Lesley Gadson

CEO and Founder 

Certified Life Coach and Motivational Speaker is a native of Columbia South Carolina and graduate of Dreher High School. Lesley attended college at Southern Wesleyan University where she was a colligate athlete and graduated with a degree in biology and psychology. She’s currently a Graduate Student of Webster University with a concentration in Counseling. Lesley is the founder and CEO of Empowered U, a youth organization geared towards serving the community through empowering the minds of the youth.

The teaching of this organization is focused on letting the youth know that in everything they do, their mindset matters. Lesley has served the population through teaching youth Sunday school for the past 6 years, as well as motivational speaking in many programs and community events including Richland County Sheriff Department Youth Services Empowerment Academy, Camp L.O.T.T (Leading our Troubled Teens) and Juveniles Under Motivated Pressure (J.U.M.P) Program. Not only does she empower the minds of the youth she also volunteer feeding the homeless through a program under this organization.  Changing the lives of the youth is her passion because when you change your mind, you will change your life.  

That’s what we teach the youth, mindset matters. At Empowered U we inspire youth to transform their way of thinking; In everything you do the way you think is important. We understand that negative thinking can influence negative actions. Empowered U promotes healthy choices through habits of positive thinking. Our message to the youth is when you decide to change your mind, you will then begin to see your entire life change. “Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life." 

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Ebonee Gadson

Owner of Noisy Wings Southeast 

Development Director and Coach

The Development Director primary responsibility is to develop and implement a strategic plan to raise funds and organize annual goals for Empowered U.

"Some may ask why did I choose Empowered U? Empowered U chose me.  I say it laughingly, but the organization couldn't have been formed at a better time.  When asked to be a part of this movement, it wasn't something that I had to give any thought to.  I knew from it's inception that I wanted to serve in any capacity necessary.

My goal with this organization is to teach the youth that they possess more power than they realize.  It's my desire for them to understand their purpose already lies within, and each decision they make gets them closer to executing it.  I want them to know that who they are is not defined by where they come from or what labels may have been placed on them by society. "

Treva Gadson

Co-Owner of Noisy Wings

Program Trainer  and Coach

"My role with Empowered U is Community Outreach Coordinator, acting as the link between the organization and the people we aim to assist. The reasoning why I do what I do is simply because I am inspired by seeing youth unlock their potential and excel in their lives. I am a witness that your beginning does not have to be your ending. It is not how you start , but it is how you finish. I aim to form positive relationships and make a lasting impact on the lives we come in contact with. 

My primary goal with Empowered U is to teach the youth to ignite their potential and create a healthier quality of life. Many young people have the spirit to make things happen, they just need to be given the space to excel. With good community support, love, and guidance; this organization will help the  young people grow, develop and protect that fire within them to ensure they reach their full potential.  "

Jordan Thomas

Co-Founder of Share ONE Love

Lead Life Skills Coach 

Jordan Thomas was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina. Graduating from the University of South Carolina in 2013 with a B.S. in Biology, Jordan had initially planned on pursuing a career in medicine. In 2014, his life was completely changed when he had the opportunity to travel to the country of Sri Lanka in Southeast Asia. That experience completely deconstructed the lenses in which he viewed the world. In 2015, Jordan helped plan, organize and implement the inaugural Global Unites Summit, where youth peace-builders from fifteen countries came together to discuss launching peace-building movements all across the globe. In the years following the Summit, Jordan has worked both in the non-profit and for-profit sectors of business through his employment with NorthStar Christian Center, work with youth through his own non-profit, Share ONE Love, and his current position at the Burkett Law Firm, LLC. Jordan has a passion to come alongside the younger generation to inspire them to take ownership of their own stories and build for a future that promotes value for all. He has worked with youth from all over the world and is humbled by the opportunity to come alongside Empowered U to equip the next generation.

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Certifications: Trained Coach

Dr. Shameka Mack-Sanders

Author

Volunteer Coordinator and Coach

The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for organizing, training, and supervising the volunteer staff. "It is important for our youth to understand what they have or do not have should not limit their ability to succeed and strive for greatness. Because these concepts are essential to cultivating a culture of success and progress for our youth, I believe it is necessary to help our youth recognize their potential by changing their thought process. After all, change is not hard like most people have said.

