FOUNDER

FOUNDER
With a passion for empowerment, culture, education, and community transformation, our founder envisioned more than an organization—she envisioned a movement. Through Be Empowered Be Yourself (BEBY) and Juneteenth Meets Carnival: Emancipated Together, she harnesses the power of storytelling, heritage, and community engagement to inspire personal growth, cultural understanding, and collective action.

Holding a Master of Education (M.Ed.) with a concentration in Global Training and Development, she brings a dynamic blend of educational leadership, workforce development, public service, strategic planning, compliance, and community engagement to her work. Her diverse professional background spans government leadership, military and family support initiatives, nonprofit development, cultural programming, workforce readiness, and community relations—equipping her with a unique ability to connect vision with action and purpose with impact.

Central to her work is the belief that education is a catalyst for change. Juneteenth is a chapter of one of the greatest untold stories in human history—one that weaves together freedom, resistance, culture, and celebration across the African diaspora. Through art, music, dialogue, storytelling, and cultural exchange, she seeks to illuminate these interconnected histories while fostering a deeper appreciation for the resilience, contributions, and triumphs of people throughout the diaspora.

As a dedicated advocate, community servant, and collaborative leader, she has earned a reputation as a catalyst for action—bringing together people, partnerships, ideas, and resources to transform vision into reality, create sustainable change, and deliver meaningful results. Her work reflects a deep commitment to preserving cultural heritage, expanding access to opportunities, and creating spaces where individuals feel seen, valued, and empowered to embrace their authentic selves.

Grounded in visionary leadership and hands-on community engagement, she continues to create pathways for learning, healing, celebration, and connection. Through BEBY and Juneteenth Meets Carnival: Emancipated Together, she is building a legacy that honors the past, celebrates the present, and inspires future generations to lead with purpose, courage, and unity.

"Educate. Empower. Celebrate. Emancipated Together. We honor the past, celebrate the resilience of our ancestors, embrace the richness of our culture, and come together to build a future that reflects the very best of who we are." ~ Dena Marie Jangdhari

Legal Compliance Officer

Focused, approachable, and driven by purpose, our Legal Compliance Officer serves as a trusted resource for Be Empowered Be Yourself (BEBY) and Juneteenth Meets Carnival: Emancipated Together. Committed to helping individuals navigate complex systems with clarity, compassion, and confidence, she supports our mission of empowerment, education, and community engagement.

Holding a Bachelor's Degree in Law & Society, a discipline that explores the intersection of law, public policy, and the communities they impact, she brings a strong understanding of how legal systems shape opportunities and outcomes. Her academic and professional experiences reinforce the belief that knowledge is power and that access to information creates pathways to success.

With extensive experience in legal compliance, regulatory processes, legal administration, and immigration services, she has worked alongside attorneys, judges, government agencies, and community members to promote understanding, ensure compliance, and connect individuals with valuable resources. Her background in immigration form preparation and processing has helped individuals and families navigate important life transitions while gaining a clearer understanding of their rights, responsibilities, and opportunities.

As a bilingual professional fluent in English and Spanish, she is passionate about breaking down language barriers and expanding access to information for diverse communities. Her ability to build trust and foster meaningful relationships helps strengthen the connections that make communities thrive.

Through BEBY and Juneteenth Meets Carnival: Emancipated Together, she helps advance efforts to educate, empower, and uplift communities by ensuring people have access to the knowledge, resources, and support needed to reach their full potential. She believes that informed individuals build stronger families, stronger communities, and a brighter future for generations to come.

"The strongest communities are those where people are empowered to reach their full potential." ~ Elizabeth Mejia

Education Consultant

With a background in Early Childhood Education, she founded and led Keystone Math & Science Academy as Executive Director for more than a decade. Under her leadership, the school became known for its innovative approach to learning, exposing students to multiple languages, arts enrichment, and academic excellence at an early age. Her passion for developing young minds inspired the creation of the Mentoring for the Millennia Initiative, an intergenerational program that brought together senior citizens and preschool-aged children through art, music, dance, and meaningful relationship-building. Through partnerships with organizations including Homeland Center, the Jewish Home, and Penn State University, the program fostered learning, compassion, and connection across generations.

Her commitment to service extends far beyond the classroom. As a longtime leader within the Civic Club of Harrisburg, she has played a key role in advancing programs that bring people together through arts, culture, education, and civic engagement. Her leadership has helped strengthen community partnerships, support volunteerism, and preserve the Club's legacy as a place where ideas, cultures, and communities connect.

In addition to her educational and civic leadership, she is co-owner of a family-owned catering business recognized throughout the region for supporting diverse cultural celebrations, community initiatives, and collaborative events.

A visionary leader with a heart for service, she believes education is one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for future generations. Through her work, she continues to inspire others to lead with purpose, serve with compassion, and invest in the potential of those around them.

Creative and strategic in equal measure, our Educational Consultant transforms ideas into action, builds meaningful connections, and helps turn vision into lasting community impact.

"It's Bigger Than Us. This is about community. This is about culture. This is about leaving the world better than we found it." ~ Contrena E. Baltimore

Military Family & Survivor Empowerment Advocate

Compassionate, resilient, and deeply committed to serving others, our Military Family & Survivor Empowerment Advocate believes that every act of service leaves a legacy and every family deserves to be supported, valued, and remembered.

With extensive experience supporting military members, veterans, surviving families, and family readiness initiatives, she serves as a trusted advocate and resource for those navigating life's most challenging transitions. Through guidance, education, and personalized support, she helps families access critical resources, strengthen their support networks, and move forward with confidence and dignity.

Her work is rooted in the belief that empowerment begins with connection. By building trusted relationships with military leaders, service members, families, and community organizations, she helps ensure that no family walks their journey alone. Whether connecting survivors to resources, coordinating meaningful programs, or fostering opportunities for engagement, she is committed to preserving the bonds that strengthen individuals, families, and communities.

Inspired by the same spirit that drives BEBY and Juneteenth Meets Carnival: Emancipated Together, she understands that resilience is built through community, that legacy is carried through remembrance, and that true empowerment comes from lifting others as we rise. Her work honors the sacrifices of those who served while helping families find strength, purpose, and belonging in the chapters that follow.

Driven by compassion and a profound respect for service, she remains committed to creating pathways of support, connection, and hope—ensuring that the legacy of sacrifice is met with a legacy of care.

“When we honor those who came before us, empower those among us, and unite in service to one another, we create communities that are stronger, more connected, and greater than ourselves.” ~ Athena Theodorakos