Ready to Empower Announces Sharon Walker Epps as 2026 Honoree
CEO of The Rowan Center recognized for leadership in advocacy, prevention, and community impact
STAMFORD, CT — Ready to Empower (RTE) has announced Sharon Walker Epps, Chief Executive Officer of The Rowan Center, as its 2026 Local Empowerer Honoree. She will be recognized at Keys to Empowerment: A Dueling Pianos Charity Night 2026, an annual event celebrating leadership, resilience, and community impact.
Walker Epps brings a distinguished record of leadership and service, with a long-standing commitment to advocacy, prevention, and support for individuals and communities. She assumed the role of CEO of The Rowan Center in 2025, following years of involvement with the organization, including serving as Board Chair, Secretary of the Board, and a volunteer sexual assault crisis advocate.
Under her leadership, The Rowan Center continues to expand its reach and impact—providing crisis services, advocacy, and prevention education to communities while supporting individuals on their path to healing.
“Sharon exemplifies the type of leadership we are proud to recognize—purpose-driven, compassionate, and deeply committed to making a difference,” said Amanda Ready, Founder of Ready to Empower. “Her work reflects the power of advocacy and the importance of building strong, supportive communities.”
Prior to her work in the nonprofit sector, Walker Epps built a successful career in finance, working in investment banking at Banker’s Trust and in fixed income sales and trading at Goldman Sachs. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Hamilton College and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
The annual Keys to Empowerment event brings together community leaders, advocates, and supporters to celebrate Local Empowerers who are creating meaningful change while advancing Ready to Empower’s mission.
Ready to Empower focuses on promoting mental wellness, emotional resilience, and proactive support—equipping individuals and communities with tools to manage stress, prevent burnout, and build stronger, more connected environments.
By honoring leaders like Sharon Walker Epps, the organization continues to highlight the importance of investing in people and communities to drive sustainable, long-term impact.
The 2026 event will feature live dueling piano entertainment and an evening of connection, inspiration, and purpose. Find out more information below.
Event Details:
Keys to Empowerment: A Dueling Pianos Charity Night 2026
Location: Ponus Yacht Club, Stamford, Connecticut
When: 7:00 pm-11:00 pm
Find out more and Register Here: Keys to Empowerment Landing Page