MEET THE POWER STAFF
Executive Staff
Penelope Lopez, A.A.S, M.A.S.
Founder & CEO of Power Changes Lives
Penelope Lopez is the President and CEO at POWER CHANGES LIVES INC and works to both enrich and advance the lives of those in low-income, minority and underserved areas. Working in multiple disciplines within the organization, she tracks opportunities to create holistic approaches to sustainability within communities. Penelope covers a broad range of issue areas, including education, health, aging, social justice and reform, housing and homelessness, Federal and local grants and contracts, advocacy rights, and food insecurity.
Penelope is a lifelong resident of Morristown, NJ with over 17 years in the pharmaceutical and government contract industries with major corporations such as Merck, Johnson & Johnson and Sanofi. She earned her A.A.S from the County College of Morris where she served as President of the Judicial Board, Founder of the Unity Gospel Choir, and President of the Black Student Union; B.S., magna cum laude, from Fairleigh Dickinson University and her Masters degree at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Business Management and Pharmaceutical Management Studies, receiving the Silberman College Award for Educational Excellence. In her free time, Penelope loves singing, volunteering, writing, and chasing after life with her husband, four children and eight grandchildren.
Jacob Reilly
Executive Assistant to CEO
Jacob Reilly is the Executive Assistant to CEO at POWER CHANGES LIVES INC and passionately works to ensure the mission of POWER® is fulfilled. Using his robust knowledge of management and efficient organization, handling of inquiries, and presentation skills, he is responsible for actively supporting the CEO. Jacob also provides support to other staff members in fulfilling their ongoing professional development, training workshops, and networking. He is active in the community through volunteering and outreach.
Grant Writers
Mikayla Ernst
Grant Writer, Project F.E.E.D.®
Mikayla Ernst recently graduated from Bowling Green State University with majors in English and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. They currently live in Bowling Green, Ohio, and work retail in addition to Grant Writing for Project F.E.E.D.®.
J. Yabuki
Grant Writer, iPlay®
J. Yabuki is a writer and editor, currently living in Arlington, TX, though they’ve lived all over the DFW metroplex. They have been working as a freelance copywriter for over 5 years, and recently graduated from the University of Iowa with a certification in writing. While studying at UIowa, J. volunteered with the Iowa Youth Writing Project to help deliver writing prompts and lessons to students seeking a creative outlet. Now, J. is using that energy to change lives and empower people.
Web Development/Graphic Design/Video Creation
Keon Henton
Web Development
Samantha Lopez
Video Content Creator
Project Managers
Sarah Berg
Project Manager, LavaLove®
Sarah Berg is a 3rd year college honor student studying Political Science & Legal Studies with a minor in Professional Communications. She currently resides in Long Island, NY and is known for spreading love, kindness, and positivity wherever she goes. Sarah loves to be challenged and make a difference in the lives of those that she has encountered.