Our Mission

Joshua Sear CEO

Prior to founding Empower, Josh was Senior Counsel at SageNet, a large managed network and cyber security services provider. Before that, Josh gained M&A experience, first as counsel for Matterhorn Transactions, a legal tech startup, and then as an associate at a boutique transactional law firm. Prior to practicing law, Josh worked in the Obama White House and for the Senate Judiciary Committee. Josh is a graduate of The George Washington University Law School and The University of Virginia, where he was an Echols Scholar. Go Hoos!

Sarena Shen VP Finance

Sarena brings a wealth of experience in both finance and entrepreneurship to Empower. Most recently, she was a co-founder of Unplugg, a beauty and wellness services platform. Prior to that, she spent 12 years working as an investment banker at Bear Stearns, Deutsche Bank and BTIG in New York. During her time as an investment banker, she helped both large and small clients raise capital across a spectrum of financial products and industries. Sarena earned her MBA from Columbia Business School and her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of California, Berkeley.

Chris Henry Senior Director of Engineering

Prior to joining Empower Chris spent 4 years as a Senior Software Engineer at Bentley Systems where he led development of a real-time document collaboration application for web and mobile. Before that, he spent 4 years across multiple domains including 3 years working in real-time embedded systems where he helped build a new engine controller for the RS-25 core stage engines on the SLS. He has extensive experience in Azure, real-time systems, C#, and web technologies. Chris studied Computer science at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. In his free time he enjoys playing board games.

Simon Bascombe VP Customer Experience

Simon is a seasoned customer service leader with over twenty years experience building technology first startups across a range of industries. Simon joined Empower after leading operations at Touch of Modern, where he built highly scalable support and trust and safety teams for the innovative retail marketplace. Before that, he spent three years building a world class support organization at Rinse, leveraging technology and the gig economy to disrupt the traditional dry cleaning model. Prior to this, Simon built customer-obsessed teams at leading technology companies like Eventbrite and Classpass. Simon studied Computer Information Systems at the University of Adelaide in South Australia.

Nikki Walsh Customer Support Specialist

Nikki has extensive customer service and sales experience across multiple industries. Immediately prior to joining Empower, Nikki served as a Sales Lead at Dream Dinners. As an exceptional customer advocate, Nikki strives to delight customers at every step of their journey. Aside from her passion to help customers, Nikki has also been a member of the YMCA community, providing child care and education in various camps and elementary schools throughout the state of Connecticut.

Ajmal Kukkangai Software Engineer II

Ajmal worked at National Instruments for 3 years on the next gen labVIEW platform before joining Empower. He has extensive experience with c# and .NET technologies. He graduated from the PES Institute of Technology in Bangalore, India and has extensive experience with application development and research into cloud federation technologies during his undergrad tenure. Following that and the initial professional experience, Ajmal arrived at the US to pursue a master's in computer science at George Washington University. This is where his path crossed with Empower. He has worked with us on our DC launch while at university and continues to contribute to the platform on multiple fronts.

Navy Merianda Software Engineer II

Immediately prior to joining Empower, Navy received a Masters in Data Analytics Engineering from George Mason University. Before that, he spent five years working as a software developer across multiple domains ranging from digital content to supply chain to healthcare. Navy has a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Information Science from PES University in Bangalore, India. He enjoys working in fast paced, continuously evolving environments that help him strive for the perfect intersection of data analytics and software development. When he is not writing code, you will most likely find him with a camera, exercising his passion for capturing portraits.

Laura Sanchez Operations Associate

Laura started her career at Empower in 2021 as a Brand Ambassador. Previously she was the store manager at a Car Wash business in Brooklyn, New York. She is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in Economics at Baruch College and holds an associate's degree in Sociology from Manhattan Community College. Laura enjoys visual fine arts and books.

