Meet the Team
The leadership team at The Empowerment Approach brings together expertise in education, technology, communications, nonprofit development, and community engagement. United by a shared passion for youth empowerment, our leaders work collaboratively to inspire future generations through mentorship, scholarships, leadership development, and educational opportunities.
Kaiesha D. Ford
Co-Founder | IT Consultant | Author | Coach | Speaker
Guided by a lifelong passion for service, Kaiesha creates opportunities that help young people build brighter futures. She is committed to providing the resources, confidence, and support they need to succeed. Professionally, Kaiesha is a Senior Software QA Consultant with more than 15 years of experience in technology, specializing in quality assurance, process improvement, and strategic leadership. Acquiring a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Computer Information Systems from Spring Hill College, she received her MBA specializing in IT Management from Capella University.
Kaiesha is also the Founder and CEO of The Fordward Approach LLC, a coaching and speaking firm dedicated to helping purpose-driven individuals transform their lived experiences into published books. Through her work, she empowers others to find their voice, embrace their truth, and lead with confidence.
A published author, poet, and inspirational speaker, Kaiesha believes storytelling has the power to heal, educate, and inspire change, and she uses her voice to encourage others to do the same. Through her leadership in technology, entrepreneurship, authorship, and nonprofit service, Kaiesha continues to bridge innovation, creativity, and community impact. Her personal mission is to help individuals and organizations move forward with purpose, empowerment, and possibility.
Alecia J. Howell
Co-Founder | Educator
As an award-winning social studies educator with the Mobile County Public School System, Alecia is passionate about helping students understand the world around them, developing the confidence and critical thinking skills needed to become future leaders. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in education from Spring Hill College. Her dedication to academic excellence and student success has earned her the distinction of Teacher of the Year twice, initially in 2017-2018 and again in 2023-2024, as selected by her colleagues.
Through her years in the classroom, Alecia recognized the need for greater historical knowledge and cultural awareness. She also saw the importance of positive role models and mentorship opportunities for young people. These experiences inspired her to co-found The Empowerment Approach, creating a platform that extends learning beyond the classroom and connects youth with the resources, role models, and experiences necessary to thrive.
Combining her expertise in education with a deep commitment to service, Alecia remains dedicated to empowering the next generation to embrace their identity, pursue their goals, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Geoffrey Lartey
Marketing & Public Relations Partner
Geoffrey is a strategic leader working at the intersection of technology, nonprofit development, and organizational growth. As the Marketing & Public Relations Partner for The Empowerment Approach, he leads initiatives that strengthen brand positioning, elevate visibility, and expand community engagement for the organization’s mission of youth empowerment through education, creative arts, and mentorship.
With extensive experience supporting nonprofits, SMEs, and social impact organizations, Geoffrey specializes in building systems that enhance operational efficiency, digital capacity, and sustainable growth. His work spans grant development, donor engagement, digital marketing strategy, and the implementation of scalable technology solutions that improve organizational impact.
Geoffrey has supported a wide range of mission-driven initiatives, including nonprofit fundraising, youth development programs, legal literacy advocacy, and global talent and employment solutions. He is also experienced in developing digital infrastructure such as websites, marketing systems, and online campaigns that increase visibility and stakeholder engagement.
Beyond nonprofit leadership, Geoffrey is passionate about connecting strategy with execution, helping organizations transform ideas into measurable outcomes. His goal is to empower communities and institutions to grow sustainably through innovation, collaboration, and purpose-driven communication.
Leading with Purpose
Every member of our nonprofit leadership team is committed to creating opportunities that empower young people to learn, grow, and lead. Together, we continue building stronger communities through education, mentorship, and service.