Empower The Village, Inc. (ETV) is a data-driven, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2018 to develop, guide and implement breakthrough, scalable strategies that empower Black people, business owners, and community organizations to realize their full potential. ETV is on a mission to Restore Prosperity, Peace, and Power to the Black community. It takes a village to accelerate transformative change within our communities alongside strategic intervention and collective action.
6:00PM CelebrationKickoff&CocktailReception
7:15PM OpeningRemarksandETVHighlights AyoSandersonWilson, ETVFounder&CEO
7:30PM NorthStarAwardsCeremony& VillageVenturesWinnersAnnounced Dining,Dancing&Networking
10:00PM CelebrationConcludes Program
TO OUR INCREDIBLE ETV TEAM & VOLUNTEERS WHO MADE THE ETV SUMMIT, PITCH COMPETITION, AND NORTH STAR CELEBRATION BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER & Congratulations TO ETV’S NORTH STAR, LEGACY, AND SANKOFA HONOREES WHO INSPIRE OUR MISSION AND VISION!
WITH SINCERE GRATITUDE, and the
Annie Sneed-Godfrey and Darryl Godfrey are co-founders and owners of Smart Sudz laundromat in Newark, New Jersey. In addition, they founded and formerly owned Water Works laundromat also located in Newark. Their journey in the laundry business started nearly twenty years ago in 2007. Since then, they have created jobs and touched the lives of many Essex County residents whom they have employed in their businesses They co-founded Smart Sudz in 2018. It is a premier laundry business that features selfservice laundry, as well as laundry pick-up and delivery services that are in high demand from individuals, families, and businesses. Their customers include hundreds of residents and commercial enterprises throughout Essex, Hudson, and Union counties.
In addition to being the General Manager for Smart Sudz, Annie is a senior Human Resources executive with over 30 years of experience. She has a successful track record as a global business leader with premier Healthcare, Financial Services and Professional services companies including Johnson & Johnson, American Express, and JP Morgan Annie currently serves as Director of Global Compensation for Fragomen, a premier global immigration services firm Annie earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University.
Darryl is a seasoned Economic Development leader. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer for the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority (NJRA), a multi-million dollar independent financing authority created by the state of New Jersey to transform urban communities through direct investment and technical support In this capacity, Darryl focuses on working with municipalities, developers, community organizations, and businesses to assist in providing financing for redevelopment projects in underserved neighborhoods. Darryl earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Rutgers University
Darryl and Annie know first-hand what it means to put service first and trust God to bless and multiply everything they do. Their actions reflect a commitment to using their resources, talents, and opportunities, not just for personal gain but for the betterment of others. Through their efforts, they exemplify what it means to turn privilege into meaningful impact, and they seek to inspire others to do the same They believe God is the source of their blessings, and are grateful to their family and dearest friends who show up for them at every turn.
Emma Massey and Ramelle Massey are a mother- daughter team leading one of the few African American Women-Owned brokerages in the United States They offer insurance products and services that are important to businesses and individuals Massey Agency has been committed to the community since the late Raymond J Massey opened its doors in 1975 This legacy continues with his wife Emma and daughter Ramelle as they provide job opportunities and internship programs for local residents As exemplary role models and true professionals, they contribute financially to local organizations and mentor young people to achieve success. As a well-respected business, specializing in a wide range of commercial insurance, personal insurance, and risk management services for the past five decades, the agency has garnered numerous awards for its dedication to providing security and quality protection for its clients
Ramelle is the President and CEO of Massey Insurance Agency. Prior to leading the family business, she aggressively pursued a career in finance and banking, working as a financial analyst at Merrill Lynch and then as a Vice President and financial controller at Citigroup Ramelle obtained a BA degree in Economics from Tufts University and an MBA in Finance from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. Emma Massey is a retired educator and Massey’s VP who graduated from Montclair State University where she earned both BA and MA degrees in Business Education Ramelle and Emma Massey were the first recipients of ETV’s North Star Award and are now its Inaugural Legacy Award Honorees.
Michele C Meyer-Shipp joined Dress for Success® Worldwide as CEO in February 2022. Michele leads the organization's 130+ affiliates in more than 20 countries as it continues its mission to help women achieve economic independence via a suite of services to include job readiness support, professional development resources, coaching and mentorship, and workplace attire. Michele joins Dress for Success from Major League Baseball, where she served as Chief People & Culture Officer While at MLB, Michele led the human resources, diversity and inclusion, and office operations functions for the League Office with an emphasis on launching new programs and policies to recruit and develop talent, advancing diversity and inclusion efforts, and enhancing workplace culture
Prior to MLB, Michele served as Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at KPMG LLP, where she led initiatives relating to talent recruitment, development, and retention; supported the efforts of leaders across KPMG's 85+ national offices; and managed a portfolio of external strategic partnerships Michele started her professional career practicing employment law in both the private and public sectors. She formerly served as an ETV board member and currently serves as a board member for the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) and the Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation Michele Meyer-Shipp is a graduate of Rutgers University and Seton Hall University School of Law.
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3rd
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025
SOUTH MOUNTAIN RESERVATION WEST ORANGE, NJ
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Proceeds from this event support ETV’s Health & Wellness Programming
FINE ART EXHIBIT & SALE
FRIDAY - SUNDAY ~ JUNE 20-22, 2025 Montclair Art Museum ~ Montclair, NJ
MONDAY ~ SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 Maplewood Country Club ~ Maplewood, NJ
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Enjoy this luxurious mountain retreat on 45 picturesque acres of woods, fields and stream in the serene Catskills. The 3 bedrooms/2 bath main house is thoughtfully outfitted and comfortably sleeps 6-8. The 3-level entertainment barn boasts an arcade, pool table, and a sleep loft that will accommodate at least 4 people. And did we mention the saltwater pool? This is truly a year-round property that must be seen and experienced!
provides the Black community with access to quality, affordable mental health services.
connects the community to licensed Black psychiatrists, psychologists and other wellness professionals.
FOCUSED ON THE WEALTH, HEALTH, AND EMPOWERMENT OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY
90+% of Black Americans (43M+) live, work, and own businesses in only 25 States*
BLACK PEOPLE, BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TO REALIZE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL
TO ACHIEVE RACIAL EQUITY AND MAKE SIGNIFICANT ADVANCEMENTS IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY