💌 A Note from One of Our Founders
As we come full circle into our first year, I’ve been reflecting on what empowerment truly means. Too often, we live in a society that measures worth by performance, by what we do rather than who we are.
Real fulfillment isn’t performative. It’s not about perfection, achievement, or having it all figured out. Fulfillment is found in authenticity, in being who we truly are, embodying our values, and living lives we can be proud of. Yes, there will always be a gap between where we are and where we want to be, but empowerment begins with embracing the present moment as enough.
This year has reminded me that being authentic, vulnerable, and real is just as powerful as striving for growth. Together, we are building a space where women rise not just by doing more, but by being more of themselves unapologetically and fully while taking aligned action from that place.
Here’s to rising into another year, hand in hand.
With love & gratitude,
Crystal Walent
🌟 Member Spotlight
We celebrate the courage and creativity of our members who are stepping boldly into their visions:
- ✨ Cordelia Cranshaw – Founder and Executive Director of Acts of Random Kindness (ARK), an organization breaking cycles by providing youth the capacity building tools to thrive. This month, ARK raised over $5,000 in its annual Uniform Drive, ensuring students start the school year prepared. Cordelia also opened Thrive360, an independent living home with a space for young ladies transitioning into adulthood from the foster care system, actively expanding her impact through advocacy and new community projects.
👉 Follow her on Instagram: @Ark_DC and check out her website here to get more involved - ✨ Kelly Pegni – Founder & Master Artist of NueVeil, where confidence is restored and radiance is revealed. NueVeil is a modern luxury studio located in Falls Church, VA. At NueVeil, every client feels seen, empowered, and renewed. Specializing in scar and stretch mark revision, permanent makeup, brow artistry, and Korean-formulated IV therapy, each service is intentionally designed to restore confidence, enhance wellness, and unveil your natural glow.
👉 Follow her on Instagram: @Nueveil and check out her website here - ✨ Amparo Rosen – Owner of Ultra Body Sculpt in Arlington, Virginia has launched VYVE Peptide Therapy, partnering with premium labs to bring the highest-quality peptides to the community. VYVE is dedicated to helping women and men restore balance, vitality, and long-term health with innovative peptide solutions.
👉 Follow VYVE on Instagram: @VYVESociety and check out the website here - ✨ Gerdy Villarroel – Founder of Adopt Pups DC. Through her platform, Gerdy has been a strong advocate for at-risk shelter dogs, connecting fosters, rescues, and adopters to help more dogs find safety and homes. This month, Adopt Pups DC supported the initiative of Laura Krahl with @fosters_on_first, a dedicated animal advocate, in raising over $2,500 for P3 Pities, a woman and veteran-founded nonprofit that saves pit bull-type dogs from high-risk shelters. Their efforts prevent up to 50 dogs each week from being euthanized.
👉 Follow the journey and support the mission on Instagram: @adoptpupsdc
These milestones remind us that when women are supported, they rise, and when they rise, they inspire others to do the same.
👋 Welcome New Members
We are thrilled to welcome our newest Women Empower members:
- Cordelia Cranshaw: A dedicated advocate, therapist, and speaker committed to child welfare, mental health, and generational healing. Having overcome foster care, parental incarceration, and homelessness, she defied the odds to earn both her college degree and a master’s in social work by 22. As founder of Acts of Random Kindness, she empowers youth through resources, resilience, and her survivor-to-thriver framework. We are honored to welcome Cordelia and her powerful voice to Women Empower.
- Amber Stauffenecker: A U.S. veteran whose six years of military service taught her resilience, adaptability, and leadership. Since moving to Virginia, she’s pursued her love for connection, fitness, food, and adventure, building a life rooted in community and exploration. With a deep empathy for those navigating transitions, she’s committed to empowering others through authenticity and shared experience. Amber’s warmth and drive are an incredible addition to Women Empower.
- Arlynn Barrios: A mother, wife, real estate investor, interior designer, and Managing Director & Partner at a boutique financial services firm, with over a decade of private equity experience at The Carlyle Group. She believes in living boldly and inspiring others to do the same. Arlynn thrives on creating memorable moments and empowering women to live independent, authentic lives. Passionate about travel, wellness, and growth, Arlynn brings wisdom, encouragement, and energy to our circle. We’re thrilled to welcome her inspiring spirit.
- Kimberly Thomas: A visionary entrepreneur, wife, and mama, she is the founder of an award-winning, multi-ethnic barbershop redefining excellence in a male-dominated industry. With a Master’s in Business and a background in global media, she brings strategy, heart, and purpose into every space she enters. She’s the author of “Lead Fierce”, a fierce mentor to rising entrepreneurs, and a true believer in collaboration over competition. Kim lives boldly, builds intentionally, and gives back wholeheartedly.
Each woman brings her own brilliance, vision, and energy into our sisterhood. Be sure to check out their profiles in our Member Directory
🥂 August Empower Social Recap
On Thursday, August 28th, our community gathered at Bar Japonais for an Empower Social with 12 members and 11 guests. The energy was vibrant, the atmosphere was lively, and the connections were profound.
A special acknowledgment goes to WE member, Jenny Wang, who brought the majority of our guests, women from all walks of life, including authors, journalists, and professionals eager to connect authentically. These introductions helped spark conversations that went far deeper than the usual “What do you do?” networking exchanges. Discussions ranged from life transitions to wellness, leadership, and purpose. The authenticity in the room reminded us why WE is different: our conversations empower us to live authentically fulfilled lives.
We also want to celebrate Bar Japonais for hosting us so graciously. The staff was exceptional, the sushi was delicious, and the drinks, from the signature creative foamy cocktails to Lychee Martinis, made the evening feel even more special. With a private section reserved just for us, we had the perfect setting for connection and community.
✨ In one evening, WE created over 30 meaningful connections, proof that our network is alive, intentional, and growing stronger every month.
🌱 Looking Ahead
- Founding Members Leadership Circle – As part of our one-year anniversary, we are establishing our Founding Members Leadership Group, a space where our legacy members will help shape the future of Women Empower.
- Nueveil Reveal Event – Join us as we rally behind Kelly to celebrate and support her new brand, Nueveil. (Details will be posted in the WE app & chat soon)
- Wine, Women, & Wealth – Join us September 15th, 6–8 PM. We’re excited to collaborate with Five Rings Financial group. This is a women-centric event with a little bit of networking, a little bit of financial education, and a little bit of wine (or sparkly water) plus a healthy dinner. A girl’s night out to mingle with some awesome women and support each other in success. to host a special session on wealth building, designed to empower women with knowledge, confidence, and financial freedom. (details are in the WE app & chat)
📣 Join Us
Women Empower is more than a membership; it is a movement.
- Become a Member → [Membership Inquiries]
- Sponsor or Partner with Us → [Partnership inquiries]
- Follow Our Journey → [Follow WE here]
Together, we are creating a global sisterhood of fulfilled, authentic, and powerful women.
✨ Closing Thought
Fulfillment doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from being more of who you already are.
Here’s to another year of profound connection, courageous leadership, and empowered living.
With love & power,
Crystal Walent
Co-Founder, Women Empower