Hopefully, your visit to our website has given you the answers you need. Many of your questions can be answered by reading the website. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions by visitors. If you still have additional questions, feel free to contact us at info@empowerme.org.

What is Empower Me?

Empower Me! is the leading network for Black career and business women.

What are the Empower Me! Networks?

The Empower Me! Networks are chapter groups throughout the country that provide networking and development opportunities for Black Women looking to expand their personal and professional networks. There are two- Empower Me! Professional Network (for career women) and Empower Me! Business Network (for business women).

Why are there two different networks and what's the difference between them?

There are two networks because one network cannot be all things to career and business women. The business network is for women who have their own businesses and focuses on business development and growth opportunities. The professional network is for career women who are looking to gain valuable alliances and resources to help advance in their careers.

What does Empower Me! do?

Glad you asked! I think an easier question is what DON'T we do. Empower Me! provides a host of services to companies, business women and career women including coaching, business development consulting, retention consulting, program development, executive recruiting, specialty career fairs, career transition consulting, e-learning (online courses), workshops, mentor matching, and of course, the Empower Me! Networks. We also have a line of services that includes executive resume preparation, Resume Cards, Empower Me! Success Workbooks and a Career Planner.

What is your mission?

Our mission is to empower, promote, achieve equality and elevate the standards for Black Women in the business world and professions through education, networking, advocacy and information. In essence, "Empowering Black Women For Success!"

What kind of women do you target?

We target Black Women between 25-55 who are focused on building their careers and businesses. On the career side, we are more focused on women on the fast track looking to take their careers to the next level, as opposed to entry level or newcomers to the workforce. On the business side, we are focused on businesswomen who are already running their own businesses, but are looking for ways to grow and expand. We also work with new entrepreneurs to help them realize their goals. Please view our Media Kit for demographics.

How long has Empower Me! been around and how did you get started?

We have officially been Empower Me! since 2002. We began as Women's Online Institute (founded in 1998) offering only online courses to help business and career women keep their skills current. As we grew and began offering workshops offline and hosting events, we expanded our offerings, switched to a semi-virtual business model and began our networks.

What do you offer businesswomen?

We offer the Empower Me! Business Network. The services we offer to business women include business coaching, business development consulting, e-learning (online courses), entrepreneur workshops, mentor matching, and of course, various networking events where many wonderful connections are made. Our most popular offering for businesswomen is the Meet & Greet Business Connections. We also offer (to members) various co-operative advertising and marketing opportunities, special member benefits and discounts and member to member specials.

What do I gain from joining the Business Network?

You gain a network of sisters who are as concerned about your business success as you are. Being a member means you always can find someone to turn to for advice or input on issues that affect you and your business. Not to mention the various benefits, discounts and specials that come exclusively with membership. At our events, you have the opportunity to position yourself and your business in front of business-minded women and decision makers.

What do you offer career women?

We offer the Empower Me! Professional Network. The services we offer to career women include executive and career coaching, executive recruiting, specialty career fairs, career transition consulting, e-learning (online courses), career workshops, mentor matching, and of course, various networking events where many wonderful connections are made. Our most popular offering for career women is the Meet & Greet Professional Connections. We also offer (to members) various leads on job opportunities, special member benefits and discounts.

What do I gain from joining the Professional Network?

Being a member means you always can find someone to turn to for advice or input on issues that affect you and your career goals. We have an excellent Mentor Match program available. Not to mention the various benefits, discounts and specials that come exclusively with membership. At our events, you have the opportunity to position yourself in front of women and decision makers that can lead you to your next career step.

What are the Meet & Greet Connections and why are there two?

The Meet & Greet Connections is just what it implies. These are events that we host that give you the opportunity to meet and connect with wonderful women and companies that can be key to your success. They are two separate events- one for career women (Professional Connections), and one for business women (Business Connections).

What can a company gain from your programs?

Only a small handful of companies have created official programs that provide social, educational, recreational or hobby opportunities for employees, particularly minority women. Continued success depends upon the diverse skills, experiences and backgrounds that employees bring to the table. Fulfilled employees are an integral part of supporting a company's business objectives. These programs not only provide employees with personal developmental, networking and mentoring opportunities, they also play a critical role in fostering understanding of the unique and diverse needs, interests, and viewpoints of a company's employees, the communities in which they do business, and the marketplace. Empower Me! is very committed to helping create an environment that supports diversity and empowerment of Black Women in the corporate world.

What is Project Rising Star?

