2025 Annual Report
Table of Contents We Are The Village
02
Letter from the CEO
03
Leadership
04
Year In Review
05
Programs
07
Prosperity Pillar/ Village Empowerment Network
08
Village Ventures Pitch Competition
09
North Star/ Power Swing Classic
10
Village Black Pages
11
Peace Pillar/ Juneteenth
12
Power Walk for Mental Health
13
Power Pillar/Operation Ballot Box
14 15
Financial Summary
EMPOWER THE VILLAGE
A Letter From ETV Founder & CEO ~ Ayo Sanderson Wilson
2025: A YEAR OF RESILIENCE Dear Village Members, 2025 tested all of us!
Political chaos, economic shifts, funding uncertainties, all while ETV continued to address the growing needs within our communities required Resilience, Creativity, and an Unwavering Faith in what is possible when we stand together. I am proud to say that Empower The Village did more than endure — we advanced. Because of you. Our mission to restore Prosperity, Peace, and Power within our community is not a slogan. It is a call to action. And in 2025, that call was answered by; Entrepreneurs who showed up ready to grow their businesses, strengthen their connections and network, create jobs, and reinvest in their communities; Donors who remained committed and invested in ETV’s data-driven, community-led solutions; and Corporate and Community Partners who withstood new challenges to their authority to support nonprofits that continue to deliver measurable impact for under-resourced communities, notwithstanding the proliferation of anti-Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, anti-Black, anti-immigrant sentiment, policies and mandates across the nation. True, and lasting, progress requires resilience in the face of resistance! Progress is undeniable when Village members choose to lock arms and move Forward Together. This year, we deepened our work across our Economic Prosperity and Community Empowerment initiatives, expanded access to entrepreneurial education, supported emerging and seasoned business owners, and continued delivering data-driven programs designed to close opportunity gaps. Each milestone reflects a collective commitment — not just from our team, but from The Village itself. Let me be clear: ETV’s success depends on community strength and commitment. Nonprofits do not thrive on good intentions alone. They thrive when participants actively engage in programs, when donors give consistently and generously, and when supporters share and advocate for the mission within their networks. They thrive when companies choose to partner, sponsor, and engage. They thrive when each of us values of Collaboration, Community, Accountability, and Shared Prosperity. That is what makes The Village powerful. To those who have stood steady in your support — through every season, every campaign, every call to action — Thank You. Your belief in our mission has provided stability in uncertain moments and momentum when it mattered most. Your partnership has allowed us to remain focused, strategic, and impact-driven. As we look ahead, we do so with hope — not because the road will be easy, but because we know we are not walking it alone. The challenges of 2025 strengthened our resolve. They reminded us that collective action is our greatest asset and that transformational change requires sustained commitment. Empower The Village will continue to lead with purpose and transparency while delivering measurable impact today and developing a legacy that inspires future generations. We invite you to continue building with us — by participating, investing and amplifying ETV’s work so that more members of our community can access the tools, knowledge, and resources they require to thrive. Together, we are not simply responding to the moment . . . We Are Controlling Our Own Destiny! With gratitude and determination,
Ayo
2025 ANNUAL REPORT PG2
Board of Directors
Paula Tuffin Board Chair
Perri Richman
Denelle Waynick Johnson Vice Chair
David Hubbard
Jack Cox Treasurer
Maurice Kuykendoll
Allyson Hugley
Annie Sneed-Godfrey
Shaun Freeman
Advisory Council
Kimberly MacKay
Karl Charles-Pierre
Jessica Colon
Randall McMillan
Dr. Christina Johnson
Erik Miller
Ayo Sanderson Wilson Founder, President & CEO Empower The Village
Mikeisha Anderson Jones
Bonnie Carter
Harry O’Mealia
Michellene Davis
Curille K. McKenna Program & Research Manager Empower The Village
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ETV Year In Review February 2025 3rd Annual Empowerment Summit
January 2025 ETV supports the MLK Observance Breakfast in Morristown
Village Ventures Pitch Competition North Star Celebration
May 2025 Small Business Week Social Media Campaign June 2025 5th Annual Juneteenth Art Exhibit & Celebration and publishes ETV’s For the Love of Art Commemorative Art Journal
September 2025 4th Annual Power Swing Classic Golf Fundraiser & Rising Star Awards Ceremony
October 2025 ETV publishes the Greater Newark edition of its Village Black Pages in partnership with Metropolitan Baptist Church
March - April 2025 2025 Spring Giving Campaign Annual Strategic Planning Retreat
May 2025 3rd Annual Power Walk for Mental Health
September 2025 ETV supports Sistahs in Sales Art Exhibit
