For young people facing financial and systemic barriers to higher education, the right scholarship, mentor, or opportunity can change the course of a life. Empower U is working to make those opportunities possible for students in the Pasadena and Altadena communities.
Rooted in the legacy of Brandon Jackson, a young Altadena man whose life was cut short by gun violence in 2011, the organization was founded on a commitment to respond to tragedy with hope. Through scholarships, mentorship, and educational resources, Empower U helps young people pursue higher education, prepare for careers, and build brighter futures. Since 2011, its Brandon Jackson Memorial Scholarship Fund has awarded approximately $177,000 in scholarships to 93 students.
As the organization looks to expand its impact, strengthening its own foundation is essential. That’s where Jericho Road stepped in.
Turning Passion Into Sustainable Growth
Over six months, Empower U Founder and Executive Director David Williams worked with Jericho Road volunteer Lisa Altman, Principal of LAStrategic, to strengthen organizational planning, financial management, fundraising, and leadership.
The results were tangible: Empower U grew its board from three members to seven, establishing a process for identifying, nominating, and onboarding new directors.
“The greatest win was David securing four additional board members,” Lisa said. “But the more lasting contribution was establishing a recruitment and onboarding process that made that growth possible and can continue to serve Empower U as the organization evolves.”
A stronger board brings additional leadership capacity, expertise, and connections that can help Empower U build partnerships, attract funding, and reach more students. The engagement also focused on assessing organizational strengths and weaknesses, clarifying priorities, and developing the systems needed to support long-term sustainability. The work also emphasized translating ideas into action through clearer responsibilities, consistent follow-up, and more intentional planning.
“Lisa was very thorough and effective in uncovering our strengths and weaknesses,” David said. “She consistently gave me assignments to achieve the goals of each session.”
For a nonprofit dedicated to opening doors for young people, stronger internal systems can help open even more. Better financial oversight and a more intentional fundraising strategy can support scholarship programs, while clearer leadership and governance can position the organization to build on its community relationships and expand its reach.
Investing in the Organization Behind the Mission
Lisa recognized both Empower U’s potential and the importance of matching its passion with the organizational structure needed to sustain its work.
“Empower U began with a deeply personal commitment to helping young people,” she said. “As the organization grows, the challenge is to build the leadership, systems, and capacity that will allow that commitment to endure.”
Throughout the engagement, Jericho Road staff helped keep the process on track through regular follow-ups with David and Lisa, ensuring that conversations translated into meaningful progress.
For David, the mentorship provided more than strategic advice. It offered practical tools and guidance he can continue using as Empower U grows.
“My time spent with Jericho Road and Lisa was time well spent,” he said. “The mentorship provided insight, information, and tools that will be very valuable to the growth of my organization.”
At Jericho Road, we believe that strengthening a nonprofit’s leadership and operations is an investment in the people it serves. We’re grateful to Lisa Altman for sharing her expertise and to David Williams and the Empower U team for their commitment to creating more opportunities for students to learn, grow, and thrive.
To learn more about Jericho Road Pasadena’s skilled volunteer opportunities and discover how your professional experience can help local nonprofits thrive, learn more about skilled volunteering.
Thanks to volunteer Wes Robinson for writing JRP Project Highlight posts!