Our Mission

Children and adult doing crafts outdoors, folding paper on a colorful mat.

At Get Empowered, we are on a mission to unite, uplift, transform, and empower individuals, communities, and businesses.

We firmly believe in the power of multicultural arts, education, and mindfulness to bring out the best in people from all backgrounds and ages.

Through our programs, we foster connections that enable individuals and groups to tap into their unique strengths and empower one another.

Group dance class in a gymnasium with diverse participants raising their arms, led by an instructor wearing a "Get Empowered!" shirt.

Our programs serve individuals and groups in school, home, community and business settings, specifically designed to:

  • Improve communication

  • Boost self-esteem

  • Enhance teamwork

  • Foster respect

  • Cultivate a positive outlook

  • Increase focus and productivity

  • Teach healthy life skills

  • Leadership Development

Giving Back:

Committed to social impact, we allocate proceeds to donate Get Empowered! programs to underserved communities through partnerships with 501(c)(3) non-profits. Our mission is to make a lasting, positive difference in the world.

Three people wearing "Get Empowered" T-shirts, standing close together, smiling outdoors.

It all began with an idea. In 2016, two friends and entrepreneurs sought to give back and support children's social emotions worldwide. This led to the birth of Get Empowered, and they searched for a 3rd believer and lifelong arts educator to join them. Today, we are committed to making the world a better place.

OUR LEADERS

  • Person smiling in front of a gray background, wearing a black top and yellow necklace.

    Emi Gittleman

    FOUNDER

    Is Get Empowered's Founder/Executive Director. M.A. Education. Emi's lifelong journey and purpose align with Get Empowered!'s mission of uplifting, unifying, and empowering. Emi was born in Queens, NY, and did a work/study cultural exchange program in Spain and Japan (where she also attended college for one year).

    Read more: Emi Bio

  • Smiling man in a sweater in a social setting.

    Garry Spanner

    FOUNDER

    Is Founder and President of Get Empowered!®. Since 1999 he has been the President and C.E.O. of T.D.A., Inc. - a fiduciary real estate management firm, where he manages a company's overall operations and resources, in addition to investment policy oversight. T.D.A. uses social and environmental responsibilities and encourages its partners to be good environmental stewards.

    Read more: Garry Bio

  • Person with long dreadlocks smiling, wearing a black t-shirt, light blue background.

    Sabiá Pinheiro

    FOUNDER

    is the Co-Founder/Director and Entertainment Facilitator. Sabiá was born in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil and received his capoeira apelido at the age of 9. Immigrating to New York City in 2003, Sabiá co-founded the Kipp Amp Capoeira program, which implemented a fully inclusive Capoeira fitness and arts program into the Kipp charter schools system, serving 3000 students.

    Read more: Sabia Bio

Our Admin Team

  • Person in a maroon jacket seated on a bench against a brick wall.

    Sam Maldonado

    PROGRAM COORDINATOR

  • Woman smiling indoors with soft lighting and a dark top

    Alicia Leffers

    PROGRAM COORDINATOR

  • Alex

    DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

  • Indira Andujar

    CLIENTS RELATIONS

  • Cynthia Zotarreli

    VIRTUAL HOSTS

  • Meg Manzo

    STAFF ACCOUNTANT

  • Alan

    CONTROLLER

OUR TEAM OF INSTRUCTORS, TEACHING ARTISTS & CULTURAL ARTS/ED SPECIALISTS:

All of our team members are trained and certified in our Get Empowered! framework elements of:

Team Building, Healing Arts, Mindfulness, Empowerment Coaching, Diversity & Inclusion Training, Leadership Development, Communities in Unity Activities.

A man wearing a 'Get Empowered' t-shirt gesturing with his hands in a lively indoor gathering or workshop, with people seated around tables and an American flag visible in the background.
Group of diverse people standing indoors, observing a large map on the floor

Our Ambassadors & Mentors

We are privileged and honored to have the support of world renowned leaders from the arts and entertainments. Their generosity, efforts on behalf of GE includes speaking engagements, interactive programs developments, master classes and mentoring.

Dedicating their lives to help children and working tirelessly to create a better world for us all through their creative gifts.

Group of people dancing and playing drums at an outdoor event with a geometric structure in the background.

READY TO EMPOWER YOUR EXPERIENCE?

We're your national go-to for specialized enrichment services, tailored to meet your unique needs and goals. Let's start the journey together!