Written by Krystal Jugarap
From the Bay to L.A. – Communities United – In January of this year, fires swept the greater Los Angeles area bringing devastation to so many families, businesses, schools, and communities.
It’s often easy to feel removed from tragedy occurring miles away, but for EM/POWEREDbyWMN (EBW), a community birthed in the Bay Area, the heartbreak hit home. As the ties between the Bay to L.A. ran strong, there was an overwhelming sense of helplessness for those who felt called to help but were unsure of which direction to go.
On January 25th, 2025, what was intended to be the celebration of EM/POWEREDbyWMN’s 3rd anniversary in Oakland, CA, quickly pivoted into a powerful fundraiser event for those impacted by the fires. Founder Krystal Jugarap alongside Event Director and EBW Member Lauren Young of Lo & Behold Events, rallied the Bay Area community to bring to life the Sisters in Solidarity event that raised more than $5,000 to pour back into the L.A. community that was left shattered. Support poured in from local Bay Area businesses including Port Labs, Above & Beyond Hospitality, Culture Pop Soda, BRIX Factory Brewing, Parche, SanDai, Private Chef Angela Saechin, alaMar, Bougie Fluff, DJ Airsun, Pink Salt Photos, Dia Photography, Nat Visualz, Prosecco Rose Boutique, and May Spreads Love Tarot. Additionally, contributions to the event’s silent auction and raffle were donated by other EBW Members including Mentor ConnectHer, Well Edited Co, Sunshine Charms, the Clean Living Founder Collective, Eme’s Baked Goods, Lovely Days Collective, Momentum Birth Coaching, Alan A’rion Skincare & Body Sculpting, Inspirations by Gina Floral & Event Design, Portal Artesanal, Lynnique Jewelry, Rennie Tea Co, Mei-Mei Moon, and so much more.
Now, the organization is actively working to support long-term rebuilding efforts and remains committed to allocating funds where it can make the biggest impact.
Giving back has always been a core pillar of the EM/POWEREDbyWMN brand. With the selflessness and solidarity of their members along with local businesses, they continue to work towards a future strengthened by the notion that the people and community will always come first.
We asked members of the EM/POWEREDbyWMN community to describe their big vision for the world and the steps they’re taking to manifest it. Here’s what they said:
My big vision for the world is to see women deeply connected to their bodies and empowered in their health. I believe we each hold the power to heal within ourselves, supported by the medicine of the earth through nature, plants, herbs, and its natural rhythms. My goal is to help create a world where women are not only supported in their journeys from maiden to mother but are fully celebrated as powerful, intuitive beings.
After a decade of working in labor and delivery, I’ve witnessed the gaps in the medical system that fail to honor the whole woman and our bodies’ natural processes. That is why I have fully dedicated my work within Intimate Mama to holistic health and guiding women toward their inner wisdom.
To manifest this vision, my practice integrates a variety of healing modalities, some of which include intuitive coaching, energy and bodywork, trauma release, cycle alignment, astrological insights, and plant-based remedies to provide truly holistic and individualized care. My hope is to help shift the way we view health care and to continue creating safe, sacred spaces for women to experience profound emotional, physical, and spiritual healing.
– Jessica Snyder, Founder of Intimate Mama
My vision for the world is one where every person recognizes their innate power. I dream of a world where we stop playing the victim to our circumstances and start thriving in the knowledge that we are magical beyond our wildest dreams. I believe we all have the ability to manifest the lives we desire—lives filled with purpose, abundance, and joy.
To bring this vision to life, I am committed to educating women about their manifestation power. Through my teachings, events, and coaching, I help women break free from limiting beliefs and align with their highest selves. I use transformative tools like EFT tapping, meditation, journaling, and intentional goal-setting to guide women in tapping into their inner magic.
But it doesn’t stop there. I believe that when women are empowered with this knowledge, they naturally share it—not just with each other, but with the generations coming after them. By planting these seeds of empowerment today, we are shaping a future where abundance and possibility become the norm. Together, we are the future, and the ripple effect of empowered women will create a world that truly thrives.
– Jacquelyn McDaniel Vasquez aka Coach Jacqui, The Manifestation Experience
My big vision for the world is to create a space where indulgence and wellness coexist in harmony, inspiring people to savor the moment while honoring their health and the planet. Through Eme’s Baked Goods, I aim to redefine luxury by crafting decadent, gluten-free desserts made with ethically sourced ingredients and natural sweeteners. Each bite is a reminder that you don’t have to compromise on flavor, value, or quality.
To manifest this vision, I’ve committed to sustainability and wellness at every level of my business. From sourcing eco-friendly packaging to prioritizing partnerships with organic and fair-trade suppliers, every decision reflects a deep respect for people and the planet. I’m also building a brand that connects by offering thoughtfully curated gift boxes that celebrate life’s special moments while supporting a lifestyle of balance and joy.
With every recipe that I test, every event I attend, and every connection I make, I’m bringing this vision closer to reality with one delicious intentional bite at a time.
– Eme Aqua, Founder of Eme’s Baked Goods – Sustainability in Every Bite
- Connect with Krystal Jugarap
- Read More articles from EM/POWEREDbyWMN members.