Media Coverage

In the Press

Featured in Forbes, The Washington Post, NBC, CBS News, The Guardian, Fox News, and media outlets worldwide for humanitarian leadership through Global Empowerment Mission.

2025

27 articles
Local 10November 30, 2025

Global Empowerment Mission Sends More Aid to Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa

GEM delivered 23 planes, 21 containers and three ships of supplies totaling about 3 million pounds valued at roughly $5 million to Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa.

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Jamaica ObserverNovember 24, 2025

Disaster Gems for Jamaica from Global Charity Head

Michael Capponi urged the Jamaican government to ensure disaster relief addresses long-term identity, stability, and economic future, detailing GEM's 18 container loads and 18 plane loads of supplies.

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WSVNNovember 8, 2025

GEM Celebrates 15 Years of Support with Celebration in Doral

GEM celebrated its 15th anniversary at its 60,000 sq ft Prologis warehouse in Doral, highlighting its history as one of the country's leading disaster relief nonprofits.

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Sun-SentinelNovember 4, 2025

'We Need Water and Food': Miami Aid Group Says Jamaica Is Desperate for More Help

Michael Capponi reported from Kingston, Jamaica on the desperate need for food and water as GEM shipped tons of donations from Miami to hurricane-devastated communities.

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Jamaica ObserverNovember 2, 2025

GEM Ready to Repair/Replace 50,000 Roofs Says Capponi

Michael Capponi announced GEM's commitment to repair or replace up to 50,000 roofs in south-western Jamaica ravaged by Hurricane Melissa, mobilizing massive relief operations within days.

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CBS NewsOctober 31, 2025

U.S.-Based Aid Groups Rush to Get Supplies into Storm-Battered Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa

CBS News nationally covered aid organizations including GEM rushing supplies to Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa devastated the island.

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NBC 6 South FloridaOctober 30, 2025

South Florida Volunteers Pack Up Supplies for Victims of Hurricane Melissa

GEM mobilized 25,000 relief kits for Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa devastated the island, with South Florida volunteers working around the clock at the Doral warehouse.

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How to Help Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa
ABC NewsOctober 29, 2025

How to Help Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa

Michael Capponi, founder and president of Global Empowerment Mission, discusses the most immediate concerns for Jamaica following the devastating hurricane and how individuals can provide assistance.

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Local 10October 27, 2025

Volunteers in Doral Prepare Disaster Relief Supplies for Jamaica Ahead of Hurricane Melissa

Volunteers mobilized at GEM headquarters in Doral to prepare disaster relief supplies for Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa approached.

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WLRNOctober 27, 2025

South Florida Mobilizes Major Relief Effort After Hurricane Melissa Wallops Jamaica

WLRN covered South Florida's major relief mobilization for Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa, featuring GEM's rapid-response operations.

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CBS MiamiOctober 26, 2025

Global Empowerment Mission Prepares Emergency Supplies for Countries Impacted by Hurricane Melissa

GEM's Doral warehouse prepared to ship hundreds of boxes with food, water, and toiletries to hurricane victims, with at least 2,000 boxes packed and 3,000 more being stocked.

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Local 10October 26, 2025

Global Empowerment Mission Looking for Donations to Help Those Impacted by Hurricane Melissa

GEM sought donations as it mobilized relief operations for communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean.

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WSVNOctober 25, 2025

Volunteers Pack Aid Boxes to Deliver to the Caribbean Ahead of Tropical Storm Melissa

Volunteers at GEM's Doral headquarters packed aid boxes with non-perishables, shoes, clothing, soap, and hygiene items for Caribbean islands impacted by Tropical Storm Melissa.

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Pasadena Star-NewsJuly 21, 2025

Still Recovering from Wildfire Losses, Survivors Find Hope in a Job Fair

GEM's Hire a Survivor job fair in Pasadena welcomed 2,417 fire survivor families and resulted in over 500 pledged jobs for wildfire-impacted communities.

