Today we’d like to introduce you to Veronica Kulon
Hi Veronica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My Journey: From Teaching to Empowering Communities Through Grants
I started my career as an elementary school teacher in 1999, working in Title 1 schools in DeKalb, Georgia. I was passionate about helping students from low-income, underserved communities, giving them a path to a brighter future. After eight years in the classroom, I decided it was time to make a bigger impact, so I started a small tutoring business to support homeschooling families and children with special needs. That was my first step into entrepreneurship, but the turning point came when I took on a Program Director role at a local nonprofit. I managed two federally funded programs: a TRIO Upward Bound grant for first-generation college students in Fulton County and a Mentoring Children of Prisoners program. This was where I first learned about federal grants, and I quickly realized the potential they held for making a real difference in communities.
I eventually moved back to Florida to pursue a Master’s in Nonprofit Management at my alma mater, Florida Atlantic University, in 2012. My goal was always to return to Atlanta and help families suffering from the effects of racism in the Deep South. This was deeply personal for me, as I had faced homelessness, sexual assault, domestic violence, and other traumatic experiences in my own life. I wanted to support nonprofits that were addressing those very issues. In 2012, when I moved back to Atlanta, I started Empowerment Solutions as a sole proprietorship, specializing in writing grants for nonprofits focused on poverty alleviation, homelessness, education, and social justice. Over the years, I’ve been able to help organizations raise over $20 million in funding from foundations, corporations, and government sources. In 2024, I officially incorporated my business as VK Empowerment Solutions LLC and began expanding my services to Jacksonville, working with nonprofits that support LGBTQ+ teens and young adults facing homelessness, mental health challenges, and HIV-related issues.
In 2023, I became the Board Secretary of the Georgia Chapter of the Grant Professionals Association, a position I still hold. In October 2024, I earned my Grant Professional Certification (GPC). This was a significant achievement for me, as only 21 people in Georgia and 474 worldwide hold this credential. The GPC is awarded to grant professionals who meet rigorous standards and demonstrate proficiency in the competencies needed to succeed in the field. Throughout my career, my mission has remained the same: to help build the capacity of organizations serving underserved communities. I’ve been fortunate to work with nonprofits, businesses, and the public sector to bring about systemic change. Mentoring new grant writers and volunteering with nonprofits focused on overcoming the effects of systemic racism has become a personal passion of mine.
Looking back, I realize that everything I’ve experienced—both the challenges and successes—has led me to where I am today, empowering others to make a lasting difference in their communities.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My Journey: Overcoming Challenges to Build Empowerment Solutions
My path to where I am today has been anything but smooth. While I’m proud of the work I’ve done, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges I faced along the way. As a single mom of five children—four of whom are grown now—I had to make countless sacrifices to balance my responsibilities. Juggling full-time work and full-time school while raising my children meant putting my dreams on hold at times. I knew I couldn’t scale my business to where it is now until most of my kids were grown, and that took patience and resilience.
Another major hurdle has been dealing with people in power who lacked ethics and respect for my knowledge and experience. I’ve encountered situations where, despite my qualifications, my voice was dismissed or undervalued. This disrespect came not only from individuals who were supposed to be allies but also from those who simply couldn’t accept a woman—especially a white woman—advocating for marginalized communities in the South.
Having biracial children and being a strong advocate for the Black community in the South has brought its own set of challenges. At times, I’ve faced distrust and judgment from both sides, though it’s often been the white community that has questioned my role and commitment. But I’ve never let that stop me. Instead, these challenges have fueled my desire to persist, to lead by example, and to show my children—and those I mentor—that it’s possible to achieve your dreams through resilience and a genuine desire to uplift your community.
All of these experiences, as difficult as they’ve been, have shaped the person I am today and the mission of my business, VK Empowerment Solutions LLC. They’ve motivated me to keep pushing forward, no matter the odds. My journey has always been about creating opportunities for others, advocating for equity, and showing that you can break through barriers—even when the road is long and full of obstacles.
As you know, we’re big fans of VK Empowerment Solutions LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
VK Empowerment Solutions LLC is a boutique grant consulting firm that I founded to help nonprofits serve underserved and marginalized communities. We specialize in writing grants, building grant strategies, and developing capacity for organizations in areas like poverty alleviation, homelessness, mental health, education, workforce development, and criminal justice reform. Over the years, we’ve helped clients raise over $20 million in funding from foundations, corporations, and government sources. What sets us apart from others is our personal, hands-on approach. I don’t just write grants—I collaborate closely with each organization, learning about their mission, their needs, and the people they serve. I understand the challenges these nonprofits face because I’ve lived through similar experiences myself. That lived experience drives the passion and authenticity I bring to each project. I also specialize in working with nonprofits addressing issues of systemic racism, trauma, and the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in Atlanta and Jacksonville.
One thing I’m most proud of brand-wise is our commitment to ethical grant writing and community engagement. My recent achievement of earning the Grant Professional Certification (GPC) reflects that commitment to excellence and ethics in the field. I want readers to know that when they work with VK Empowerment Solutions, they’re getting more than just a grant writer—they’re partnering with someone who truly cares about their mission and is dedicated to helping them grow and sustain their impact. In addition to grant writing, we offer consulting on grant management, organizational development, and strategic planning. I’m especially proud of how our services have helped organizations secure funding and build the capacity to thrive long-term. Whether it’s a small nonprofit or a larger organization, I’m here to help them turn their vision into a sustainable reality.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happiest is seeing the impact of my work on the communities I serve. There’s a deep sense of fulfillment in knowing that the grants I write or the strategies I help implement lead to real, positive change for people who need it most. Whether it’s a program for homeless youth, a community initiative combating food insecurity, or an educational opportunity for first-generation college students, seeing those programs come to life and make a difference brings me immense joy. I’m also incredibly happy when I see others—especially the nonprofits I work with—grow and succeed. Watching an organization build its capacity, secure funding, and expand its services reminds me of why I started VK Empowerment Solutions LLC in the first place. It’s all about empowerment, not just for communities but also for the people leading these efforts.
On a more personal level, what truly fills my heart is being an example of resilience and strength for my children. As a single mom of five, I’ve worked hard to show them that no matter what obstacles life throws at you, it’s possible to push forward and create a meaningful life. Knowing that I’m teaching them about perseverance and community care makes me incredibly happy. Ultimately, I find joy in making a difference—whether it’s through my work, my family, or mentoring others. That’s what keeps me motivated and fulfilled every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.empowermentsolutions.org
