team

HR Consultant

Ashley Stowall is an HR Consultant with EmpowHRment Partners. Over more than two decades, Ashley has led enterprise-wide transformation, advising C-suite leaders, reshaping talent systems, and building workplace cultures where both people and businesses genuinely thrive. An active partner to senior executives, she is uniquely equipped to design and execute workforce strategies that drive measurable business outcomes. Her expertise spans organizational design, talent transformation, succession planning, performance management, and compensation equity, with a proven record of delivering results in complex, fast-moving environments including mergers and acquisitions, at organizations such as Covetrus, L3Harris Technologies, and Collins Aerospace.

Where others see attrition as an inevitable cost of doing business, Ashley sees a solvable problem and solves it. She has reduced turnover from 12% to 3–5% within a single fiscal year, cut time-to-fill from 90 days to 30, and uncovered compensation inequities affecting nearly a third of a workforce, influencing leadership to act. She has moved pay equity from awareness to action, securing base pay increases for 100% of hourly employees in her business unit, and built succession planning frameworks that create clear, equitable pathways for high-potential talent to rise, not by chance, but by design.

Ashley holds a Master of Arts in Urban & Community Development Counseling from Norfolk State University, a Bachelor of Science in Human Services Counseling from Old Dominion University, and is certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR). Her foundation in counseling is not incidental to her HR practice; it is central to it. She brings to every engagement an uncommon depth of human understanding, the strategic fluency to connect talent decisions to business outcomes, and the credibility that comes from having done it, repeatedly, at scale.

HR Consultant

Dawn St.Fleur is an HR Consultant with EmpowHRment Partners and native of Long Island, New York. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management. She has resided in Atlanta for 21 years with her husband and two daughters.

Dawn comes to EmpowHRment Partners with more than 16 years of leadership and management experience in a professional Senior Living environment. She looks forward to providing exceptional service to our partners as a proven problem-solver skilled at prioritizing and managing projects proficiently. Her experience, strengths, and ability to coordinate activities to achieve a common goal will prove valuable to all she serves.

Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Stephanie Hodge is a dynamic and results-driven human resources executive with over two decades of experience leading strategic HR initiatives across diverse industries. As the Founder and CEO of EmpowHRment Partners, she and her team deliver tailored HR and business consulting solutions, specializing in delivering high-impact solutions to small and mid-sized companies across industries. Her consulting expertise spans strategic HR leadership, talent acquisition, performance management, benefits administration, and organizational development.

Dr. Hodge brings a collaborative and results-oriented approach to consulting, empowering clients to navigate change, optimize workforce performance, and build resilient HR infrastructures. Her career spans senior leadership roles at organizations such as PRGX, Inc. and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, where she led large-scale HR transformations, implemented competitive compensation and benefits programs, and advised executive leadership on succession planning and employee engagement.

She holds a Doctorate in Business Administration with a specialization in HR Management, and a Master of Science Degree in Organization and Management and is a certified senior professional in HR (SPHR). Stephanie is an active contributor to the HR community through her involvement with SHRM, NAAAHR, and the Atlanta Black Chambers, and she serves as Treasurer and Board Member for Giving Health, a nonprofit organization. Dr. Hodge serves as a guest lecturer for Georgia State University, covering topics such as Strategic HR Management, the Gig Economy, and Succession Planning. Stephanie is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. where she has served on several committees and is formerly the community service committee chair.

Whether guiding startups through HR setup or advising established firms on strategic transformation, or serving her community, Stephanie delivers practical, scalable solutions that drive measurable results.

HR Consultant

Gia is a graduate of Old Dominion University, where she received a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree.  After graduation, she launched a career in social justice with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. However, after frequent participation in the new hire orientation process, she became increasingly interested in staffing and recruitment, which eventually led her to pursue a career in the Human Resources (HR).

Gia has 10 + years of extensive HR operational and strategic experience in Supervisory and Generalist roles, with large companies in multiple industries, such as:  government, non-profit, and aerospace. She has gained significant experience in various areas such as Employee Relations strategies, HRIS Administration, Labor Relations, Recruiting strategies for large scale ramp ups, Managing complex leave & reasonable accommodation cases, and Employee Engagement.  She is known for making the business “her business” and providing people driven solutions. Gia holds professional memberships with the Society for Human Resource Management and National Association of African-Americans in Human Resources.  She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.  

While not working, Gia loves spending time with her husband & son, family & friends, expanding her palate as a food connoisseur, exploring farmer’s markets, and she is a bargain-enthusiast.  

HR Consultant

Jason Press is an HR Consultant with EmpowHRment Partners.  Jason is an HR professional with more than 20 years of experience specializing in employee and labor relations, training, coaching, and organizational development across complex and fast-paced environments.

Known for his adaptability and people-centered approach, he brings expertise in workplace investigations, leadership development, compliance, and workforce engagement while helping organizations navigate change and strengthen workplace culture. In addition to his HR background, Jason also holds a TEFL certification, reflecting his passion for training, communication, and continuous learning.

Outside of work, he enjoys photography, traveling, learning new skills, and spending time with his wife of 22 years and their family of three.  

