Meet the Founders
CHRISTY GORDON
Christy Gordon is the founder of Girls United, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young women through confidence-building, leadership development, and mentorship. She is also a Realtor with Realty World Knox Realty Group, the owner of Iconic Branding Design, a marketing and branding agency that helps businesses grow their visibility and impact, and a Certified Women’s Empowerment Coach who is passionate about helping women unlock their full potential.
A proud Kentuckian, Christy graduated from Logan County High School and attended Western Kentucky University with studies in business and marketing. Beyond her professional roles, she is deeply invested in serving her community. Christy has been a dedicated Hardin County Chamber Ambassador since 2015, serving as immediate past Chair, and is a former board member for the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce, SpringHaven Domestic Violence Center, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Her leadership and service have been widely recognized — Christy was named Hardin County Chamber Ambassador of the Year in 2019, 2021, and 2024, is a proud Kentucky Colonel, a graduate of the 2019 Hardin County Leadership class, and continues to serve on the Hardin County Leadership Committee, helping to cultivate the next generation of leaders. She was also honored to receive the Community Service Award on Women’s Equality Day, recognizing her commitment to advancing opportunities and empowerment for women.
Through every role, Christy’s passion is clear: to uplift others, build stronger communities, and ignite the She-Ro within the next generation of leaders.
GWENDOLYN BRASHEAR
Mrs. Gwendolyn Brashear is a dynamic force in marketing, public relations, and community advocacy, with over 30 years of experience driving meaningful impact across both corporate and nonprofit sectors. Her career is defined not only by strategic excellence but by an unwavering commitment to service, compassion, and empowerment.
A seasoned entrepreneur and contractor specializing in risk, health, safety, and compliance for large-scale organizations, Gwendolyn brings a unique blend of operational insight and people-centered leadership. She is also fulfilling a lifelong dream as a flight attendant, embodying her belief that personal growth and adventure are lifelong pursuits.
Gwendolyn’s dedication to community outreach has made her a trusted advocate for vulnerable populations, including children, women, veterans, the elderly, individuals in recovery, and the homeless. Her service has earned her one of the most distinguished titles in Kentucky; Honorary Kentucky Colonel, recognizing her outstanding contributions to civic life. Gwendolyn was also recognized with the NAACP Civil Rights Award, "Sister, I have your back" Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, Wonen's Equality Community Service Award, as well as the esteemed honor of Humanitarian of the year. She holds numerous leadership roles, including Springhaven Domestic Violence Shelter Board member, Ambassador for the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce, active member of the NAACP, motivational speaker, author, youth mentor, former Legacy Foundation Vice President, former inspirational radio and television host, multi-level event planner.
Gwendolyn’s personal life is rooted in faith, family, and service. She is married to Timothy Brashear, and together they cherish their three adult children, daughter-in-law, and two beloved grandchildren. The Brashears are active members of St. Stephen of Hardin County, where they continue to serve their community with humility and joy.
In her leisure time, Gwendolyn enjoys traveling, reading, and relaxing with a good movie. Her guiding philosophy is simple yet profound: “Greatness lies in understanding one another, loving one another, and having compassion for one another.”
SELENA HUDSON
Selena Hudson is a business development officer at South Central Bank with more than 22 years of experience in the mortgage industry. She is passionate about teaching credit and financial literacy, empowering others to see that homeownership and business ownership are achievable with the right tools and determination.
Beyond her career, Selena is a dedicated community leader. She is co-owner of Riches and Glory Photography and currently serves her third term on the Vine Grove City Council. In addition to serving on the Girls United board as the treasurer, she holds leadership and board positions with organizations such as the Economic Development Advisory Committee, ECTC Foundation Board, Knox Regional Development Alliance, Kentucky Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials, and Modern Woodmen of America.
Selena and her husband, Michael, co-founded the Hudson First Generation Scholarship, which supports first-generation college students attending Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (ECTC). She has also co-chaired the Minding My Own Small Business Entrepreneurship Academy, launching programs like Explore Hardin County and the annual Get Your Money Right seminar— She founded a nonprofit in 2025, Get Your Money Right, INC., designed to spark entrepreneurship and build wealth in underserved communities.
She has earned her Master’s in City Governance through the Kentucky League of Cities, along with a BS in Management from the University of Phoenix and an AAS in Computer Information Systems from ECTC.
Her service has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Kentucky Colonel Commission, Hometown Hero Award, Women’s Equality Business Woman of the Year Award, ECTC Beacon of Light Award, Presidential Volunteer Service Award, and more.
Selena is an active member of Heritage International Christian Church, where she enjoys serving alongside her husband of 16 years, Michael. Together, they cherish time with their six children and seven grandchildren.