Lisa Peyton is the Founding CEO & President of The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness. Her work as a passionate advocate for women’s health was spurred by Mother’s untimely death at age 64 from heart disease in 2006, after which Lisa established Black Women’s Wellness Day, an annual summit now in its 12th year that empowers women and girls to sustain healthy, wellness-centered lives. The Foundation is an outgrowth and progression of this work which has mobilized a movement in the Greater Madison community and across Wisconsin to intentionally address and improve Black women’s health. Based on her work and impact, Lisa was appointed in 2018 to serve on then newly elected Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’ Health Policy Advisory Council through which she was able to influence proposed policies addressing maternal and child health and health disparities in Wisconsin.

Lisa also previously served as Assistant Vice President of Life, Learning and Events at Summit Credit Union (2014-2018) where she and her team led the company’s efforts on Diversity & Inclusion, Employee Wellness, Financial Education, Community Giving, and Corporate Events.

An experienced leader, manager, and educator, Lisa has led impactful work over the past 20+ years spanning the PreK – 16 education, non-profit, women’s health, and financial service sectors. She is actively engaged in a number of local efforts to promote thriving, sustainable communities, and has served on the boards of Unity Point-Meriter Health, the Center for Resilient Cities, Sustain Dane, and A Fund for Women, and presently on the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute Advisory Board.

Among Lisa’s lasting contributions to community is the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s highly successful DoIT Information Technology Academy (ITA), a pre-college technology training & college access program she designed and launched with colleagues in 1999 and now in its 21st year.

Lisa has been widely recognized for her work in women’s health and community stewardship and was recently named a national Go Fund Me Hero in 2019 for her change-making leadership; and was among local health innovators named on the Madison Magazine’s 2017 M List. In 2016 she was recognized as one of 44 Most Influential African Americans in Wisconsin by Madison365 Magazine. Other honors include the Wisconsin Alliance for Women’s Health Woman of Character Award (2015) for her efforts to mobilize Black women and partners to eliminate health disparities. She is the 2014 recipient of the Public Health Madison & Dane County Leadership Award, 2014 Brava Magazine Woman to Watch, and was nominated an “Everyday Health Hero” by the Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation in 2013. Additionally, she is a 2008 UW Alumni Association Forward Under Forty Award honoree for her service and impact on the world by living the Wisconsin Idea.

A Mother of five, Lisa holds a Masters of Science degree in Educational Leadership & Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is also a proud former Hampton University student, home of the Pirates, where she completed her first three years of undergraduate studies.

Gabe Doyle serves as the Chief Health Initiatives Officer with the Foundation For Black Women’s Wellness. He has spent the past 15-plus years leading community health efforts in Milwaukee and Dane County. He began his career counseling victims of violence and designing hospital-supported, community-based programs for victims and their families. In his prior role with Milwaukee Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Gabe led and developed a new division of Community Health Workers focusing on a social determinants of health (SDoH) framework. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and spent 5 years counseling adolescents, adults and families. The persistent social, economic and environmental factors driving disparities across Wisconsin and locally in Dane County inspired Gabe to explore the root causes of inequities, to strategically collaborate, and to effectively organize & align resources towards our most vulnerable communities and members. Prior to joining the Foundation, Gabe led the direction of health investments at a major philanthropic nonprofit in Dane County. While there, he redesigned the health investment process to prioritize funding to center the experiences of Black, Indigenous, Southeast Asian, Latinx/Hispanic and other marginalized communities. As a member of the Dane County Health Council, Gabe worked closely with the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness as co-chair of the Black Maternal and Child Health care-coordination initiative and the Saving our Babies Project.

Corinda Rainey Moore is a dynamic leader, community steward, and passionate equity advocate who believes in leading by example. She’s a trailblazer who inspires others and strives to be the change she wants to see. Corinda presently serves as Community Engagement Manager with Unity Point Health-Meriter where she leads community investment efforts.

As a mental health professional and advocate with over 25 years of experience, Corinda was the first and only African-American to lead not just one but two community support programs for adults with severe and persistent mental illness in Dane County. Through her leadership, her support programs utilized Peer Support efforts to help and empower people suffering from mental illness. Corinda was also the first and only African-American to serve as Chair of the National Alliance on Mental Health, and of Safe Communities-Madison and Dane County where she led a significant fund development effort.

