Karolina Kalset
Executive Director
Karolina is the Founder and Executive Director of Fortitude UMD and a senior at the University of Maryland pursuing dual degrees in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (with a minor in Public Leadership) and American Studies. She was inspired to create Fortitude after her and her siblings witnessed their father’s battle with alcoholism and the isolating impact that mental illness has had on countless men in her life.
Her organization aims to bring greater awareness to the prevalence of mental health issues in men and she hopes to empower and educate men to effectively combat the stigma of these illnesses.
PANEL OF ADVISORS
Our advisors are thought leaders who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. They collaborate with our team and advise intuitive additions to our programming.
Eric Bjerke
Eric Bjerke (owner of CBD Hawaii) uses a holistic approach involving meditation, CBD topicals and equine therapy to reduce his and others depressive episodes among other mental and physical afflictions. Eric takes his numerous sales, communication and contracting experiences to bridge the communication barriers that exist between hardened individuals and tough to discuss political, governmental and interpersonal issues. As a fourth degree black belt, Eric understands the symbiotic relationship between mental and physical strength; he was motivated to create a line of products that elevates warriors to peak performance and enthusiastically contributes on our board to do the same. Eric, his wife and son are committed to inspiring individuals to positively contribute to their communities.
David Bowers
David Bowers is devoted to addressing his mental health issues via a faith-based regimen with curated content consumption aimed at increasing his motivation. David brings a disciplined and optimistic approach that is synonymous with Fortitude's mission.
Lydia Frentsos
Lydia brings forth remarkable sales and marketing experience with $1.3 million in sales throughout her five years in the industry. In her philanthropic life, she currently volunteers with Dress for Success (complementary to her placement as second runner up in the Miss Maryland USA pageant) and has previously served as the Fundraising Director for Special Olympics Indiana as well as actively participated in organizations like Be the Voice, CASA, and Kappa Alpha Theta.
