Global Empowerment Mission

06/17/2026

Erika Ruiz, CPA, brings more than 20 years of experience in accounting, auditing, compliance, financial management, and organizational leadership. A Certified Public Accountant since 2005, her expertise spans nonprofit and for-profit sectors, government-funded programs, donor compliance, risk management, and financial strategy.

As Chief Financial Officer of GEM, Erika oversees the organization’s financial strategy, leading and supporting a team of approximately 26 professionals across multiple branches to ensure operational excellence and effective mission delivery. She is responsible for overseeing all financial activities, compliance, and human resources functions, helping ensure that GEM maintains the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and regulatory compliance. A key aspect of her role is ensuring that mission-related expenses are properly allocated across programs in accordance with donor requirements, grant agreements, and allowable cost guidelines, supporting responsible stewardship of resources and maximizing mission impact.

Prior to joining GEM, Erika served as a Director at a nationally recognized CPA firm, where she led audit engagements for organizations across a broad range of industries, including hospitality, real estate, nonprofit, and professional services. Her experience included working with national and internationally recognized organizations, providing assurance services that supported strong financial reporting, governance, and operational effectiveness.

Erika has also played an active role in managing state- and federally funded programs in partnership with the Hawaii Department of Human Services, supporting initiatives designed to assist individuals and families affected by the 2023 Hawaii wildfires. Her work focused on program compliance and financial accountability, helping impacted communities access critical support and recovery services.

She is committed to fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement while supporting GEM’s mission and long-term sustainability.

06/16/2026

Yesterday, we proudly reopened the Children’s and Youth Library in Myrhorod, Poltava region of Ukraine. This complete renovation is fully supported by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.

This library is a vibrant community space where children and young people can read, learn, grow, and connect. Serving a community of more than 41,000 residents, including over 4,500 students from seven city schools, the library plays an important role in supporting education and child development.

Preserving Ukrainian culture is critical during these times. In the face of countless attacks that aim to erase Ukrainian heritage, we remain steadfast. It’s essential that all cultures, especially children have access to their books, language, and traditions.

In nurturing this vibrant cultural legacy, we ensure that future generations carry forward their identity, resilience, and pride. We were happy to create a modern, welcoming environment that will serve generations of children, youth, educators, and families for years to come.

Myrhorod has also welcomed relocated educational institutions from the Luhansk region and serves students from eight rural schools across the community, making this space even more valuable as a hub for learning and opportunity.

06/15/2026

Our Europe & Asia Ground Teams operated today in some of the most remote earthquake-affected areas of Southern Mindanao, including the municipality of Glan in Sarangani Province and the municipality of Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental Province.

This was the first day that access became possible to several of these communities after roads were severely damaged by the earthquake. As one of the first humanitarian teams able to reach these areas, we delivered emergency relief supplies to families who had not yet received any assistance.

We traveled as far as road conditions allowed. For communities that remained inaccessible by vehicle, we loaded aid onto motorcycles. Relief bags will be distributed according to beneficiary lists prepared by community leaders.

Many of the communities we visited remain without electricity and access to clean water. Roads are still damaged, making travel and the delivery of aid extremely challenging.

During today’s distribution, we also experienced a 6.2 magnitude aftershock. Residents were visibly frightened, as the earthquake and continuing aftershocks have left them traumatized and fearful of further destruction.

We also distributed toys brought from Poland for children living in these remote villages. For most of them, it was the first toy they had ever received.

Very special thank you to our mission partner, Royal Caribbean for making this mission possible. To learn more visit the link in our bio, or GEM.org

06/15/2026

As part of our ongoing humanitarian response in Lebanon, the MENA team, alongside our valued partners HCI and ONSUR, continues to support displaced families and vulnerable communities facing increasingly difficult circumstances.

The prolonged crisis has left many families struggling to meet their most basic needs, with widespread economic hardship affecting communities across the country. Thousands have been displaced from their homes, creating an urgent need for food, hygiene supplies, and other essential resources.

To help meet this need, GEM MENA has delivered 15 containers of humanitarian aid to Lebanon, providing food, hygiene items, Family Necessity Kits, and other critical supplies to support more than 70,000 individuals. Distributions are currently taking place across Beirut and South Lebanon, ensuring assistance reaches families and individuals who need it most.

These relief efforts provide more than essential supplies, they offer dignity, comfort, and hope during a time of uncertainty and hardship. Through the collective efforts of our teams, partners, and supporters, families are receiving practical assistance that helps ease the burden of displacement and daily struggle.

We are deeply grateful to , , and every donor and supporter whose generosity makes this work possible. Together, we remain committed to delivering humanitarian aid wherever it is needed, standing alongside affected communities, restoring hope, and helping families navigate the path toward recovery. Global Empowerment Mission MENA Human Concern International To learn more visit: https://www.globalempowermentmission.org/mission/lebanon-crisis/ or GEM.org

06/13/2026

Following the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Mindanao, Philippines, on June 8, Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) Europe, and GEM Asia, in partnership with Royal Caribbean has mobilized emergency relief efforts to support affected communities across the region.

The powerful earthquake, the strongest to impact the area in decades, caused widespread destruction throughout southern Mindanao, damaging thousands of homes, schools, businesses, and critical infrastructure. According to current reports, at least 55 people have lost their lives, more than 1,100 have been injured, and over 45,000+ residents have been displaced from their homes. Tens of thousands more have been affected across the region as recovery efforts continue.

