Our Purpose

EmpoweredMinds Achieve exists to bridge education and real-world skills so people can build lives that are sustainable, financially stable, and rooted in purpose. We blend STEAM, apparel trades, sustainable fashion, career and workforce development, financial literacy, environmental stewardship, AI and emerging technology, and mental well-being into hands-on learning.

Our purpose is to turn creativity into career and leadership pathways—and to care for both people and planet—by equipping youth, women, creatives, and changemakers to innovate, lead, and build resilient, equitable communities in a rapidly evolving world.

Why It Matters

Right now, humanity is consuming resources as if we had about 1.7 Earths. Some global analyses warn that if everyone consumed like today’s highest-consuming countries, we’d need the equivalent of 3–7 Earths to sustain our lifestyles by 2050. Fast fashion and disposable clothing are a major part of that footprint—from carbon emissions to water use and textile waste—which is why EarthSmart teaches a different way to design, buy, and produce.

Our programs are designed to close educational gaps, open career pathways, and build a more sustainable, empowered future. By blending innovation, creativity, and real-world skills, we prepare individuals to thrive in evolving industries, lead with purpose, and contribute to a more equitable, sustainable world.

EmpoweredMinds Achieve is more than education—it’s a movement for change, opportunity, and long-term impact.

View our programs and services.

Who We Work With

We truly believe in collaboration and partnerships.

Community partners

  • Demographics:

    Community centers, schools, nonprofits, and employers serving youth (middle school through college) and adults, including career-starters, career-changers, creatives, and entrepreneurs.

  • Needs:Partners seeking accessible training in apparel trades, sustainable fashion, STEAM/AI, financial literacy, and well-being, with clear pathways into jobs, promotions, and small-business opportunities.
  • Goals:Collaborate to co-create programs, workshops, and internships that build future-ready, credentialed skills and a local talent pipeline where people can learn, earn, lead, and advance environmental preservation.

Youth and Students

  • Demographics: Ages 12-25, including middle school, high school, and college students.
  • Needs: EmpoweredMinds Achieve provides support in mental health, sustainable education, financial literacy, and access to STEAM programs (including robotics).
  • Goals: The organization aims to help them achieve academic success, develop practical life skills, and explore career opportunities in STEAM fields.

Artists and Creatives

  • Demographics: Emerging and established artists, designers, and creative professionals.
  • Needs: EmpoweredMinds Achieve provides access to mental health resources, financial literacy programs tailored to the creative industry, and opportunities to integrate STEAM into their work.
  • Goals: The organization supports them in achieving financial stability, enhancing their craft with new technologies, and sustaining their creative careers.

Employers and Professionals

  • Demographics: Employers, HR professionals, and adult learners.
  • Needs: EmpoweredMinds Achieve offers resources for employee mental health, sustainable business practices, and ongoing professional development in financial literacy and STEAM. In addition, EmpoweredMinds Achieve provides opportunities for employers to work with students by providing real word work experiences to help them build professional portfolio and allow for enhanced career preparations.
  • Goals: The organization helps them create supportive workplaces, enhance employee skills, and promote sustainable and innovative practices within their organizations.

Educators and Mentors

  • Demographics: Teachers, mentors, and educational program coordinators.
  • Needs: EmpoweredMinds Achieve offers resources and training in sustainable practices, financial literacy, and STEAM education.
  • Goals: The organization equips them with the knowledge and tools to better support their students and mentees in achieving their full potential.

Parents and Guardians

  • Demographics: Parents and guardians of youth and students.
  • Needs: EmpoweredMinds Achieve provides information and resources to support their children’s mental health, education, and financial literacy.
  • Goals: The organization ensures that their children have the tools and support needed to succeed academically and personally.

EmpoweredMinds Achieve effectively tailors its programs and services to meet the specific needs and goals of each group, fostering a comprehensive and supportive community.

Leadership

TrinaMarie Shaw

Visionary Founder
President & CEO

TrinaMarie is the Founder, President & Executive Director of EmpoweredMinds Achieve, a Las Vegas–based 501(c)(3) that bridges sustainable fashion, STEAM/AI education, financial literacy, and mental well-being with real-world career and workforce pathways. With 20+ years in HR leadership and consulting for companies such as Republic Services, Hertz, Medco Health Solutions, and Wirtz Beverage—and 7+ years as a Broker Associate/Realtor®—she brings deep experience in workforce development, compliance, and strategic planning to her nonprofit work.

