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 Executive Director 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.

Under Stephanie’s leadership, Empowered Pathways has flourished. She secured critical funding, cultivated strong community partnerships, and built a talented, dedicated team. She also guided the Come to the Table fundraiser to new heights, helping it grow into a beloved annual community tradition. Most importantly, her leadership has touched thousands of lives across our region, helping individuals find new career paths, resolve conflicts, and build stronger futures.

As we prepare for this transition, Timothy Lyon, Director of our Community Dispute Resolution Center, will serve as Interim Executive Director. Stephanie will continue supporting the agency as a consultant, working closely with Tim to ensure a seamless handoff and ongoing stability.

"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.