October 2025 Operation: Ballot Box: 2025 Launched in partnership with North Jersey Chapter Jack & Jill of America Couples Wealth & Wellness Workshop in partnership with Calvary Baptist Church
November 2025 Donor & Volunteer Appreciation Reception December 2025 VEN Holiday Networking Mixer December 2025 Holiday Gift Guide Release Year End Giving Campaign
ETV EMPOWERS THE VILLAGE: A YEAR OF MEASURABLE IMPACT In 2025, Empower The Village (ETV) further advanced its mission with bold action, measurable results, and community-centered leadership. By partnering with the Village to overcome the new challenges and attacks on the communities we serve Through our continued focus on Economic Empowerment and Community Wellness, we expanded our reach and deepened our impact This year alone, over 2,000 active participants engaged in ETV programs and events designed to build financial independence, entrepreneurial success, and personal wellbeing. Our digital presence also grew significantly, surpassing 5,000 social media followers and newsletter subscribers, allowing us to amplify Black-owned businesses, share educational resources, and mobilize support at scale 2025 .
Through strategic programming, economic reinvestment, advocacy partnerships, and cultural celebration, ETV remained steadfast in building sustainable ecosystems where businesses grow, artists thrive, families strengthen, and communities prosper.
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Imagine what could happen if the money you spent this Friday supported Black-owned Businesses... What could happen if you did that at least every Friday...
Join the Movement! Support Black Businesses Families & Communities Fun Fact: 1 out of every 7 days is a Friday WED
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FRI
SAT
Empower Black-Owned Businesses & Communities utilizing our 25 free State Directories with ~30,000 listings!
Fun Fact: 1 out of every 7 Americans is Black
ETV provides the Black community with access to quality, affordable GE ASS mental health services. LA
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ETV’s nonpartisan voter education and mobilization program is executed annually with Village Partners to inform Black voters in key strategic states how and where to vote early, reliably, and unimpeded by the vestiges of systemic racism and abuse.
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OPERATION: BALLOT BOX
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ETV connects the community to licensed Black psychiatrists, psychologists and other wellness professionals.
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Expert business counseling and individual financial coaching for Black entrepreneurs and community members. Includes networking opportunities and access to online and in-person courses needed to survive and thrive!
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VILLAGE
VENTURES ™
BUSINESS PITCH COMPETITION The ETV Village Ventures Pitch Competition provides Black entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their business to an expert panel of judges for cash prizes. The Pitch Competition not only gives entrepreneurs an opportunity to raise capital, but also receive coaching during the process to help them grow their companies successfully.
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Economic Empowerment ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT: INVESTING IN SMALL BUSINESSES Economic empowerment remains at the core of ETV’s mission. In 2025, we reinvested approximately $750,000 into small and diverse businesses servicing ETV and benefiting from its programs. This intentional reinvestment strategy ensures that dollars circulate within the community, strengthening long-term economic sustainability. Through our Make Every Friday Black Friday initiative, ETV increased visibility and customer reach for 271 businesses via free promotion across social media and newsletters. These efforts translated into expanded brand exposure, new customers, and increased revenue opportunities. Our Village Black Pages Business Directory generated 8,541 clicks in 2025, connecting consumers directly to Black-owned businesses. Each click represents intentional economic redirection—an actionable step toward closing the racial wealth gap. Additionally, ETV paid out approximately $260,000 to artists participating in our annual Juneteenth Art Exhibit, reinforcing our commitment to creative entrepreneurs as vital contributors to the economic ecosystem.
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VILLAGE EMPOWERMENT NETWORK (VEN): ENTREPRENEURIAL GROWTH IN ACTION Economic empowerment remains at the core of ETV’s mission. In 2025, we reinvested approximately $750,000 into small and diverse businesses servicing ETV and benefiting from its programs. The Village Empowerment Network (VEN) experienced a 26% year-over-year increase in businesses enrolled. Approximately 250 businesses and individuals participated in the program in 2025, gaining access to financial education, networking, on-demand training, and personalized support. VEN provided 100+ counseling sessions to entrepreneurs and community members, helping business owners refine strategy, improve operations, and access critical capital pathways.
