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OUR STORY

Empowering Lives,
Restoring Hope

Born from transformative experiences and a deep commitment to our community, the Love Your SELFie Empowerment Foundation exists to help those who need it most rediscover their worth.

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Our Story

The Love Your SELFie Empowerment Foundation was born from the transformative experiences witnessed at Love Your SELFie Studio—a handcrafted, interactive photo studio in Port Charlotte where creativity, confidence, and fun collide.

Time and time again, we saw individuals walk through our doors carrying the weight of their struggles—survivors of domestic violence, young people battling bullying and self-doubt, and community members who had simply lost their way. Through the power of photography, self-expression, and genuine human connection, we watched these same individuals rediscover their light.

What started as a photo studio became something much more profound: a safe space for healing, a catalyst for confidence, and a reminder that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and empowered.

This realization inspired us to expand our impact beyond the studio walls. The Love Your SELFie Empowerment Foundation was created to bring these transformative experiences to those who need them most—partnering with shelters, schools, mental health organizations, and community groups to restore hope, one life at a time.

Our Mission

To give back to our community by supporting domestic violence survivors, at-risk youth, individuals struggling with mental health challenges, and anyone who has lost their sense of self-worth through empowering experiences, resources, and genuine connection.

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Our Vision

A community where every individual feels seen, celebrated, and empowered—where self-worth is restored, hope is renewed, and everyone knows they are never alone in their journey.

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Board Members

Mary Rodriguez

Founder

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Mary Rodriguez is the Founder of Love Your Selfie Empowerment Foundation, Inc. and the visionary behind Love Your SELFie Studio. Her work is rooted in the belief that changing how someone sees themselves can fundamentally change the direction of their life, a mission born from her own journey of reclaiming her confidence and worth.

What began as a creative studio for teenage girls quickly evolved into a deeper movement under Mary’s leadership. After witnessing the transformative power of self-connection and healing through the lens, she expanded her vision to establish the Foundation. She is dedicated to creating safe, non-judgmental spaces where individuals can quiet the noise of comparison and reconnect with their authentic selves.

Mary is passionate about navigating the "uncharted waters" of empowerment work alongside a community of heart-centered people. She remains committed to uplifting those who need a reminder that their past does not define them and that their story is far from over.

Eddie Rodriguez

Vice President

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Eddie is proud to serve as Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Love Your Selfie Empowerment Foundation.

North Port resident for over 30 years, Eddie is the owner of E.R. A/C & Refrigeration, a locally owned family business that serves our community with honesty, reliability, and care. As a business owner, he understands the importance of hard work, commitment, and building strong relationships with the people you serve.

Eddie is also a proud husband, father of four, and grandfather of three, with one more on the way. Family means everything to Eddie, and that is a big part of why this foundation is so important. He has seen how encouragement, support, and community can make a real difference in people’s lives.

As the husband of Mary Rodriguez, founder of the Love Your Selfie Empowerment Foundation, he has had the opportunity to see her vision, heart, and determination up close. He is honored to support that vision and help grow a foundation that is focused on uplifting others, building confidence, and creating opportunities for healing, empowerment, and connection.

When he is not working or spending time with my family, he enjoys getting out in his Jeep and enjoying a little adventure whenever he can.

He is excited to be part of this organization and looks forward to helping make a positive impact in our community.

Emily Torres

Board Member

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Emily Torres is a wife, mother, and Florida native with a passion for helping others succeed. She is a full-time realtor and travel business owner who loves connecting with people and supporting them in reaching their goals.

When she’s not working, you can often find Emily at the baseball or soccer fields cheering on her kids. She believes in the power of community and enjoys encouraging others to grow, succeed, and build a life they love.

Emily is proud to support organizations that help women and children thrive and create brighter futures.

Cathy Boyette

Board Member

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Cathy moved to Florida from South Boston, Massachusetts, with my husband of 26 years to begin a new chapter in our lives together. They both shared a deep love for rescue dogs, and along the way they adopted a handicapped dog who quickly became a beloved part of their small family.

