At Empower, we have a strong team of professionals who make workplace inclusion a priority. Take a look at each bio to learn more!
Alex
Alex is passionate about eliminating the employment disparity between people with and without disabilities by helping her clients find customized jobs in their interest areas. She also believes employer training and workplace consultation are essential parts of developing an inclusive work environment. Alex loves when she can go back to visit her clients at work and see them working successfully as part of a team!
Shelby
My name is Shelby Kirkwood, and I am honored to be the team lead at Empower Inclusion. In 2022, I pivoted my career path from teaching in the classroom to coaching in the workplace. My favorite part of my role is creating safe and inclusive spaces where all people are seen, heard, and valued. Outside of my day job, I enjoy traveling the world, experiencing new things, and spending time with my people.
Paola
Hello everyone, my name is Paola, I am so excited to be part of the Empower Inclusion team. I graduated from Aviation School in 2007 as a Flight Attendant. I was born in Bogota, Colombia, but now I am living in Minnesota. I speak Spanish.
I enjoy being outdoors and taking walks with my husband and my dog. I am so happy to join this team and looking forward to gaining additional experience and helping people to be successful and confident.
Jason
Jason Pensa has a B.A. in Youth Ministry from the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL. He spent almost 15 years working with adolescents, parents and volunteers in a non-profit religious setting. He is excited to work with individuals, helping advocate for what each person needs to excel in their work.
Jason enjoys spending time with his friends and family. He enjoys playing board games, video games, watching stand-up comedy, biking and doing projects around the house. You might find him reading a book at a coffee shop or painting miniatures for tabletop games.
Jessie
Jessie is excited to be part of Empower Inclusion and its mission to promote inclusive communities and support individuals to realize their strengths. She believes people thrive where they feel valued – in school, work, and social settings – which empowers them to be their best.
Jessie enjoys reading, hiking, camping, playing video games, and discovering exciting new recipes in her free time.
Jocelyn
My name is Jocelyn Walsh and I am excited to join the Empower Inclusion team as a part-time member! I currently work as a speech-language pathologist at Minneapolis Public Schools, but also worked previously for Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) for the State of Minnesota. My favorite part about VRS was connecting with people and helping them reach their goals, so I am very excited to be here!
In my spare time, I enjoy taking my dog for walks, playing video and board games, playing volleyball, playing music, and spending time with my partner, family, and friends
Paul
Paul is a licensed educator with professional experience in providing individualized skill development for learners of all ages. He specializes in providing inclusive and individualized support through employment exploration, job placement, and job coaching.
Paul enjoys spending time with his family and friends and has recently taken up woodworking as a hobby, he likes the challenge of coming up with new projects and creating furniture. In his free time, he also enjoys reading and playing video games.
Valeria
Hi! I’m Valeria. I’m excited to join the Empower Inclusion team as an Employer Relations Specialist/ Job exploration Counselor & Job coach. I am from Cali, Colombia, and living in Minnesota. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali. I speak Spanish.
In my free time, I like to do yoga, brunch with my friends, go to the movies, cook, and watch all kinds of films and documentaries about human and behavioral sciences. I can’t wait to grow in my career and help clients reach their personal and work goals with satisfaction and success.
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