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About the Institute of Wholistic Empowerment
The Institute of Wholistic Empowerment, Inc. (IWE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth, young adults, adults, and individuals with disabilities to achieve personal growth, career success, and lifelong independence.
Our mission is to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to overcome barriers, prepare for meaningful employment, and build successful, self-sufficient lives. Through comprehensive workforce readiness, pre-employment transition services, self-advocacy, financial literacy, social and life skills training, mentoring, and career development, we empower participants to reach their full potential.
IWE proudly partners with the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, schools, community organizations, and other agencies to provide high-quality, person-centered services that meet the unique needs of every participant. We believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in their community and the workplace.
Serving Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, IWE continues to expand its innovative programs and community partnerships to create pathways to employment, independence, and long-term success for the individuals and families we serve.
At IWE, we don’t just prepare people for jobs, we empower them to build brighter futures through education, opportunity, and lifelong success.
Mairlyn Lightbourn-Oshodi, MSW, ACSW
CEO, Institute of Wholistic Empowerment, Inc.
Mairlyn Lightbourn-Oshodi an humanitarian and a highly experienced professional with numerous years of experience as a social worker, law enforcement officer, counselor, mentor, inventor, strategist, author.
She attended the Union Institute And University, Miami Florida where she obtained her Bachelor of Social Work degree (1993), a Master of Social Work (1999) from Florida International University, Miami, Florida, and a Master of Science degree (2012) with a focus on Exceptional Student Education (ESE), and Reading Endorsement from St. Thomas University, Miami, Florida.
Our Mission
We committed to our students by valuing determination, providing opportunity to empower communities, individuals and careers. We believe everyone can soar like eagles.
Our Vision
Our Values
IWE’s believes that:
- That everyone can make gains and soar like eagles.
- Creating a culture of belonging, where everyone is welcome.
- Being present, connecting with transparency, excellence, integrity, and respect.
- Delivering our very best in all we do, holding ourselves accountable for results.