What is Empovia?
Empovia exists to build a more equitable and sustainable world for current and future generations. It’s an innovative learning and development partner that empowers individuals and organizations with the knowledge and tools to spark positive cultural and organizational change. Since 2014, Empovia has been delivering research-based Learning and Development solutions that motivate leaders, managers, and teams at Fortune 500 companies, startups, and venture capital firms. The goal? To drive lasting inclusive innovation in teams, cultures, systems, and products. Together with clients and partners, Empovia is changing behaviors, changing cultures, and yes, changing the world.
Main Benefits and Key Facts
Empovia’s impact is backed by some impressive figures and milestones:
- Founded in 2014, with roots in addressing diversity challenges in Silicon Valley’s tech industry.
- Launched the first Tech Inclusion Conference in 2015, which sold out and made a lasting impact on the tech ecosystem.
- Serves a diverse range of clients worldwide, from startups to Fortune 500 companies.
- In 2023, expanded offerings with eLearning courses to reach more people at a lower cost.
- Certified B Corp and California benefit corporation, committed to social and environmental responsibility.
Empovia’s Vision
At the heart of Empovia’s work is a powerful vision: a world where all innovations and cultures are built on empathy, equity, sustainability, and justice. This vision guides every program, course, and partnership. It’s about creating environments where everyone feels included and valued, and where sustainable practices are the norm, not the exception.
The Mission Driving Empovia
Empovia’s mission is clear and inspiring. It empowers individuals and organizations to create inclusive, accessible, and sustainable cultures, systems, and products. How? Through research-based learning and development solutions that are designed to be practical and impactful. This mission fuels the ongoing development of workshops, coaching, and online courses that help people build better workplaces and communities.
Meet the Team Behind Empovia
The team at Empovia is intersectionally diverse, bringing together leaders in DEI, social justice, organizational development, learning design, behavioral science, and data science. This rich mix of expertise ensures that the solutions they create are well-rounded, effective, and grounded in real-world experience. They’re not just educators—they’re partners ready to collaborate and innovate alongside their clients.
Empovia’s Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Quality Education (SDG 4): Providing accessible learning solutions that foster inclusive cultures.
- Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10): Driving diversity and inclusion across industries.
- Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8): Empowering leaders and teams to create equitable workplaces.
- Climate Action (SDG 13): Committed to sustainability as a certified B Corp and benefit corporation.
- Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17): Collaborating globally to amplify impact.
The Story and Evolution of Empovia
Back in 2014, when Silicon Valley first revealed its diversity numbers, they were… well, pretty grim. That’s when Melinda Briana Epler and Wayne Sutton teamed up to create a conference focused on solutions for diversity and inclusion in tech. The 2015 Tech Inclusion Conference was a hit, selling out and sparking a movement. Since then, Empovia has grown its training, consulting, and coaching practice across industries worldwide. In 2023, they took a big step by launching eLearning courses, making their expertise accessible to even more people. The journey continues, with a focus on creating lasting change through education and innovation.
