The People Behind the Mission
Passionate leaders dedicated to empowering individuals and transforming communities
Maria Santos
With over 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and community development, Maria founded Love Empowered after witnessing the transformative power of mentorship firsthand. Her passion for education equity and youth empowerment drives our strategic vision. Before joining Love Empowered, Maria led community programs for underserved populations and holds a Master's in Social Work from UC Berkeley.
James Chen
James brings a decade of experience in educational program design and youth development to Love Empowered. His innovative approach to curriculum development has shaped our Youth Leadership Academy into a nationally-recognized model. James believes deeply in creating learning environments where every individual feels valued and challenged to grow, a philosophy reflected in all our programs.
Alicia Rodriguez
Alicia's gift for building authentic relationships has expanded Love Empowered's volunteer network from 20 to over 850 active members. A former teacher and community organizer, she understands that lasting change happens through sustained, meaningful connection. Alicia coordinates our Volunteer Action Network and ensures every volunteer finds purposeful ways to contribute their unique talents to our mission.
David Okonkwo
David ensures Love Empowered's programs run efficiently and sustainably through strategic resource management and donor relations. His background in nonprofit finance and fundraising has helped grow our annual budget to serve more families each year. David is passionate about organizational transparency and accountability, believing that strong operational foundations enable greater community impact.
Want to Join Our Team?
We're always looking for passionate individuals who share our commitment to community empowerment and transformation
Get in TouchPowered by Our Community
While our core team guides the vision and operations, Love Empowered is truly powered by our incredible network of over 850 volunteers. These dedicated individuals—mentors, workshop facilitators, event coordinators, and community advocates—are the heartbeat of our organization. Together, we're creating a movement of empowerment that extends far beyond our staff.