Mission Statement
Empowerment Media is an innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to empower and inspire young people and families through engaging Educational/Informational (E/I) programming and dynamic, life-changing curriculum. We tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time—equipping the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to thrive.
Founders / Empowerment Media, Inc
John and Susan Laurence founded Empowerment Media in 2002, driven by a shared passion to empower youth and families across the country. With innovation at the heart of their work, they built a mission rooted in staying attuned to the ever-changing world that young people and families must navigate. Combining research, best practices, and Susan's background as a Mayo Clinic health & wellness coach, they set out to engage youth by creating cutting-edge video content paired with dynamic and relevant, curriculum designed to inform, inspire, and empower.
23 Years of Empowering Youth & Families
During Empowerment Media's 23 years of excellence, John and Susan Laurence produced five prime-time family films for NBC and FOX as part of the nationally recognized Family Movie Night franchise, in partnership with Walmart and Procter & Gamble. They also created and produced over 100 episodes of youth-empowering Educational/Informational (E/I) television, including three original series aired and streamed globally—on platforms such as Amazon Prime—along with five educational documentaries.
Through years of direct feedback from youth, educators, community leaders, and parents across the country, Empowerment Media recognized the need to create impactful curriculum materials to accompany their video programming. These resources were met with strong positive reviews and were adopted by schools and youth organizations nationwide, reinforcing the organization's mission to equip young people and families with meaningful, real-world tools for growth and connection.
Our Mission in Motion: The Future of Empowerment Media
In 2023 the US surgeon General issued an advisory warning of a national epidemic of loneliness and isolation among youth. This epidemic was tied to the increasing use of digital technology and screen time. This advisory ended with a clear call to action for programs to be developed that rebuild social infrastructure and create environment that support face-to-face, real human connection.
Today, youth and families are facing unique and urgent challenges brought on by excessive screen time, social media and the introduction of AI. This is leading to a breakdown of face-to-face communication and as a result mental health and wellbeing of youth and families is declining.
Empowerment Media has answered the surgeon generals call to action and created an innovative curriculum for teens called the Two@aTime Project.
Originally developed for teens, the program's success has sparked a transformational, large-scale intervention. An elementary version and Parent & Family Resource will launch in Duval County Public Schools in 2025, with a innovative statewide initiative called "Florida Talks" rolling out over the next three years.
Board of Directors
Ray Poole
Attorney/Duval County School Board
Ray joined the Empowerment Media board in 2024 and played a pivotal role in helping establish our partnership with Duval County Public Schools. As Chief Legal Counsel for the school district through the Office of General Counsel, Ray brings invaluable expertise in navigating school systems and public-sector relationships.
With decades of experience in education law, Ray has represented school districts, colleges, and universities across Florida. His deep understanding of school operations, compliance, and policy provides Empowerment Media with critical insight as we work with both in-school and after-school programs.
A graduate of Mercer University's Walter F. George School of Law, Ray offers strategic guidance that strengthens our ability to scale effectively and responsibly. He has been married since 1991, and is a proud father of two and grandfather of three—adding a personal passion for helping the next generation thrive.
Dr. Sue Nuthalapaty
Neurologist/Physical Medicine at Jacksonville VA
Dr. Suneetha S. Nuthalapaty, MD joined the Empowerment Media Board in 2024, offering more than 25 years of medical experience and a deep, personal commitment to youth well-being. As the mother of two young adult sons, she brings an empathetic and real-world understanding of the challenges today's young people face—particularly around mental health. She is committed to helping youth and families navigate the challenges they face.
Bruce Kern
Founder/PVS Studios/Board Secretary
Bruce is the longest-serving member of the Empowerment Media Board, joining shortly after the organization was founded in 2004. Over the years, he has contributed in nearly every capacity, providing consistent leadership and unwavering support that have been instrumental in shaping Empowerment Media's mission and growth.
As a successful entrepreneur who has founded three companies—collectively employing more than 100 people—Bruce brings sharp business acumen and startup expertise to the board. His insights continue to strengthen Empowerment Media's strategic direction and sustainability.
Beyond his professional success, Bruce has demonstrated deep community commitment through his service on the Board of Directors for both Jacksonville University and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida. His dedication to empowering young people makes him a cornerstone of our leadership team.
Magdar Duperval
Area Director/Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida
Magdar "Dee" Duperval is a trilingual professional (English, French, and Haitian Creole) with over 20 years of experience in youth development, workforce mentoring, and career readiness. He joined the Empowerment Media board in 2024, bringing both leadership experience and daily front-line insight into the lives of the youth we serve.
A respected leader in the Boys & Girls Clubs movement since 2000, he brings a deep understanding of what helps young people thrive. As a father to two grade schoolers, he also has a personal lens on the communication challenges today's kids and families face. His perspective plays a vital role in shaping our curriculum to meet students exactly where they are.
Dee is also an active leader in his church and a devoted husband and father, always striving to build a stronger future for the next generation.
Kevin Carroll
Entrepreneur/Board Treasurer
Kevin joined the Empowerment Media Board in 2023, bringing a strong passion for youth development along with entrepreneurial experience and creative insight. Kevin has successfully built and sold two companies and now works with an equity group in Ponte Vedra, offering a strategic mindset and growth-oriented perspective to the board.
As a father of two teenage sons, Kevin understands firsthand the challenges today's youth face and is deeply committed to helping them thrive. He brings the voice of a new generation of parents to Empowerment Media's mission—ensuring our programs resonate with both young people and families alike.