Directors & Staff
Executive Director & CEO
Sylvester Ragland
Sylvester Ragland is the Executive Director and co-founder of Empowered Hands. Raised in Indiana, he was inspired by his grandmother’s ministry, “All About Souls,” which served vulnerable communities with compassion and care. At 21, Sylvester co-founded Empowered Hands with his brother to continue that legacy of service.
While studying at Grand Canyon University, he deepened his commitment to supporting the homeless, combining outreach with faith-based ministry. He is also the founder and CEO of Vigor & Vitality Global Fitness LLC, promoting health and wellness as part of holistic community uplift. Now based in Arizona, Sylvester leads with purpose through both nonprofit and entrepreneurial efforts.
Operations Director
Karess Melanie
Originally from New York and currently based in Arizona, Karess has always believed in the power of service to uplift communities. From leading student organizations to producing impactful storytelling through media, she’s been driven by a desire to create systems that make helping others more intentional and sustainable.
As Director of Operations, Karess ensures the heart behind Empowered Hands is supported by strong planning and execution. She manages daily logistics, volunteer coordination, and long-term strategy. Turning ideas into action and ensuring the team can serve with consistency and care. Karess also advocates for representation and truth in media. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to meeting both the physical and emotional needs of all communities.
Outreach Director
Akheena Farrior Parcak
Akheena Farrior Parcak is a Nursing and Pre-Law student at Arizona State, minoring in public service and public policy. Originally from Connecticut, she moved to Arizona to pursue her education and deepen her commitment to public service, healthcare, and advocacy.
Akheena currently serves as the are Outreach Director Empowered Hands, where she leads community efforts to support the unhoused through strategic outreach and impactful service. She also holds the role of Director of Community Empowerment for Empower Her Rise a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing women of color who are pursuing higher education in the legal field.
Deeply passionate about equity and service, Akheena is committed to driving systemic change in both healthcare and education. With plans to attend law school and specialize in healthcare law, she aims to bridge the gap between medicine, policy, and justice advocating for underrepresented communities every step of the way.
Marketing Director
Mia Phielipp
Mia Phielipp is a Marketing Director and a student at Arizona State University majoring in digital and integrated marketing communications. With a strong foundation in student government, volunteer work, and content creation, Mia is passionate about using marketing as a tool to engage and uplift communities. Her experience spans social media strategy, event promotion, and video production, all driven by a desire to make a positive impact through thoughtful and inclusive messaging.
Department Directory & Staff Contacts
Executive Department
Executive Department
Executive Department
Executive Director: Sylvester Ragland
Operations Director:
Karess Pringle -Wishner
Executive Intern:
Akira Wilson McKinney
Contact: exec.ehands@gmail.com
Outreach Department
Executive Department
Executive Department
Outreach Director:
Akheena Farrior Parcak
Outreach Intern:
Alyssa Wills
Contact: outreach.ehands@gmail.com
Marketing Department
Executive Department
Marketing Department
Marketing Director:
Mia Phielipp
Marketing Manager: Olivia Murphy
Marketing Intern:
Aaron Shal
Contact: