Our team is made up of believers and warriors — people who know that resilience can triumph over adversity. We are committed to standing with those who are ready to take the steps toward a brighter future, providing support, encouragement, and real solutions along the way. Together, we forge paths to success, fueled by hope, courage, and the unwavering belief that every life can be transformed.

Our Founder & CEO

A smiling woman with shoulder-length dark hair, wearing a black turtleneck and earrings, against a black background.

Wuela's leadership is distinguished by her firm belief that "it takes a village"—a philosophy that champions collaborative approaches to community challenges. She recognizes that sustainable change requires collective effort and shared responsibility rather than isolated interventions. The leadership of Empower and Link represents a perfect alignment of personal passion, professional experience, and practical wisdom. She leads with both heart and head—balancing compassionate understanding with strategic thinking. Under her direction, Empower and Link operates with the understanding that lack of resources and support—not lack of potential—is what frequently prevents individuals and families from achieving stability and advancement. Her vision for Empower and Link embodies the belief that with the right connections and support, individuals can overcome barriers and build fulfilling, self-determined lives.

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Meet the Board

  • A woman with blonde hair wearing a black turtleneck, smiling at the camera against a dark blue background.

    Maureen "Mo" Barkley

    Dedicated Philanthropist and Community Advocate

  • A smiling elderly woman with curly gray hair wearing colorful rectangular glasses. She is in front of a bright pink background with rainbow-colored decorations and presents around her.

    Mildred “Pebbles” Fish

    Deep Expertise in Healthcare, Foster Care Systems & Child Welfare Advocacy

  • A smiling man with short gray hair and a beard, wearing a black suit, white shirt, and patterned tie, standing outdoors with a green wooded hillside and a highway in the background.

    Michael P. Lewis

    Dedicated Educational Leader and Passionate Advocate

  • Portrait of a woman with straight, shoulder-length brown hair, smiling, wearing a black turtleneck, against a plain white background.

    Anca Popovici

    Strategy & Ops Leader at Google | x-Marketer

  • A woman taking a selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.

    Anjellica Scott

    Co-founder and Executive Director, The Change Initiative

  • Smiling middle-aged woman with short, light brown hair, wearing a green top and small earrings.

    Kim Weaver

    Executive Business and Nonprofit Leader

  • Headshot of a smiling middle-aged man with short dark hair, a mustache and beard, wearing a dark pinstripe suit, a white shirt, a striped tie, and an American flag lapel pin, against a gray background.

    Eric Lee Fithyan

    Owner & Director, Chambers & James Funeral Homes

  • A man with short hair wearing a black suit, red shirt, and red tie, smiling against a blue textured background.

    Patrick Kerr

    Chief Psychologist & Director, WVU School of Medicine

  • A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, smiling, wearing a black jacket over a patterned top, with a gold necklace, sitting indoors with a dark background.

    Lisa Hawrot

    Family Law Attorney and a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

  • A woman with glasses and wavy brown hair, smiling, sitting on a dark brown tufted leather couch, with a green leafy background behind her.

    Lauren Kotz

    Region 1 State Opioid Response Programs Administrator

  • Portrait of a young woman with long dark hair, smiling, wearing a dark green blazer and a light-colored top, against a dark background.

    Courtney Sierra

    VP, Workplace Community & Engagement Strategist, WesBanco Bank

  • A smiling man with a beard and mustache in a gray suit, white shirt, and striped tie, standing outdoors with a cityscape and hills in the background.

    Tony Viola

    Broker and Owner of Howard Hanna Mortimer Realty

  • A photo of Olivia Dowler

    Olivia Dowler

    Candidate for WV House of Delegates

  • A photo of Teresa Kubinski

    Teresa Kubinski

    Financial Officer / Accountant

  • A photo of Amy Kirlangitis

    Amy Kirlangitis

    Workforce / Transportation Specialist