BLOOM TEAM
Jacqueline Fernandez
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & FOUNDER OF BLOOM EMPOWERMENT
As Executive Director and Founder of Bloom Empowerment, Jacqueline Fernandez brings over 10 years of experience with the NYC Department of Education as a Parent coordinator/Community Associate. She has managed several programs designed to enhance the quality of life for children and families. In 2019, Ms. Fernandez left the job that she loved helping NYC youth and parents navigate the educational system due to a toxic work relationship with her direct supervisor. This situation left her feeling helpless, depressed, and jobless. Fortunately, Ms. Fernandez found her way out of this hopelessness and began her journey to help empower other people, especially single mothers. As a single mother, Ms. Fernandez understands the challenges of motherhood and is determined to do what she can to support other mothers faced with similar situations.
Never Lose "HOPE..."
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Ms. Fernandez advocates for marginalized communities supporting voters' rights and fighting for social justice and gender equality. Ms. Fernandez has been recognized for her passion for establishing relationships in disenfranchised communities, building bridges for underserved populations, and serving as an advocate for those whose voices will never be heard. In 2020, she received the Congressional Certificate of Recognition as the Hometown Hero from Congressman Josh Gottheimer. This award acknowledged her excellence in service and leadership and exemplary commitment to the community and improving the lives of others. Ms. Fernandez is a bright light in every room that she walks in. She embodies displaying compassion and kindness in everything that she does and is relentless in her quest to help transform people's lives positively.
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Community
Our vision at Bloom Empowerment has always been to empower every woman and youth for a better life by providing the necessary support structure needed to attain the next heights of their dreams. And we’re happy to say that so far, we’ve been encouraged by how much we’ve impacted the lives of a lot of people in our community.
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Where We Want To Be
We are hoping to continue to expand our reach, so hopefully, we’ll touch more lives and empower more communities
DR. Sandra Walker
DBA, LEADERSHIP
BUSINESS MANAGER, BLOOM EMPOWERMENT
Dr. Sandra Walker is the founder of Echelon LeaDRship Solutions, a consulting firm tasked with assisting small businesses with growth and development. Dr. Walker’s background includes increasingly higher-level grant accounting and grant management roles with state entities, healthcare institutions, higher education, and public school districts. She has been working with Bloom Empowerment for the past three years as the acting Business Manager working together with Jackie to achieve the mission of Bloom Empowerment. While empowering today's leaders for tomorrow's success is her passion, her greatest joy has been participating in Bloom Empowerment's events, and becoming friends with Jackie, her family, Marion, and Vanessa.
Sophia Kassim
BLOOM EMPOWERMENT
Sophia Kassim is a mother of four and an experienced paraprofessional, deeply committed to humanitarian efforts. At Bloom Empowerment, she actively supports and uplifts disadvantaged communities, blending her passion for education with advocacy for single mothers. Sophia’s leadership on our board reflects her spirit of community and dedication to making a difference.
Elizabeth Conte
BLOOM EMPOWERMENT
Elizabeth Conte is a mom to a beautiful young woman. She is a School Social Worker at the New York City Department of Education. She is a therapist and Adjunct Professor at Stony Brook.
