ABOUT US
ABOUT US
At Brain Cultured, offers innovative coaching and consulting services designed to enhance personal and professional growth. Our tailored programs focus on leadership development, career transitions, and cultural competence, empowering individuals and organizations to cultivate inclusive environments and achieve their goals. Through one-on-one coaching, workshops, and immersive experiences, we provide the tools and insights needed to navigate change and foster a growth mindset.
OUR MISSION
At Brain Cultured, our mission is to empower individuals and organizations to thrive through inclusive coaching and transformative learning experiences. We cultivate cultural awareness, foster personal and professional growth, and support meaningful career transitions.
Our offerings include one-on-one coaching, workshops, and immersive international learning experiences that provide tailored guidance and actionable strategies. We help our clients unlock their full potential, embrace diversity, and create environments where everyone can flourish.
OUR TEAM
WEYU HODGE
International Advisor, Consultant
Currently Based in: New York, NY
Languages: English, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, and Garifuna
Places around the world where she has lived, worked, or has expertise: Belize, Brazil, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Ghana, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, Honduras, and India.
Weyu Hodge is a dedicated career transition coach who empowers professionals, especially women, to navigate pivotal changes in their careers. After a successful career in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging (DEIAB), Weyu took a transformative sabbatical to reshape her career and life’s meaning. During this time, she focused on travel blogging and deepened her connection to her native Garifuna language, igniting a passion for helping others find their own sense of purpose.
Through personalized one-on-one coaching, transformative “Time to Reset” retreats, and actionable goal-planning sessions, Weyu provides the support professionals need to craft fulfilling careers that align with their dreams and values.
As a travel blogger and cultural language activist deeply connected to her Garifuna heritage, Weyu has worked alongside Afro-Bolivian communities and contributed to revival efforts for Garifuna populations in Belize and Guatemala. This diverse background enriches her coaching practice, offering clients a unique perspective on cultural immersion and personal growth.
With over a decade of experience in Learning & Development and a commitment to fostering inclusivity, Weyu creates a supportive space where professionals can reflect on their goals and embark on transformative journeys. Her approach equips clients with the tools they need to take meaningful action toward their aspirations.
As a Colombian mother who has lived in Belgium and other parts of the world, Catalina brings a unique perspective to her work as a cultural strategist. Her personal experience of relocating to a new culture and navigating the challenges that come with it allows her to empathize with individuals and families undergoing similar transitions.
Catalina’s firsthand understanding of the hurdles faced by those seeking to integrate into foreign cultures informs her approach to training and coaching. She is passionate about helping individuals and organizations develop the skills and knowledge necessary for successful cross-cultural interactions.
With over a decade of experience in strategy and program management, Catalina has a proven track record of leading successful cross-cultural projects. Her expertise in bridging cultural divides and fostering seamless collaboration makes her a valuable asset to organizations seeking to thrive in a globalized world.
LAURA CATALINA PEÑA
International Advisor, Consultant
Currently Based in: Ghent, Belguim
Languages: Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, English, and Dutch
Place around the world where she has lived, worked, or has expertise: Colombia, Italy, Brazil, Paraguay, Chile and Belgium
KYRA BROWN
International Advisor, Consultant
Currently Based in: Baltimore, MD
Languages: English and French
Places around the world where she has lived, worked, or has expertise: Cameroon, Ethiopia, Dominican Republic, China, Guinea, Ghana (Peace Corps), and Mauritania
Kyra’s journey as a cultural bridge builder began with a transformative experience in the Peace Corps of northern Ghana. Witnessing firsthand the complexities of cultural dynamics ignited a passion for creating positive change on a deeper level.
For nearly a decade, Kyra has dedicated her career to international non-profit program management, focusing on democracy, governance, public health, and conflict resolution in the Sahel region of Africa. As the Sahel Program Manager, she has worked across Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and neighboring Littoral States.
Kyra’s work centers on building strong, sustainable democracies, equipping communities with conflict resolution skills, and fostering resilience against violent extremism. She is a strong advocate for deconstructing white saviorism in international aid and promoting inclusive, locally-driven solutions that empower communities.
Kyra brings her extensive experience, cultural sensitivity, and unwavering dedication to Brain Cultured. Together, we can bridge the gap between cultures, empower communities, and build a more equitable world.
