Live Updates

PANAMA EARTHQUAKE | GEM LATAM Disaster Response

Following the devastating earthquake and aftershocks across Panama, Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), in coordination with the U.S. Department of State, DHL, the Government of Panama, and First Lady Maricel de Mulino, mobilized a humanitarian response to assist affected communities.

On October 16, a cargo flight from Miami delivered 100 pallets of emergency supplies - more than 43 metric tons of aid valued at over $375,000 USD. The shipment included Family Necessity Kits, food, hygiene supplies, mattresses, blankets, tarps, and other essentials.

Following ground assessments led by GEM LATAM Director of Operations Luis Velasquez, our teams began multi-day distributions across Veraguas, Herrera, and Los Santos, reaching remote coastal villages and rural communities with difficult road access.

From Mariato, Malena, Torio, and Palo Seco to Soná, Santiago, La Mesa, Pesé, Tonosí, Playa Venao, and Macaracas, GEM worked with local authorities and volunteers to deliver aid directly to affected families.

On October 19, GEM joined U.S. Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera, Panamanian officials, and local leaders in Tonosí, providing assistance to more than 300 families and delivering 200 school desks to support local schools.

GEM is also coordinating with the Chabad community in Playa Venao to identify ongoing recovery needs. @chabadvenao @yariv_klein lapinamora

We thank the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy in Panama, DHL, the Government of Panama, First Lady Maricel de Mulino, and all local partners and volunteers for making this mission possible.

Support GEM’s ongoing disaster response at GEM.org or the link in our bio. @statedept @dhl_global @mulinomaricel @ambassadorcabrera @usembpan

#GEM #PanamaEarthquake #HumanitarianAid #DisasterResponse ...

Last night, our founder and president, @MichaelCapponi, was honoured to receive the Global Impact Award at the @cityofdoral’s 2026 Mayor and Chiefs Gala. The City of Doral has played an instrumental role in supporting GEM’s humanitarian logistics hub, bringing together local communities and diaspora groups in response to the recent earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia.

Over the past 4 months alone, these collective efforts have helped mobilise more than $100 million dollars in humanitarian aid, with the support of over 25,000 volunteers. This is what makes @globalempowermentmission’s model so unique. Through innovative public private partnerships, we unite cities, governments, businesses, community organisations and volunteers around a shared mission. Everyone contributes, and together we turn compassion into immediate, measurable impact.

Special thanks to our incredible GEM teams, our donors, our corporate partners, our board of directors, @welove_foundation, @santichumaceiro, @statedept @miamidadeem @prologis @doralpd and to everyone who has helped make this mission possible.

This award belongs to all of you. Stronger together. @pp4kfoundation ...

GEM PANAMA EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE 🇵🇦

Today, we delivered more than 40 tons of critical humanitarian supplies to #Panama following the devastating October 9th earthquake.

A DHL humanitarian cargo aircraft arrived from Miami carrying 100 pallets of emergency relief supplies, with a combined value of approximately $350,000 in donated goods and transportation.

Our shipment includes:

• 53 pallets of GEM Family Necessity Kits, containing food and essential hygiene supplies.
• School desks to support affected educational facilities.
• Emergency shelter supplies, including tarps, mattresses, and blankets.
• Flashlights, N95 masks, diapers, and other essential necessities.

GEM’s advance response team has been on the ground assessing earthquake-affected communities, identifying urgent needs, and coordinating a direct distribution strategy.

Beginning Saturday, October 17th, our teams will distribute aid across 11 communities, starting in Santiago and continuing through Soná, Playa Venao, Torio, Mariato, Penonomé, Aguadulce, Los Pozos, Pesé, Pedasí, and Macaracas.

Our focus remains on getting humanitarian assistance directly into the hands of families who need it most.

This mission was made possible through collaboration between Global Empowerment Mission, the U.S. Department of State, and DHL, which generously donated the cargo flight.

We are grateful to the U.S. Ambassador to Panama, the Government of Panama, DHL, and our local partners for helping facilitate this rapid humanitarian response. @statedept @dhl_global @dhlus @ambassadorcabrera @usembpan ...