Project Rising Star was designed to create mentoring, peer and networking groups, career advancement and development, management/leadership training and workshops for Black Women that will give employees the opportunities to advance their careers with their present employers. We bring an integration of onsite consulting, training and coaching along with web based training and resources to help employers achieve their retention goals. Introducing a well-rounded career development program dedicated to attracting, retaining and advancing Black Women is key.

Empower Me! teamed up with major corporations to develop onsite, company-wide retention programs that provide mentoring, coaching, networking, career advancement/leadership training programs to Black Women employees through a blend of internal/external career development initiatives, and identify (and rectify) retention and advancement issues a company may have. Cultivating diversity relations, identifying high potential women and help further careers through a blended internal/external career development initiative helps in retaining and attracting more.

Who can join the Networks?

Any Professional Black Woman is eligible to join our networks. You must join the appropriate network for your specific goals. If you are a business owner or aspiring entrepreneur, you must join the Empower Me! Business Network. If you are a career woman, you must join the Empower Me! Professional Network.

How can I join one of the networks?

It's simple. All you do is fill out a membership application for the appropriate network. You can go online to fill it out, or you can download a printed application to fax or mail in. Applications must be submitted completed (we will not fill in any information for you) and must be accompanied by the $35 annual dues payment. Incomplete applications and/or missing payments will result in a delay in processing your membership.

What is the cost to join?

The cost is $35 per year for either the Professional or Business Network. We recently added the ability to register for a Dual Membership for $45 per year.

I don't have a chapter in my area. How can I get one set up?

Once you are a network member, if there is no active chapter within a 50 mile radius, you may file a Request for a Chapter application. If there are at least 10 members or potential members) in your area, a chapter will be formed.

What are the requirements for establishing a Network?

There must not be a current chapter within a 50-mile radius. There has to be a minimum of 10 members who want a chapter. An application request must be filed. And chapter officers must go through an orientation process. All persons interested in forming a chapter must be Network Members already.

Can I start a professional and a business network?

You sure can….but only if a) you are involved in both as related to your own life/goals and b) you follow the guidelines for starting a chapter. The two cannot be combined.

How can I get a mentor?

Well first, you need to be a member of one of the networks. Then, you will need to submit a Request for Mentor Match application. We will review your application and attempt to match you with an appropriate mentor based upon your requirements, location, and preferences.

How can I become a mentor?

Becoming a mentor is easy (and commendable). You must be a member of one of our networks before applying. You will need to submit a Mentor Match application along with references, information about your background and expertise and go through a review, then orientation process. You must have a minimum of ten (10) years experience in your industry to be considered for the Mentor Match program.

I would like to find out about events and other information about Empower Me. How do I get on your mailing list?

There are three ways to learn about our events. 1) Join one of the networks! Members are always kept informed of upcoming events in the Member's Section. 2) Join our eList. We post calendar information to the list continuously. 3) Visit the website at www.empowerme.org/events/ where you can get detailed information about all events.

I work for a company that does not have any initiatives for women. How can I get them interested?

The first step is talking to your Employee Relations, Human Resources or Department Managers to let them know you are interested in such a program. Then direct them to our website to read about the EMPN Corporate Program. Have them contact us as soon as they decide the program would be beneficial and we'll take it from there!

I see you have e-learning. How can I find out more about it?

Yes we do. E-learning is where we began. We offer a variety of courses through the Empower Me! Institute. We also offer onsite workshops and seminars for companies (including our Lunch & Learn events). You can get information by contacting us directly or by visiting our online campus at www.empowermeinstitute.com.

What kind of courses do you offer?

Currently we offer (to individuals) courses in career development, business & entrepreneurship, self development and financial well being.

Do you offer certificate programs?

Yes we do. There are currently three certificate programs: Empower Me! Entrepreneur Series and Empower Me! Career Management Program. These are not to be confused with certification.

Why is there a charge for coaching and not mentoring?

Mentoring is a volunteer program through which mentees gain information and guidance from a mentor. Coaching is an actual service with a certified, professional coach that is offered on an intensive, structured schedule.

I'm just looking to build my business and gain customers. Can you give me referrals?

No. That is not what Empower Me! is about. We are about building and cultivating relationships.

I see you are headquartered in Georgia. Do I have to be in Georgia to be a member or use your services?

No you don't. We are a national company. You can join regardless of where you are geographically.

I don't see any events listed for my area. When will you be coming to my area?

It's hard to say. We try to go to areas where we have a generous turn out. As we schedule dates, we will keep members and the public informed.