As Visionary Founder of EmpoweredMinds Achieve, she led the research and pilot that became a 501(c)(3) in 2025, building library and school partnerships that have served 600+ participants, diverted 1,600+ garments from landfills, and preserved an estimated 1 million gallons of water through EcoStitch apparel trades and sustainability programs. Previously, she chaired Solutions of Change, helping grow the organization from $0 to nearly $1 million while guiding a successful board transition, and has held leadership roles with the Junior League of Las Vegas, League of Women Voters, NCNW Las Vegas Chapter, Urban League of Las Vegas Young Professionals, and the NABJ–Las Vegas chapter.

A two-time Mrs. Nevada titleholder and the founder/host of the Better Homes & Therapy podcast, she uses public platforms to advance sustainable fashion, mental health, and economic empowerment. TrinaMarie holds an M.S. in Human Services, a B.S.B.A. in Human Resource Management, and dual A.S. degrees in Business and Commercial Photography. Her lived experience as a former foster youth with a parent navigating mental illness fuels a leadership style grounded in empathy, evidence-based practice, and building respected, certification-level workforce pathways for youth and adults.

In addition to her executive leadership, TrinaMarie brings a strong record of board and committee service. She has served as Board Chairwoman of Solutions of Change, Board Secretary for the Junior League of Las Vegas, Vice President of the Urban League Young Professionals, and Board Secretary of the National Association of Black Journalists – Las Vegas Chapter, along with roles in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and other civic organizations. She stays pretty busy as a proud wife, a “Glamma”, mom and bonus mom, and she enjoys tennis, golf, fitness, modeling, speaking, and spending time with her family and her best-of-best friend—her husband, Rich.

Lastly, TrinaMarie believes sharing her story helps others to live their truths. She is available for speaking engagements.

Stacy Powell

Stacy Powell

First Vice President
Board Treasurer & Compliance

Stacy is a seasoned Executive HR Strategist and HRIS Industry Leader with over 20 years of experience in Human Resources. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. As the owner and operator of SJP Independent Consultants, Stacy specializes in Human Resource Organizational Management and Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS).
 
Throughout her career, Stacy has progressed through various roles in Human Resources, beginning as an HR Admin in Banking and advancing to Vice President of Human Resources. Her expertise spans diverse industries, including Finance, Mining, Automotive, Hospitality, Healthcare, Cannabis, Education, and Retail Marketing. As the landscape of Human Capital, Finance, and Technology continues to evolve, Stacy has emerged as an HRIS Senior Leader, leveraging her strong knowledge of HR and finance to drive innovation and transformation within organizations. She collaborates closely with companies to optimize their business operations and implement the technology necessary for growth.
 
In addition to her consulting work, Stacy has served as the Chief Financial Officer for We Are Digital for a decade, where she played a pivotal role in strategic financial planning and organizational growth. She is also a Past Vice President of the Jack and Jill of America Las Vegas Chapter, contributing significantly to community service and youth development initiatives.
 
Stacy’s commitment to leadership extends beyond her professional endeavors. She has held various board positions, including Jr. Board Member for Protective Life, Executive Board Member for the Jack and Jill of America Las Vegas Chapter, Executive Board-Corresponding Secretary for the Birmingham Society for Human Resource Management, Executive Board Chair for the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources, and Financial Secretary for the Booker T. Washington Insurance Company. With 12 years of service on executive boards, Stacy exemplifies dedication to both her profession and community.

Paula Watkins-Baker

2nd Vice President
Board Member

Paula brings a powerful combination of leadership in education, entrepreneurship, and youth advocacy. As an administrator within the Student Support Division of the fifth-largest school district in the nation, Paula oversees services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Department, ensuring equitable access, communication support, and inclusive learning environments. Her work centers on strengthening systems that empower educators, engage families, and support student success.

A natural leader, Paula is the former Chapter President of the Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Las Vegas Chapter, where she also served as Program Director and Recording Secretary, and was appointed to the National Strategic Planning Committee. In The Las Vegas Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, she has held multiple leadership roles, including Services to Youth Chair, Parliamentarian, and currently serves as Chapter Strategic Planning Chair.

In addition to her work in education, Paula is an entrepreneur and financial literacy advocate with hands-on experience in stock market and cryptocurrency trading. She is deeply committed to helping youth and families build generational wealth through financial empowerment.

Her love for fashion began early. Paula became a model at age nine and has carried her passion into adulthood as a proud fashionista with aspirations of launching her own fashion line. Her eye for style and creativity continues to shine through in both her personal and professional life.

