Dear Empowered Reader,
This month, I am celebrating as October marks four years since the founding of Empower Possible! 🎉
With gratitude, the anniversary is not just a milestone but a reflection of shared growth, powerful partnerships, and the ripple effect of brave actions and conversations.
Empower Possible’s roots are deep in collaboration and curiosity. I founded Empower Possible on the dream that we can find joy in meaningful work, work that doesn't leave us burned out and cynical. The past year has been filled with meaningful opportunities to build and sustain impactful work. From facilitating a workshop at the St. Louis Health and Human Services Conference to presenting at the Benedictine Health Systems Conference, each event has deepened my commitment. I’ve also engaged with leaders through SheLeads Rochester and guided City of Minneapolis teams in the “Leading a Culture of Well-being” initiative. Additionally, hosting Mountain 10 retreats and empathy workshops has allowed participants to explore the transformative shift from indifference to kindness and navigate personal and organizational transitions. Each experience highlights the power of community and the incredible strength found in a diverse network of catalysts across sectors.
In the Media Recently, it was a privilege to join the Whole Mom Podcast, sharing real stories of navigating change, self-discovery, and collective empowerment, as well as the restorative process behind Mountain 10 Retreats with Rachel Gilbertson. This platform amplified the message to a broader audience, reminding us: every transformation starts with an honest conversation and a resilient spirit.
The latest Voyager, Bold Journey, and Canvas Rebel articles also highlight Empower Possible’s mission, placing our work in the context of bold exploration and the power of creating new pathways for personal and organizational growth. Just as Voyagers charted the unknown, this community’s voices pioneer a kinder, more conscious future.
Celebrating Collaborative Successes Special appreciation goes to my Southeast Small Business Development Center Coach for inspiring business transition workshops, which will help communities keep small businesses in their town and will cultivate intentional leadership handoffs. The Benedictine Leadership Development Training and Active Bodies Motivational Interviewing, plus Empower Possible leadership coaching, were energizing reminders of how good goal-setting, reflection, and movement fuel both personal and collective transformation.
Navigating Delays and Cancellations The past few years were also not without challenges. A few presentations I had prepared for this year were unexpectedly canceled due to loss of grant funding, and timelines for collaborative projects were pushed back more than once. While those moments felt disappointing at first, they became invitations to pause, reframe, and approach the future with fresh creativity. In their place, new opportunities emerged, such as impromptu workshops, coaching experiences, and meaningful dialogues that may not have been possible otherwise. These obstacles now stand as reminders: with regenerative acts, we grow stronger not in the absence of setbacks, but in the way we adapt and stay present to what can still take root.
Community Wisdom and Appreciation Testimonies from workshops act as powerful reminders: “Such a great topic and supporting materials. I love the inclusion of The Power of Moments wisdom...” and “I became vulnerable enough to open up that day, which kept me coming back...” The gift of trust, self-compassion, and brave inquiry shapes Empower Possible’s legacy; every word, every step, every moment matters.
A heartfelt thank you from me to every partner, supporter, and volunteer who contributed time, wisdom, and care to our shared mission over these four years.
The collective energy of this community, those who champion leadership development, facilitate workshops, organize retreats, and generously guide peers, fuels meaningful change and multiplies the impact beyond measure.
Moments of growth, courageous dialogue, and inspired action have been possible because of unwavering support from dedicated partners and volunteers, whose belief in regeneration and empowerment elevates all we do.
With deepest gratitude to each of you is a cherished and valuable part of the Empower Possible story, and your ongoing contributions remain at the core of our journey forward.
Looking Forward Thank you for four years of building a more empowered, empathetic, and accessible world together. Here’s to many more moments of growth, generosity, and change. As always, the journey continues with hearts open, minds curious, and communities united in purpose.
Please let me know what you are celebrating. How can Empower Possible support you? What challenges are you overcoming? I would love to hear your stories and celebrate alongside you.
An affirmation for you: I am stronger than any challenge I face. I choose to thrive, not just survive. Every small, intentional step I take builds my momentum and growth. I engage my true self, lean on my support networks, and activate my awareness to create transformation. Each experience has gifted me wisdom and clarity. My journey is unique, my impact is meaningful, and my voice matters. I am capable of regenerating my world, starting right now. I have the power to keep going, and I embrace that power fully.
Keep going. You’ve got this.
Take Care, Dear Reader,
Julie Zaruba Fountaine Founder Empower Possible. Regenerate Your World. | 