Tragically, Cathy's life changed suddenly, in a way she never expected when her husband passed away. The loss was devastating, and she found myself facing one of the most difficult periods of my life.

During that time, her two dogs became her comfort, her purpose, and her strength. Their unconditional love carried Cathy through the darkest moments of her grief and reminded her every day that she was not alone.

When Cathy first heard about Love Your Selfie Studios, she was excited about the idea of taking fun selfies with her dogs. But when she walked into the studio, she discovered something far more meaningful than she could have ever imagined. Cathy found genuine friendship, kindness, and a place filled with laughter and connection.

At a time when Cathy's heart was still healing, that friendship helped bring joy back into my life.

What began as a simple visit to take pictures with her dogs became something much greater. It became part of Cathy's healing journey and a reminder that even during life’s most difficult moments, love, friendship, and the companionship of animals can help guide us forward.

April Davis

Board Member

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With over 20 years of fundraising experience, April Davis serves as a dedicated nonprofit director and Chair of Fundraising, bringing passion, leadership, and strategic vision to every cause she supports. Her commitment to community impact is reflected not only in her nonprofit work but also through her service on the Punta Gorda Rotary board.

Beyond her nonprofit leadership, she is a professional in the mortgage industry and a travel advisor, helping clients build their futures and create memorable experiences.

She has been happily married to her husband Tony for 30 years and is the proud mother of three beautiful daughters. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and beachcombing—interests that reflect her love for learning, exploration, and the simple joys of life.

Her life and career are rooted in service, connection, and a genuine desire to make a difference.

Rico

Honorary Board Member & Founder’s Heart

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Rico is a majestic King Shepherd and the beloved companion who has stood faithfully beside our founder for more than 13 years. Known as her “soul dog,” Rico has been a constant source of loyalty, comfort, and quiet strength through every chapter of life.

With his noble presence and gentle spirit, Rico embodies the deep bond that can exist between humans and the animals who share our lives. Though he may occasionally earn the affectionate title of “hot, smelly mess,” to those who know him best he has been nothing short of perfect every single day.

Rico represents the heart of this foundation—the unconditional love, devotion, and connection that animals bring into our lives. His pawprints are forever part of this story.

Around here, he will always be known as the original good boy.

Churro

Official Studio Mascot & Director of Puppy Kisses

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Churro is a four-pound Morkie with a personality far bigger than his tiny frame. Equal parts energy, mischief, and affection, he has made it his personal mission to bring joy to everyone who walks through the studio doors.

Stubborn, delightfully untrainable, and always ready for attention, Churro operates by his own set of rules. He is known for zooming through the studio, sneaking into photo sessions without permission, and charming his way into everyone’s heart within seconds.

Despite his chaotic little spirit, Churro has an important job here: reminding us that happiness often arrives unexpectedly. With his big ears, bright eyes, and endless supply of puppy kisses, he has a magical way of turning an ordinary day into a better one.

Around here, Churro proudly holds the title of Chief Morale Officer—because everyone deserves a little puppy love.

Support Our Programs

Compassion

We approach every individual with unconditional love and understanding, recognizing that everyone's journey is unique and worthy of respect.

Safetyont

Creating safe spaces where healing and growth can flourish is at the heart of everything we do. Everyone deserves to feel protected and supported.

Community

Building connections that remind everyone they are never alone. Together, we create a network of support, understanding, and belonging.t

Empowerment

Helping individuals rediscover their inner strength and self-worth through transformative experiences and genuine human connection.

"What we truly offer is an experience—one rooted in fun, laughter, confidence, and connection. It's a space where people of all ages come together to feel seen, celebrated, and empowered."

— The Foundation's Core Belief

Founded by Love Your SELFie Studio

The Empowerment Foundation was born from the transformative experiences witnessed at Love Your SELFie Studio—a handcrafted, interactive photo studio in Port Charlotte where creativity, confidence, and fun collide.

Love Your SELFie Empowerment Foundation, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.