F. Scott Manke, Executive Director

Scott is the founder, President and Executive Director of Family Empowerment Centers and its daughter organization Donate Your Boat, SMLLC. Scott holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Management with an emphasis in Psychology from Nyack College. Scott completed his Masters degree from Wheaton Graduate School in Mission and Intercultural Studies. 

Scott had been part of a team of individuals who started a church in the Bronx, New York and held the position of Youth and Families Pastor. During that time Scott also operated in the role of general manager for a small business in New York City for a period of 4 years prior to beginning FECC.

Scottm@familyempower.org

Robert DeLano, Community Liaison & Service Teams Coordinator

Rob grew up in the suburbs of Buffalo, NY. He attended Hobart College in Geneva, NY where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies, and, more importantly, met his amazing wife, Susan. After college, Rob served Habitat for Humanity in North Carolina as part of the AmeriCorps program. Shortly after getting married, Rob and Susan moved to Illinois to attend graduate school. Susan earned a Masters of Christian Ministry degree from Northern Baptist Seminary, and Rob is currently enrolled in the Masters of Divinity program at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Rob began his journey with Family Empowerment Centers when Susan volunteered his carpentry skills to help build out the inside of the center. Later, Rob worked for FEC’s vehicle donation program, Donate Your Boat, before serving as a ministry intern, and now as Community Liaison and Service Team Coordinator.

Rob@familyempower.org

Malvin Pambuka, S.A.Y Yes Director & Youth and Children's Support Staff

Malvin's main focus is directing the S.A.Y. Yes after school program and he provides support to other youth and children's activities that we operate at the Center.  Malvin was born and raised in Zimbabwe, Africa.  In 2003, Malvin accepted the Lord Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior and in 2004 the Lord took Malvin to South Africa as a missioanry, where he spent 7 years serving through Mission Expeditions, LXP (Leadership Experience) and 13th Floor.  While in South Africa Malvin was part of HIV/AIDS outreach programs, elementary and high school children's minstry, Christian youth camps, training of leaders and served in an arts ministry.  Malvin and his wife met in South Africa and were married in July of 2010. 

Malvin@familyempower.org

Petricia “Tricia” Ramirez, Administrative Assistant

Petricia is the Administrative Assistant of Family Empowerment Center. Tricia graduated from Roberto Clemente H.S., prior to coming to the Center Tricia worked as an Administrative Assistant for 8 years at an engineering company. Tricia was born and raised Catholic in the West Humboldt Park Area, where still currently resides with her husband Joseph and children Reyna (14), Trinity (9) and Isabella (1). Tricia accepted Jesus as her personal Savior in 2006, has been serving the Lord ever since, has completed discipleship classes, was part of a ministry that went into Downtown’s Lower Wacker Dr. to feed, clothe and minister to those less fortunate and is currently part of her churches “Hospitality Ministry”, Tricia has a heart to serve and cook. 

office@familyempower.org

 Carrie Waterman, Children's Teacher & Development

Carrie is taking on the oversight of the educational component of our S.A.Y Yes after school program and will be working on grant writing as well.  Carrie completed a Bachelor's Degree in elementary education with a reading endorsement at Valparaiso University.  She has taught in the Dupage County public school system for three years before working with an after school program to high risk children for the past 2 years. 

Carrie will also be the administrator for our "Marathon Team" helping to create a more intimate team expereince and developing other venues for team members to race beyond the Chicago Marathon.  Carrie was a runner throughout High School and into her college years and is excited to reengage the sport.