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KDVRJuly 19, 2025

GEM Brings First Job Fair for LA Fire Survivors to Pasadena

Global Empowerment Mission hosted a groundbreaking job fair at PazNaz Church in Pasadena, welcoming 2,417 fire survivor families and resulting in 500+ pledged jobs for wildfire-impacted communities.

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CBS MiamiJuly 8, 2025

South Florida Nonprofit Sends Family Necessity Kits to Those Impacted by Central Texas Flooding

GEM's Doral warehouse loaded trucks with 26 pallets packed with family necessity kits including hygiene items, food, and water for Texas flood victims.

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hoopLAJuly 8, 2025

Global Empowerment Mission Expands LA Long-Term Wildfire Recovery Efforts

GEM marked six months of LA wildfire recovery operations, implementing a Housing Recovery ADU Pilot Program, Small Business Grant Program, and an expanded five-year commitment with over $9 million distributed.

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NBC 6 South FloridaJuly 7, 2025

GEM in Doral Sending Aid to Victims of Central Texas Floods

GEM loaded trucks with water, food, and essentials for Texas Hill Country families who lost everything to flash floods, with staff on the ground within 24 hours.

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WSVNJuly 6, 2025

Global Empowerment Mission Volunteers Send Aid, Staff, Cash Cards to Flood Victims in Central Texas

GEM sent aid, staff, and BStrong cash cards to Central Texas flood victims after catastrophic flooding in Kerr County.

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NBC 6 South FloridaJune 2, 2025

GEM Partners with Miami-Dade, Local Orgs to Prep for Potentially Busy Hurricane Season

GEM partnered with Miami-Dade County, BStrong, and other organizations to launch a coordinated hurricane preparedness action plan for the 2025 season.

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WSVNJune 1, 2025

GEM, Farm Share Team Up to Host Hurricane Emergency Kit Distributions Across Florida

GEM partnered with Farm Share for statewide hurricane preparedness kit distribution to 6,500 Florida families at nine locations.

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News4JaxMay 29, 2025

Farm Share Partners with Global Empowerment Mission to Distribute Hurricane Supply Kits

GEM and Farm Share partnered to distribute free hurricane supply kits to 6,500 Florida families at nine locations statewide ahead of the 2025 hurricane season.

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NBC 6 South FloridaMay 20, 2025

South Florida Teams Bring Relief to Texas Flood Victims

GEM distributed BStrong cash cards and emergency supplies to Texas families impacted by devastating flooding, continuing their rapid-response disaster relief model.

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NewsweekJanuary 15, 2025

How Bethenny Frankel Is Helping LA Wildfire Victims

Newsweek covered the BStrong/GEM partnership delivering crisis boxes and $1,500 cash cards to LA wildfire victims, noting the $408 million total in aid raised through the partnership.

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Extra TVJanuary 15, 2025

L.A. Fires: Bethenny Frankel's BStrong Is Delivering Aid with Dignity to L.A. Fire Victims

Exclusive interview covering BStrong/GEM relief efforts in LA, with Frankel saying they will remain for years to come to support wildfire-impacted communities.

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CBS NewsJanuary 12, 2025

Bethenny Frankel on How Her BStrong Initiative Is Helping California Wildfire Victims

CBS News featured BStrong's partnership with GEM providing critical supplies and raising millions for LA wildfire relief, with GEM serving as the operational partner.

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CBS 42January 9, 2025

Global Empowerment Mission and BStrong Continue to Mobilize Rapid Response to Support Los Angeles Fire Victims

GEM launched immediate relief operations for communities devastated by the LA wildfires, securing over $20 million in commitment and establishing a centrally located warehouse within 72 hours.

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2024

8 articles
Florida Strong Initiative Aids in Hurricane Recovery
WHSVOctober 20, 2024

Florida Strong Initiative Aids in Hurricane Recovery

GEM's Florida Strong initiative delivered truckloads of supplies to Florida's Big Bend and Panhandle following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, supporting over 120 artisans, farmers, and small business owners with grants.

