Our Chapters

Empower Expression Chapters aim to facilitate local mentoring cohorts and hold events that promote access to or participation in one or more of our subjects in the Arts of Communication. Our chapters communicate with in-state schools and organizations to help students both develop their skills in the Arts of Communication and become more confident communicators.  

Ohio Chapter

Lindsey Shrodek

Youngstown, OhioPublic Speaking (Debate)

Lindsey participated in debate for four years and is currently the Vice-President of Speech & Debate at her school. Lindsey learned to research her topics, organize her ideas, and deliver speeches that helped her advocate for others. While completing a project to fight substance abuse, promote childhood literacy, and create an environmental advocacy club, she was confident that her fluency in public speaking could guide her in her journey.

Lindsey Shrodek

Youngstown, OhioPublic Speaking (Debate)

Lindsey participated in debate for four years and is currently the Vice-President of Speech & Debate at her school.

About Me

Lindsey participated in debate for four years and is currently the Vice-President of Speech & Debate at her school. Lindsey learned to research her topics, organize her ideas, and deliver speeches that helped her advocate for others. While completing a project to fight substance abuse, promote childhood literacy, and create an environmental advocacy club, she was confident that her fluency in public speaking could guide her in her journey.

Ilan Cardenes

New York, NY

Hi! My name is Illan and I’m a sophomore film major at Cleveland State University!

About Me

Hi! My name is Illan and I’m a sophomore film major at Cleveland State University! I’ve been working in film since middle school; this is my lifelong passion and I love to spread what I have learned. I joined Empower Expression in 2022 and I have seen firsthand the impact that a good mentor can have. I want to be able to help people find their artistic voice, the way that my mentor helped me.

Lauren Jensen

Cleveland, OH

Hi! My name is Lauren and I’m currently working towards a BM in French Horn Performance at the Cleveland Institute of Music.

About Me

Hi! My name is Lauren and I’m currently working towards a BM in French Horn Performance at the Cleveland Institute of Music as well as a BA in Economics and MS in Finance at Case Western Reserve University. I was the 2020 recipient of the Fortnightly Musical Club Award, I recently performed my first ever solo recital, and I’m currently involved in the orchestra and brass chamber music programs at CIM. I believe that experience in the arts is crucial no matter what your future holds, which is why I’m so excited to be working with this organization to make these disciplines more accessible. When I’m not making myself busy, you’ll find me freaking out about cats, drinking protein shakes, and sometimes crafting.

Lindsey Shrodek

Ohio Chapter President
Cleveland

About me

Lindsey Shrodek is a senior at Cleveland State University and majoring in Economics and Pre-Law. This fall, she will be working on an independent research project between technology and focus. The past few years, she has continued teaching the art of public speaking and research through competitive debate coaching with Classic Debate Camp LLC and the Laurel School in Shaker Heights. This summer she worked in Boston, MA with Avangrid Renewables on the Park City Wind and Commonwealth Wind Projects in the contract law department. Lindsey's experience with public speaking has helped her with her journey in academia and Law.

Ilan Cardenas-Silverstein

Ohio Chapter Treasurer
New York, NY

About me

Hi! My name is Ilan and I’m a sophomore film major at Cleveland State University! I’ve been working in film since middle school; this is my lifelong passion and I love to spread what I have learned. I joined Empower Expression in 2022 and I have seen firsthand the impact that a good mentor can have. I want to be able to help people find their artistic voice, the way that my mentor helped me.

Lauren Jensen

Ohio Chapter Secretary
Cleveland, Ohio

About me

Hi! My name is Lauren and I’m currently working towards a BM in French Horn Performance at the Cleveland Institute of Music as well as a BA in Economics and MS in Finance at Case Western Reserve University. I was the 2020 recipient of the Fortnightly Musical Club Award, I recently performed my first ever solo recital, and I’m currently involved in the orchestra and brass chamber music programs at CIM. I believe that experience in the arts is crucial no matter what your future holds, which is why I’m so excited to be working with this organization to make these disciplines more accessible. When I’m not making myself busy, you’ll find me freaking out about cats, drinking protein shakes, and sometimes crafting.