Tia Nichols, Program Director

Tia Nichols is a native of Illinois, growing up in the southern suburbs of Chicago. She moved to Tucson in August of 2015. Tia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (2010) and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (2015) which she earned from Governors State University in University Park, IL.

Tia has worked at Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse, working with women and children who have been impacted by domestic violence. Prior to this position she worked as a Child and Family Therapist. Tia has a passion for supporting women, children, and their pets.

Outside of work, Tia enjoys reading and doing a variety of crafts. She has an adult son, five dogs, and a bird. Her mother and brother also live in Arizona.

Brenda Druke, Program Assistant

Brenda has honorably served six years in the U.S. Army. Her empathetic nature and ability to find the positive in every situation has made her an invaluable member of our team. Her favorite part of working at Sister José Women’s Center is the constant support from a group of intelligent and compassionate women who form this community: Our volunteers, staff, and guests. In her free time, Brenda loves spending time with her son, relaxing at home, or learning new things about the world together.

Mail a Check

Gifts and other professional correspondence can be securely sent to:
Sister José Women’s Center
1028 S Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719

Will & Planned Giving

If you wish to include Sister José Women’s Center in your estate, please include our official name, address, and tax ID listed below in your estate planning:

Sister José Women’s Center
1028 S Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719
Tax ID #: 46-1290517

If you are interested in learning more about including us in your estate plans, please contact Emily Bridson at 520-909-3905 or emily@sisterjose.org for more information.

Arizona’s Charitable Tax Credit

If you’re a resident of Arizona, you are eligible to direct your tax dollars to benefit the Sister José Women’s Center. QCO Code: 20826

The maximum QCO credit donation amount for 2023 is $421 for single, married filing separate or head of household taxpayers, and $841 for married filing joint taxpayers.

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Learn more about Arizona’s Charitable Tax Credit.

Give from an IRA

Please consider making a charitable gift through your IRA. If you are at the age where required minimum distributions are enacted, you may be able to avoid taxes on the money by giving it to a charitable organization.

Please contact your financial institution to give via your IRA.

Sister José Women’s Center
1028 S Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719
Tax ID #: 46-1290517

If you have any questions or need to request a tax contact letter, please email Liz Lyons at liz@sisterjose.org

Donor Advised Funds

Donor advised funds allow you to make a charitable gift and receive immediate tax deductions.

If you are interested in establishing a donor advised fund with our organization, please contact Emily Bridson at 520-909-3905 or emily@sisterjose.org for more information.

Give Stocks, Bonds, and Securities

To transfer stock to Sister José Women’s Center, please provide your broker with the following information:

Account name: Sister José Women’s Center
Address: 1028 S Park Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719
DTC number: 0226
Brokerage house: P&C Investments

Please contact Emily Bridson at 520-909-3905 or emily@sisterjose.org for more information.

Give Goods

Here is our seasonal list of items that are needed by our guests:
New underwear
Kleenex
Gently used walking shoes and bras
New socks (crew length)
Deodorant
Backpacks
Reading glasses
Travel sized items: Sunscreen, hand sanitizer, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, tissues, and sunscreen
Hair ties, brushes, and combs
Dog and cat food
Yoga mats

Endowment Giving

To give via a check:
Catholic Foundation
192 South Stone #2, Tucson, AZ 85701
Memo line: Sister José Endowment

To give via a credit card:
Visit the Catholic Foundation’s Donation Page and select “Sister José Women’s Center Endowment” in the Endowment Selection field.

Nicola Hartmann, Chief Executive Officer

Nicola has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management and an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University. She has also obtained a Certified Fundraising Executive certification. Her favorite thing about working at Sister José Women’s Center is interacting with the women we serve while providing them support on their path to a more sustainable future. In her free time, Nicola enjoys playing soccer, traveling, hiking, and reading.

Emily Bridson, Director of Philanthropy

Emily has an extensive background in philanthropy, operations, and public policy. She has earned an MBA from Northwood University and an MS from Michigan State University. She has used her education to move the needle on pressing community issues and uplifting voices that are often not heard. Her favorite thing about working at Sister José Women’s Center is having the opportunity to share stories that inspire our friends to support women who are unhoused. In her free time, Emily enjoys hiking, traveling, and working on public policy initiatives. Coming from Michigan, she has learned to love the pool in our hot Arizona summers.

Loki, Secretary of Snuggles

Loki is the most beloved addition to our team. His gentle presence helps alleviate stress and anxiety. His favorite thing about working at Sister José Women’s Center is bringing joy to women who desperately need it. In his free time, Loki loves to eat, sleep, and most importantly give and receive love.

Penny Buckley, Director of Grants

Penny has a background in secondary education and has developed many valuable skills that assist in her role as Director of Grants. She has maintained an unwavering sense of optimism and positivity despite obstacles and setbacks because the work is too important to fail. Working at Sister José’s has allowed Penny the opportunity to use her talents to pursue her lifelong passion for social and economic justice, female empowerment, and local activism. Her favorite thing about working at Sister José Women’s Center has been the immense impact she has had on women in need. Penny has watched Sister José grow from the “little white house on 18th Street” into a center that meets the survival needs of one hundred women daily. Being part of this metamorphosis has been one of the greatest highlights of her life. In her free time, Penny loves creating art and being part of an artist-run gallery, caring for her vast collection of plants, and loving her wonderful family.

Jean Fedigan, Founder and Chief Mission Officer

Jean founded Sister José Women’s Center with the sole purpose of helping women in need. She has built this community and space with compassion, dignity, and respect. Her passion and perseverance have changed numerous lives for the better. One of her greatest gifts in life is being able to look someone in the eye and say, “How can I help you?” As homelessness continues to rise in Tucson, Jean will continue to advocate and do everything in her power to support women on their path to a better future.

Jennifer Edwards, Director of Operations

Jennifer has received a B.A. from the University of Arizona in English with two minors in Special Education and Sociology. She has worked 28+ years in the nonprofit industry managing staff, facilities, budgets, and IT. Her favorite thing about working at Sister José Women’s Center is seeing women succeed in moving toward a sustainable future for themselves. The biggest blessing, she has witnessed is seeing the smiles on their faces when they receive their housing vouchers, get a job, or reconnect with family and friends. In her free time, Jennifer loves spending time with her adult children and granddaughter, as well as her three fur babies. She also enjoys reading, baking, and traveling with her loved ones.

Peggy Stefanski Brown, Administrative Assistant

Peggy is a former Audiologist and has a B.S. and M.S. from the University of Arizona in Speech and hearing Sciences. She has always had a deep interest in animal welfare and real estate. Her most valuable skills have developed from raising her three incredible children. Her favorite thing about working at Sister José Women’s Center is the dynamic environment and the opportunity to work with guests in a positive way. She is constantly amazed at the strength and resilience “our women” possess. In her free time, Peggy enjoys family time and being active.

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