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WSVNOctober 9, 2024

GEM Packs Hurricane Disaster Relief Kits for Those Impacted by Milton

GEM volunteers packed thousands of disaster relief kits at their Doral warehouse as Hurricane Milton approached Florida, sending truckloads of essential items worth over $1.5 million before landfall.

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WSVNOctober 8, 2024

GEM Mobilizes Supplies and Aid Ahead of Hurricane Milton's Arrival

Global Empowerment Mission's crews readied supplies at their Doral headquarters ahead of Hurricane Milton, preparing rapid-response operations for Florida communities in the storm's path.

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ForbesSeptember 24, 2024

Living Your Purpose with Michael Capponi: 3 Ways to Align Values with Action

From nightclub and real estate powerhouse to humanitarian hero, Michael Capponi's personal transformation led him to launch the Global Empowerment Mission.

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WSVNJuly 10, 2024

Volunteers Lend a Helping Hand to Jamaican Victims of Hurricane Beryl

GEM volunteers mobilized relief supplies for Jamaica following Hurricane Beryl's devastating impact on the island's communities and infrastructure.

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WSVNJuly 8, 2024

GEM and South Florida Caribbean Strong Call on Public to Help Supply Aid for Hurricane Beryl Victims

GEM partnered with South Florida Caribbean Strong to launch a public drive for supplies to aid Hurricane Beryl victims across the Caribbean islands.

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Washington PostJuly 6, 2024

Caribbean Islands Reel from Hurricane Beryl Damage

Global Empowerment Mission delivered aid to Grenada following hurricane devastation, with Capponi noting 'There's not much remaining there' on affected islands.

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Miami New TimesApril 2, 2024

Miami Nonprofit Won't Halt Gaza Aid After Deadly World Central Kitchen Strike

GEM plans to reassess distribution areas but continue operations in Gaza despite security concerns after the deadly strike on World Central Kitchen workers.

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2023

14 articles
ForbesDecember 21, 2023

Maui Brewing Announces Over $1.5 Million Raised for Lahaina Fire Relief

Global Empowerment Mission partnered with local businesses to raise over $1.5 million for Maui wildfire relief efforts.

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Clayton County RegisterAugust 16, 2023

SpaceX and Tesla Support Relief Efforts in Hawaii Wildfires

Capponi highlighted the necessity for displaced residents to transition from shelters to permanent housing solutions after devastating Maui wildfires.

Fox BusinessAugust 14, 2023

Maui Wildfires Prompt Airbnb Nonprofit to Open Homes to Displaced Locals

GEM partnered with Airbnb and the state of Hawaii on a $2.5 million rental assistance program for Maui wildfire survivors not eligible for FEMA assistance.

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NBC 6 South FloridaAugust 10, 2023

South Florida Nonprofit Sending Aid to Help Victims of the Maui Wildfires

GEM was on the ground in Maui since Day 2 of the historic fires, establishing a fully operational warehouse and distribution hub that delivered millions of donated goods to displaced families.

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Fox NewsJune 19, 2023

Russian Shelling Kills Two in Kharkiv

Fox News covered Russia's continued attacks and GEM's expanding relief initiatives in Ukraine.

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CBS NewsJune 12, 2023

Flooded Buildings Could Collapse in Kherson After Dam Destruction

Capponi discussed GEM's immediate assistance to residents impacted by catastrophic dam destruction flooding in Kherson.

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The GuardianJune 9, 2023

'They Hate Us So Much': Villagers Flee Flooding After Dam Attack

Capponi described the massive recovery challenge: 'Every single home is going to need bedding, mattresses... appliances will be ruined.'

