“Never underestimate the power of a woman!”

This quote by Archie Andrews actually applies to not one, but two local women who founded a nonprofit philanthropic company from a desire to fulfill community needs through their logistics company. Victoria Sparks and Michele Wilson envisioned a charity which focused on children and women issues in Henry County as well as surrounding counties and eventually some worldwide organizations.  

With Sparks’ and Wilson’s determination to overcome the male dominated logistics industry, the company, PEI (Premier Expediters Inc.), was born in 1992 out of faith and determination. This parent company has expanded into four distinct affiliations with revenues of $41 million per year. One of these four entities, Paradise Empowers (www.paradiseempowers.org), was founded in 2004. This privately funded 501c3 company provides funding to such charitable establishments as Charity Water, Doctors Without Borders, Mercy Ships, Alzheimer’s Association, Sloan Kettering, Toys for Tots, Make a Wish, and Special Olympics. 

“We have been very blessed, and we feel that it is our duty to share that blessing with our community that supports us.” Michele Wilson

Local charity organizations also provided funding based on employee sponsored need and criteria, or customer requested support. Art Reach 180, Henry for Music, Operation Lunch Box, Communities in Schools, Christian Women’s Center, Rachel’s Gift, Angel Tree, 2 Sparrows, A Friend’s House, and Meansville Women’s Program are such recipients of the Paradise Empowers’ discretionary funding.  

The belief and strong desire to give back to the community and to the world has enabled this worthwhile company to increase gifting yearly. Over $1.5 million has been granted to agencies during Paradise Empowers’ 19-year existence. According to Executive Director Daran Paden, a special gift of more than $50,000 has recently been given to three relief organizations in Israel.  

“We felt the saying to whom much is given, much is expected, and we made it our life’s work to share the love.” Victoria Sparks

Quite a blessing to many and various organizations that are in need! All through the power of two ambitious and faith-based women whose mission is to serve the customer, empower the employee, support the vendors and give back to the community.

By Arolue Flemmen Prater 

For more information on PEI visit www.ShipPei.com