How WE started

The WE Initiative was conceived in 2017 when founder Marya Flurnoy recognized a profound need to educate, support, and uplift others,especially employees and fellow entrepreneurs. Marya’s vision was clear: trueempowerment and confidence begin within each individual. With over 30 years ofexperience in mentoring and coaching, particularly in the interior design industry, Marya, along with her husband and partner Ron, has always led thei rbusiness with compassion, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to elevating others.

Throughout her career, Marya has mentored interior designers fresh out of college, imparting not only the technical skills necessary for success but also the importance of approaching life and business from a position of empowerment rather than victimhood. Drawing from her personal experience of overcoming public bullying with compassion, understanding, and forgiveness, Marya’s unique approach has been transformative—not only for herself but also for the individuals she mentored and her entire business ethos.

With Ron, Marya continued to propagate this philosophy through workshops and teachings, fostering an attitude of giving rather than taking, uplifting rather than suppressing, and maintaining neutrality and grace in the face of adversity. This approach not only brought success in business but also created a ripple effect, positively influencing the lives of their employees and everyone they encountered.

The Birth of “WE” Women Empower

In 2022, Marya, alongside her friend Hannah, took this vision further by starting a Women’s Power Lunch under the banner of"Women Empower." After attending several business network groups,they noticed a saturation of egocentric, “ME” generation attitudes. Recognizing the need to celebrate and uplift everyone equally and generously, they created WE—Women Empower.

Expanding to “WE Empower Together”

What began as Women Empower quickly evolved into a more inclusive network of business owners and entrepreneurs, forming the"WE Empower Together Network" (WETN). This diverse and dynamic group, from small business owners to corporate leaders, operates under the guiding principle, "As I empower myself, I empower others." The network provides a wealth of opportunities for business growth, educational development, and social engagement, often at minimal charge or accessible to the public. Their events—whether lunches, breakfasts, or dinners—are designed to foster community and inspire all participants.

Professional and Founding Members

In 2023, the WE Initiative expanded further by launching a paid professional membership network. This network offers business owners, managers, and employees avenues to experience empowerment through self-confidence building, team leadership, and community engagement. The concept of bringing the public and potential clients to business leaders, rather than the typical weekly networking among peers, was introduced. With members across Tampa Bay and nationally, the network promotes its professional,founding, and honorary members while emphasizing the importance of leading with love, kindness, and compassion.

Professional Members contribute as little as $5.60 weekly, gaining recognition and empowerment support for their businesses. Membership benefits include opportunities to be published in the "WE" magazine with a quarter-page ad, unlimited social media postings, interviews on the"Empowered Voice" podcast, opportunities to present at various events, free access to premier workshops, 50% off retreats and master classes, member-to-member discounts, and recognition on printed materials.

The WE Initiative

At the core of the WE Initiative lies the belief that creating a vortex of energy rooted in understanding and prosperity is essential. This belief drives their outreach, which includes donations and volunteer efforts within various community groups. The WE Empowered Together Network supports families, children, men, women, seniors, and veterans, always viewing each individual as empowered rather than a victim.

The initiative's impact is evident through educational opportunities, social events, and community gatherings that consistently uplift, empower, and motivate. The WE Initiative’s ultimate mission is to inspire inner growth and success, fostering a thriving, compassionate, and empowered community.

Events

Annual Holiday Gala

With the support of its founding members, the WE Initiative selects one foundation each year as the beneficiary of its fundraising efforts. In alignment with the mission of WE, the "Santa Cause" initiative is included. It comprises:

- Supporting the WE Educational Fund

- Backpacks for the Homeless

- Blankets for Seniors, with cozy blankets featuring sewn-in pockets delivered to nursing homes

- Hope for Veterans, providing gift cards to veteran organizations

- Holiday Gifts, collecting gift cards and holiday presents for children

Visioning for Excellence Day Retreat -

This is a retreat designed for business owners. It focuses on enhancing the importance of self-care, team building, and visioning for the future.

Sound Vibrations Festival -

This public event features a concert and sound healing,mini-workshops such as yoga, dance, tai chi, and vendor and business spotlights. It also serves as a fundraiser for the WE Initiative.

JBI Consulting LLC serves as the business entity providing the products and services of the WE Empower Together Professional Membership, along with marketing opportunities, business consulting, and promotions. This organization is non-political and non-religious, with a mission centered on leading with kindness, compassion, and love. JBI Consulting aims to educate and elevate professionals and the public, inspiring empowerment and fostering thriving prosperity

Being your best “YOU” is empowering!

We Empower Together Network