💌 A Message of Unity
In a world that can often feel divided, it has never been more important to unite, to come together, and to celebrate what makes each of us unique. At Women Empower, we believe that diversity of perspectives, cultures, experiences, and beliefs is not something to simply acknowledge, but something to embrace.
Our values, integrity, empowerment, authenticity, and generosity, remind us what it means to show up, not only for ourselves, but for one another. It is through the embodiment of these values that we transform community into sisterhood, and sisterhood into a movement.
This is what the world needs now more than ever: people who are willing to stand for truth, celebrate the truth in others, and serve a greater vision than themselves.
Together we rise.
With love and gratitude,
Crystal Walent
🌟 Member Spotlight
🌟 Ashley Rushing – Owner of Evolve: A Behavioral Health Center
Ashley continues to expand her mission of empowering the community through mental health and wellness. She is deeply committed to normalizing conversations around mental health, creating safe spaces for healing, and uplifting lives through her work. Most recently, Ashley was recognized by DC’s Modern Luxury Magazine as a Dynamic Woman, a well-deserved honor that highlights her influence and impact. She also hosted a private Sip-and-Shop charity event September 25th at Chloé, bringing together community, philanthropy, and style in support of mental wellness initiatives.
In addition to her professional achievements, Ashley is deeply rooted in her community. She devotes her time to philanthropic efforts supporting single women experiencing housing insecurity, volunteers countless hours within the public school system, and gives generously within her church community. Ashley consistently shows what it means to lead with heart, courage, and service, qualities the world needs now more than ever. We are inspired by the ways she continues to inspire, lead, and transform lives.
👉 Follow her on Instagram: @Evolvebhc and check out her website here to learn more
🌟 Becky Lee – Founder of Becky’s Fund & Co-founder of WE
Becky leads a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and breaking the cycle of domestic violence through advocacy, education, and prevention. Becky’s Fund works to create safe spaces where survivors are supported and empowered. On September 25, Becky’s Fund partnered with Delta Mu, a medical fraternity at Howard University, to host a critical conversation on how to better advocate for survivors and screen for domestic violence. The event emphasized that preparation is the first step towards violence prevention. By learning to recognize the signs of trauma and the impacts of domestic violence, communities can be prepared to respond and intervene with compassion, support, and action.
As Becky powerfully reminds us: “Every step of preparation brings us closer to creating a safe space and community where survivors are heard, believed, and supported.”
👉 Follow her on Instagram: @Beckysfund and check out her website here to learn more
🌟 Branka Lovric – Owner of Azzura Hause of Beauty in Georgetown, Washington, DC.
Branka brings artistry and dedication to every aspect of beauty and self-care. Her work goes far beyond lashes, with services including permanent makeup, brow lamination, and more, all designed to help clients feel empowered, confident, and radiant. For the third consecutive year, Branka has been recognized in DC Magazine’s Best in the City and Leading Health & Beauty Experts, a testament to her excellence, creativity, and impact in the industry. Through her initiative Impact by Azzura, Branka extends her influence beyond beauty by aligning her business with philanthropic efforts that give back to the community. This powerful blend of passion and purpose reflects her values of connection, generosity, and care.
Beyond her thriving business, Branka is also expecting her fourth child, continuing to embody strength, grace, and tenacity as a devoted mother, wife, friend, and leader in her community. We are proud of Branka, not only for her professional achievements, but for the way she shows up fully in every role she holds.
👉 Follow her on Instagram: @Azzura and check out her website here to learn more
🌟 Jenn Ruiz – Owner of Elite Insurance Solutions in Rockville, MD.
We’re thrilled to celebrate Jenn Ruiz, owner of Elite Insurance Solutions, Inc. in Rockville, Maryland. With over 15 years of experience, Jenn has built her business on providing tailored coverage and solutions that empower clients to feel secure and protected. Her dedication and expertise have earned her the trust of families and businesses alike, making her a true pillar in her community.
Jenn is also celebrating a beautiful new chapter in her personal life, her recent engagement this past month. Her journey reflects what it means to expand in both love and life. We wish Jen and her fiancé a future filled with joy, growth, and partnership, and we celebrate the beauty of love leading to new beginnings. ✨
👉 Follow her on Instagram: @Eliteinsinc and check out her website here to learn more
🌟 Via Maduro – Owner of A’Charcuterie Boards in Laurel, MD
Last Thursday, Via attended the Conference for Women in Philadelphia, an inspiring gathering of over 8,000 professional women. The event featured powerhouse speakers, including Mel Robbins and Hoda Kotb, who shared moving stories of resilience and leadership. When asked about her biggest takeaway, she shared: “It reminded me of the importance of showing up fully, leaning into courage, and surrounding myself with women who lift each other higher.” We are proud to see our members investing in their growth and bringing back inspiration to our community.