HURRICANE ISAIAS | FLORIDA | ONGOING RELIEF EFFORTS

Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) teams remain on the ground in Florida’s Panhandle, continuing to distribute essential disaster relief supplies and cash assistance to communities hardest hit by Hurricane Isaias.

Thanks to the generous support of our partner, @good360usa, GEM has received a substantial donation of bottled water to help families still struggling with power outages and water shortages in the aftermath of the storm.

Relief distributions are ongoing in Santa Rosa and Escambria Counties, and surrounding communities, where GEM teams are providing critical supplies to help impacted families address their most immediate needs as they begin the recovery process.

As these communities work to rebuild and restore a sense of normalcy, GEM remains committed to delivering direct assistance where it is needed most.

To learn more about this mission or support our ongoing relief efforts, visit the link in our bio or GEM.org. @flewthecoop_ @gofundmepro ...

HURRICANE ISAIAS | FLORIDA RESPONSE UPDATE

GEM’s ground team continues to work throughout communities impacted by Hurricane Isaias, conducting wellness checks, assessing urgent needs, and providing direct assistance to families affected by the storm.

With many households still without power and facing significant challenges in the aftermath of the hurricane, GEM is distributing cash cards to help families meet their most immediate needs, as they begin the recovery process.

In addition to direct distributions, our teams are working closely with government officials, local organizations, churches and community leaders to coordinate relief efforts, identify underserved areas, and establish additional channels for delivering humanitarian aid.

GEM remains committed to supporting these communities as they navigate the challenges of recovery, ensuring that critical assistance reaches affected areas efficiently. @gofundmepro

To learn more about our ongoing response and how you can support this mission, visit the link in our bio or GEM.org. #hurricane #isaias #florida #disasterrelief ...

NEPAL | FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Another devastating flash flood struck Nepal today, sweeping away homes and threatening communities along the Budhi Gandaki River in Gorkha District. Residents living near the river were urged to evacuate to higher ground after a landslide reportedly blocked the river, triggering dangerous downstream flooding.

GEM teams in partnership with @pbunitedway have remained on the ground in Nepal since August 29, 2026, when a catastrophic flash flood struck the northern Rasuwa District. Triggered by a massive ice and rock avalanche near Langtang Lirung, the disaster caused widespread destruction, claimed lives, and left remote communities struggling to recover.

For the past 43 days, GEM has maintained a continuous presence in Nepal, delivering $200,000 in humanitarian aid to families and communities impacted by the disaster.

With bridges washed away and roads completely destroyed, reaching some of the hardest-hit villages has presented extraordinary logistical challenges. Despite these obstacles, GEM teams have continued finding ways to deliver critical humanitarian assistance to isolated communities, ensuring that families cut off from traditional supply routes are not forgotten.

We extend our sincere gratitude to @airlinkflight for supporting the transportation of #GEM humanitarian aid to Nepal, as well as the Nepal Peace Scouts and the Government of Nepal, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, its Disaster Policy Coordination and International Relations Section, and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), for their invaluable coordination and logistical support throughout this mission. Special thanks to our partners @good360usa, Bob & Beth McCluney, Sawyers Water Filters. @bethmccluney @sawyernepal @pbunitedway

To learn more about GEM’s ongoing humanitarian response in Nepal and how you can help, visit the link in our bio or GEM.org. #nepal #flood #humanitarianaid ...

HURRICANE ISAIAS | CASH CARD DISTRIBUTION

GEM ground teams continue distributing emergency cash assistance to individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Isaias.

As affected communities begin the difficult process of cleanup and recovery, GEM’s cash card program is providing much-needed financial assistance to help families meet their most immediate needs.

Many neighborhoods remain without power as crews work to clear fallen trees and widespread debris left behind by the hurricane’s powerful winds.

GEM remains on the ground, working alongside affected communities to provide critical assistance during these first stages of recovery.

To learn more about GEM’s Hurricane Isaias response and support our ongoing relief efforts, visit the link in our bio or GEM.org. ...

HURRICANE RESPONSE | FLORIDA PANHANDLE

GEM Florida and GEM Southwest ground teams are on the ground today across Florida’s Panhandle, conducting damage and needs assessments in the Destin and Pensacola areas following last night’s Category 2 hurricane.

