Empower GENOW Network

03/19/2026

Meet the 60: Advance NOW Cohort 3 – A New Era of Black Women’s Leadership & Economic Power

The future of leadership is bold, brilliant, and unapologetically powerful.

Generation NOW proudly welcomes Advance NOW Cohort 3 — a dynamic class of 60 women stepping into a transformative journey of leadership, economic mobility, and personal empowerment.

This cohort is more than participation — it’s a movement.

These women represent diverse backgrounds and industries, united by one mission: to grow, lead, and elevate themselves and their communities.

Advance NOW continues to emerge as a leading pipeline for Black women’s leadership in the Midwest, creating space for women to be seen, supported, and positioned for success.

A Program Rooted in Purpose

Participants engage in:
• Leadership development
• Financial literacy & economic empowerment
• Career advancement & workforce resilience
• Entrepreneurship & wealth-building
• Mental health, healing, and self-care

This experience equips women with the tools, network, and confidence to lead in today’s evolving professional landscape.

More Than a Cohort — A Sisterhood

These 60 women are building a powerful sisterhood rooted in accountability, growth, and collective elevation — breaking barriers and redefining leadership for Black women across the region.

The Work Starts Now

This is not just a program — it’s a launchpad for career growth, business expansion, leadership influence, and generational impact.

The ripple effect will extend far beyond the classroom.

A Movement That Continues to Grow

Advance NOW is building a legacy of empowered women shaping the future of our workforce, communities, and economy.

And Cohort 3 is just getting started.

Follow the journey. Support the mission. Witness the impact.

Because when women rise — communities transform.

03/08/2026

Empower GENNOW Network is excited to introduce NOW Cohort 3! ✨

Join us this Thursday for the RESET: Welcome Event – A Night of Vision, Leadership & Sisterhood, featuring keynote speaker Vernita Hightower of NextGen Fuel.

Below are the flyers for 40 of the incredible women (out of 60) who will be part of this year’s cohort. We are still waiting on headshots from 20 more participants as we finalize the remaining flyers.

We are proud to welcome a class of 59 women who will be participating in one of Cincinnati’s most prestigious economic mobility and leadership development programs for women.

There is currently one final spot available in the program due to a recent scheduling change. If you are a woman between the ages of 21–45 and interested in joining the Advance NOW Cohort beginning March 19, we encourage you to reach out.

🎟 RESET Event Tickets (2-for-1 – $12.50):
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reset-a-night-of-vision-leadership-sisterhood-tickets-1983230702418?aff=oddtdtcreator

Please join us in congratulating these incredible women as they begin their leadership and economic empowerment journey.

For inquiries about the final cohort spot, please send us a DM or message.

01/20/2026

Wanda Way Homes invites the community to join us this morning from 9:00–11:00 AM for a powerful Day of Healing at Reach One Recovery, in partnership with Wanda Way Homes .

📍 Reach One Recovery & Wanda Way Homes
3699 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220

This healing session is open to individuals and families impacted by substance use, addiction, and mental health challenges. The morning will include prayer, reflection, and community healing, creating space for restoration, hope, and support.

This gathering is hosted on the Wanda Way Homes campus, an Empower GENNOW Network–operated program under Clear Path Recovery Housing, created in memory of Wanda Easterling, a former housing case manager at Talbert House who dedicated her life to supporting individuals battling addiction and mental health challenges. Wanda Way Homes exists to continue her legacy through recovery housing, healing, and community care.

Thank you to ALL IN Cincinnati for this opportunity.

You are welcome here. 💜

12/25/2025

🎉 What an Incredible Night! 🎉

Last Thursday was a beautiful and powerful evening with an incredible turnout celebrating Cincy Black Magazine featuring our work at Generation NOW, also known as Empower GENOW Network, and our signature leadership program Advance NOW.

To see our alumni stories highlighted in print—real women, real journeys, real leadership—was nothing short of special. Advance NOW is rooted in empowering African-American women in Cincinnati (and yes, it’s open to all women), and this moment reminded us exactly why this work matters.

A huge shoutout to Donny Young for welcoming us into the Art of Networking experience and partnering with us for the magazine launch. The energy in the room was unmatched!

And listen… the momentum is REAL 👀

📌 175 applications already submitted

📌 Application deadline: January 2nd

📌 Interviews begin in the New Year

📌 Advance NOW Cohort 3 launches March 2026

📖 Check out the magazine!

– Digital copy: FREE

– Print copies available for purchase at the link below:

https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/3227498

Apply for Advance NOW at the Link 🔗 Below:

https://empowergennow.org/our-programs/advance/

Thank you to every woman, partner, alum, and supporter who continues to believe in this vision. This is only the beginning 💫

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to everyone! ❤️🎄

12/05/2025

See how the Empower GENOW Network professional development program empowered Dakari Jones (Cohort 2).

Dakari Jones is co-owner and administrator of Water Lily Learning Center in Avondale, where she provides high-quality early childhood education while mentoring women in the field.

Dakari is passionate about empowering women and strengthening the community through education. Her work supports children, families, and educators in growing and thriving together.

“Advance NOW transformed my leadership and my business,” she shares. “It expanded my network, introduced new collaborations, and gave me tools to create meaningful change in my community.”

Apply to join the next women's professional development cohort: vobc.co/ADVANCE

12/05/2025

🌟 Empower GENNOW Network Family — We Need Your Support! 🌟

If you haven’t already, make sure you follow our Wanda Way Homes 🏡 Facebook Business Page! This is where we’ll be sharing all updates about our sober living homes, resident stories, and the powerful work we’re building in Cincinnati to support housing stability and recovery.