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Golos UkrainyApril 12, 2023

American Philanthropist Michael Capponi Shows Solidarity with Ukrainians in Donetsk

Capponi confirmed humanitarian collaboration plans with Avdiivka military leadership during his visit to the frontlines.

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Yahoo FinanceFebruary 15, 2023

Goya Gives and GEM Respond to Earthquake Victims in Turkey

Goya Foods partnered with GEM to deliver critical aid supplies to earthquake-devastated regions of Turkey, reaching hundreds of thousands in seven provinces.

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NBC 6 South FloridaFebruary 10, 2023

Doral Nonprofit Distributes Millions in Aid for Earthquake-Stricken Turkey

Capponi was on the ground in Turkey within 48 hours of the devastating earthquake, distributing $3 million worth of aid and shipping $20 million in supplies across seven provinces.

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Lviv NowJanuary 30, 2023

We Repair 50-70 Ukrainian Houses Per Month

Capponi discussed GEM's housing repair operations during the World for Ukraine summit in Poland, detailing their massive rebuilding effort.

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KonkurentJanuary 23, 2023

American Philanthropist Gave a Speech in Davos

Capponi participated in World Economic Forum discussions; GEM received recognition for its groundbreaking Ukrainian humanitarian work.

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Chico Enterprise-RecordJanuary 13, 2023

Growing Relief Organization Opens Warehouse, Office in Chico

Global Empowerment Mission expanded its West Coast operations with a new warehouse and office in Chico, California.

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Lifestyles South FloridaJanuary 8, 2023

How Michael Capponi Became the Unlikely Face of Global Altruism

An in-depth profile on how Capponi transformed from Miami nightlife entrepreneur to one of the world's most active humanitarian leaders.

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2022

9 articles
CBS NewsOctober 4, 2022

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava in Fort Myers to Help Distribute Aid

GEM distributed 24 full-size trucks of community-donated supplies, with plans for 75 total shipments monthly to Hurricane Ian victims.

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Miami HeraldOctober 1, 2022

Ian's Path of Ruin: Sanibel Bridge Severed, Gulf Coast Cities Flooded

GEM sourced 10,000 mattresses from partner nonprofits for Hurricane Ian relief distribution across devastated Florida communities.

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CBS NewsOctober 1, 2022

South Florida Responds to Ian's West Coast Devastation

Capponi outlined immediate relief priorities: 'food, hygiene' followed by tarps — 10,000 secured from Amazon for distribution.

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Fox NewsSeptember 30, 2022

Aid Group Racing to Bring Supplies to Areas Devastated by Hurricane Ian

Capponi discussed GEM's rapid response mobilization for hurricane-affected Floridians, deploying teams within hours of landfall.

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CBS NewsSeptember 28, 2022

South Florida Efforts Underway to Help Victims of Hurricane Ian

Capponi warned 'This is gonna be like the Katrina of Florida, unfortunately' regarding the magnitude of Hurricane Ian's devastation.

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CBS NewsSeptember 21, 2022

GEM in Doral Continues to Pack Supplies for Puerto Rico as Fiona's Rain Continues

Capponi described GEM's mission: 'How to get the most amount of aid to the most amount of people in the shortest amount of time for the least amount of money.'

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NBC 6 South FloridaFebruary 25, 2022

Ukrainians Fleeing Russian Attacks to Get Help from South Florida

GEM loaded generators, tents, cots and bedding supplies in Doral, with Capponi heading to Poland to distribute supplies at the Ukrainian border on the second day of the invasion.

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WSVNFebruary 24, 2022

GEM Assembling Palettes to Assist Those in Ukraine Affected by Russian Invasion

GEM began assembling aid palettes at their Doral warehouse within hours of Russia's invasion, shipping 20,000 kits with plans for 100,000 more.

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Local 10February 24, 2022

South Florida Sends Supplies to Ukraine After Russia Attack

South Florida organizations including GEM mobilized immediate relief supplies for Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian military offensive.