This hands-on guidance reflects ETV’s belief that education and mentorship are foundational to sustainable business growth. Through VEN, ETV continues to cultivate resilient entrepreneurs equipped with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to scale their enterprises and build generational wealth.
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Empowerment Summit 2025 Controlling Our Destiny!
Watch the 2025 Summit Video on YouTube
ETV’s Empowerment Summit, themed “Controlling Our Destiny,” features a Black-Owned Business & Resource Marketplace, four educational workshops, and a keynote panel designed for the community. Our Marketplace is a platform to generate revenue, connect entrepreneurs with potential business leads, and facilitate networking among like-minded individuals.The Empowerment Summit kicked off this years Black History month with features panels on entrepreneurship, mental health, and financial wellness led by expert panelists.
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North Star Celebration
Celebrating E³ = Excellence, Entrepreneurship & Empowerment
2025 North Star Honorees
Inaugural Legacy Honorees
Sankofa Honoree
Annie Sneed-Godfrey & Darryl Godfrey Owners of Smart Sudz
Ramelle Massey & Emma Massey Owners of Massey Insurance Agency
Michele Meyer-Shipp CEO, Dress for Success Worldwide
Watch the 2025 North Star Celebration
PG9
VILLAGE VENTURES PITCH COMPETITION: INVESTING IN ENTREPRENEURIAL DREAMS ETV’s Annual Village Ventures Business Pitch Competition provides entrepreneurs the opportunity to refine their pitches and compete for growth capital. With a panel of three expert judges and six finalists, the competition culminates at ETV’s North Star Celebration. ETV has awarded more than $45,000 to pitch finalists. Village Ventures reflects ETV’s hands-on commitment to bridging capital gaps and providing entrepreneurs with both funding and visibility to sustain and scale their businesses.
2025 PITCH COMPETITION WINNERS
Adrienne M. Fudge
Salimah Scott
Clevonne St. Hillaire
Urban Glo
Brilliant Image Cleaning Service
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
Myani Lawson
Janice Wanjiku
Dr. Christina Hector
40 Dreams Catering
Bergen Lafayette Montessori School
4th Place
MremboNYC
Onyx Aesthetics & Sports Medicine
5th Place
5th Place
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4th Annual
POWER SWING CLASSIC SUPPORTING ETV’S PROSPERITY PROGRAMS
Empower The Village’s Power Swing Classic offers a dynamic platform to promote the mission and vision of ETV while raising funds for our Economic Prosperity initiatives. This event supports Black-owned businesses and their families and serves as a valuable networking opportunity. It also highlights our Village Empowerment Network program and Prosperity Pillar programs, amplifying our efforts to drive economic growth and community empowerment.
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Our economic empowerment movement and multiplatform awareness initiative – MAKE EVERY FRIDAY, BLACK FRIDAY!® – encourages all Americans interested in racial equity and economic justice to take action to close the wealth gap between Black Americans and other Americans.
Features 30,000 Black-owned businesses across 25 states.
The Village Black Pages is a critical resource that enables individuals to empower and patronize ~30,000 Black-owned enterprises to create jobs and build wealth across 25 states, where 90% of the Black US population lives, works and owns businesses.
271 ETV increased visibility and customer reach for 271 businesses in 2025 with free promotion via social media and newsletters
8,541 Number of clicks to ETV’s Village Black Pages Business Directories
ETV EMPOWERS THE VILLAGE 5,000+
ETV’s social media followers and newsletter subscribers
~$260,000
paid out to artists participating in ETV’s annual Juneteenth Art Exhibit
~$750,000
Re-invested in small businesses and diverse business owners servicing ETV and/or benefiting from its programs
2000+
active program and event participants empowered by ETV’s data-driven mission and initiatives
234
community members participating in Village Assist mental health workshops and wellness programs
320
exquisite works of art sold from creative entrepreneurs PG12
POWER WALK For Mental Health
The 3rd Annual Power Walk for Mental Health welcomed more than 100 registrants and raised over $20,000 in support of Village Assist and mental health programming Participants engaged in yoga, fitness activities, and mental health workshops designed to normalize conversations around wellness and encourage community care. The 3rd Annual Power Walk for Mental Health welcomed more than 100 registrants and raised over $20,000 in support of Village Assist and mental health programming Participants engaged in yoga, fitness activities, and mental health workshops designed to normalize conversations around wellness and encourage community care.