Wanda Way Homes recently secured a $100,000 grant from the City of Cincinnati Human Services Fund — a major investment that helps us expand supportive housing and workforce pathways for the residents we serve. 🙌🏽💜

And listen… we’ve already done so much this year with Wanda Way Homes:

• Turned over and stabilized multiple sober living properties

• Improved safety, operations, and on-site support for residents

• Partnered with Monty’s Place Treatment Center for intake and services

• Added transportation, workforce, and community support systems

• Built stronger pathways for residents working toward healing & independence

• Laid the foundation for a long-term housing model rooted in dignity and recovery

Wanda Way Homes is becoming one of Cincinnati’s most impactful supportive housing initiatives — all inspired by Wanda’s legacy and driven by our commitment to rebuild lives.

✨ Follow the page today to stay connected:

👉 Wanda Way Homes — A Safe Place to Heal, Rise, and Rebuild

Thank you for growing with us. We’re excited. We’re grateful. And we’re just getting started.

— Empower GENNOW Network

12/04/2025

See how the Empower GENOW Network professional development program empowered Kyairah Jones (Cohort 2).

Kyairah Jones is a military veteran and co-owner of Monopoly Men Construction & Real Estate Firm. She also manages a portfolio of 17 rental properties, combining entrepreneurship with real estate investment.

Kyairah is passionate about building sustainable businesses that serve communities. Her military background shaped her leadership, discipline, and organizational skills.

“Generation NOW helped me gain insight into my strengths and refine my entrepreneurial leadership,” she shares. “It provided tools, connections, and confidence to grow my businesses and expand my impact.”

Apply to join the next women’s professional development cohort: vobc.co/ADVANCE

The ADVANCE workforce development training program provides resources to help African American women in Cincinnati find careers.

12/02/2025

See how the Empower GENOW Network professional development program empowered Camille Bryant (Cohort 2).

Camille Bryant is a finance professional and community advocate focused on advancing economic equity, career mobility, and leadership development for emerging Black leaders.

Camille is committed to building opportunities and mentoring the next generation of leaders. She leverages corporate expertise to create impact-driven outcomes and elevate visibility for Black talent.

“Generation NOW strengthened my leadership voice and expanded my network,” she shares. “It reminded me that Cincinnati has the space for young Black leaders to shape narrative, accelerate change, and create impact now.”

Apply to join the next women’s professional development cohort: vobc.co/ADVANCE

The ADVANCE workforce development training program provides resources to help African American women in Cincinnati find careers.

11/30/2025

See how the Empower GENOW Network professional development program empowered Victoria Mullins (Cohort 2)!

Victoria Mullins is the Area Leader for The Ohio State University Extension in Hamilton and Butler Counties. She works to eliminate food deserts, support urban agriculture, and provide education and research for local food systems. Victoria has held multiple community-based positions, focusing on strengthening equitable access to healthy food.

She is passionate about community development and empowering local leaders.
“Generation NOW created a space for Black women in leadership to connect, collaborate, and support one another,” Victoria shares. “It was invaluable for my growth, both personally and professionally.”

Apply to join the next women’s professional development cohort: vobc.co/ADVANCE

The ADVANCE workforce development training program provides resources to help African American women in Cincinnati find careers.

11/29/2025

See how the Empower GENOW Network professional development program empowered Ania Cosby (Cohort 1)!

Ania Cosby is the Director of Development and Grants at the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati. She leads donor relations, campaign strategy, and philanthropic initiatives, raising millions to support programs across six counties.

Ania’s career includes leadership roles at Urban League, Ignite Philanthropy, and Keep Cincinnati Beautiful, reflecting her commitment to equity and community advancement. She is deeply invested in youth development, mentorship, and nonprofit sustainability.

“The Advance NOW program was transformative,” Ania shares. “It strengthened my leadership, expanded my career opportunities, and gave me tools for personal growth, including financial literacy that helped me become a homeowner at 25.”
Apply to join the next women’s professional development cohort: vobc.co/ADVANCE

The ADVANCE workforce development training program provides resources to help African American women in Cincinnati find careers.

11/28/2025

See how the Empower GENOW Network professional development program empowered Shanna Young (Cohort 2)!

Shanna Young is a Lockbox Support Specialist with ten years of experience in banking operations. She specializes in payment processing, technical troubleshooting, and cross-functional team support while maintaining accuracy and efficiency in high-volume environments.

Her leadership is rooted in collaboration, self-awareness, and adaptability.
“Generation NOW taught me the importance of networking and self-knowledge,” Shanna shares. “I learned to leverage my strengths, embrace growth, and build strong teams through collaboration and resilience.”

Apply to join the next women’s professional development cohort: vobc.co/ADVANCE

11/27/2025

See how the Empower GENOW Network professional development program empowered Serena Collins-Irby (Cohort 2)!

Serena Collins-Irby is a registered nurse, community wellness advocate, and founder of REVIVE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing mental, physical, and emotional well-being through education and hands-on care. She also leads Compress CPR Training, empowering hundreds with lifesaving skills across Cincinnati.

Serena is passionate about building healthier, connected communities and inspiring others to lead with compassion.

“Generation NOW helped me find my voice as a leader,” she shares. “It pushed me to step out of my comfort zone, connect with other Black leaders, and turn my ideas into real impact.”

Apply to join the next women's professional development cohort: vobc.co/ADVANCE

The ADVANCE workforce development training program provides resources to help African American women in Cincinnati find careers.