Ella Jefferson-Speed

Ella Jefferson-Speed is a distinguished leader, US Army veteran, and founder of the Soul Survivor Supportive Living Foundation. Drawing on over 20 years of experience in property and resort management, as well as more than five years in nonprofit leadership, she has dedicated her career to empowering women to move from surviving to thriving. Her organization provides transitional, supportive housing and life skills for women facing challenges such as homelessness, disability, substance recovery, and reentry from incarceration or military discharge, with a special focus on veteran women.

A disabled military veteran and survivor of homelessness herself, Ella’s personal journey of resilience—including celebrating 40 years of sobriety—serves as the foundation of her work. Since founding Soul Survivor in 2021, she has transformed her lived experiences into actionable programs, providing hope, stability, and community for women navigating life-altering challenges. Under her leadership, the organization quickly earned recognition, including OKC’s Best Nonprofit Award in its inaugural year, and continues to expand its impact through strategic planning, community partnerships, and compassionate advocacy.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Ella is deeply engaged in her community and committed to personal growth and connection. She has completed programs such as the CSFI Center for Social Innovation at OSU OKC and actively participates in civic and business networks including the Center for Nonprofits, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, and Business Networking International. When not leading her foundation, she enjoys travel, gardening, family time, and building meaningful connections. Her courage, service, and leadership make her a guiding force in fostering hope, empowerment, and self-sufficiency for women in need.