OUR FOUNDER

Kim M. Braud is the visionary founder of The Couvent Collective, leveraging over 30 years of expertise in insurance, business development, and entrepreneurship to drive transformative growth. As a seasoned leader and serial entrepreneur, Braud has successfully launched and scaled multiple ventures across manufacturing, logistics, and e-commerce, solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in business innovation. Her efforts have empowered hundreds of founders, providing them with the tools and resources to achieve sustained success.

Braud’s career began in the insurance industry, where she excelled as an Affinity Sales Management Consultant for Nationwide Insurance. There, she spearheaded initiatives that generated over $300 million in revenue for the Southwest Regional Operation. A skilled strategist, Braud executed over 700 events, delivering 40,000 new business leads and demonstrating expertise in market share acquisition and strategic partnerships. Her ability to identify opportunities and lead high-impact initiatives has been a hallmark of her success.

In 2017, Braud launched Fleurty Wick, one of the largest African American female-founded candle manufacturing companies in the U.S. She has since diversified her portfolio, owning two Amazon e-commerce stores and a freight brokerage. Her entrepreneurial acumen extends to working with high-profile clients, including serving as Managing Partner of Jayde Life Investment Group for NBA player Dwight Howard, where she secured over $350,000 in direct written premium in the first month and built the agency’s infrastructure from concept to execution.

Beyond her professional achievements, Braud’s dedication to community service has been a cornerstone of her career. She has held leadership roles with the American Red Cross, including Board Chair for the Minority Recruitment Board and member of the National Diversity Advisory Council, and has served with organizations like SafeKids GA, Atlanta Fire Foundation, and United Way of Greater Atlanta, where she influenced funding decisions for underserved populations. Braud also founded Fabulous Friends in Philanthropy, which provided grants and resources to homeless girls aged 16-21, helping three young women earn postgraduate degrees—a testament to her commitment to education and empowerment.

Recognized for her industry expertise and community impact, Braud has been featured in Who’s Who in Black Atlanta, The Atlantan’s Women of Power and Influence, and Voyage ATL. She is a graduate of prestigious programs including the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program, the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center’s Milestone Circles, and the NAWBO Established and Ready to Grow cohort.

Braud holds a Life Agent License, FAA Part 107 Commercial Pilot License, and certifications in Bloodborne Pathogens and HIPAA. She is actively involved in organizations such as NAIFA, Women in Financial Services (WIFS), Women in Trucking, and NAWBO. A native of New Orleans, she now resides in Atlanta, Georgia, where her passion for innovation, community empowerment, and entrepreneurial excellence continues to inspire.

GEORGETOWN 272

The Georgetown 272 refers to a group of 272 enslaved individuals who were sold in 1838 by the Jesuit priests of Georgetown University to plantations in Louisiana. This sale was orchestrated to resolve the financial crisis faced by the university and its associated religious institutions. The decision to sell these individuals, despite their deep ties to the Jesuit community and the Catholic faith, highlights a dark chapter in the history of one of America's oldest educational institutions.

Among these individuals were my ancestors, Margery Cutchmore and her son Len.   As a direct descendant of the Georgetown 272, I carry their story with me, honoring their sacrifices and working to ensure that their legacy is not forgotten.

Today, efforts are underway to seek reconciliation and justice for the descendants of the Georgetown 272. Georgetown University has publicly acknowledged its role in this history and has created a reconciliation fund aimed at supporting descendants like myself. However, the work of truly acknowledging and repairing these historical injustices is ongoing, and public awareness is crucial.

By highlighting this history on our platform, The Couvent Collective seeks to amplify the stories of those who were denied justice in their lifetime. We honor their legacy by fostering community development, education, and economic empowerment for marginalized groups, echoing the vision and values they held dear.

This story is deeply personal to me and ties into my broader mission to uplift communities and honor the legacies of our ancestors. It is a reminder of the resilience and strength that courses through generations, and my work today is a tribute to all those who endured, survived, and created opportunities for future generations.