Empower DC was founded in late 2003 by current Executive Director, Parisa Norouzi, and Linda Leaks, two life-long community organizers who saw a need for an organization to support low and moderate income District residents in raising our voices and building our collective political power. We have developed a reputation as one of the most effective grassroots advocacy organizations in the District of Columbia, working on issues such as affordable housing, quality affordable child care, preserving public property, and improving public education. Empower DC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Since our founding, our annual budget has grown to approximately $350,000.