Dr. Stephanie Hodge is a dynamic and results-driven human resources executive with over two decades of experience leading strategic HR initiatives across diverse industries. As the Founder and CEO of EmpowHRment Partners (formerly Essex Consulting) ,a certified woman owned-small business, providing human resource and business consulting for small and mid-sized companies, she and her team deliver tailored HR and business consulting solutions. Her consulting expertise spans strategic HR leadership, talent acquisition, performance management, benefits administration, and organizational development. Proudly, Essex Consulting was named 2026 Top 25 small business of the year and 2026 Top Minority Owned Business of the Year through Cobb Chamber of Commerce.  

Stephanie Hodge, DBA, SPHR, is an accomplished facilitator and HR strategist with extensive experience delivering leadership, management, and human resources training to professionals across industries. Dr. Hodge is a faculty member for the Georgia Center for Nonprofits, Nonprofit University, and a guest lecturer at Georgia State University. She has delivered training on strategic HR management, leadership development, coaching, communication, performance management, compensation, recruiting, employee engagement, emotional intelligence, and team effectiveness. She is dedicated to helping leaders build stronger teams, improve performance, and create thriving workplace cultures.