Stay tuned we’ll be spotlighting Via’s business launch in next month’s newsletter! ✨
These spotlights remind us that Women Empower is not just about growth within, it’s about the ripple effect of each member’s success in the world. 🎉
👋 Welcome Newest Member
We are thrilled to welcome our newest Women Empower member:
Fatima Cheema: an Internal Medicine physician joining Inova Healthcare in Falls Church, VA, and also working at Virginia Hospital Center this fall. She recently relocated to the D.C. area from New York City and is planning a wedding with her fiancé in 2026. Beyond her impressive professional journey, Fatima loves fitness, travel, and fashion, and she brings a spirit of compassion, generosity, and warmth to our community. We’re honored to have her uplifting energy with us at Women Empower and look forward to the impact she’ll make as part of this sisterhood.
September Empower Circle Recap 🌟
On Monday, September 15th 2025, a few members of our community gathered at Total Wine in Reston, VA, for Wine, Women, & Wealth ®, hosted by Angelique Dimmick and Melissa Cecchine of Five Rings Financial.
It was an empowering evening filled with conversation, education, and connection. Together, we explored new perspectives on wealth building and learned about tools and strategies to create financial security and possibility for ourselves and our families. Over a healthy dinner (and a little wine tasting!), we were reminded that financial education isn’t just about numbers, it’s about freedom, choice, and peace of mind. We also had the opportunity to connect with women from Five Rings’ community, broadening our networks and aligning with others who share the same mission: to rise together.
💬 Here’s what our members had to say:
- “I left with new knowledge and options that I didn’t even know were available. For the first time, I felt empowered instead of overwhelmed by the conversation about money.”
- “It was refreshing to be in a space where we could be vulnerable about our financial concerns and realize that so many of us share the same fears and the same possibilities.”
- “This was eye-opening. I’m looking at my future and my family’s future in a whole new way.”
One evening, over 20 meaningful connections were made in conversations that will carry forward long after the night ended. Our network is alive, intentional, and growing stronger every month. Together, we’re not only building community, we’re building a future rooted in knowledge, empowerment, and possibility.
✨ Cheers to wealth building, wisdom sharing, and rising together!
🌱 Looking Ahead
We have some incredible gatherings on the horizon, and we can’t wait to experience them together.
- 🌸 October Members-Only Brunch: Our quarterly brunch returns this October at The Quadrant in the Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.. We’re honored to welcome Anita, owner of Javan Wellness, as our guest speaker. She’ll lead us in a powerful conversation on how wellness itself is empowerment, a timely and essential reminder for women balancing leadership, ambition, and authenticity.
- 🍷 Wine, Women, & Wealth® – Community Event in Alexandria, VA Monday, October 13th at 6pm est. We’re partnering again with Five Rings Financial for another Wine, Women, & Wealth ® evening open to the broader community. This session will explore the theme: “What’s the scariest thing about money?” Expect another night of networking, empowerment, and practical insights, plus wine (or sparkling water!) and light bites. Here’s the link to register. When asked “who shared this” choose “other” in the dropdown and type “Women Empower”
- 🌿 WE’s Annual Event: This year, Women Empower is proud to bring a transformative conversation on hormonal health for high-achieving women to Washington, D.C. on Dec 4th. This event will highlight how understanding our hormones is key to sustained success, fulfillment, and longevity. Check out the details here. Only 100 seats will be available, so grab yours today!
- 👠 Walk This Way – Becky’s Fund Fashion Show
Get ready for one of D.C.’s most anticipated charity events, Walk This Way, benefitting Becky’s Fund. This high-energy fashion show brings together local athletes from the NFL, NBA, NHL, and beyond, who take the runway in style to raise awareness and funds for domestic violence prevention.
🎟️ Tickets will be available soon stay tuned for details, and learn more about Becky’s Fund here.
📣 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
True empowerment lives in authenticity. And at the heart of authenticity is love, the recognition that, no matter our differences, we are all connected.
When we live from that truth, we discover that the essence of leadership isn’t about standing apart, but about rising together.
Together, we rise. 💫
With love & power,
Crystal Walent
Co-Founder, Women Empower