Leadership

Founded in 2002, Empowerment Resources, Inc. (ERI) is a 501(c)(3) grassroots non-profit organization in Jacksonville, Florida that serves at-risk youth and families by providing programs and services that positively impacts the whole family. The organization is honored to have the commitment and dedication of the following volunteers who direct the ERI programs.

Elexia Moss

Elexia Coleman-Moss

Founding Executive Director

Elexia Coleman-Moss has spent her career supporting children, adolescents, and families facing social and economic challenges, bringing first-hand experience as a caseworker, behavior specialist, child advocate, and community organizer. She has designed and led programs that foster personal growth, leadership, and family well-being.

Elexia holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Florida A&M University and a Master’s in Public Administration. She is also a graduate of the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship Small Business Executive Program, a nationally recognized trainer in the Nurturing Parenting Curriculum, and has earned a Certificate of Completion from the Coaching and Positive Psychology (CaPP) Institute in May 2010.

Her dedication to children and families has earned her multiple honors, including recognition in 2014 by the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women as one of 10 local women making outstanding contributions to Jacksonville; the “Making the Grade Award” from Volunteer Jacksonville; the WJCT’s American Graduate Award, selected as one of Jacksonville’s 40 Under 40 leaders by the Jacksonville Business Journal in 2008. In 2024, Elexia and Empowerment Resources received the Positively JAX Award from News4Jax for making a difference in the community for 20 years.

Her commitment to community service extends beyond ERI, as she actively volunteers with organizations such as the First Coast Girls Initiative, the University of North Florida Marketing Advisory Council, School Advisory Council (SAC), and Parent Teacher Association (PTA).

Outside of her professional work, Elexia enjoys spending time with her family, dancing, making (and eating) charcuterie boards, and traveling.

Board of Directors

  • Iana Benjamin Is an Attorney and Litigator. She has extensive experience in family law, immigration law, estate planning and contracts. Iana strongly believes in Pro Bono efforts and she has been featured in the Jacksonville’s Daily Record for her service to others. Iana’s personal mission aligns with ERI’s mission. Iana uses her time and talents to continue to serve and empower others.
  • Penelope Knox currently works for the Department of Justice.  She is experienced in criminal investigations, law enforcement functions, writing policy & procedures, public affairs, and recruiting. Penelope has a Master’s of Arts degree in Forensic Science.
  • Chad Smith is experienced in technical leadership, project management and IT cloud architecture. He currently works as an IT Technical Specialist II in the medical field. Chad has a Bachelors degree in Business Administration
  • Veronica Ward is a Banking Analyst with over 20 years of experience in banking. Veronica has been volunteering with ERI since 2015 where her daughter graduated from the JIW program. Veronica holds a Bachelors of Arts degree.

Advisory Council

 
  • Sean Clinkscales – Owner/Creative, Honey & Co.

  • Carla Flowers (Ad hoc) – School Social Worker, Duval County Public Schools

  • Wendy Gillis – Visiting Instructor, Marketing, University of North Florida

  • Marsha Grant – Legal Practice Assistant

  • Andrea Jefferson – Education

  • Whitney S. Johnson – Health Care

  • LaTonya Lipscomb Smith – Attorney at Law

  • Ty’ra Malloy – Case Manager & Investigator

  • Amakeda Ponds – (JIW Parent Liaison) and Content Design Manager, Vystar

  • Nemiah Ruthledge – Owner of Body Paradox

  • Walette Stanford (Ad hoc) – Compliance Director

  • Kaila White – RN Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and JIW Alumna

Memoriam Member

  • Jacquelyn Lowe