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2021

11 articles
CBS MiamiDecember 13, 2021

'There Is Nothing Standing': Michael Capponi in Kentucky Helping with Tornado Relief Efforts

Capponi was on the ground the day after tornadoes ripped through Mayfield, Kentucky, with GEM sending 10 semi-trucks carrying $2 million in relief supplies and $100,000 in cash cards.

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WSVNDecember 12, 2021

GEM Sending 10 Semi-Trucks with Supplies to Kentucky Tornado Victims

Global Empowerment Mission shipped more than 500,000 goods including blankets, beverages, hygiene supplies and PPE to tornado-devastated communities in Kentucky.

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Local 10December 12, 2021

South Florida Group Sending Supplies to Hardest Hit Areas of Deadly Tornadoes

GEM mobilized emergency supplies from their Doral warehouse for tornado victims across Kentucky, with Capponi personally overseeing distribution on the ground.

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NBC 6 South FloridaDecember 14, 2021

Doral Nonprofit Readies Supplies for Hard-Hit Kentucky After Tornadoes

GEM continued packing and shipping relief supplies to tornado-devastated Kentucky communities from their Doral headquarters.

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CBS MiamiSeptember 1, 2021

Global Empowerment Mission's Founder Lands in Hurricane-Torn Louisiana to Help

Capponi arrived in Grand Isle, Louisiana within 24 hours of Hurricane Ida's landfall with 26 pallets of aid, comparing the devastation to Hurricane Michael's destruction in the Florida Panhandle.

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CBS MiamiAugust 30, 2021

South Florida Donations Headed to Hurricane-Struck Louisiana

GEM organized volunteers at their Doral warehouse to pack boxes of supplies for Louisiana, sending a truck valued at over $150,000 to Baton Rouge ahead of further relief shipments.

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WSVNSeptember 2, 2021

GEM Sends Truck Full of Supplies to Help Louisianans Following Ida's Wrath

Global Empowerment Mission deployed truckloads of essential supplies to Louisiana communities devastated by Hurricane Ida's Category 4 winds and flooding.

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Local 10July 28, 2021

'We Need a Place': Surfside Building Collapse Survivors Still Need Help After Tragedy

GEM distributed roughly $75,000 in gift cards among Surfside survivors and worked with hotel and condo owners to find temporary housing for displaced families.

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NBC 6 South FloridaJune 28, 2021

Generosity from Donors, Appreciation from Recipients Following Surfside Collapse

GEM and BStrong provided $4,000 Visa cards, $400 Walmart gift cards, and Uber credits to Champlain Tower collapse survivors through their emergency relief fund.

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WSVNJune 25, 2021

GEM Builds Care Packages for Families Affected by Surfside Apartment Collapse

GEM members packed cooling bags with blankets, PPE, first aid kits, hygiene packets, and battery chargers for families displaced by the Champlain Towers collapse.

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World Red EyeFebruary 12, 2021

Q&A: Global Empowerment Mission Founder Michael Capponi Talks Partnerships & Initiatives

Capponi discussed GEM's growth, partnerships with BStrong, and the organization's expanding global footprint in an in-depth interview about humanitarian leadership.

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2012

2 articles
Guest Of A GuestMay 9, 2012

Michael Capponi Celebrates His 40th Birthday With A Festive Fundraiser

Michael Capponi hosted his birthday benefit at Capital in New York City, with all proceeds directly benefiting Global Empowerment Mission.

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BlackBookMarch 22, 2012

Industry Insiders: Michael Capponi, Club Kid On A Goodwill Mission

BlackBook interviews Michael Capponi about his story of triumph over adversity, discussing his shift toward humanitarian work and the creation of Global Empowerment Mission.

2011

1 article
The Miami HeraldJune 12, 2011

Tale of a Key Rat: The Michael Capponi Story

The Miami Herald spoke with Michael Capponi about his experience providing aid to victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake and the creation of Global Empowerment Mission.