Who We Are
We are a team of change-makers who believe that every helping hand can build up a community, empower the individual, and create a better future for all
Empower My Future provides families in the Metro Detroit area with Educational, Vocational, and Cultural programs through the Arts and Sciences. Our goal is to increasingly EMPOWER, ENRICH, ENLIGHTEN, ENGAGE, EDUCATE and PREPARE for future employment. We provide the opportunity to explore and gain skills in the digital sector, the professional world and through entrepreneurial activities
Our Approach
Our mission is to make sure all people get all the support they need to EMPOWER, ENRICH, ENLIGHTEN, ENGAGE, EDUCATE, and PREPARE them for a brighter future.
Whether it is a reassuring conversation, financial help, education, professional training, or simply the assurance that they are not alone, we will make sure that everyone gets support that meets them where they’re at as quickly as possible.
We want to help build a Detroit where no one feels alone and gets every possible help they need as soon as possible.
Our entire team wants to see a world where every person or family struggling in any way feels able to reach out and has people who’ll help them with education, jobs, and more.
Our Team
We are a team of change-makers who believe that every helping hand can build up a community, empower the individual, and create a better future for all.
CONTACT US
USEFUL LINKS
As the Founder and Executive Director, Crisshara has dedicated herself to making a positive impact on her community and beyond. Her unwavering commitment to fulfilling unmet needs has led her to create a platform that empowers individuals, regardless of their financial or educational status, to achieve their goals and become better families, neighbors, and communities. Crisshara's passion for serving others extends beyond her professional endeavors. She is an active member of her local ministry, where she serves alongside her husband. Whether she's teaching Children's Sunday School, leading the media department, or providing support during couples coaching sessions, Crisshara approaches each role With the same dedication and compassion that defines her leadership style. Outside of her work and ministry, Crisshara finds joy in her role as a proud mother of three children. Family is at the core of her values, and she believes that nurturing strong family bonds contributes to building a stronger society. In her free time, Crisshara loves to explore the world through travel, discovering new places and cultures. She also enjoys indulging in retail therapy during shopping sprees and unwinding with her favorite movies. Crisshara's vision for Empower My Future is to create a world where ever•ßne has the opportunity to achieve their dreams and ambitions, regardless of their background. With her expertise, compassion, and determination, she continues to lead Empower My Future in its mission to uplift and empower individuals, making a lasting impact on the lives of countless people. Join us in this incredible journey of growlh, empowerment, and community-building under the guidance and leadership of Crisshara Allen. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for all.
Chrishara Allen
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Founder
Nina Wheeler is a Senior Project Manager in Information Technology for over 22 years. She holds a Bachelors of Arts in Computer Science and has an active PMP certification. She currently works for Ford Motor Company, managing complex projects to implement solutions for Ford's financial enterprise planning and remediation of obsolete technologies running in Ford's data centers. Nina is also the sole owner and operator of two LLCs: As It Is Written, a book editing company and Cake-ology, specializing in various flavors of pound cakes. Nina volunteers with several community outreach organizations, including Save Kids of Incarcerated Parents (SKIP), Woman's Life Chapter 817, and Empower My Future. She is passionate about implementing solutions that will result in positive life change. Nina is a proud mother of 3 children and beloved nana of 11 'nanachildreff, as she affectionately calls them. She loves to read, bake, walk and travel, both at home and abroad.
Treasurer
Nina Wheeler
Pastor Damon Jay Allen accepted the call to Christ in 1996 under the leadership of Pastor Willie E Johnson. During this time, he fell in love with the gospel and found strength through worshipand service to the church. Pastor Damon rarely missed service whether it be choir rehearsal, bible study, or prayer. However, his favorite service was Sunday school, there Pastor Damon learned how to properly study the bible and was drawn to preach. In 2000 Pastor Damon felt the call to ministry and was licensed to preach In 2019 Pastor Allen was installed as Lead Pastor of Zion Progress MBC During his short time he has been successful in reaching both seasoned and new members with his vibrant and energetic style. Pastor Allen has instituted virtual services and giving which played a pivotal role in connecting with senior members during the COVID-19 pandemic and maintaining a healthy community during stressful times. Pastor Allen also sits with various employee resource groups, men's alliances, and community groups to positively impact his environment. Pastor Allen truly is a servant leader and is proud to serve as voice of change in the community and business world. Pastor Allen is the husband of one wife, father of three beautiful children, and the friend and brother of many.
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Board Member
Damon Allen
David Suggs IV is a transformational leader with expertise in the Healthcare service industry His leadership capacity exponentially shifts teams to produce results with deep impact and long lasting effects. Specifically, as a Healthcare Professional David has extensive experience with contact center leadership varying from training and education to management. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies from Michigan State University, as well as a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. David currently serves as Manager to four contact center support teams spanning across the ministries of Ascension, the nation's largest non-profit and Catholic health system. In May of 2021, David was appointed as the Assistant Pastor of Peace and Goodwill Baptist Church, where he was born and raised. This is where David's love for God's people and leadership skills were discovered and cultivated. As a lifelong member, David acknowledges his church as the breeding ground for his character, servant leadership acumen and professional development Understanding the gravity of his calling has kept steadfast and unmovable in his commitment to Christ One of the standards David holds himself to is to present himself as one of God's best ambassadors in the earth David recognizes he has been called to make disciples of all nations, and this calling requires him to not only know the Bible and characteristics of Jesus Christ, but also be a living testimony and reflection of who he is. In addition to the leadership roles David holds within healthcare and his church, David also serves as Vice President for the Baptist Missionary and Educational (8M&E) Convention of the State of Michigan Youth & Young Adult Auxiliary He is a founding board member of Empower My Future, committed to the mission of empowering, educating, and employing the city of Detroit and surrounding areas In his spare time, David can be found taking road trips, spending time with his family, and enjoying live music and various cuisines
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Board Member
David Suggs
Douglas Monds is an attorney with over thirty years of experience. His primary areas of practice include small business assistance, real estate, and administrative law. He has served as an Administrative Hearing Officer and Manager for the City of Detroit Department of Appeals and Hearings. He currently heads Detroit Associates, PC, in Detroit.
Doug recently earned recognition as a Distinguished Toastmaster though Toastmaster's International. He is a member of and past president of the Optimist Club of Central Detroit. He is also an avid golfer and President of the Fellowship Golf Tours.
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