THE EMPOWER NETWORK
Meet the Team
At The Empower Network, we envision a world where disabled, chronically ill, and neurodivergent entrepreneurs can thrive professionally—supported by community, empowered by resources, and valued for their innovation.
Our programs are run by a mix of board members, volunteers, and paid consultants. Scroll down to meet our amazing team.
The People Who Make it Happen
Wondering who is behind the social media account? The membership emails? The community connections? Meet the amazing people making it happen.
Our team is carrying The Empower Network from its volunteer-powered beginnings toward a sustainable organization with paid staff, contractors, and meaningful opportunities for disabled, chronically ill, and neurodivergent professionals. Along the way, they’re building the programs, relationships, systems, and community that make our work possible.
Stephanie Swanson
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An ICF Life & Career coach for clients with chronic illness and disability, Stephanie founded The Empower Network after developing Long COVID in 2022 - retiring from her career in biosystems engineering, project management, and academic medicine leadership to build something the system was missing. In April 2025, she delivered the TEDx talk "The Inevitability of Disability” and has spoken at several conferences on disability, entrepreneurship, accessibility, and economic mobility.
Fun fact: Stephanie is a former performing aerialist.
Jason Hartsfield
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Jason is a Learning & Development professional with nearly a decade of experience designing training programs for nonprofit leaders and corporate professionals alike. His work in curriculum design, adult learning, and accessible training strategies is informed by his own lived experience navigating systemic barriers - and a personal commitment to equity and workforce inclusion.
Melissa Taylor
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Melissa is the founder of AutoImmuneAuntie on Instagram and leads video storytelling at TEN — bringing a background in film and acting to the work of making the disability community's stories visible, felt, and remembered.
Fun fact: Melissa drives a manual, speaks Italian, and has an unhealthy amount of knowledge about Henry VIII.
Callie Summers
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Callie is located in Portland, OR, enjoying the abundant nature and wonderful food of the Pacific Northwest with her dog Oakley. They have multiple disabilities and are still figuring out how to navigate their capacity and the demands of the modern day workforce. Callie supports our copywriting, storytelling, and Substack publications.
Jordan Joyce
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Jordan knows firsthand what it's like to leave traditional employment after graduation - not by choice, but because chronic illness made that decision for her. That experience is exactly what TEN was built for: so no one has to navigate that transition alone. Jordan holds a degree in accounting and works in bookeeping for small businesses.
Fun fact: Jordan grew up a competitive figure skater
Ella Doyle
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Ella is a disability studies undergraduate student with a focus on accessibility, policy, and community-centered design - currently part of a Chicago research initiative examining how sidewalk curb cuts shape mobility, safety, and public space equity. At The Empower Network, she brings a strong equity lens and a genuine passion for disability justice to everything she works on.
Sue Parkowski
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Guided by faith-based principles of compassion, community, and servant leadership, Sue is passionate about walking alongside adults as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of living with chronic illness. As the mother of two adult children with chronic illnesses, she understands many of the unique challenges individuals and families face and believe deeply in the power of empathy, connection, and hope.
Her career has included 27+ different roles across a wide range of industries, giving her a broad perspective of life. Currently, as an ICF-certified professional life coach, she enjoys helping others discover their strengths, navigate life's challenges, and move toward meaningful goals.
She strives to live out her core values of integrity, playfulness, and love in everything she does.
FUN FACTS:
Sue’s very first job at Little's Dairy Bar is still her favorite. She proudly owns two custom Barbie dolls modeled after Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games.
Shaideh Justinvil
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Shaideh T. Justinvil supports our community through connection on Social Media. She is on a mission to help chronic illness warriors and differently-abled women create a better and more enjoyable life. As a disability and inclusion advocate, she strives to encourage, inspire, and entertain through her writing.
She lives in the Atlanta Metro Area. She is a self-proclaimed foodie and an avid cook/baker famous for her banana bread and lasagna. She is a geek culture vulture who loves Marvel and Classic Sci-fi films.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors provides the governance, oversight, and strategic leadership that keeps The Empower Network moving forward.
The board brings together disability experience, professional expertise, and a shared commitment to building a more accessible and inclusive economy. Board members help guide our mission, strengthen our organization, and ensure we remain accountable to the community we serve. Board members serve at large or hold responsibility for a specific area, as indicated by their title below.
Stephanie Swanson
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An ICF Life & Career coach for clients with chronic illness and disability, Stephanie founded The Empower Network after developing Long COVID in 2022 - retiring from her career in biosystems engineering, project management, and academic medicine leadership to build something the system was missing. In April 2025, she delivered the TEDx talk "The Inevitability of Disability” and has spoken at several conferences on disability, entrepreneurship, accessibility, and economic mobility.
Fun fact: Stephanie is a former performing aerialist.
Gerry Bourne, MD
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Gerry spent decades as a cardiologist before chronic illness redirected his path toward life coaching - which means he understands firsthand what it means to rebuild your professional identity when your body changes the plan.
Jordan Joyce
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Jordan knows firsthand what it's like to leave traditional employment after graduation - not by choice, but because chronic illness made that decision for her. That experience is exactly what TEN was built for: so no one has to navigate that transition alone. Jordan holds a degree in accounting and works in bookeeping for small businesses.
Fun fact: Jordan grew up a competitive figure skater
Christina Accardi, PhD
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Christina's background in classroom teaching and doctoral research in social justice education shapes everything she brings to TEN. She's here because this community does something most systems don't - it shifts the focus from surviving inside structures that don't fit, to building something that actually does.
Bexi Lobo, PhD
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Bexi is a scientist, writer, and business owner living with Sjögren's and Dysautonomia - and the founder of HIDDEN (Hidden Illness and Disability Directory of Entrepreneurs and Nurturers). She brings that same commitment to visibility to her work with TEN.
Taylor Eubanks
Lakeesha Scott
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Lakeesha brings 20+ years of hands-on entrepreneurship to TEN - spanning real estate, restaurants, staffing, and business consulting. She's founded three LLCs and holds degrees in Human Resource Management and Management & Leadership.
Community Advisory Circle
Our community helps shape where we go next.
The Community Advisory Circle brings together people with diverse lived experiences, perspectives, and expertise to help keep The Empower Network grounded in the people we serve. Members share feedback, identify needs and gaps, and help us think critically about our programs, priorities, and direction.
Current Advisory Circle Members:
Annie Ogborn
Paige Williams
Shaideh Justinvil
Sue Parkowski
Other ways to get involved
Join Our Community
Access a peer-led space where ambition meets sustainability. Join as a member for free, and contribute what you can when you have the resources.
Upcoming Events
From disability-informed business webinars to virtual co-working, find the support you need to grow at your own pace.
Volunteer for TEN
Help us build a more accessible future for chronically sick, disabled and neurodivergent entrepreneurs. Your donations directly fund our programs and resources.