A truckload of emergency humanitarian aid is already en route from GEM’s Global Headquarters in Doral, Florida, to provide immediate assistance to individuals and families impacted by the storm.

This morning, GEM Headquarters welcomed Congressman Byron Donalds, who joined community volunteers and GEM staff in preparing and packing essential disaster relief supplies destined for the hardest-hit communities across the Panhandle.

As our ground teams continue assessing the damage and identifying the most urgent needs, GEM is mobilizing additional resources to support affected families and communities as recovery efforts begin.

Stay tuned for continuing updates from our teams on the ground as GEM’s disaster response unfolds.

To learn more about our response efforts and support this mission, visit the link in our bio or GEM.org. #HurricaneIsaias #Florida #Panhandle #disasterrelief #GEM @byrondonalds @repdonaldspress ...

Today, we were honored to once again welcome H.E. Bernie Navarro @ambassadornavarro, United States Ambassador to Peru, to @globalempowermentmission’s headquarters, accompanied by H.E. Luis Dyer Fernández, Peru’s Minister of Health.

During their visit, we held important strategic discussions focused on the urgent need for proactive planning, pre-positioning of humanitarian supplies, and coordinated emergency response preparations ahead of what could become one of the most significant El Niño events in modern history.

With northern Peru facing the potential for catastrophic flooding, infrastructure destruction, and widespread humanitarian needs, the time to prepare is now - not after disaster strikes.

GEM is actively developing comprehensive response strategies, including coordination with the U.S. Department of State @statedept, to ensure that critical humanitarian resources, logistics networks, and emergency response capabilities can be rapidly activated where they are needed most.

The potential scale of this El Niño event presents extraordinary challenges, with impacts that remain difficult to fully predict. We must remain vigilant, proactive, and united in our commitment to protecting vulnerable communities.

We are grateful to Ambassador Navarro and Minister Dyer Fernández for their leadership, engagement, and shared commitment to strengthening humanitarian preparedness.

At GEM, we don’t wait for disasters to happen to begin preparing. We prepare today so we can save lives tomorrow.

🇺🇸 🇵🇪 🌎 ...

MEET THE TEAM | DR. PAUL NESBIT

Dr. Paul Nesbit serves as Executive Vice President of Supply Chain & Fulfillment at Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), bringing more than 30 years of experience in supply chain management, logistics, public service, and military leadership. Working alongside GEM Founder and President Michael Capponi, Paul oversees operational efficiency, integrating innovative technologies and processes that strengthen GEM’s ability to rapidly expand and scale humanitarian operations worldwide.

A California native and graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Paul served as a Navy pilot, completing multiple deployments throughout the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf. During Desert Shield and Desert Storm, he commanded aircraft conducting reconnaissance and targeting missions, later flying counternarcotics operations across Asia and the Middle East. A trained linguist, he also served as a translator and search-and-rescue pilot alongside French naval forces on Réunion Island.

Paul was subsequently selected as military aide to General Colin Powell and General John Shalikashvili, both Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His assignments included international military cooperation, peacekeeping, and humanitarian missions across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Following his military career, Paul joined Northrop Grumman, leading teams supporting advanced defense and surveillance programs. Beginning in 2002, he dedicated more than two decades to developing businesses and nonprofit initiatives serving disadvantaged communities, Alaska Native populations, disabled veterans, and rural agricultural businesses.

Paul holds degrees from the U.S. Naval Academy, University of Paris–La Sorbonne, Georgetown University, Keller Graduate School of Management, and Liberty University, including an MBA and a dual-track doctorate in Business Administration and Supply Chain Management & Logistics. ...

PALI HUB | PALI LTRG | GEM USA WEST

When the Pali Hub opened its doors on April 13, the mission was clear: create a place where survivors of the Los Angeles fires could access resources, support, and guidance throughout the long-term recovery process.

Six months later, that work continues to grow.

Since opening:
• 1,722 survivor walk-ins
• 417 Disaster Case Management cases
• $366,184 in aid secured through DCM

In September alone:
• 537 walk-ins
• 208 new DCM cases opened
• $65,282 in client aid provided

Behind every number is a survivor navigating the realities of rebuilding - a family searching for resources, a homeowner working through the recovery process, or a small business owner trying to move forward.

