Disability EmpowHer Network

What Disability EmpowHer Network does

Disability EmpowHer Network is a Rochester, New York-based nonprofit organization founded in 2021 that empowers girls and women with disabilities through mentoring, skill-building, and community programs. The organization is run by and for disabled women and feminine-aligned people, addressing documented disparities including lower high school graduation rates and higher unemployment among disabled girls and women compared to their nondisabled peers. Its program portfolio spans three age tiers: youth programs including EmpowHer Camp (a yearlong mentorship program for ages 13-18 featuring wilderness camping, community impact projects, and a Washington D.C. leadership trip), EmpowHer ROC (monthly Rochester meetups for ages 8-21), and Empowered Futures (pre-employment transition services for ages 13-24); adult programs including EmpowHer Expressions (eight-week virtual public speaking and career coaching), EmpowHer ROC+ (Rochester-area meetups for ages 21+), EmpowHer Capital (Capital Region meetups), and the annual Leadership Retreat (capped at 50 participants); and all-ages programs including EmpowHer Book Club (monthly virtual), Letter from a Role Model pen pal program, the Disabled Women Make History (& Art) annual art show with Toledo Museum of Art, and EmpowHer Stories blogging with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.

The organization has no proprietary technology platform; its service delivery relies on standard tools (Wix website, Zoom with captions and ASL interpretation, social media channels on TikTok, Facebook, X/Twitter, and Instagram) combined with in-person program logistics at venues including Paul Smith's College John Dillon Park in the Adirondacks and Rochester-area facilities. Its core "technology" is the operational playbook and intellectual content library it has developed: a published workplace barriers research report (with P3 Technology, March 2023), "Know Your Rights: The Disabled Girl's Guide to College" educational resources, and structured multi-stage mentorship curricula.

The business model is grant-funded nonprofit with limited earned revenue. Most programs are free to participants, with EmpowHer Camp providing up to $500 travel reimbursement per trip and EmpowHer Expressions requiring participants to fundraise $160 to demonstrate commitment. Disclosed revenue streams include foundation grants (Ford Foundation $200,000 in 2022; Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation $83,500 in 2022 and $112,200 in 2024; Honda USA Foundation $60,000 in 2026; plus Golisano, Gupta Family, Aerie Real, New York Bar Foundation, and Rochester Area Community Foundation grants totaling hundreds of thousands across 2022-2026), individual donations and EmpowHer Champion sponsorships, Leadership Retreat registration fees ($325-$650), and Etsy merchandise sales. The organization operates with approximately seven core staff and a nine-member Board of Directors, and has graduated 30+ Young Leaders from EmpowHer Camp across six cohorts (Class of 2022 through Class of 2027).

Name

Disability EmpowHer Network

Legal name

Disability EmpowHer Network

Website

http://disabilityempowhernetwork.org/empowher-capital

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Disability EmpowHer Network is a Rochester, New York nonprofit founded in 2021 that empowers girls and women with disabilities through mentorship, skill-building, and community programs including EmpowHer Camp, Expressions, ROC meetups, and a Leadership Retreat, funded primarily by foundation grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Nonprofit Services and Youth Mentorship

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Employment Agencies (7361)

akta.pro primary industry

Special Education, Disability Support & Inclusive Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG), Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGAEAG), Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech) (BPAGALAM), Work-Based Learning Programs (Internships, Apprenticeships, Community-Based Instruction) (EDAKANAF)

Keywords

• Disability mentorship programs
• Youth leadership development
• Disability empowerment services
• Nonprofit disability programs
• Women with disabilities

Headquarters

HQ city

Rochester

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Grants and Foundation Funding: Major grants from corporate foundations including Honda USA Foundation ($60,000 in 2026), Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation ($112,200 in 2024-2025, $83,500 in 2022-2023), Ford Foundation ($200,000 in 2022), New York Bar Foundation (2025), Gupta Family Foundation ($25,000 in 2024), Aerie Real Foundation ($10,000 in 2024), Golisano Foundation ($25,000 in 2023), and others.
2. Individual Donations and Sponsorships: Funding from individual donors, corporate sponsors, and the EmpowHer Champion sponsorship program where individuals sponsor specific champions.
3. Leadership Retreat Registration Fees: Revenue from Leadership Retreat registration: $450-550 Early Bird (Full Weekend + Hotel), $325-375 Standard; $550-650 Standard with hotel, $375-475 without.
4. Merchandise Sales: Etsy shop sales of Disability EmpowHer merchandise.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Disability EmpowHer Network runs a portfolio of free and low-cost mentorship, skill-building, and community programs for girls and women with disabilities. Its offerings include a yearlong national youth mentorship program (EmpowHer Camp) with wilderness camping and a D.C. leadership trip, regional monthly meetups in Rochester and New York's Capital Region, an eight-week virtual public speaking and career coaching program, a pre-employment transition service for students with disabilities, an annual leadership retreat, a virtual book club, a pen pal role model matching program, a collaborative art show with the Toledo Museum of Art, and a blogging initiative with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.

