Board of Directors

Founder & President

Dave Picozzi

Dave began volunteering in his youth by starting a New York City Girls Club with his mother. That experience was so impactful that he continued running volunteer projects in college and throughout his corporate IT career. This led to Dave taking on key non-salary volunteer positions since 2001, which included Business Manager, Board of Directors, Program Director, Events Organizer, Community Relations Specialist, and Teacher. He also started a Nutrition & Health nonprofit organization.

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Aside from nonprofit work, Dave led worldwide software development projects generating $20-billion in annual revenues for a Fortune 50 company. He's well known for building high performance teams and never-been-done-before business solutions.

Vice President

Laura Jean

With experience as a vice president in the media industry and handling customer service, Laura brings expertise in financial reporting & auditing, management and social impact to our nonprofit. Her communication and interpersonal skills also make her the right community fit.

Treasurer & Secretary

Bethany Fairbrother

Bethany is a highly organized and detail-oriented individual with over 20 years of experience in volunteer and corporate settings. She is passionate about helping people achieve better health and fitness, and she has a proven track record of managing finances and administrative tasks. In her previous roles, she has successfully managed volunteer programs, fundraising events, and employee training programs. She is also skilled in resolving employee relations issues.

Director

David Boaté

David is a Vice President and Director of Transit & Rail at Gannett Fleming, a 100+ year-old award winning engineering, architectural, planning, and construction services firm in the transportation industry with 50 offices within the United States and internationally. As such, he leads all business development, project execution and client account management for the Eastern United States.

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David established a reputation for giving back to the community and creating our next generation of leaders. He is a long-time national mentor and appointed committee member of the American Public Transportation Association’s Emerging Leaders Program and a recent past President of the New York Chapter of the Transportation Research Forum.

Director

Kaan Esendemir

As a young professional earning six-figures by age 25, and pulling his immigrant family out of poverty and into home ownership, Kaan has keen insight for helping others become upwardly mobile. He brings determination, coupled with hands-on experience, to our aspiring community students.

Director

Jess Panagia

Jess is a dedicated volunteer and community leader who is a staple at Empowered Community. He shares his health expertise and teaches professional, instructor-led online exercise classes. His engaging personality and vast network have helped our nonprofit connect with people who need our services.

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