Tiana Williams, MPA is the Co-Founder of Empower Society 21, Inc. and the visionary behind Empower Society LLC, a global mobile app and technology platform connecting families of individuals with disabilities to trusted resources, organizations, schools, businesses, healthcare providers, and opportunities around the world.

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Inspired by her late sister and Co-Founder, Tinesha, who had Down syndrome, Tiana has dedicated her life to advocacy, empowerment, systems change, and creating transformative opportunities for families navigating the disability community. Her leadership has helped Empower Society grow into a movement focused on empowerment, innovation, inclusion, advocacy, life skills development, family support, and wealth-building opportunities for families.

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Tiana holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) with an emphasis in Public Policy and has professional experience serving as a Program Analyst with the U.S. Department of Labor, specializing in immigration and workforce-related programs. She is also a transformational speaker, life and empowerment coach, strategist, and ecosystem builder focused on helping families and communities move from limitation to possibility.

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Her advocacy efforts have included legislative engagement, public policy initiatives, disability rights advocacy, and national leadership opportunities. Tiana was recognized as the 2024 Ambassador of the Year by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) for her outstanding advocacy and impact within the Down syndrome community.

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Through Empower Society, Tiana continues to lead with the belief that every individual deserves access, opportunity, dignity, visibility, and the chance to thrive.

Tawana Williams is a dedicated advocate, leader, and community supporter whose passion for empowering families and serving individuals with Down syndrome, autism, and other abilities has helped shape the mission and impact of Empower Society 21.

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As Treasurer and Director of Community Outreach & Advocacy, Tawana plays an integral role in community engagement, family support, outreach initiatives, advocacy efforts, and organizational growth. Her heart for service, compassion for families, and commitment to helping others navigate challenges with strength and hope continue to make a meaningful impact throughout the community.

As the mother of Tiana Williams and Tinesha, whose life inspired the founding of Empower Society, Tawana’s journey has been deeply rooted in advocacy, resilience, faith, and empowerment. Through both personal experience and community leadership, she has helped families feel seen, supported, encouraged, and connected to opportunities and resources.

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Her leadership continues to strengthen Empower Society’s mission of breaking barriers, empowering families, and creating transformative opportunities for individuals of all abilities.

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This also adds another powerful layer to your story:
this is not just an organization built around advocacy, it is a multi-generational mission rooted in lived experience, leadership, resilience, and impact.

DeAnna Gaines, MA has served as a special educator for more than 20 years and has been a tireless advocate for individuals with Down syndrome and other abilities. As the mother of Empower Society board member and self-advocate Courtney Gaines, DeAnna has lived the organization’s mission through both advocacy and action.

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She is the inspiration behind Courtney’s Law in Oklahoma, legislation created to help ensure that families receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis are provided with accurate, up-to-date, and supportive information from medical professionals.

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DeAnna is widely respected as a beacon of hope within the disability community because of her unwavering belief in possibility, inclusion, education, and opportunity. Through her advocacy and parenting journey, she has continuously demonstrated what is possible when individuals are empowered, supported, and given opportunities to thrive.

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Her leadership, experience, and commitment to changing systems and perceptions continue to impact families and communities across the nation.

Courtney Gaines is a dynamic self-advocate, actress, trailblazer, and inspirational leader who continues to break barriers and redefine expectations for individuals with Down syndrome.

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Courtney lives by the powerful message of turning “no” into “now,” “you can’t” into “you did,” and “not her” into “KNOW HER.” She has consistently challenged limitations and opened doors for greater representation and inclusion.

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A recent graduate of Choctaw High School, Courtney participated 100% in the general education setting during her senior year while pursuing opportunities that continue to inspire people across the country.

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Courtney is also a working actress whose lead role as Star Cooper in the short film I Can Do All Things (2023), produced by the Just4Us Foundation, gained national recognition. She was nominated for Best Actress at the Couch Film Festival, while the film won Best Film at the Enthreal Film Festival.

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In 2021, Courtney made history as the first African American individual with Down syndrome to walk the runway in the history of the Miss Teen USA, Miss USA, and Miss Universe franchise.

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She is the reigning Miss Amazing Oklahoma Jr./Miss 2022 and promotes a platform focused on health, wellness, inclusion, and empowerment. Courtney is also a proud member of Prep U, a college preparation program designed to support students pursuing Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), becoming the first person with a disability to participate in the program.

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Courtney plans to attend college and remains committed to using her platform to advocate for individuals facing challenges and adversity. She is the face and inspiration behind Courtney’s Law in Oklahoma and continues to inspire audiences everywhere through her courage, excellence, and determination. Read about Courtney’s Law here

Malcolm Miller is a dedicated father of a son with autism and a passionate advocate for creating greater opportunities and support for individuals with disabilities and their families. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business and brings valuable experience from his background as a Program Analyst with the U.S. Department of Labor.

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Malcolm’s professional insight, leadership experience, and personal journey as a parent allow him to bring both strategic thinking and compassionate understanding to the mission of Empower Society 21. He is committed to helping families access resources, support systems, and pathways that empower their children to succeed and thrive.

Samuel Williams has served in various roles supporting individuals with disabilities and their families throughout his career and community involvement. His commitment to service and advocacy reflects his passion for helping others overcome barriers and reach their fullest potential.

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Currently serving as an Accounts Manager, Samuel brings leadership, professionalism, operational insight, and a heart for people to the Empower Society 21 Board of Directors. His dedication to community impact and empowerment continues to strengthen the organization’s mission and vision.

Chaniqua Robinson has worked with individuals with special needs for more than 10 years and has devoted her time and heart to serving the disability community. Her compassion, commitment, and dedication to helping others have made a lasting impact on the families and individuals she supports.

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Chaniqua is passionate about community empowerment, inclusion, and creating environments where individuals with diverse abilities feel seen, valued, and encouraged. Her servant leadership and heart for people make her an important part of the Empower Society 21 mission.