With a heart for service and a strategic mindset, Paula Watkins-Baker is committed to advancing the mission of EmpoweredMinds Achieve by supporting innovative programs that inspire, educate, and elevate the next generation of leaders.

Latoya Bembry

Director of Public Relations & Marketing
Advisory Board

As Vice President of Strategic Communications for The Ferraro Group, Ms. Bembry is responsible for planning, managing, expanding and implementing communications and public relations strategies and programs designed to support client goals/initiatives and enhance public image. 
Based in the Las Vegas office, Ms. Bembry oversees public relations, media relations, client relations, community outreach campaigns, advertising campaigns, and social media strategy.
Ms. Bembry began her career in public relations as a coordinator/intern in 2003, working under The Ferraro Group Principal Holly Silvestri. Ms. Bembry’s current and past client portfolio spans a wide range of industries including healthcare, law, education, public television, insurance, residential and commercial real estate, environmental, non-profit, food and beverage, and hospitality.
A native of Southern Nevada, Ms. Bembry attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where she was a member of Phi Alpha Delta and worked on public relations campaigns for Rancho High School and Canine Companions for Independence, Las Vegas chapter. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications Studies with an emphasis in Public Relations in 2003.
Ms. Bembry currently serves on the Mission Brand Awareness Committee for Special Olympics Nevada and has served on the Goodwill of Southern Nevada Board of Directors and the Nevada Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission. She also provides pro bono public relations and media relations support to nonprofits. Ms. Bembry served as a Big Sister for Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Southern Nevada for six years. Organizations that she has volunteered her time or pro bono public relations services include Heaven Can Wait Animal Sanctuary, The Shade Tree, Boys Town, Las Vegas Rescue Mission, J.T. McWilliams Elementary School, Three Square Food Bank, Northwest Career and Technical Academy, Anthony L. Pollard Foundation, Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation, JAG Nevada, Nevada Donor Network, Vegas PBS, Nevada SPCA, Amor Peludo, Las Vegas Humane Society, the Southern Nevada chapter of Susan G. Komen, There Is No Hero In Heroin Foundation, and Opportunity Village.
Ms. Bembry was selected as a member of the Vegas Chamber’s Leadership Las Vegas Class of 2025 (Lions) and was named one of Vegas Inc.’s “40 Under 40” honorees in 2017.

Britta Carlson-Sessums

Fashion & Apparel Education & Curriculum
Advisory Board

Britta has been sewing and creating home décor for
more than 35 years. As an experienced seamstress, she created her family-run business, Britta Leigh Designs, taking great pride in the relationships she builds with her customers and in the community. She and her team are fastidious about quality construction and strive to create long lasting, stylish, and sophisticated creations.
 
“My tools are industrial sewing machines that allow me to create garments using everything from light-weight chiffon to handbags with leather. About twenty years ago, I began creating high quality handbags that mixed my love of fashion with my love of sewing as a creative outlet to offset a high stress finance career. The result, Britta Leigh Designs!”
 
Britta joined the Junior League of Las Vegas in 2002 and held numerous chair and board positions including President in 2012/2013. A native Las Vegan and life-long sewer, Britta helped start the Fashion Forward project as the Provisional Training project in 2007-2008.

Joel Scott

Director of Youth Leadership
Advisory Board

Joel is a seasoned construction professional with two decades of leadership in residential and commercial projects, based in Las Vegas since 2005. Born and raised in Sacramento, California, he brings a collaborative and results-driven approach to leadership development and community service.
 
Professional Career
Senior Project Manager & Estimator, Nigro Construction (16 years with the company)
Expertise: high-end luxury remodels, multi-family developments, condo tower improvements, fire and flood restoration, construction defect investigations, and litigation/settlement repairs
Industry breadth: home building, restaurants, medical facilities, and small hotel projects
 
Joel combines deep technical knowledge with practical project leadership, enabling teams to deliver complex projects on time, on budget, and with a focus on safety, to deliver quality results.
 
Education
California State University, Sacramento (2001–2005)
  Major: Construction Management (Business emphasis)
  Coursework towards, Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communications
 
His academic foundation supports the framework of his professional career, emphasizing how clear communication and strong project management drive successful outcomes.
 
Community & Leadership
From age 17, Joel has embraced leadership and service. His early experience as a Youth Leader with Young Life included a mission trip supporting Compassion International, to build a house for a homeless family in Mexico. That experience catalyzed his lifelong commitment to community improvement and service.
 
