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

Executive Director

Elexia Coleman-Moss has worked throughout her career supporting children, adolescents and families facing social and economic problems. She has first-hand experience in our neighborhoods as a teacher, after-school tutor, caseworker, behavior specialist and counselor.

A tireless advocate for children, in 2014 Elexia was selected by the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women for recognition as one of 10 local women who have made outstanding contributions to the Jacksonville community. She received the “making the grade award” from Volunteer Jacksonville, and in 2008, she was selected as one of Jacksonville’s 40 under 40 leaders by the Jacksonville Business Journal. She currently serves or has served as a dedicated volunteer leader for the Florida Department of Health in Duval County and the First Coast Girls Initiative.

Elexia currently serves on the University of North Florida’s Marketing Advisory Council. 

Elexia earned a master’s degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Florida A&M University.

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

 
  • Carla Flowers (Ad hoc), school social worker with Duval County Public Schools
  • Marsha Grant, Legal Practice Assistant
  • Ty’ra Malloy, Case Manager & Investigator
  • Amakeda Ponds, Content Design Manager, Vystar
  • Nemiah Ruthledge, Owner of Body Paradox
  • LaTonya Lipscomb Smith, Attorney at Law
  • Walette Stanford (Ad hoc), Compliance Director
  • Kaila White, RN Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and JIW Alumna 
  • Abby Wright-Neal, Adjunct Professor & Public Educator

Memoriam Member

  • Jacquelyn Lowe