Build Resilience International Foundation

Build Resilience International Foundation (BRIF) advances resilience, mental well-being, and leadership capacity through neuroscience-informed education, research, and community partnerships.

Communities are navigating unprecedented change—social, economic, technological, and human. Resilience is no longer optional. It is a foundational capacity that enables individuals, organizations, and communities to adapt, recover, and thrive through disruption.

BRIF exists to strengthen that capacity—ethically, inclusively, and with evidence-informed tools that support long-term well-being and leadership readiness.

🧠 Resilience Education

We design and support educational initiatives that build cognitive, emotional, and leadership resilience—grounded in neuroscience and real-world application.

🤝 Community Resilience

We support communities—especially vulnerable populations—by strengthening social cohesion, adaptive capacity, and access to resilience-building resources.

🔬 Research & Partnerships

We carry out our own research alongside communities to understand resilience challenges and develop practical solutions that strengthen connection, adaptability, and community well-being—especially for vulnerable populations.

Governance & Transparency

Build Resilience International Foundation (BRIF) is governed by a Board of Directors responsible for fiduciary oversight, ethical stewardship, and strategic direction.

The Foundation operates in alignment with its bylaws and governance policies, with a commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible growth.

Meet Our Board

Pamela Cowan, Chair
Pamela Cowan is a NeuroSystems Architect with experience in resilience, human performance, and systems-level leadership. As Chair of Build Resilience International Foundation, she strengthens resilient governance and leadership systems that support ethical decision-making, adaptive capacity, and long-term community well-being in the service of individuals and communities navigating sustained change.

Katie L. Friedman, LDO, Co-Chair

Katie L. Friedman, LDO, brings over four decades of experience in eyecare, education, and community engagement. As Co-Chair of Build Resilience International Foundation, she strengthens resilient care systems that promote accessibility, continuity of care, and long-term well-being for individuals with low vision, their families, and the communities that support them.

Jorge Saavedra, Secretary
Jorge Saavedra brings over 30 years of nonprofit and charitable service experience, with a background in public service, international operations, and organizational management. As Secretary, he strengthens resilient governance systems that support accountability, continuity, and effective stewardship in the service of long-term community well-being.

Get Involved

Building resilient communities requires collaboration, shared responsibility, and thoughtful engagement. BRIF invites individuals and organizations who care about resilience, mental well-being, and ethical community development to participate in ways that align with their values, expertise, and capacity.

Whether you are looking to support foundational work, collaborate on research-informed initiatives, or contribute your professional experience, your involvement helps strengthen the systems and communities BRIF exists to serve.

“Resilience is strengthened through ethical leadership, informed decision-making, and commitment to the well-being of others.”
— Build Resilience International Foundation

  • Support BRIF – Help advance resilience education, applied research, and community-based initiatives that strengthen long-term well-being and leadership capacity.

  • Partner With Us – Collaborate with BRIF on community resilience initiatives, research projects, and educational efforts aligned with ethical, evidence-informed practice.

  • Advisory & Volunteer Roles – Contribute your expertise through advisory or volunteer roles as BRIF continues to grow and expand its impact.

Copyrights 2025 |BRIF is a federally incorporated not-for-profit.  Terms & Conditions

Build Resilience International Foundation (BRIF) is a federally incorporated not-for-profit organization. BRIF is not currently a registered charity. Contributions are not eligible for charitable tax receipts at this time.