About

The mission of Empower Women Leaders (EWL) is to serve and train women leaders in developing countries by connecting, counseling, and contributing to selected initiatives/projects, which have a positive and sustainable impact.

In developing countries, including post-conflict regions, a lack of access to resources, educational information and training leaves women leaders at a significant disadvantage when advocating for change that serves women, the family, and the community. Helping women to build upon advocacy and create sustainable change is consistent with EWL’s values which propels us to seek justice and encourage mercy in recovering cultures and societies. EWL’s humanitarian values are drawn from a framework of Christian beliefs which drive us to love and serve persons regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

CONNECT: We build relationships with local women leaders by listening, learning, and spending TIME to hear their concerns, needs, and what they want to accomplish.

COUNSEL: EWL gives guidance through one-on-one mentoring, group training and conferences to help women leaders maximize their potential so that they can reach their goals.

CONTRIBUTE: After connecting and counseling, projects and initiatives are selected that have the most potential to make positive, sustainable contributions. EWL gives targeted and measurable aid in the form of grants, direct assistance and/or distribution of training resources and material.

EWL currently works in Liberia, on the African West Coast, where we have been building relationships since 2010. EWL services are designed for Liberian women and girls. Demographically, EWL’s recipients are drawn from the female population which totals over 1,000,000 persons of ages 15-54. This group represents 25% of the general population of 4,000,000. The bulk of the intended recipient female population reside in a strategic development corridor of several counties including Lofa, Bong, and Nimba, running along the country’s northeastern border with Guinea, and Grand Bassa, Margibi, and Montserrado, which connect these counties with the coast and the important economic centers of Monrovia and Buchanan.

EWL focuses on sustainability by promoting a culture of leadership that will positively impact the lives of women’s daughters, granddaughters and great-granddaughters, with the ultimate goal of creating a better tomorrow for all citizens.

EWL is led by Shelly Timbol, Executive Director and President and assisted by her husband, Tony Timbol, Vice President. Staff includes Vicki Kloosterhouse, speaker, trainer and coach, and Stephanie Timbol. An experienced board of directors, including individuals who have served in Africa, provides leadership and guidance. In addition, EWL has formed a Liberian Advisory Board, consisting of local Liberian leaders, to provide on-the-ground connection to define needs and services.

Empower Women Leaders is registered in the State of Florida as a Non-Profit Corporation. EWL’s is a Federally registered 501(c)3 charitable organization recognized by the United States Internal Revenue Service with current 990 filings for years 2012 and 2013. Reference EIN# 46-0659380.