more about

nell

Nell Green is the Executive Director and Founder of The Off Ramp, co-Founder of Threads by Nomad, and a passionate advocate for refugees and displaced people. Through The Off Ramp, she provides an alternative to being on the “refugee highway” and to cyclical poverty with her proven, three-pronged approach to intervene, educate, and prepare those she helps so they might thrive, not just survive. Her generous donors and supporters, in turn, fund life-changing opportunities for vulnerable people to create sustainable businesses and live with dignity.

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As a minister-turned non-profit director, she combines a deep belief that everyone is equal in God’s eyes and her experience with overseas mission work to create opportunities for some of the most vulnerable — displaced people — so they can thrive. This work includes internships,

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apprenticeships, English immersion, crisis intervention, and cultural adjustment. In addition, The Off Ramp provides hands-on marketing and market research training so qualifying artisans can learn and practice a lucrative skill and produce marketable jewelry, clothing, and textiles. With those products, creative entrepreneurs are born and supported to launch brands and small businesses.

Nell partners with her daughter, Christen Kinard of Threads by Nomad, to match Off Ramp participants with opportunities at fashion houses and ateliers, as well as finding outlets to carry, sell, or incorporate the participants’ wares with existing fashion lines. This partnership results in outcomes like a Mexican textile maker getting insight into what fabrics American women prefer so what she creates will have market value and she will be able to support her family and stay in her home. An Afghan refugee found a successful position as a tailor and has regained a sense of his self-worth as he can again provide for his family and be respected for his talent.

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Through the Off Ramp, she helps vulnerable people to live empowered lives and organizes others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of be human, be kind. In her own words, “I have stretched what I believe is possible for myself, and every time I set out to do the right things for the right reasons the help appears, and we get it done.” When she’s not changing the world, you can find Nell skyping with her two grandchildren, walking her dog, or enjoying her garden with her husband.