Product overview

Disability EmpowHer Network is a nonprofit organization run by and for girls and women with disabilities that offers a portfolio of programs focused on mentoring, skill-building, and empowerment. The organization's offerings span youth programs (EmpowHer Camp for ages 13-18, EmpowHer ROC for ages 8-21, Empowered Futures for ages 13-24), adult programs (EmpowHer Expressions public speaking program, EmpowHer ROC+ and EmpowHer Capital regional meetups, Leadership Retreat), and all-ages programs (EmpowHer Book Club, Letter from a Role Model pen pal program, Disabled Women Make History & Art collaborative art show, and EmpowHer Stories blogging initiative). Programs focus on connecting disabled girls and women with mentors, building leadership skills, developing independent living capabilities, and creating community connections.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• EmpowHer Camp: A multi-stage skill-building, empowerment, and mentoring program for disabled young women and feminine-aligned youth ages 13-18, including wilderness camping, community projects, and D.C. leadership trip.
• EmpowHer ROC
• EmpowHer ROC+
• EmpowHer Capital
• EmpowHer Expressions
• Empowered Futures
• Disabled Women Make History (and Art)
• Letter from a Role Model
• EmpowHer Book Club

Products and services

• EmpowHer Capital Monthly in-person opportunities for women and feminine-aligned nonbinary people with disabilities ages 18+ in New York's Capital Region to connect, set and pursue goals, and build leadership capacity.
• EmpowHer Camp A yearlong multi-stage skill-building, empowerment, and mentoring program for disabled young women and feminine-aligned youth ages 13-18. Participants go on a wilderness camping trip, complete a self-led community impact project, and travel to Washington, D.C., all free with up to $500 travel reimbursement per trip.
• EmpowHer ROC Monthly in-person group meetups in Rochester, NY for disabled girls and women ages 8-21, featuring skill-building activities, peer connections, and mentorship opportunities.
• EmpowHer ROC+ Monthly in-person meetups in Rochester, NY for women with disabilities ages 21+ focused on skill-building, empowering events, and peer connection.
• Empowered Futures Pre-employment transition services for students with disabilities ages 13-24 in Monroe, Ontario, or Wayne Counties, NY, including job exploration, post-high school guidance, self-advocacy training, and hands-on work experience opportunities.
• EmpowHer Expressions An eight-week virtual public speaking and career coaching program for disabled women ages 18+ to improve public speaking, soft skills, and confidence to achieve career goals. Participants fundraise $160 to demonstrate commitment.
• Leadership Retreat An annual immersive in-person retreat for disabled women and feminine-aligned nonbinary leaders ages 16+ featuring dynamic workshops, interactive activities, and group challenges covering leadership development, goal setting, self-advocacy, and public speaking. Registration $325-650 with early bird pricing.
• EmpowHer Book Club A monthly virtual book club for women and gender-expansive people centered on disability stories, culture, and connection, facilitated by the Book Club Curator via Zoom with captions and ASL interpretation. Capped at 25-35 participants.
• Letter from a Role Model A national pen pal program that connects girls with disabilities from across the country to receive personalized letters from positive disabled women role models, matched based on backgrounds, interests, disabilities, and personalities.
• Disabled Women Make History (& Art) A collaborative art show in partnership with the Toledo Museum of Art celebrating disabled women artists, honoring the legacy of Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson and the Olmstead v. L.C. Supreme Court decision. Held annually with rotating exhibit partners.
• EmpowHer Stories A blogging program in collaboration with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation that amplifies the voices of women and girls with paralysis, helping them develop and publish their stories for a $100 stipend upon publication.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% of Young Leaders reported growth in independent living skills
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• QuantumminorOthersCorporate partner supporting rehabilitation and power mobility solutions for disabled individuals.
• Paul Smith's College John Dillon ParkcoreOthersHost venue for EmpowHer Camp wilderness camping trips in the Adirondacks.
• Empowering People's Independence (EPI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCenter for independent living providing services in the Rochester area.
• Artisan ChurchminorOthersCommunity partner providing support for local programs.
• Christopher and Dana Reeve FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for EmpowHer Stories blogging program. Reeve Foundation publishes participant blogs and provides $100 stipend per published piece.
• Charlee Marie & Me Craft StudiosminorOthersCraft studio providing supplies and support for creative programs.
• Viscardi CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization providing education, career, and independent living services for people with disabilities.
