We are growing! New faces joining the EmpowerU team.

We are thrilled to introduce three new talented individuals joining our EmpowerU family. Each brings unique skills and experiences that will greatly enhance our team's capabilities and drive our mission forward. Please join us in welcoming Audrey Urighe, Shanica Romney, and Sahar Thomson!

Audrey Urighe, Program Lead

Audrey Urighé is a skilled project manager with a passion for creating meaningful

change and empowering others. Born and raised on the island of Sint Maarten to

emigrant parents from the Dominican Republic, Audrey's multicultural upbringing

instilled in her a deep appreciation for resilience, adaptability, and community.

Her educational journey spans the Caribbean, the United States, and Europe,

giving her a broad perspective and the ability to navigate diverse cultural and

organizational environments. These experiences shaped Audrey's commitment

to mentorship and her drive to develop impactful programs that inspire others to

reach their full potential.

With a proven track record in project management, Audrey excels at planning,

budgeting, and executing complex initiatives. She brings together diverse teams,

effectively manages resources, and delivers results that align with organizational

goals. Her expertise is complemented by her passion for youth empowerment, as

she strives to provide young people with the tools, resources, and confidence to

succeed.

Audrey’s story is one of determination and purpose journey from an emigrant

child navigating multiple worlds to a dedicated professional making a lasting

impact. Through her work, she inspires others to dream big, take action, and

pursue meaningful opportunities.

Shanica Romney, Community Engagement

Shanica is a change-maker, dedicated to addressing taboo topics and fostering dialogue around pressing social issues through innovative and creative platforms. With a Bachelor’s degree in European Studies, she channels her insatiable curiosity and commitment to community empowerment into meaningful action.

Her experience in community-driven initiatives has solidified her mission to amplify underrepresented voices and cultivate inclusive spaces. Shanica's efforts has allowed her opportunities, including her selection as a Young Leaders of Americas Initiative (YLAI) 2022 Fellow and her role in the 2023–2024 OCT-Youth Network cohort.

Currently serving as a Team Coordinator at SXM DOET, Shanica also manages part-time projects aimed at addressing critical social challenges within her local community. With a blend of passion, creativity, and dedication, she aims to inspire and lead efforts that spark meaningful change.

Sahar Thomson, Community Engagement

Born and raised on the island of Sint Maarten to an Afro-Caribbean father and a Persian mother, Sahar was raised to have a strong understanding of the interconnectedness between the local and the global. Sahar has lived in the Caribbean, Europe, South America and North America, and has made deep connections with people from every continent (except for Antarctica). Sahar has an academic background in cultural studies and community development, and has worked for the last 5+ years in youth development, facilitation and education. In her time studying and working at global organizations like United World College, Global Citizen Year, Quest University Canada and Future Generations University, Sahar has gained a deep understanding of social impact and the labor of love behind making meaningful, lasting change.

We are excited to see the positive impact Audrey, Shanica, and Sahar will have on our projects and initiatives.

Welcome aboard, Audrey, Shanica, and Sahar!

Great things on the horizon! ⭐️