Passion led us here!
Photo: Samantha Weerasinghe
Our Team
Creator of Empowerment Therapy
Myra Walden
Originally from Mexico, Myra Walden holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. She has practiced psychotherapy since 1991 and has offered workshops for mental health professionals since 1997.
In 2000, Myra became a certified trainer with the Center for Nonviolent Communication. She worked alongside Marshall Rosenberg, the developer of Nonviolent Communication, in multiple International Intensive Trainings. Myra co-founded The Empowerment Institute and wrote Empowerment Therapy. She lives in West Chicago, Illinois, where she enjoys people and nature.
Empowerment Coach
Priti Sureka
Priti is an Empowerment Coach, Nonviolent Communication (NVC) Certification Candidate, and HR leader with over 25 years of experience. Drawing on her leadership background and coaching skills, she supports clients in moving beyond survival to create lives that feel aligned, purposeful, and authentic.
She integrates Ontological Coaching and NVC to help individuals reconnect with core values, identify deeper needs, and take meaningful, true-to-self action. With an MBA and training in Empowerment Practice under psychotherapist Myra Walden, Priti brings a compassionate, grounded presence. As a mother of two, she understands the complexities of balancing work, family, and self-care.
Communication & Operations Manager
Simran Bhola
Simran brings expertise in providing administrative support and executing communication strategies. With a background in content creation, branding, and organizational storytelling, she transitioned from Ernst & Young to focus on organizational development. At The Empowerment Institute, she manages operations, maintains the website, and leads strategic communications. She is also pursuing certification as an Empowerment Practitioner to deepen her impact.
Simultaneously, she is pursuing certification as an Empowerment Practitioner to deepen her ability to support individuals in building meaningful and fulfilling lives.