• Free 2 LuvminorOthersOrganization focused on youth empowerment and inclusion.
• New York State Independent Living CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide organization ensuring the Independent Living Network succeeds in supporting people with disabilities.
• Landscape StructuresminorOthersPlayground equipment manufacturer providing inclusive play solutions.
• Easy Tiger ElectricminorOthersLocal business partner supporting events and programs.
• Ohio Olmstead Task ForceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition working on implementation of the Olmstead decision in Ohio. Virtual exhibit partner for Disabled Women Make History & Art.
• P3 (P3 Technology)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered on research report 'Disabled Women in the Working World: Bias and Barriers that Hinder Workplace Advancement' published March 2023.
• Ohio Statewide Independent Living CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState council ensuring success of New York's Independent Living Network. In-person exhibit partner for Disabled Women Make History & Art.
• Toledo Museum of ArtcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual partnership since June 2022 for Disabled Women Make History (and Art) collaborative art show celebrating disabled women artists. Green Building Education Hallway exhibit through July 31, 2026.
• Blick Art MaterialsminorOthersArt supplies partner for Disabled Women Make History & Art program.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation: National paralysis-focused nonprofit that runs the EmpowHer Stories blogging program in partnership with Disability EmpowHer Network. Both serve disabled individuals with community, mentorship, and empowerment programs targeting similar demographics, and compete for overlapping foundation and corporate grant dollars.
• American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD): National cross-disability advocacy organization where Disability EmpowHer Network board member Johileny Merán works. Both are disability-led nonprofits focused on empowerment, leadership development, and policy advocacy for disabled people, with similar funder bases (corporate and foundation grants).
• Viscardi Center: National nonprofit providing education, career, and independent living services for people with disabilities. Identified as an existing partner of Disability EmpowHer Network; both serve the disabled community with employment, education, and empowerment programming.
• Center for Independent Living (CIL) Network: Federation of disability-led, community-based nonprofits providing independent living services; Empowering People's Independence (EPI) and NY State Independent Living Council are existing Disability EmpowHer Network partners. Both serve similar disability populations with skill-building, transition, and community programs.

Emerging players

• RespectAbility: National organization focused on disability inclusion in employment, media, and civic engagement. Shares the mission of advancing opportunities for disabled people (with focus on employment and leadership), and competes for similar employer-facing partnerships and grants.

Broad incumbents

• Easterseals: Large established national nonprofit providing disability services including employment, education, and independent living across all ages. Operates with broader scope but overlapping programmatic categories (transition services, community participation) and competes for major corporate and federal grants.
• YWCA USA: National women's empowerment organization running leadership, mentorship, and empowerment programs. Operates as a broader incumbent in women's leadership development with comparable program categories (mentorship, leadership training, retreats) but without the specific disability focus.
• National Organization for Women (NOW): Long-established national women's rights advocacy organization that addresses intersecting discrimination including disability rights; broader women's empowerment focus that touches on leadership development for women, including disabled women, but is not disability-specific.
• Girl Scouts of the USA: National youth development organization with mentorship, leadership, and skill-building programs for girls. While not disability-led, it operates youth leadership programs with similar structure to EmpowHer Camp and competes for corporate sponsorships targeting girls' empowerment.

Regional players

• Perkins School for the Blind: Disability education organization with national programs for blind and deafblind individuals including transition, employment, and leadership services. Condition-specific focus differs from Disability EmpowHer Network's cross-disability approach, but comparable mission of empowering disabled people through education and skill-building.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/DisEmpowHerNet
• Facebookfacebook.com/DisabilityEmpowHerNetwork
• Instagraminstagram.com/disabilityempowhernetwork
• TikToktiktok.com/@disability_empowher
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/disability-empowher-network

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Disability EmpowHer Network