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!
Carey
Originally trained as a Biomedical Engineer in Mexico, Carey has professional experience in business, medical devices, and customer care. With a switch to Empower Inclusion, she seeks to transition to a career that centers on helping people in another way. Specifically, Carey focuses on the strategic and administrative facets of Empower Inclusion, striving to provide clients with a comprehensive, professional experience. In her free time, Carey enjoys hiking, doing yoga, spending time with family, and shopping.
Alexa
Hello! My name is Alexa and I am so excited to join the Empower Inclusion team, as a job coach! I graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato in the spring of 2020, with a bachelor’s in Sociology and a minor in human resource management.
In my free time, I enjoy dancing, being outdoors, and spending time with my friends and family. I have experience working with individuals with disabilities and would love to have a long-term career in this field. With my love for working with people from all backgrounds, I am looking forward to gaining additional experience working with clients to help each and every one of them achieve personal satisfaction and success.
Camila
Hi all! My name is Camila. I am so excited to join the Empower Inclusion team as the HR Generalist! I have one and a half years of experience at retail corporations where I have gained and developed skills to become a Human Resource Professional. I am passionate about inclusion for all and kindness above all else.
I have many interests and hobbies due to my creative imagination. My favorite hobbies right now are watching theater and cooking shows. When I am not doing that, I am indulging in either fashion or crafts. I also enjoy spending a lot of my downtime with my family and friends. Fun fact: I have a big family!
Lida
Hi! My name is Lida, and I am very excited to be a part of Empower Inclusion as a part-time Job Coach/Job Exploration Counselor. In 2019 I graduated from the University of North Dakota with my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a minor in special education. I am currently attending Saint Mary’s University in Winona (online) for my master’s degree in Special Education. My full-time job is as a special education resource teacher at the middle school level.
In my free time, I coach girls’ lacrosse, read, attend workout classes, and spend time at my cabin on Lake Vermilion, MN. I am so happy to be a part of this team and look forward to growing and gaining experience in helping people find confidence in who they are!
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.
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.
Sandra
Hello! My name is Sandra. I’m so happy to be part of the Empower Inclusion team. I was born and raised in Mexico. I studied English Teaching in my home country and graduated in 2019.
In my free time, I like to keep my mind and body busy, so I take kickboxing and strength classes. I enjoy going for walks and spending time with my husband, friends, and family. I’m a true believer that empathy and kindness will make this world better. So, I really enjoy giving to others and putting myself in other people’s shoes.
Shelby
Hello, my name is Shelby and I am honored to join the Empower Inclusion team as a Pre-Employment Transition Service Specialist. I graduated from Winona State University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education along with two years of experience teaching at an international school in Minneapolis. I care deeply about creating safe and inclusive spaces where all people are seen, heard, and valued.
Outside of work, I enjoy playing soccer, taking language classes, drinking bubble tea, biking around the lakes, traveling the world, and creating playlists. In this new role, I am excited to come alongside others in discovering their gifts and talents, interests and passions, and growth and employment opportunities.
Thomas
Hi. My name is Thomas and I’m so excited to help people as a job coach. I believe all people are worth helping and being able to empower others to lead fulfilling lives is absolutely delightful.
In my free time, I’m a youth leader at my church and mentor teenagers, as well as write books, hike, and try to make the most of life.
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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