HR Client Partner

Katrina Hefner is an HR Client Partner with EmpowHRment Partners and a strategic HR leader with over two decades of experience delivering transformative people strategies that drive organizational success across Fortune 500 companies and as an independent consultant. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated proven expertise in aligning human capital initiatives with business objectives, cultivating inclusive workplace cultures, and leading complex change management efforts. 

As the founder of Addy & Al’s, she has built a successful HR consulting and event management company since 2019, providing fractional HR leadership to organizations including The Essence Group and CT & CC. Her innovative approach to employee engagement has delivered exceptional results, including an 82% boost in employee survey scores and a 90% increase in workforce satisfaction through strategic DEI programs and leadership development initiatives. 

Her career highlights include  serving as Senior HR Business Partner at Change Healthcare, where she successfully implemented HR strategies during mergers and acquisitions while preserving 85% of top talent during organizational transformation. At AIG, she led HR strategy for over 700 employees across multiple business units, achieving 95% alignment of performance metrics with organizational objectives. Her tenure at JPMorgan Chase as Assistant Vice President & HR Program Manager showcased her ability to scale talent acquisition strategies nationally, managing over 20,000 employees across six states while achieving a remarkable 41% reduction in employee turnover. 

Katrina holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Troy University and a Bachelor’s degree in Justice & Public Safety from Auburn University at Montgomery. She maintains current certifications including SHRM-CP, Training & Development from Development Dimensions Institute, and Certified Coaching Skills from Neuro-leadership Results Coaching Systems. 

Beyond her professional achievements, she is deeply committed to community service and youth development. She serves as Foundation Chair for the Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Buckhead Atlanta Chapter, and holds leadership positions with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Her youth advocacy work includes mentoring through the Emerging Young Leaders Program and supporting at-risk youth through Mary’s Safe Place. 

With expertise spanning leadership development, change management, succession planning, and HRIS platforms including Salesforce, Workday, and Kronos, she continues to be a trusted advisor to leadership teams, recognized for achieving measurable results in talent retention and sustainable organizational growth across corporate and consulting landscapes. 

HR Consultant

Mario Willis is an HR Consultant with EmpowHRment Partners. Mario is a graduate of St. John’s University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in marketing. He brings over ten years of HR and operations experience, leading teams in the construction, retail, and non-profit industries.   

Mario has experience designing and executing human resources strategies related to talent acquisition, culture & wellness, and performance management.  Mario is committed to supporting leaders and team members to deliver on our mission by creating thriving work environments and cultures, translating to success for organizations.  

HR Coordinator

Rebecca Suarez is an HR Coordinator with EmpowHRment Partners. She is a graduate of Rutgers University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology. Previously she worked hiring, onboarding, and training new employees. Rebecca enjoys assisting her colleagues with their HR needs. She is learning more about HR and cannot wait to expand her knowledge.  

While not working, Rebecca loves spending time with her husband, two kids and family. She enjoys going to sporting events and cheering on her favorite teams.  

Director, HR Operations

Sabrina Neal Baptist is an Director, HR Operations with EmpowHRment Partners. She is a certified mediator and holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management and Labor Relations from the New York Institute of Technology. She brings over 20 years of HR experience from both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors making her knowledge of the industry well suited to lead in her field.  

She served as the Director of Human Resources for California’s largest Labor Local, SEIU 2015 representing over 400,000 long-term care workers with an internal staff of more than 200 employees.  Her scope of responsibility included designing an actionable strategy to recruit, develop and strengthen a diverse workforce. She was a thought leader on policies, benefits and practices that supported equity and inclusion, while implementing tools and services to improve employee performance. 

Prior to joining SEIU Local 2015, Sabrina led as the Vice President of Human Resources for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, an after-school youth development program and camp.  Sabrina is no stranger to Labor as she held several roles at SEIU1199 United Workers East, with responsibilities including developing policies and procedures, performance management, and employee relations. In her spare time, it is spent shopping at Costco, creating memories with her husband, friends and family, discovering new restaurants, and traveling.

HR Client Partner

Sarah Nikula is an HR Client Partner with EmpowHRment Partners. Sarah has a diverse background spanning nonprofit and for-profit sectors and is an enthusiastic Human Resources professional with extensive experience supporting organizations through every stage of the employee lifecycle. Her expertise includes employee relations, handbook development, recruitment, leave administration, workers’ compensation, and unemployment claims management.

Sarah has held senior-level HR roles, bringing both strategic insight and practical, hands-on experience to her work. She is known for her comprehensive understanding of HR functions, her collaborative style, and her commitment to creating positive, compliant, and engaging workplace environments.

She earned her Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Sacred Heart University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Centenary University. Her educational background, combined with her broad professional experience, equips her with a well-rounded perspective on organizational dynamics and employee engagement.

Genuinely passionate about her field, Sarah brings her full energy and expertise to every client engagement—always striving to deliver meaningful, values-driven solutions that align people strategy with business goals.

While not working, Sarah loves getting lost in a good book, golfing, or baking new desserts for her husband to try.