Founder Bio

Mothers Empowered founder Dionne Grayman has a history of dedication to the community. A former high school English teacher, she taught the full spectrum of New York City’s children ranging from incarcerated juveniles on Riker’s Island to gifted students at one of the city’s most prestigious high schools. Most recently Ms. Grayman served as president of the Brooklyn Chapter of Mocha Moms Inc, a national support group for stay-at-home mothers of color. During her tenure she guided the chapter to embrace their role as mothers to the community by emphasizing advocacy work.
As president, Ms. Grayman implemented a mentoring and coaching program for teen moms that helped guide them through the college application process, and also established local reading nooks for children in area barbershops and beauty salons as part of a nation-wide initiative to promote literacy in African American communities. Under her leadership the chapter also became a regular presence at education outreach events across Brooklyn, even hosting a forum on homeschooling for families of color, and teamed up with elected officials, including participation in the Congressional Black Caucus health fair.
Ms. Grayman’s commitment has been recognized by local media, including NBC’s Today in New York, and in 2008 she was named as NY1’s “New Yorker of the Week.” She sits on the Advocacy Council of the Citizens’ Committee for Children (CCC) of New York. She has also served on the executive board of the Community Education Council in District 13 in Brooklyn and is the co-vice president of the PS/MS 282 PTA Executive Board. Ms. Grayman holds a BA in English and Journalism, an MS in Special Education, and has completed CCC’s Community Leadership Course.
She is most proud of being the mother of three amazing children: Sean, Silas, and Sonia.