About The Empire Initiative

We are building the network that talent deserves.

Founded by four New Yorkers in 2023, The Empire Initiative exists to close the distance between capable students and the relationships, experiences, and opportunities that shape long-term success.

Our story

Ambition needs an opening.

Too many talented students enter college without a professional network, industry context, or a clear path into the rooms where careers begin. Their potential is real, but access is uneven.

The Empire Initiative was created to bridge that gap. We bring together students, mentors, employers, community organizations, and civic institutions to create practical opportunities for growth.

Our work is grounded in a simple idea: when students gain exposure, accountability, and trusted relationships, they can make better decisions, act with greater confidence, and open doors for others.

Our values

How we build

These principles guide the way we design programs, choose partners, and ask students to lead.

01

Access

We make relationships and real-world opportunities more reachable.

02

Ownership

We expect students to take initiative, meet commitments, and build with purpose.

03

Service

We connect personal advancement with responsibility to community.

04

Legacy

We measure success by what participants create for those who follow.

Executive officers

Leadership

The organization is led by a cross-functional executive team responsible for partnerships, operations, communications, and philanthropy.

Lambro Mano, Chief Executive Officer

Lambro Mano

Chief Executive Officer

Louis DiMeglio, Chief Operating Officer

Louis DiMeglio

Chief Operating Officer

Brian Baarda, Chief Marketing Officer

Brian Baarda

Chief Marketing Officer

Philip Tarantini, Chief Philanthropy Officer

Philip Tarantini

Chief Philanthropy Officer

Our nonprofit status

A New York 501(c)(3).

The Empire Initiative, Inc. EIN 88-3525304.