The Disaster Case Management team works directly with survivors to identify needs, connect resources, advocate on their behalf, and help navigate the many challenges that come with long-term recovery.

In September, Pali Hub partners provided 1,191 hours of service across disaster case management and resource navigation, financial services, wellness, and construction and rebuilding support.

In addition to DCM aid has provided $76,665 in direct recovery assistance through rental assistance and small business recovery programs.

As recovery continues, our focus remains on identifying unmet needs, strengthening community preparedness, and building a network of support that remains in place long after the immediate disaster has passed.

The Pali Hub is more than a resource center. It is a place where survivors can walk through the door and know there is a team ready to listen, help, and work alongside them. Recovery takes time. It takes partnership. It takes community. Very special thanks to the Bob & Beth McCluney Foundation for your continued support @bethmccluney

#PaliHub #GlobalEmpowermentMission #LAFireRecovery#DisasterCaseManagement #LongTermRecovery ...

100 DAY VENEZUELA UPDATE 🇻🇪

Yesterday marked 100 days since the twin earthquakes struck #Venezuela, devastating major parts of the country. 

To date, here’s what @globalempowermentmissionlatam,
in partnership with @welove_foundation, the US @statedept, @usembassyve and the incredible Venezuelan diaspora (across 37+ states and multiple countries), has been able to do so far for the Venezuelan people. 

To date, our impact includes:

•Total Value Delivered: $47,424,540.22 worth of aid 

•Total Pallets & Weight: 9,010 pallets (8,238,069 lbs / 3,736.73 metric tons) 

•Transport & Logistics: 31 cargo planes, 265 containers landed in VZ (90 in transit), and 5 military landing crafts 

•Priority Relief Goods:
161,155 GEM Family Necessity Kits 
26,043 GEM Non-Food Kits 
43,045 cases of Water & 28,974 cases of Hydration Beverages 
61,765 cases of Baby Supplies & 16,548 cases of Shelter Supplies 
12,190 cases of Medical Supplies & 114 Generators 

•Individuals Served:
July: 277,354 (Food & Hydration) | 144,125 (Non-Food Items) 
August: 149,539 (Food & Hydration) | 68,108 (Non-Food Items) 
September: 141,649 (Food & Hydration) | 128,796 (Non-Food Items) 

We will be here for the very long haul. Our partners, @welove_foundation are spearheading the major repairs of 3 schools already. Our goal is to repair at least 10 schools in 2027. In December 2026 we are launching a major rehousing program for IDPs who lost their homes.

We still need your support and we need communities to keep delivering food and shelter supplies to HQ till Christmas PLEASE. We have 5 @prologis warehouses in Doral and 2 in LaGuaria. Goal 100 M in aid to Venezuela for year 1.

Thank you for all your support. Thank you to our donors and corporate partners. @caritasdevzla @caritaslg ...

Today, GEM President @michaelcapponi and @globalempowermentmissionlatam’s Colombia Operations Director, @simonrodri96 signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Daniel Suarez, Director of the reconstruction division for Fundación Solidaridad por Colombia and Alexandra Ruiz Farah, part of the team, marking a powerful new partnership in phase 2 of Colombia’s recovery.

Founded in 1975 by former First Lady Nydia Quintero de Balcázar alongside her daughter, renowned journalist Diana Turbay, Solidaridad por Colombia has spent more than 51 years serving vulnerable families and communities throughout the Colombia.

The foundation’s history is also one of extraordinary resilience. Diana Turbay was kidnapped in 1990 by a group acting on behalf of Pablo Escobar and tragically lost her life during a failed rescue operation in 1991. Her commitment to Colombia and her family’s legacy of service continued forward, and today her daughter, @mcarolinahoyost, leads Solidaridad por Colombia as its president, carrying her grandmother and mother’s mission into a new generation.

This partnership brings together GEM’s international humanitarian response experience, global logistics network and disaster-response capabilities with Solidaridad por Colombia’s more than five decades of local knowledge, trusted community relationships and deep understanding of the Colombian people.

Partnerships like this demonstrate what is possible when international experience is combined with strong local expertise. By working together, GEM and @fundacionsolidaridadxcol can respond faster, reach further and build stronger, more effective humanitarian programs for communities across #Colombia. ...