Clint Atkins Driver Engagement Specialist

Immediately prior to joining the Empower ops team, Clint spent over a year as an Empower driver customer in North Carolina. He has completed more than 15,000 total rides as a for-hire driver over 6 years. Prior to Empower, Clint worked in the automotive retail industry for 21 years with AutoZone. He was a Part Sales Manager, Assistant Manager and Store Manager (receiving Manager of the Year recognition), before being promoted to Regional Training Manager. From there, Clint was a District Manager, responsible for 12 retail locations and 150+ employees. He has a passion for cars and has worked with both the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) and the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) for 30+ years.

Alseny Barry CS & Ops Associate

Prior to Empower, Alseny worked as a community organizer for both The Working Families Party and Maya Wiley for Mayor. He graduated from St. Lawrence University in May 2020, with a bachelor's degree in Government and French. During his spare time, Alseny enjoys playing and watching soccer.

Taylor Sasman Customer Support Associate

Taylor has over 10 years of customer support experience. Immediately prior to Empower, Taylor worked for Dime Bank as a teller and customer service representative, supporting local business owners. She is also passionate about community involvement, having played a key role in several large fundraising events. In her free time, Taylor can most likely be found with a book.

Hunter Laroe Central Operations Manager

Hunter graduated from Wake Forest University in May of 2021, with a degree in Business and Enterprise Management. He began his career with Empower in February of 2020 as a Brand Ambassador and transitioned to a full-time Community Manager role with the company in June of 2021. Prior to joining Empower as a Community Manager, Hunter worked as a Business Development Intern for Target PharmaSolutions in Durham, North Carolina.

Nicolas Caranfa Customer Support Associate

Prior to joining Empower Nic worked at Dream Dinners for 10 years where he started as a dishwasher and eventually worked his way up to a sales lead and then the regional operations manager. In his free time Nic loves to host cookouts for friends and family.

Yacine Seck Customer Support Associate

Yacine is an experienced professional with a background in software engineering, customer success, and customer service. Yacine has developed a unique skill set that blends technical expertise with a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new cuisines, experiencing different cultures, and spending quality time with loved ones. Yacine recieved her degree in Information Technology from Central Washington University.

Alex Tucker Customer Support Associate

Alex comes to Empower with nearly a decade of teaching experience. Before becoming a high school math and science teacher he worked for fitmob and Munchery where he helped expand operations in the San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle markets. Alex is a huge sports fan and had the opportunity to help manage various athletic events at Stanford University and Pebble Beach Company, including the 2010 U.S. Open. In his free time, you can find him traveling or outdoors, most likely running or at the beach. Alex has a BS and Masters of Education from San Jose State University.

Ross Lojek Central Operations Associate

Ross is a mission driven thinker with a background in data analysis. Prior to joining Empower, Ross worked as a data analyst for the CAIA Association, where he grew membership and promoted transparency in private equity and alternative investments. Ross is passionate about leveraging technology to create a more equitable and sustainable future, particularly through labor and transit. In his free time you can find him playing or watching soccer, traveling, or spending time outside. Ross earned his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst where he majored in Information Systems Management and Economics, with an independent study in labor in the gig economy.

Lily Larsen Community Engagement Associate

Lily Larsen has been involved in community organizing since childhood, guided by the belief that “if you want self-esteem, do esteemable acts.” At 19, she became the youngest person to run for LA City Council. After moving to DC, she launched Capitol City Chaos, a radio show designed to spark civil discourse on her college campus. Lily has worked in both The Washington Examiner and NPR’s WAMU 88.5 newsrooms. Now in the DMV, she uses Empower to connect with drivers, hear their stories, and blend her passion for storytelling with activism. Lily received her Bachelors in Political Science from American University.

Roshn Marwah Chief of Staff

Roshn is a seasoned chief of staff, who prior to joining Empower was the chief of staff at Schmooze, a humor based dating app. Before that, Roshn spent time working as a strategist and project manager leading implementations for small to enterprise customers at UKG, a category leading HR software company. He received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Purdue University, and spends his free time running, playing golf, and watching stand up comedy.