The Team
Our Team
Meet Ambee Stephens, MNM
CEO & Founder
Fun Facts:
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I am allergic to all dairy products and have never had cake or ice cream in my life
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I’m a Published author (hello somebody)
Why she feels passionate about empowHERing Women:
"I feel passionate about empowering women because I believe that we are stronger together. I grew up without many girl friends and as an adult, I know now if I had more support, I would have avoided much of the heartbreak I experienced"
Meet Alanna Karaosmani
COO
Fun Facts:
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I played basketball from 5th-12th grade - coed for most leagues and yes I was better than the boys (all 5ft of me)
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I prefer the mountains over the beach (FL Native)
Why she feels passionate about empowHERing Women:
"I grew up hearing about the “village” that it takes to raise children. As a child I didn’t have a village, my mom didn’t have the village when my father left. I grew up knowing I could only count on myself, and now as a mother of three, I don’t want them to feel the heartache or let downs I’ve experienced in life. The truth is there is a village, I just hadn’t found it yet. EmpowHERment is the village for women. It’s the place I’ve always needed but never knew where to find it. I’m here now for that reason, to give women the village. To inspire hope."
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Meet Poetry Veguez
Director of Operations
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Fun Facts:
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I'm cat obsessed! My dream is to one day own a cat sanctuary.
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I love films. My mom & I bond over our love of cinema and movies.
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Why she feels passionate about empowHERing Women:
"I'm passionate about empowering women because I believe all women deserve to feel seen, heard, and held. As women, we often are overgivers, rarely pouring back into our selves. I want to provide other women with the space and confidence to give that same love to themselves."
Meet Emily Ford
Outreach Engagement Coordinator
Fun Facts:
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In my free time I enjoy playing guitar and singing
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I love to travel and have visited more than 10 countries!
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Why she feels passionate about empowHERing Women:
"I enjoy empowering women because everyone deserves to take up their space. Especially women, we get so caught up in societal pressures and self perception. It's ok to exist, it's ok to make mistakes, it is ok to take up space, that is what I want to leave as my impact towards women's empowerment."
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Meet Jolie Thomas
Admin Assistant
Fun Facts:
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I love spirituality and learning about different cultures and religions
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My first name "Jolie" means pretty in french
Why she feels passionate about empowHERing Women:
"To me...women rule the world and the only way for us to continue doing that, is to empower each other. support each other. and remind each other of our importance. To me that is why i love empowering women because again.. we rule the world!!"
Meet Elissa Bender
Pasco County Liaison
Fun Facts:
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I love making people smile!
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I love photography
Why she feels passionate about empowHERing Women:
"I feel very passionate about empowering women because everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, free from barriers and limitations."
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Meet Gwendy Rodriguez
Growth & Development Officer
Fun Facts:
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I’ve been scuba diving since I was a kid and I love it
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In addition to my career I am a photographer and yoga teacher (and a bunch of other things, thank goodness no one is counting ;)
Why she feels passionate about empowHERing Women:
"Women are super stars bringing light to the world when we are empowered and emboldened. I believe in supporting women because the ways of the world are disempowering and divisive. It’s up to us to help each other release that baggage and shine bright!"