Daily Inspiration: Meet Geanine Wester

Today we’d like to introduce you to Geanine Wester.

Hi Geanine, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey has always been grounded in service, leadership, and a deep belief in the power of community. After making history as the first African American President of the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County and being honored with the Delta Sigma Theta Women of Excellence Award, I felt a deeper calling rising within me. Those milestones affirmed not only my leadership, but my responsibility to create spaces where other women could rise as well. Standing in that moment of recognition, I declared my next chapter out loud — and spoke EmpowHER of the Palm Beaches into existence.

EmpowHER began with a simple but powerful realization: women in Palm Beach County needed a space where leadership, sisterhood, and service could come together in a meaningful, accessible way. After more than two decades of mentoring women, coaching emerging leaders, and shaping organizational culture across the region, I saw firsthand how many women were searching for guidance, confidence, and community. I recognized the gap — and I stepped into it.

Drawing from my background in organizational leadership, human resources, and community advocacy, I envisioned a program that would do more than host events. I wanted to build a movement. A place where women could learn to lead with integrity, communicate with confidence, and walk boldly in their purpose.
As the work grew, so did the vision. I felt strongly that empowerment shouldn’t begin in adulthood — it should start earlier, when young women are discovering who they are and who they can become. I knew I could empower high school girls in their junior and senior year, giving them access to mentorship, etiquette, civic engagement, and leadership development long before they entered the workforce. That conviction led to the creation of the EmpowHER Leadership Academy for Girls.

What started as a small gathering of women seeking connection quickly grew into a structured leadership platform. I developed curriculum, created workshops, and built partnerships with local organizations. I poured my expertise into every detail — from the tone of the messaging to the culture of excellence and warmth that defines EmpowHER today.

Over the years, EmpowHER has become a trusted, respected, and beloved presence in Palm Beach County — a reflection of my leadership, my heart, and my belief that empowered women transform communities.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been meaningful, but it has not been smooth. Like many mission‑driven organizations, EmpowHER faced challenges early on — especially when it came to securing financial support for events and programs. Staying true to the mission while trying to fund the work required creativity, persistence, and a deep sense of purpose.

For the last five years, I was left holding the torch by myself. I carried the vision, the planning, the branding, and the execution — often alone — because I refused to let the mission lose its integrity. Through every season, I stayed anchored in our purpose:

EmpowHER’s mission is to connect with women; find strength of character and leadership; and influence and transform the political, business, and power structures within our community.

Our vision has always been bold — to propel a global community of strong women — and protecting that vision meant making difficult decisions about partnerships, priorities, and people.

Another challenge came with building the right leadership team. Some individuals agreed to join the board of directors because they believed deeply in the mission. Others were more interested in discovering “the secret sauce” behind the organization’s success. Navigating those dynamics required discernment, boundaries, and a commitment to safeguarding the heart of the work.

Despite the obstacles, I remained focused on leadership, branding, and political empowerment — the pillars that define EmpowHER. Every challenge sharpened the mission. Every setback strengthened the vision. And every lesson reinforced why this work matters.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work centers on developing leaders — helping people discover their voice, their confidence, and their capacity to influence the world around them. I specialize in seeing potential where others might overlook it, and I’m known for thinking creatively, stepping outside the box, and seeking every opportunity to motivate the people around me. Leadership, for me, isn’t a title; it’s a responsibility to lift others as you climb.

I am most proud of the advocacy projects EmpowHER has taken on over the years. We’ve tackled youth homelessness, created comfort kits for children entering behavioral health programs, and taken high school girls to Tallahassee to advocate for issues that matter in their communities. Many of those young women had never been outside Palm Beach County, and watching them walk into the Capitol with confidence and purpose is one of the greatest rewards of my work.

What truly sets me apart is that I have stayed myself — fully, unapologetically, and consistently. I have never compromised my values, my mission, or my integrity for anyone or anything. In every room I enter, whether it’s a boardroom, a classroom, or the Capitol, I show up as the same woman: committed, creative, mission‑driven, and determined to empower others.

What’s next?
I have a deep thirst for knowledge, and I’m intentionally seeking opportunities that will keep me motivated, inspired, and evolving as a leader. I’m always learning, always stretching, and always asking myself — especially in the still moments — What can I do to help a woman reach her potential? What can I offer to help a young lady find direction? That question guides everything I do.

Creatively, I’m stepping into new territory. I recently created my own coloring book, and that project reminded me how much I enjoy building tools that uplift and empower others. My next step is to write a book — a project that will allow me to share my journey, my lessons, and my heart in a deeper way.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to surround myself with people, spaces, and opportunities that challenge me to grow. I want to continue developing leaders, expanding advocacy work, and creating programs that help women and girls see what’s possible for their lives. The future for me is about impact, creativity, and staying aligned with my purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: empowherofthepalmbeaches,org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowher_pbc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empowherofpbc/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/15896937/admin/dashboard/
• Twitter: https://x.com/EmpowHER_PBC
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@empowherpbc9459
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHMJY8H-wNs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQLQUKyQ8TQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prk5gtI4B6M