Rooted in Lived Experience. Driven by Systemic Change.
Black Empowered Initiative was founded to address the systemic inequities that shape how individuals, families, and communities access opportunities, resources, and support — and to strengthen the organizations responsible for serving them.
Our Story
Black Empowered Initiative (BEI) was founded on a simple but urgent conviction: meaningful change requires working at two levels simultaneously — strengthening the organizations responsible for serving communities, and addressing the barriers experienced by the people they serve.
Rooted in more than 17 years of nonprofit leadership, direct service, and systems advocacy, BEI partners with nonprofits, social service agencies, and community organizations to strengthen leadership, improve organizational practices, and develop more equitable and culturally responsive approaches to service delivery.
Our long-term vision is to expand into direct case management, systems navigation, and advocacy for Black individuals and families — creating a model that advances change at both the organizational and community levels.
Founder photo — upload your own image here
Tell me "upload my founder photo" and attach your image to replace this placeholder.
Leadership
Jazmyn Brown
Founder & CEO
Jazmyn Brown is a nonprofit executive, organizational development consultant, trainer, and advocate with more than 17 years of experience in human services, nonprofit leadership, and community-based systems change.
Her professional background spans executive leadership, organizational strategy, board governance, program development, leadership and team development, trauma-informed practice, equity and inclusion, and direct service delivery.
As a former foster youth with lived experience navigating complex systems, Jazmyn brings a unique combination of professional expertise and firsthand understanding of the barriers that marginalized individuals and families encounter.
She founded Black Empowered Initiative to bring these experiences together — strengthening organizations while building toward a future in which Black individuals and families have greater access to culturally responsive support, advocacy, and opportunities to thrive.
Our Values
The principles that ground every engagement, every relationship, and every decision BEI makes.
Empowerment
We believe in the inherent power, dignity, brilliance, and potential of Black individuals and communities. Our work seeks to build power, not dependency — cultivating pride, recognizing strengths, and ensuring individuals have the knowledge and confidence to shape their own lives.
Education & Advocacy
Knowledge is a tool for liberation. We equip individuals, communities, and organizations with the information and skills needed to understand rights, navigate systems, and advocate effectively — both for themselves and alongside the communities they serve.
Liberation & Justice
We envision a future free from the limitations imposed by systemic oppression and anti-Blackness. Liberation requires more than access to existing systems — it requires questioning, challenging, and transforming systems that perpetuate harm.
Collective Power
Our strength is rooted in community, connection, and collective action. We seek to strengthen relationships, share knowledge and resources, build solidarity, and cultivate the collective power necessary to create opportunities and sustain change.
Accountability & Critical Self-Reflection
Transformation requires the courage to examine ourselves as well as the systems around us. Accountability is not about blame or perfection — it is about honestly acknowledging harm, examining our beliefs and behaviors, and committing to meaningful change.
Compassion & Healing
We recognize the profound impact of individual, collective, and intergenerational trauma. Our approach honors lived experiences, recognizes resilience without romanticizing struggle, and affirms that healing and liberation are deeply connected.
Who We Serve
BEI primarily serves nonprofit organizations, social service agencies, community-based organizations, and the professionals and leaders responsible for supporting individuals and communities navigating systemic barriers. We work with organizations serving diverse populations, with particular expertise in addressing anti-Black bias, strengthening culturally responsive practices, and improving outcomes for Black individuals and families.
Ready to Work Together?
Whether you are looking for strategic consulting, professional training, or organizational development support, BEI is ready to partner with you.
Work With Us