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PREPARATION FOR ACCELERATED GROWTH
OUR LEADERS
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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