated passion for art therapy, driving her aspirations to one day become an Art Therapist and share these transformative practices with others. Jennica envisions Missoula as the ideal crucible for this journey, citing its vibrant artistic community, dedication to inclusivity, and abundant natural surroundings as pivotal factors in shaping her growth and educational path.

Jennica believes that peace encompasses not only external harmony but also internal well-being, and is excited to contribute to the Jeannette Rankin Peace Center's mission of fostering nonviolence, social justice, and environmental sustainability. With a firm belief in the power of grassroots activism and community engagement, she looks forward to collaborating with individuals and organizations alike to create meaningful change and promote a culture of peace and compassion in Missoula and beyond.