Honoring a Life. Inspiring the Next Generation.
Welcome to Nawlage Is Power!
Aquiles “Nawlage” Espinosa was a talented musician, producer, mentor, and community-minded person who believed in the power of creativity, opportunity, and second chances.
Through music, sports, and his relationships with others, Nawlage had a lasting impact on the people around him.
Nawlage Is Power was created to carry that spirit forward.
Today, we create opportunities for Tampa area youth through music, athletics, education, career development, mentorship, and community engagement, helping young people discover their talents, build confidence, and see what's possible for their future. As our organization grows, we are expanding select educational support initiatives beyond Florida, beginning with scholarship opportunities for eligible students in Massachusetts.
His legacy lives on through the opportunities we create for the next generation.
A Note From Our Executive Director
"We founded this organization in honor of my brother, who was one of the most generous individuals I have ever known. His spirit of giving continues to inspire our mission every day. While his absence is deeply felt, this work stands as a tribute to the impact he made and the legacy he left behind."
Stephanie Espinosa
Our Purpose. Our Vision. Our Commitment.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower and uplift youth in our community by providing essential resources, opportunities, and support that foster their growth, development, and well-being. We create opportunities for young people, especially those facing financial or social barriers, through educational programs, mentorship, community experiences, resources, and compassionate outreach. Through collaborative partnerships and ongoing support, we seek to give back and make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of youth in our area.
Our Vision
Our vision is to be a leading force in nurturing the potential of young people, especially those in need. We envision a future where every child, regardless of their background, has the resources, knowledge, and support to pursue their passions, achieve their goals, and contribute to a vibrant, thriving community. Through our commitment, we hope to inspire the next generation of leaders, athletes, and artists to dream big, reach their full potential, and make a positive impact on the world around them.
Board of Directors
Stephanie Espinosa, Executive Director
Stephanie Espinosa, Executive Director
Stephanie Espinosa, Executive Director
Stephanie brings a unique combination of professional leadership, financial management, and strategic operations expertise to the Board of Directors at Nawlage Is Power Inc. As a proud SkillsUSA alumna, she carries forward a strong foundation in career readiness, leadership, and service. Beyond her corporate achievements, she is deeply p
Stephanie brings a unique combination of professional leadership, financial management, and strategic operations expertise to the Board of Directors at Nawlage Is Power Inc. As a proud SkillsUSA alumna, she carries forward a strong foundation in career readiness, leadership, and service. Beyond her corporate achievements, she is deeply passionate about the arts and creative expression. Her dedication to empowering young people is evident in her volunteer work at youth centers, where she has mentored, organized, and hosted events. Stephanie's commitment to fostering creativity, opportunity, and skill development aligns perfectly with our mission to support and enrich the lives of young individuals.
Maki Iwatsuki, Board Member
Stephanie Espinosa, Executive Director
Stephanie Espinosa, Executive Director
Maki brings extensive experience in music and dance with a strong commitment to fostering teamwork, discipline, and creativity among young performers. Her passion for empowering youth extends beyond dance choreography and cheer routines, as she has successfully led fundraising initiatives to support youth dance and cheer programs. Throug
Maki brings extensive experience in music and dance with a strong commitment to fostering teamwork, discipline, and creativity among young performers. Her passion for empowering youth extends beyond dance choreography and cheer routines, as she has successfully led fundraising initiatives to support youth dance and cheer programs. Through her dedication to the arts, Maki plays a vital role in advancing Nawlage Is Power Inc’s mission, serving as a powerful advocate for self-expression, creativity, community engagement, and opportunities for young individuals to thrive.
Patrick Hbaiter, Board Member
Stephanie Espinosa, Executive Director
Eric Hornbeek Jr., Board Member
Patrick brings a dynamic blend of sales, artist management, and entrepreneurship to the Board of Directors at Nawlage Is Power Inc. As a business owner, music manager, and former music artist, he possesses a deep understanding of both the creative and business sides of the industry. His dedication to community engagement is reflected in
Patrick brings a dynamic blend of sales, artist management, and entrepreneurship to the Board of Directors at Nawlage Is Power Inc. As a business owner, music manager, and former music artist, he possesses a deep understanding of both the creative and business sides of the industry. His dedication to community engagement is reflected in his sponsorship of numerous events that support talent and youth initiatives. Passionate about fostering growth and collaboration, Patrick leverages his expertise and resources to create meaningful opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen the community.
