A Fond Farewell: Honoring the Career of Stephanie Eghigian
It is with both joy and a touch of sadness that we share the news of Stephanie Eghigian’s upcoming retirement from Empowered Pathways on August 29, 2025.
Stephanie’s career in the nonprofit sector spans over 35 years. It has been a journey defined by service, vision, and an unwavering commitment to helping others thrive. She has worn many hats over the years, from providing direct, front-line support to leading organizations at the highest level.
In 2012, Stephanie became Executive Director of the Women’s Employment and Resource Center (WERC). Five years later she took on one of her most challenging and rewarding endeavors when she led the merger between WERC and the Peacemaker Program. The result was Empowered Pathways, an organization that continues the vital career development and employment services of WERC while also serving as the designated Community Dispute Resolution Center for Madison and Oneida Counties and supporting Herkimer County Family Court.
Since then, Stephanie’s leadership has been the heartbeat of our mission. She has secured critical funding through successful grant writing, forged strong community partnerships, and cultivated a dedicated, talented team. She has also guided the Come to the Table fundraiser to new heights, helping it grow into a beloved community tradition with greater success each year.
As we prepare for this transition, our Community Dispute Resolution Center Director, Timothy Lyon, will continue working closely with Stephanie. Her continued role as a consultant will ensure a seamless handoff and continued stability for the organization.
“For me, working under Stephanie’s leadership has been nothing short of life-changing. Her example has taught me the value of leading with both courage and compassion, and I will carry those lessons forward every day. She leaves behind not just a thriving organization, but a lasting impact on all who have had the privilege to work with her.” — Timothy Lyon
While we will miss Stephanie’s daily presence, we celebrate her next adventure with gratitude for all she has done to strengthen our work and the lives of those we serve. Please join us in honoring her remarkable legacy and wishing her joy in the years ahead.
