empower program graduates

---

 Tiffany Norde

 Dancing with the Norde’s 

Dancing with the Norde’s was created to give working adults a positive outlet to destress and build community through dance! Dancing with the Norde’s offers dance instruction in the areas of Line-Dancing (also known as hustles), Detroit Style Ballroom, Salsa Dance Class, Zumba, and Cycle (Spin) Classes to R&B and Soul, Neo Soul, Jazz, Gospel, Hip Hop, Afro-b

Shebeeka Hughes 

CocoBella Boutique

CocoBella Boutique is an exclusive fashion boutique in the heart of Downtown Lansing. Shebeeka Hughes brought her 22 year long dream of curating luxury clothing into fruition through her business CocoBella Boutique. 

CocoBella Boutique came to life in 2021 with the purpose of empowering, 

inspiring, and encouraging women through fashion. Shebeeka wants people to k

Deanna Brown 

Everything is Cheesecake

Everything is Cheesecake is a dessert bakery and food truck that specializes in all things 

cheesecake! Deanna started Everything is Cheesecake in 2018 after she began to become uninterested in a typical 9 to 5 job. She felt overworked and underpaid and wanted to follow her own passions. Even though she had no culinary or business experience, Deanna was able t

Ajuanta Turner 

Key Concepts Consulting

Key Concepts Counseling and Consulting is an agency that provides counseling services to individuals addressing mental health. Key Concepts also provide consulting to businesses providing training , keynote speaking and other services as they relate mental health. Ajuanta was inspired to create Key Concepts while working in the Criminal Justice field. Ajuant

Erica Lynn 

Merica Media Group 

Merica Media Group is dedicated to keeping people informed and engaged with the world around us. Through their podcast, Erica and Micheal elevate the voice of their community and cover a wide range of topics. They believe in full transparency and equity and are passionate about sparking conversation and inspire action, whether it's 

in the community or on a national le

 Eva Thompson 

JEM Cleaning

Eva Thompson is the proud owner and founder of JEM Cleaning, LLC—an residential and small business commercial cleaning company serving the Greater Lansing area. The acronym "JEM" holds a special meaning, representing the names of Eva's three children who inspired the inception of this business. JEM Cleaning is not just a business; it's a family-oriented enterprise that o

Nikki Thompson-Frazier 

Sweet Encounter Bakery

Nikki started Sweet Encounter Bakery because both of her daughters were diagnosed with multiple food allergies and she wanted to ensure they enjoyed the same amazingly delicious foods and desserts she did as a child without compromise. 

After months of experimenting, she broke the code and figured out how to make gluten free taste better without comprom

Justin Christian 

Top Shelf Party Rentals

Top Shelf Party Rentals, a premier event rental company, specializes in providing top-quality tables, chairs, and space rentals to elevate events in Lansing. Established in 2018 by Justin Christian, the company has quickly become synonymous with spectacular and memorable gatherings. 

Justin Christian, the creative force behind Top Shelf Party Rentals, brings

Sirpenia Stewart 

Peace Connections

Peace Connections is an event space that's dedicated to making private and community guest experiences special and unforgettable. Peace Connection typically serves the community with a focus of financial literacy empowerment for minority youth and single parents. 

Sirpenia was inspired to start PeaceConnections in 2020 through her passion for encouraging and empow

Kiyauna Chappell 

Truforever

Kiyuana Chapell established the fashion brand Tru Forever to offer a dynamic fusion of trendy fashion and self-expression, tailored for the fashion finders who want to make a statement.  Through Tru Forever, Kiyuana aims to create a legacy for herself and her family through the creative outlet of fashion!