Eric Hornbeek Jr., Board Member
Eric Hornbeek Jr., Board Member
Eric Hornbeek Jr., Board Member
Eric brings experience in artist management and the music industry, successfully running businesses, including a recording studio. With a deep passion for music and community, he has used his expertise to create opportunities for young artists, helping them develop their talents and pursue their dreams. Beyond his work in the industry, Er
Eric brings experience in artist management and the music industry, successfully running businesses, including a recording studio. With a deep passion for music and community, he has used his expertise to create opportunities for young artists, helping them develop their talents and pursue their dreams. Beyond his work in the industry, Eric is a dedicated advocate for youth, actively supporting charitable events that provide resources, mentorship, and inspiration to the next generation. His commitment to merging music, creativity, and community impact aligns with our vision.
Michael Halmon, Board Member
Eric Hornbeek Jr., Board Member
Michael Halmon, Board Member
Mike is a dedicated entrepreneur and community advocate with a strong background in running successful family businesses, including a recording studio. Through his leadership, he has mentored, trained, and inspired young individuals, helping them develop their skills and confidence. Passionate about giving back, Mike has actively partici
Mike is a dedicated entrepreneur and community advocate with a strong background in running successful family businesses, including a recording studio. Through his leadership, he has mentored, trained, and inspired young individuals, helping them develop their skills and confidence. Passionate about giving back, Mike has actively participated in numerous charitable events, raising funds and awareness for youth-focused initiatives. His unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation makes him an invaluable part of Nawlage Is Power Inc’s mission.
Our Journey
Where It All Began
Founded in honor of Aquiles ’Nawlage‘ Espinosa, Nawlage Is Power Inc. was created with one simple belief: education creates opportunity. Inspired by his legacy, our mission is to empower youth and strengthen communities through education, mentorship, and service.
Building the Foundation
As the organization grew, we focused on meeting immediate educational needs by providing school supplies and resources to students and families throughout the Tampa Bay community.
Milestone
- Began distributing school supplies to local students
- Expanded community outreach efforts
Creating Life-Changing Experiences
Education extends beyond the classroom. Through sponsorships and community support, we helped students participate in educational travel experiences, including a trip to Washington, D.C., exposing them to history, leadership, and new opportunities.
Milestone
- Sponsored educational travel experiences
- Invested in youth leadership and enrichment
Supporting Families
Our mission grew to include helping families facing hardship. From grocery assistance to community support initiatives, we continued finding ways to meet immediate needs while investing in long-term success.
Milestone
- Assisted families with essential resources
- Expanded community partnerships
Growing Our Community
As awareness increased, so did our network of volunteers, supporters, and partners. Every donation, volunteer hour, and shared opportunity has helped extend our reach and deepen our impact.
Milestone
- Increased community engagement
- Built relationships with local supporters, organizations, volunteers, and community partners
Our Next Chapter - Pathways & Possibilities
Our journey is just beginning.
We remain committed to creating opportunities through education, mentorship, scholarships, community outreach, and programs that inspire the next generation to believe in what's possible. So we're building our Community Partner Network and year-round initiative for students and families with community professionals, businesses, mentors, educators and organizations so that we can connect students and families with:
- Community Professionals
- Career Experiences
- Hands-On Learning
- Educational Resources
- Workplace Experiences
The best chapters are still being written with your support.
© 2026 Nawlage Is Power - All Rights Reserved
Nawlage Is Power
7521 Paula Drive Unit 260164 Tampa, FL 33685
501(c)(3) TAX-EXEMPT organization
EIN: 33-2864230
Tax-deductible donations may be available to the extent permitted by law.
FDACS REGISTRATION # CH78892
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
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