Team
We are a group of individuals who have been called to serve this much underserved population of women.
Our Crew
Cecelia V
Rooted in Community. Driven by Purpose.
I believe that with the right resources and a supportive community, anyone can “start anew.” As the Founder and Director of StartAnew and Co-owner of SistersEmpowered, my mission is to be a bridge for the BIPOC community, providing the tools and advocacy needed to overcome barriers and achieve success.
Currently, my work is centered in the Twin Cities and surrounding Minnesota areas, where I am dedicated to creating local impact through direct support and empowerment. However, my vision doesn’t stop at the state line—I am building a foundation to take this mission national.
I am currently in an intentional season of growth and revitalization, focusing my energy on scaling both of my businesses to ensure they can serve our community for years to come. Whether I’m connecting a family to resources or collaborating on new empowerment initiatives, my goal remains the same: to ensure our community doesn’t just survive, but thrives.
“One of my goals is to empower women and young ladies who have been directly or indirectly impacted by the justice system. Domestic abuse, sex trafficking, incarceration of self or someone that you know are some of the ways that some are impacted.
I would like to see a world where stigmas do not define the person.
It’s never too late to follow your dreams no matter where you have been. Keep going forward.
“I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.”
Maya Angelou
Between all of the StartAnew staff, we have over 30 years working and or living experience as being justice impacted and/or survivors of incarceration.
Najya B
Young Womens Group Facilitator, Community Engagement, and Social Media Director
I organize and facilitate group activities, lead conversations and topics and various things of that nature.
My greatest accomplishment is being a mother. My children are one of the reasons that I get up in the morning.
The other reason is that I am passionate about social justice and women’s positions in the world, such as women’s rights, because my mother was a part of the justice system and so I was also impacted by the justice system.
I believe that there are levels and underlying conditions that play a part in why a person becomes part of the justice system and that we as a community need to re-evaluate the who’s the why’s and the what’s in finding the how’s.
I am also interested in the art of makeup and fashion.
Ava S
Group Facilitator, Community Engagement, Grief Speaker
I am a mother and grandmother.
I have been through a lot in my life.
My best accomplishment is being a mother and a grandmother. I have overcome a crack cocaine addiction. I also am waiting to text the exam to become a MN Certified Peer Recovery Specialist.
I have a very strong family and church connection.
One of the things that makes me happy is helping others in life and that is exactly what I am able to do with Sisters-Empowered.
I lost my oldest son to drugs and I am blessed to have turned my losses into a gain.
Earlean G
Group Facilitator, Community Engagement
I am a mother, sister, daughter, speaker, a storyteller.
I have been living with HIV for 33 years and have been facilitating these groups because I want to help in the community with self-health and self-care. I want to be able to show support and love to anyone that wants to live and learn. My purpose is to make and keep people aware of some things; if not all things that can help people to live a safe and more healthier lifestyle.
Mon, Thurs, Fri
10:00am - 5:30pm
Tues
10:00am – 8:30pm
Wed
10:00am - 8:30pm
Saturday & Sunday
Closed
Reach Out To Us
Don't be shy. Let us know if you have any questions!