What we do and who we are
Our programs create positive social change.
About
Mission
The Empowerment Center exists to help East Boulder County youth create positive social change through the arts, community-based learning and leadership opportunities.
Our organization has been a part of the East County community since the 1990s, originally operating under the name Project Yes. While our name and operating structure has evolved over the years, our commitment to nurturing a strong, vibrant youth culture has not. Today, we operate after-school and summer programs serving youth of all ages in our local schools and community centers.
TEAM
Staff
Elizabeth Bourdon, Executive Director elizabeth@lafayetteempowerment.org
Judith Sutter, Licensed Professional Counselor
Abigail Cerne, Mindfulness for Teens and Art for Social Change Facilitator
Mariam Lara , What’s Cooking and Art for Social Change Facilitator
Elizabeth White, What’s Cooking and Mindfulness for Teens Facilitator
Board of Directors
Julie Berry, Board Chair, Associate Project Manager, SDL
Martha Swanson, Treasurer, Retired Certified Public Accountant, Martha S. Scheer CPA P.C.
Dr. Sherry Taylorgoodall, Secretary, Associate Professor, University of Colorado Denver
Alex Schatz, Member, Attorney, Brannan Sand and Gravel
Sally Harkins, Member, Director of Sales & Marketing, The Peaks at Old Laramie Trail
Jaideep “JD” Mangat, Member, Teacher, Adams 12
Balkarn Shahi, Member, Self-Employed
Michelle Singh, Member, Small-Business Owner Padma’s Array
Gary Rosenthal, PhD, Member, Executive Director, Limestone BioVentures, LLC
Dr. Liz Grassi, Advisory Board Member, Professor & Director of Assessment, Regis University
Oscar Flores, Member, Advisory Board Member, Independent Plumber
Partners + Funders
Community Partners
We’re grateful to the dedicated organizations of East County who support our mission by sharing space and resources.
Boulder Valley School District – Centaurus, Angevine, Pioneer and Sanchez Schools
Boulder County Housing Authority – Aspinwall and Kestrel Sites
Sister Carmen’s
Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence (SPAN)
Funders
Our work would not be possible without the generous financial support of these contributing organizations.
City of Lafayette Police Department
City of Lafayette Cultural Arts Commission
Boulder County Human Services Fund
Boulder County Community Foundation