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In a Meeting

ABOUT US

Equipped takes a "Master Class"  approach towards HR.

Our staff and instructors are comprised of experts across a plethora of fields, giving you access to a multitude of solutions for your organization. 

OUR LEADERS

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DaMar RaeShawn & Carissa Peña Dowell

DaMar RaeShawn (CEO) & Carissa Peña (COO) have been catalyst for change for over a decade in the Buffalo, WNY region, and beyond. Their lives are a testament to what it means to "Be a Bridge." 

In 2019, they established Team Dowell Inc., a certified minority owned business enterprise and later formed the subsidiary Equipped Trainings.

The time they spent serving in these various industries prepared them to galvanized a variety of experts to contribute to the consulting services that Equipped offers.


DaMar loves performing live as a musician and Spoken Word Poet, while Carissa loves all things dancing. 

OUR TEAM

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Kate Piazza

Kate Piazza is an advocate for Health, Wellness, and Diversity. She has been both an Executive Director for a local Boys and Girls Club, as well as a Program Director for a local YMCA.
 
Kate has been instrumental in the development of Curriculum for Equipped. Course topics she teaches include Microagressions & Healthy Lifestyle Choices. Kate enjoys traveling with her “Tiny Human” son.
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Ekaete Bailey

For over a decade, Ekaete has held several roles in training and leadership, and found creative ways to engage in employee-centered projects as a part of her work.
 
Her skills in diversity, communications, and public relations, have led to her creating courses in Discrimination & Anti-Harassment. Ekaete cherishes her time with her husband and children, and serves on the board of directors for an organization that supports orphanages and youth centers around the world.
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Demeris Johnson 

Demeris has been pillar in Western NY since ending His NFL career in the late 90’s. He has worked as a Director for the Community Action Organization for the past 10 years, where he oversees multiple community centers.
 
Some of the topics that Demeris teaches include The Benefits of Preparation & Racial Equity. Demeris enjoys working out and spending time with wife, children, and grand-children.
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David M. Pinkston

David is a Motivational Speaker and Life Success Coach, focused on helping individuals overcome traumatic events in their life.
 
His experience as a program counselor with Family and Children Services has helped create courses like Communication in times of Crisis. David is a devoted husband and loving father, and an amazing drummer.
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Jeff Lupinacci

Jeff has over 15 years of HR experience in the US, Asia, Latin America, and EMEA with extensive work talent acquisition, Learning & Development, leadership coaching to executives, Talent Management and employee communications. 

Jeff is a dedicated husband and a proud parent to his two recently married children. He also is a songwriter and enjoys all things Texas.
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Nancy Baun

Nancy is an active classical cellist with over 25 years of experience presenting interdisciplinary arts/STEAM workshops. She spent 10 of those years as a classroom teacher. Her courses include spread throughout practical wellness and communication.
 
As a cellist, she has performed over 1,000 events throughout the US, Switzerland, France, Italy, Iceland, and Canada.
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