Over the past 18+ years, Joel has expanded his service, leadership, and engagement with the community across a wide spectrum of organizations and initiatives, including but not limited to:
 
Faith-Based
Young Life, Wyldlife, Compassion International, Lake Hills Covenant Church, Mayor’s Faith Initiative-City of Las Vegas
 
Business Leadership & Management
Advisory Board, UNLV Customer Experience Certification Program, Toastmasters International
 
Youth Leadership & Youth Support
Youth Ambassadors Las Vegas, J4AG Nevada, Opportunity Village, Boys & Girls Clubs,
The Miracle League, City of Las Vegas—Youth Development & Social Initiatives
 
First Responders
Nevada Professional Firefighters (NPF), Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Henderson Police Department, Nevada State Police
 
Cancer Research & Medical Patient Support
Susan G. Komen, American Cancer Society, Ronald McDonald House, St. Baldrick’s Foundation, St. Jude’s Hospital, Make-A-Wish Foundation
 
Human Rights, Lifestyle & Culture
PFLAG, GLAAD, AFAN, HRC, Las Vegas Pride, Advisory Board- International Cultural Movement for Equality- Henderson Pride
 
Victims of Domestic Violence, Human, Child & Sex Trafficking
St. Jude’s Ranch, The Shade Tree Organization 
 
Homeless & At-risk Homelessness
Salvation Army, Catholic Charities
 
Environmental
Eco-Topia
 
Pageantry 
Miss Earth USA, Miss USOA, Miss America, Miss USA, Miss Fabulous America 
 
Animal Rescues & Advocacy
SPCA, NSPCA, Canine Companions, Paws For a Cause, A Home For Spot
 
Joel believes that non-profit and charitable organizations are the bloodlines that keep communities resilient and thriving. His commitment to service is anchored in collaboration, inclusion, and empowering youth to become confident leaders who positively impact their communities.

Join Our Newsletter And Stay In The Know

Stay updated on our work, upcoming events and workshops, partner support, inspiring stories about the people we serve and how you can make a difference!

Name

Board of Directors (Voting)

These core leaders shape strategy, ensure compliance, and drive mission-aligned decisions for EmpoweredMinds Achieve.

President & CEO

Leads vision, meetings, and board governance. Provides strategic leadership, presides over board meetings, and ensures alignment with the organization’s mission.

First Vice President

– 2nd in charge. Specific responsibilities assigned. Steps in for the President/CEO when needed.

Second Vice President

– 3rd in charge. Leads development strategy fundraising campaigns, and specific responsibilities as assigned.

Treasurer

Oversees finances, reporting, grant compliance, and budget planning. Manages financial health, reporting accuracy, and budget oversight in alignment with nonprofit compliance.

Director of Public Relations & Marketing

Brand visibility, storytelling, community engagement, social media, and public relations. Amplifies the organization’s voice and reach through campaigns, partnerships, and content strategy.

Director (Open Seat – Law, AI, or Sustainable Fashion)

To be filled based on current organizational focus. Offers subject-matter expertise to advance key initiatives.

Director of Programming & Development

Guides programming, eco-conscious initiatives, and innovation. Oversees curriculum design, program rollout, and sustainability-centered initiatives that empower community impact.

Advisory Council (Non-Voting – Expertise & Support)

These professionals offer subject-matter expertise, community insight, and strategic support. While non-voting, they are vital in guiding EmpoweredMinds Achieve’s mission-aligned work.

Sustainability Advisor

Guides environmental strategy, sustainable fashion practices, and eco-conscious program development.

STEAM & Innovation Advisor

Provides insight into science, technology, engineering, arts, and math programming with an emphasis on innovation and emerging tech (e.g. AI).

Mental & Emotional Wellness Advisor

Supports mental health initiatives, student resilience, and wellness-based curriculum. May include a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist.

Legal & Nonprofit Compliance Advisor

Offers legal guidance, ensures nonprofit compliance, and assists with contracts, policy, and risk management.

Education & Curriculum Advisor

Collaborates on program structure, education alignment, and youth engagement strategies.

Philanthropy & Grant Strategy Advisor

Supports grant development, donor engagement, and overall fundraising strategy with a focus on sustainability and growth.

Youth Leadership/Board Advisor

Ensures youth voice is integrated into programs and planning. May mentor student board representatives or youth ambassadors.

Digital Content Strategist

Advises on content planning, brand alignment, digital storytelling, and social media engagement to elevate visibility and impact.

More data and information is coming to our website so stay tuned. You can also contact us for more information.