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 "It is just a matter of changing your mindset and deciding to make better choices no matter what your situation looks like. Even if those better choice start off small, that is perfectly OK.  Like Nike…Just Do It." 

Brittany Matthews

The Promotion Lady

Marketing Coach

"My name is Brittany Matthews, Empowered U Mentor. I am one of the lead branding problem solvers in Columbia, SC with a Bachelor's of Arts Degree from the University of South Carolina. Being passionate about promoting others and giving them the right exposure is my specialty. I currently have over twelve years of experience in web development, graphic design, branding, marketing, and online social management, which qualifies me to be able to lead the youth in their business ventures. 

As an Empowered U youth entrepreneur mentor, I help the youth fulfill their dreams of becoming business owners.  I assist the youth in gaining clients and share tools needed to build lasting professional relationships." 

Dr. Marcia Iszard

Coach

Dr. Marcia Iszard is a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) employed at Palmetto Health Richland located in Columbia, SC.

Marcia was a 1998 graduate of Dreher High School.  She began her nursing career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in 2001.  She later earned her Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from Florence Darlington Technical College in 2005.  Having the desire to advance her career, she obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).  As a goal oriented individual, she decided she wanted to move into advanced practice to further her career.  She graduated with a Masters of Science in Nurse Anesthesia from MUSC in December 2009 and passed the certification exam to become a CRNA.  Always moving forward and seeking to advance both professionally and academically, she obtained her doctorate degree from MUSC in December 2017.

Marcia married Nicholas J. Iszard in 2003 and they have two children, Nicholas Chase (6) and Nora (4).  Marcia and her family reside in Blythewood, SC and enjoy traveling and spending time with each other.

Nehemiah Stewart

Civil Engineer 

Coach

"I am male mentor for Empowered U; my primary role is to encourage change and elicit growth in the young male. I joined this organization because of the vision and mission, my goal is to inspire the youth and help them understand the importance of self-ownership and responsibility. 

 Educating the youth to change their mindset and teaching them that sometimes you have to change your surroundings (friends) in order to be successful. I agree with the message that Empowered U was founded on (mindset matters) and I believe that being part of a community that has the same visions and goals will help spread this message effectively." 

Ken Holloway

Business Owner

Coach

My name is Ken Holloway one of the coaches for Empowered U.  I am a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a degree in Business.  I have been married to my wife Anna for 32 years and we have two children Tyler (26) and Kelsey (22).  I currently own 4 locations of a Specialty auto parts company along with a company that services the Heavy Duty Truck market.   Prior to this I spent 27 years in Corporate America in the snack food industry working in operations, training, sales and marketing for Frito Lay, Keebler, and Lance. 

I was blessed early on in my career with a mentor that made a real difference in my life both professionally and personally.  I saw first hand the benefits of having someone that has experience guide you through the different stages of life.  I am very passionate to make a difference with our youth.  Every generation has challenges but todays youth have a microscope on them 24/7 with social media and cell phones.  One misstep can set you back for years.  My goal is to help arm our youth with  tools, knowledge, and  hands on experience so that they can make the right decisions to succeed and reach their full potential.

Dennis Gadson

Owner of Noisy Wings Restaurant

Coach

"Mentor, Business Man, Motivational Speaker, Husband and Father; Im Dennis Gadson and male mentor for Empowered U. I’ve always had a passion for the youth; being leader of the youth department at my church has encouraged me to go beyond the four walls and reach the heart of the youth. 

Coming from a life of unhealthy decisions, let downs, disappointment, fear, failure, loneliness and heart break, STILL I RISE! One day I made a decision; I wanted to change my life!

I remember after one of the male mentoring sessions, a young man who was troubled in the home and community came to one of the sessions one way, but left with a total different mindset. He wrote to the organization on how he was impacted and motivated for change after many fail attempts by others. That is the reason I’m with Empowered U! The youth today needs encouragement and presence; being there counts. Talking time is over, it’s about time we stand up , put boots on the ground and speak out. They have a voice and I’m here to listen."