MALIKA HODGE
International Advisor, Consultant
Currently Based in: New York, NY
Languages: English and Spanish
Places around the world where she has lived, worked, or has expertise: Haiti, Dominican Republic (Peace Corps), and Guatemala
Malika is a passionate advocate for creating safe, trusting, and motivating work environments for all. As a humanization strategist, philosopher, and DEIA thought leader, she empowers organizations to dismantle systemic inequities and foster a more just and equitable future.
With a Master’s in Public Health and a background in organizational development, coaching, and facilitation, Malika brings a unique perspective to her work. Driven by a desire to address the multi-generational impact of toxic work cultures, she champions human-centered approaches in the workplace and advocates for the well-being of BIPOC communities.
Malika’s expertise lies in bridging the gap between cross-cultural initiatives, learning and development, and organizational development. She helps organizations translate team principles into actionable strategies for virtual and hybrid teams, creating inclusive and equitable work environments for all.
Karina Eileraas Karakus is a professor and published author with over a decade of experience in academia including UCLA, USC, UC Berkeley, and Pomona College. Her teaching, research, and writing address sexual and gender-based violence, transnational trauma, global reproductive health and politics, diaspora, sexuality, nationalism, revolution, film, fashion, visual culture, music and performance studies, social media, digital citizenship, and bodily protest, centering especially on the Middle East & North Africa.
Eileraas Karakus is the author of Between Image and identity: Transnational Fantasy, Symbolic Violence, and Feminist Misrecognition. She has also published and presented research on Turkish modest fashion influencers, nude protest and digital citizenship in the MENA region, gendered Islamophobia, 1990s girl bands, Marilyn Monroe and celebrity culture.
Beyond academia, Karina consults on global gender equity and social inclusion, global organizational development strategy, ESG, social impact and community engagement, sexual and gender-based violence, mental health, gender and cultural inclusivity, free speech and inclusive content curation on digital media platforms. She has also worked as a global consultant with Ernst & Young, Accenture, and Sidley & Austin.
KARINA EILERAAS KARAKUS
International Advisor, Consultant
Currently Based in: Istanbul, Turkey
Languages: English and French
Place around the world where she has lived, worked, or areas of expertise: Algeria, France, Norway, Turkey, and Iran
MARIA MERCÊDES
International Advisor, Consultant
Currently Based in: São Paulo (SP), Brazil
Languages: English and Brazilian Portuguese
Places around the world where she has lived, worked, or has expertise: Brazil, Chile, and Japan
Maria Mercêdes, a renowned Economics scholar by day and a creative powerhouse by night, is a multifaceted individual with a passion for empowering others. As a singer, writer, artistic manager, and professional life coach, she inspires individuals to embrace their authentic selves and build fulfilling lives.
Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Mercêdes has had a rich and varied career. From acting to working at Brazil’s largest bank, her diverse experiences have fueled her dedication to helping others achieve their goals.
Bridging the Gap Between You and Your Dreams
As a life coach, Mercêdes specializes in bridging the gap between personal and professional aspirations. Drawing on her extensive experience working with people from all walks of life, she crafts tailored strategies for success, fostering a supportive and empowering environment for both individuals and organizations.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Mercêdes is a dedicated athlete and lifelong learner. She stays active with boxing, pilates, bodybuilding, and even hip hop! Her love of adventure and her ability to embrace new cultures are reflected in her enthusiastic approach to coaching.
With over 11 years of experience in hospitality, Andrea brings a wealth of knowledge in customer service, team management, and program development to Brain Cultured. Her strong work ethic, cultural sensitivity, and ability to build rapport allow her to thrive in diverse environments and foster positive interactions within our team.
Andrea’s commitment to global collaboration extends beyond hospitality. Her experience leading medical programs in Honduras saw her successfully recruit volunteers, source medical supplies, and manage logistics for international medical teams. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, she fostered a sense of community among volunteers, ensuring a positive and impactful experience for all.
Andrea’s ability to manage diverse teams and deliver impactful results makes her a valuable asset to Brain Cultured. She excels in challenging situations and is passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for our team.
Andrea Montenegro
International Advisor, Consultant
Currently Based in: Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Languages: Spanish and English
Place around the world where she has lived, worked, or areas of expertise: Germany, Bolivia, Honduras.