The People Behind the Mission
Hugs that Empower is guided by individuals who believe movement, connection, and dignity can transform lives.
Since 2016, our board has helped make TangoStride available to those who need it.
Gabriela Condrea specializes in connection-centered movement through Argentine Tango (since 2010) and is the creator of TangoStride™ (est. 2016) — a tango-inspired program designed to help individuals with mobility and neurological challenges rediscover confidence, movement, and human connection.
With more than 30 years of teaching experience and two years of intensive studies in Buenos Aires, Gabriela has developed a welcoming, collaborative approach that supports people of all abilities and experience levels. She has presented her work in 89 cities across 15 countries and 3 continents, helping individuals experience the power of connection through movement.
Gabriela’s work helping individuals Dance to Walk through TangoStride™ has been featured in The Seattle Times, Chicago Tribune, UW Medicine News, CBS News, KING 5, and Q13 FOX News.
Gabriela is the author of When 1+1=1: That Impossible Connection, creator of the When 1+1=1 Connection Games, and author of The Little Posture Book. Through Hugs That Empower, she continues to create movement experiences centered around encouragement, confidence, healing, and human connection.
Gabriela Condrea
Every week, I have the privilege of meeting individuals who are determined to keep moving forward despite the challenges they face. They come to Hugs that Empower with courage, resilience, and the belief that there is still more life to be lived.
Some are recovering from a stroke. Others are living with Parkinson's disease, brain injury, Multiple Sclerosis, cerebral palsy, or another neurological condition. Many have completed traditional rehabilitation, yet they still dream of walking farther, standing taller, and living with greater confidence and independence.
At Hugs that Empower, we believe those dreams deserve every opportunity to continue.
Through our TangoStride® program, we create a welcoming community where movement becomes possibility, encouragement becomes confidence, and every step forward is celebrated. Here, participants discover not only improved mobility, but also renewed hope, meaningful friendships, and the joy of accomplishing things they once thought were beyond their reach.
Our 11th annual Hugs that Empower Soirée for TangoStride® is a celebration of those journeys. It is an opportunity for compassionate individuals, businesses, healthcare organizations, foundations, and community leaders to come together in support of a shared belief—that rehabilitation may end, but hope should never have to.
When you choose to partner with Hugs that Empower, you are doing far more than supporting an event.
You are helping someone continue their journey.
You are helping remove financial barriers so more people can access life-changing opportunities.
You are helping fuel TangoStride® throughout the year, with the Soirée serving as the celebration that makes that impact possible.
You are investing in a future where more individuals can continue discovering strength, confidence, and connection through movement.
Most importantly, you are helping create Hope in Every Step.
Thank you for considering becoming part of the Hugs that Empower family. Together, we can ensure that more individuals continue moving toward lives filled with greater possibility, purpose, and hope.
From Gabriela Condrea, Founder & Executive Director
More Than Movement
At Hugs that Empower, leadership means more than administration.
It means creating spaces where individuals feel:
• seen
• encouraged
• empowered
• connected
• hopeful
Every class, partnership, sponsorship, and community effort is rooted in the belief that movement canchange lives.
A Community-Led Mission
Hugs that Empower is supported by a passionate community of leaders, advocates, professionals, and volunteers who believe in the power of movement, dignity, and human connection.
Together, we help create welcoming TangoStride™ experiences that empower individuals and families through compassionate, connection-centered support.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
GABRIELA CONDREA
President
JENNA BEEM
Owner & Acupuncturist,
Health Discovery Acupuncture
Vice- President
LEAH MCCOY
STUART ZOBEL
TERRY BENIOFF
Secretary
Advisory Board
Our Advisory Board brings together experienced professionals, advocates, and supporters who believe deeply in the mission of Hugs that Empower.
Their insight, encouragement, and expertise help strengthen our work and support the continued growth of connection-centered movement experiences through TangoStride™.
Jonathan Copley
CEO & Founder, CFOCare Inc.
& Founder, Grow50
Sarah Devine
ARNP
Harvey Brad
Posthumously on Advisory Board
Randall Broad
Join the Mission
Hugs that Empower continues to grow through the support of compassionate leaders, advocates, volunteers, sponsors, and community members who believe in the power of movement and human connection.