GEM Europe & Asia teams are actively operating in Sarangani Province and General Santos City, among the areas hardest hit by the disaster. Working alongside local partners and authorities, we have already begun distributing emergency relief supplies, including food, clean drinking water, hygiene items, and other essential necessities to affected families.

Beginning this week, our response will expand into additional communities across the region as assessments continue and urgent needs are identified. Reaching vulnerable populations remains challenging, as many roads and transportation routes have been severely damaged by the earthquake and subsequent landslides. To ensure aid reaches those most in need, distributions are being coordinated at accessible locations where families can safely gather and receive assistance.

We are deeply grateful to our partners at Royal Caribbean Group for helping make this response possible. Together, we remain committed to standing alongside the people of the Philippines during this difficult time, delivering critical relief and helping communities begin the long road to recovery. To learn more visit https://www.globalempowermentmission.org/mission/philippines-earthquake-2026/ or, GEM.org

06/12/2026

Meet the Team | Chief Operating Officer: Jeff Popovich.

Jeff brings decades of leadership, operational management, and disaster response experience to Global Empowerment Mission (GEM). Throughout his career, he has led large-scale operations, built high-performing teams, and developed systems focused on efficiency, accountability, and measurable impact.

As Chief Operating Officer, Jeff oversees GEM’s global operations, helping to drive the organization’s mission through effective disaster response, humanitarian aid distribution, logistics, compliance, warehousing, and long-term recovery programs. His leadership has been instrumental in strengthening GEM’s ability to rapidly deploy assistance, manage complex humanitarian operations, and support communities recovering from disasters around the world.

Driven by a commitment to service and operational excellence, Jeff works to ensure that resources are delivered efficiently, partnerships are strengthened, and every mission is executed with accountability, compassion, and transparency. From emergency response and humanitarian relief to rebuilding and recovery initiatives, his focus remains on helping communities recover stronger and more resilient than before.

Today, Jeff continues to lead GEM’s operational strategy and growth, supporting innovative solutions that maximize impact, strengthen partnerships, and ensure aid reaches those who need it most. GEM.org

06/09/2026

Our GEM EU emergency response team, in partnership with Royal Caribbean is deploying to the Philippines immediately. Ground team partners volunteers are already on site, preparing and packaging supplies for distribution.

36 hours ago, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck near General Santos. At least 37 people have died, around 480 are injured, and over 88,000 are affected. A tsunami warning was issued, with a wave recorded at 1.4 meters. Many buildings are damaged, people are in shelters, and aftershocks continue.

GEM is mobilizing aid immediately to deliver critical relief to those in urgent need. Please visit our Philippines Earthquake page for daily updates and how to support. To learn more, visit: https://www.globalempowermentmission.org/mission/philippians-earthquake-2026/

06/08/2026

🌺 Mahalo from GEM Hawaii Pacific branch to everyone who joined us at the Housing & Resource Fair! 🌺

What an incredible day of connection, collaboration, and hope for our Lahaina community.

We were honored to welcome 216 households who came to learn about housing opportunities, recovery resources, and programs designed to support long-term stability. The event brought together 15 community-based organizations and resource providers alongside 4 property management firms, creating a unique opportunity for residents to connect directly with services, housing options, and recovery partners all in one place.

Events like these remind us that recovery happens through partnership. By bringing housing providers, legal services, community organizations, and recovery programs together under one roof, we can help families navigate the path forward more efficiently and with greater support.

A heartfelt mahalo to all of the organizations, property managers, volunteers, and community members who made this event such a success. Your commitment to serving Maui continues to make a meaningful difference.

A special mahalo to Imua Maui Community Healing Initiative and Hawaiian Council for providing the grant funding that made this event possible. Your investment in our community creates opportunities for families to access the resources, connections, and housing solutions they need to move forward.

Together, we're building pathways home. GEM.org

06/06/2026

For the third consecutive year, Farm Share and Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) joined forces to host a statewide Hurricane Preparedness Community Distribution, helping thousands of Florida families prepare before disaster strikes.

Today’s initiative took place simultaneously at eight locations across Florida, with one additional distribution scheduled for tomorrow, June 7th, in Hialeah. Together, these events are providing residents with free hurricane preparedness essentials, including emergency blankets, flashlights, Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs), dignity kits, hydration powder, food and water, rain ponchos, pet food, and more.

Florida remains one of the nation’s most hurricane-vulnerable states, with millions of residents living in evacuation zones and storm-prone communities. Recent hurricanes have displaced thousands across the Southeast, underscoring the importance of preparedness before a storm arrives.

“Hurricane season can be unpredictable and stressful, but with advanced preparation, residents can survive and thrive after a disaster occurs,” said Stephen Shelley, CEO of Farm Share. “Our goal is to eliminate the financial barriers associated with storm preparedness and ensure every household has access to critical supplies before they are needed.”

“We know disasters are inevitable, but preparedness can make all the difference,” said Michael Capponi, Founder and President of GEM. “We are proud to partner with Farm Share for the third year in a row. Providing these preparedness kits is a critical step in helping communities face worst-case scenarios with greater confidence and resilience.”

This initiative highlights the power of proactive disaster readiness and strategic partnerships. Through GEM’s commitment to Smart Partnerships, organizations can maximize impact, stretch every donor dollar further, and help communities become stronger before the next storm arrives.

Learn more at GEM.org

06/05/2026