ABOUT US
Empowering People.
TRANSFORMING LIVES.
STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES.
WEPA Empowerment Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization advancing education, workforce development, career opportunities, and community empowerment for individuals and families throughout Lebanon County.
Empowering Lebanon’s Workforce
Community-Driven Education and Career Development
WEPA is dedicated to empowering individuals and families through career training, employment services, and community partnerships that promote economic mobility and personal growth.
Beyond workforce development, WEPA provides programming in a vibrant space where people can connect, learn, and thrive together. As a proud member of the Tec Centro Workforce Network, operating Tec Centro Lebanon, WEPA delivers bilingual workforce training and adult education programs designed to meet the needs of today’s job market. Our offerings include:
- Career pathways in high-demand occupations such as healthcare, information technology, trades, and culinary arts
- ESL classes and GED preparation
- Digital and financial literacy training
- Job readiness support to ensure long-term success
Whether entering the workforce, changing careers, or continuing their education, WEPA participants are supported every step of the way on their path to success.
At WEPA, We Believe In:
EMPOWERMENT
Through education and economic opportunity
INTEGRITY
in service and communication
RELATIONSHIPS
that foster trust and collaboration
OPPORTUNITY
for all, regardless of background or language
With a culturally responsive approach, low-cost training, and a commitment to removing barriers, WEPA is building a stronger future—one person, one family, one job at a time.
Our Story
Empowering Lebanon Through Education & Opportunity
Founded in 2021 by Rafael and Maribel Torres, the WEPA Empowerment Center was established to address the educational and workforce development needs of Lebanon County. Inspired by the proven success of the Tec Centro model in nearby regions, WEPA offers bilingual, culturally responsive services that empower individuals and strengthen entire communities.
In 2022, WEPA acquired the historic Elks Building in downtown Lebanon, with support from the Lebanon County Commissioners and a $750,000 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant.
This investment laid the foundation for a workforce development hub—Tec Centro Lebanon—the fourth site in the growing Tec Centro network.
WEPA, in partnership with the Tec Centro Workforce Network, officially opened its doors in 2023 with a mission to empower and equip individuals through adult education, workforce training, and employment services.
Many of those we serve are unemployed and unemployed facing barriers related to bilingual education, skills training, and job placement.
By proactively addressing these challenges, WEPA provides the tools and opportunities for individuals and families to break the cycle of poverty.
In its first year, WEPA launched programs in English as a Second Language (ESL), HiSET/GED preparation (in Spanish), digital literacy, and multiple workforce readiness initiatives. Certification programs were also introduced through partnerships with local institutions and industry leaders. Looking ahead, WEPA is expanding into high-demand career pathways including healthcare, culinary arts, and building trades.
Today, WEPA is more than a training center—it is a trusted resource for career seekers, a catalyst for economic mobility, and a strong advocate for equitable access to workforce training in Lebanon County.
Community Focused
Our Impact So Far
- Over 70 individuals earning 96 credentials or certifications within the first year
- Graduates and Employment Services Participants placed in local jobs resulting in combined annual incomes exceeding $4M
- Three fully equipped state-of-the-art healthcare labs opened in 2024
- Programs offered in both English and Spanish
- Strong partnerships with HACC, Tec Centro Workforce Network, IU-13, and others
Where It All Started
Meet the Founders
In both their professional and personal lives, Rafael and Maribel Torres have remained deeply engaged in serving their communities.
Through these experiences, they witnessed recurring challenges—not only when offering support to others, but also when seeking help themselves.
This insight inspired a pivotal shift in their mission: moving beyond providing assistance to fostering true empowerment—reminding individuals of the strength, resilience, and potential they already carry within themselves.
WEPA Supporters
Board Members
Rafael M. Torres
Founder, WEPA Empowerment Center
Sherry Martin
Vice-Chair, M&T Bank
H. William Campoll
Treasurer, Retired, Weaber Lumber
Carmen Santiago
Board Member, Joe Jurgielewicz & Son
Alisher Aminov
Board Secretary, Edward Jones
John Tice
Board Member, Howard Hanna
Mark J. Kogan Esq.
Board Member, HGSK Law Firm
Fitzroy Lewis
Board Member, Teen Challenge
WEPA Tec Centro Lebanon
Our Amazing Team
Our dedicated team is here to support, guide, and empower you on your journey to success. We are passionate about education and workforce development, bringing together expertise, care, and a strong commitment to the individuals and families we serve. Reach out to us—we’re ready to help you take the next step forward!
Rafael Torres
Founder & CEO
Maribel Torres
Co-Founder
Estela Paz
Executive Director – Tec Centro Lebanon
Deborah Medina
Receptionist
Zahyra Muriel-Ramos
Allied Health Lead Instructor
Marisol Ortiz
Career Navigator
Dennis Puyarena
Employment Specialist
Susan Kleinfelter
HR Generalist
Priscilla Gonzalez
Accountant
Sarita Soriano
High School Equivalency (HiSet)
Daniel Clarke
Accountant
Dennis Fecondo
Facility Custodian
Jovanna Clay
Administrative Assistant
Samuel Ortiz
Marketing & Recruitment
Katiria Rodriguez
Adult Basic Education
ESL instructor
Daniel Santiago
CDL Instructor
Alyssa Yost
Evening Receptionist