Dr. Karima Forbes of Bloom Psychological served as the 2025 Power Walk Ambassador, educating participants and encouraging individuals to seek support when needed.
100+ Registrants Over $20K in funds raised in 2025 to support Village Assist and Mental Health programming Mental Health wellness sessions hosted ~ yoga, fitness, and mental health workshops 2025 Power Walk Ambassador, Dr. Karima Forbes of Bloom Psychological, educated participants and encouraged community members to seek mental health support.
For The Love of Art
EMPOWERING THE COMMUNITY THROUGH ART ETV’s 2025 Juneteenth Celebration: For the Love of Art marked the 5th anniversary of this signature cultural and economic empowerment event. The exhibit featured 100+ pieces of art from 38 local and nationally renowned artists, generating over $100,000 in total art sales in 2025. Over the past five years, more than 600 attendees have supported this growing platform for creative entrepreneurs. In commemoration of the milestone anniversary, ETV released a special For the Love of Art Exhibit Journal, celebrating selected works from previous years. This event continues to demonstrate that culture is commerce—and creative talent deserves sustainable economic opportunity.
Watch the 2025 Juneteenth “For The Love of Art”
ETV’s nonpartisan voter education and mobilization program is executed annually to inform Black voters in key strategic states how and where to vote early, reliably, and unimpeded by the vestiges of systemic racism and abuse.
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ETV partnered with other organizations, including the North Jersey chapter of Jack & Jill of America, to increase voter education and mobilization for NJ’s gubernatorial election, as well as key elections in Virginia and New York.
Financial Summary 2025 Income: $565,971*
2025 Expenses: $620,896
Income Breakdown
Corporate/ Foundation Support 18.1%
Individual Contributions 28.5% In-Kind Donations 1.5%
Program Revenue 53.4%
*Total calculations are subject to final audit.
Special Thanks to ETV’s Corporate and Individual Founder’s Circle Donors! CORPORATE FOUNDER'S CIRCLE
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
PLATINUM FOUNDER’S CIRCLE Bonnie & Michael Carter
GOLD FOUNDER’S CIRCLE
Paula Tuffin
Denelle Waynick Johnson
SILVER FOUNDER’S CIRCLE
Annie Sneed-Godfrey
Jack Cox
Allyson Hugley
BRONZE FOUNDER’S CIRCLE David Hubbard Bill & Terri Borden Terry Trayvick Shaun Freeman
Kimberly MacKay Maurice Kuykendoll Randall McMillan Carolyn & Mark Mason
Perri Richman Mikeisha Anderson Jones Harry O’Mealia Mark Wilson
Thank you to our donors at every level for standing with Empower The Village and investing in the strength and resilience of our community. Every dollar you give creates incremental impact—fueling opportunity, expanding access, and moving us closer to shared prosperity for those we serve.
YOU ARE THE VILLAGE!
SAVE THE DATES! ETV 2026 EVENTS CALENDAR
Empowerment Summit WORKSHOPS, NETWORKING & MARKETPLACE Saturday ~ January 31, 2026
VILLAGE
VENTURES™ BUSINESS PITCH COMPETITION
4TH ANNUAL BUSINESS PITCH COMPETITION February 2026
North Star Celebration CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP Saturday ~ February 21, 2026
UNITY WALK For Community Wellness & Empowerment Saturday ~ May 16, 2026
For The Love of Art
6 T H ANNUAL Juneteenth Art Exhibit Saturday & Sunday ~ June 20-21, 2026
Power Swing Classic 5 T H ANNUAL Power Swing Classic Monday ~ September 28, 2026
Scan Here for tickets, sponsorships, and event information!
JOIN THE FOCUSED ON WEALTH, WELLNESS AND COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT
VILLAGE
EMPOWER INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, BUSINESS OWNERS AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TO REALIZE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL
STRATEGIZE TO ADVANCE COMMUNITY WEALTH AND WELLNESS
RESTORE PROSPERITY, PEACE AND POWER TO COMMUNITIES WE SERVE
LEARN MORE AT EMPOWERTHEVILLAGE.ORG ETV is a data-driven, community-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit.