Our Team
Bettina Mahoney
Founder/ CEO
Bettina Mahoney started Fortify (formerly known as Fortitude) in her college dorm room after a sexual assault in 2017. Mahoney wanted to empower women by creating a convention that used the performing arts to help young people navigate through life's stressors. By 2021, Fortify was the only triple threat (dance,voice, acting) convention in the country bringing to young artists on the East Coast the opportunity to work with some of the most sought after artists in the country. Bringing to them not only incredible training, but the “what’s next answer”.
The Fortify difference is helping young artists develop an understanding for who they are in order to live positive lives. During the 2020 Pandemic, Mahoney realized the value in technology more than ever to reach a vast audience using the Fortify model of teaching while also offering the opportunity for people to receive access to affordable healthcare via therapy. Bettina has what she now considers a “righteous fire” to help teens understand that their struggles are valid, and that Fortify can help them overcome any obstacles.
Her passion is empowering the next generation to lead really positive lives, and I’ve seen life from both sides now. I’ve been that person that couldn’t get out of bed in the morning, and now I’m an advocate for young people. You can get through anything, and at Fortify we are young people’s cheerleaders. Sometimes it just takes one person to believe in you to make an impact, well we can be that one. Join the movement today.
Brandon Porter
COO, Fortify
Brandon is a dancer, teacher, and business owner. He teaches at a Balanchine certified ballet school Performing Arts School of Central Pennsylvania and MindBody Art School of Dance. Producing full length ballets, spring and fall annual performances, college preparation professional outreach. Brandon is also the CEO/ Founder of i am DANCE Productions. Hosting events nationwide providing scholarship opportunities to further their dance education. Securing brand sponsors and partners with the community based approach, i am DANCE's partners include Complexions, Syncopated Ladies, Young Choreographers Festival and others.
Brandon has professional experience in the retail industry as Visual Merchandiser, Sales/ Marketing with Companies such as Joe Fresh, Quiksilver TS, DC Shoes, American Eagle. Setting and implementing corporate standards floor sets, visual merchandising, customer service, branding strategy and reaching annual goals. Dance competition industry experience ranges from client to event director. Brandon has grown reputable companies consulting in various departments such as brand awareness, brand partners/ sponsors, regional cities/event growth. Organizations include Legacy Dance Championships, Kids Artistic Revue, Headliners Dance Championships, Elite Performance Challenge, Excel in Motion, Waves Dance Competition, i am DANCE.
With the respect and love for the arts, Brandon's passion to promote inclusivity and have diversification with the community will empower not only themselves but others. Brandon Porter came on as COO for Fortify in August, and he is proud to be a part of the team.
*Additional team members announcing soon*