Corinda has and continues to volunteer for numerous organizations, among them: Madison College, Safe Communities, Madison Network of Black Professionals, Leadership Wisconsin, Boys and Girls Club, NAMI, Urban League of Greater Madison, Urban League of Greater Madison Young Professionals, Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness, Madison Black Women Rock, and the Madison Reading Project.

A mentor, leader, and voice for the underserved, Corinda’s contributions have been recognized by the communities and organizations she has served including the Madison 365 Most Influential African-Americans in Wisconsin, YWCA Woman of Distinction, Brava Magazine Woman to Watch, In Business Magazine Woman of Industry in Advocacy, Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation Champion in Women’s Health, Restorative Justice Peacemaker Award, Urban League of Greater Madison Presidential Award, Black Women Rock Visionary Leader Award, and the Madison College Outstanding Teacher Award. She is also the 2017 Athena Award Winner from The Business Forum of Madison, a coveted honor.

Corinda has been married to her husband, Bobby, for 37 years, has two daughters, Kenyatta & Kionna, and 8 grandchildren.

Adrian Jones is a public health leader and reproductive justice advocate with over 15 years of experience in community health improvement. In her present role with UW Health, she manages efforts to advance the improvement of health outcomes and to reduce disparities in Dane County through community collaborations and targeted programming.

She previously served as Community Health Educator for Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, and is a sexual and reproductive health educator specializing in working with women and young adults. Adrian has taught comprehensive sexuality education in schools and provided sexual health trainings to youth-serving professionals, and has trained community health educators locally and statewide. She also previously worked as a Program Coordinator for the Girls, Inc. Program at Goodman Community Center, and is a gifted developer of adolescent health programming.

Adrian is a graduate of the University of WI Madison where she received a dual Bachelor’s degree in African American Studies and Women Studies with a certificate in Sexuality education. In her spare time, Adrian enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two pre-school aged daughters.

Gale D. Johnson has been the director of the Wisconsin Well Woman Program (WWWP) in the Department of Health Services for the last 20 years. The WWWP is the Wisconsin component of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Since 1994, the WWWP has provided health screening services to more than 70,000 Wisconsin women. Ms. Johnson is a past Chair of the Council for Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control and past president of the Wisconsin Association of Black State Employees. Ms. Johnson is an active member of the Wisconsin Women of Color Network (WWOCN). Recognizing the importance of women living long healthy lives, Ms. Johnson has coordinated health programs for the WWOCN for more than 10 years and is a national expert and frequent speaker on health equity and women’s health.

Dr. Debbie Jones is a Hospitalist physician for SSM Health – Dean & St. Mary’s in Madison, WI, the first to hold a hospitalist role in the State of Wisconsin. She has been a full-time Hospitalist for over 17 years. Dr. Jones has been the director of 2 Hospitalist programs – Family Health Plan (Milwaukee, WI) and Swedish American Hospital (Rockford, IL). She is a board certified Internist who received her education at Loyola Stritch School of Medicine (Maywood, IL) and her formal training at St. Joseph Hospital (Chicago, IL). Dr. Jones is a member of the Society of Hospitalist Medicine. In her spare time, Dr. Jones leads and supports many efforts locally and nationally to advance women and persons of color in Medicine. Her work has been recognized by many organizations, most recently the Madison Metropolitan Chapter of the Links, Inc who honored her in 2018 with a Community Impact Award. Dr. Jones is also a breast cancer survivor- diagnosed in 2002 and lends considerable time to supporting others through prevention education and survivorship.

Jasmia Hamilton serves as Program Manager of the Well Black Woman Institute. A Chicago transplant to Madison, Jasmia has lived, learned, and worked in the community for nearly a decade. She earned a Master of Arts in Gender and Women’s Studies and a Bachelors in Gender and Women’s Studies with minors (certificates) in Global Health and LGBT+ Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has completed additional graduate-level coursework in Organizational Leadership and Change at Edgewood College. Prior to joining the FFBWW, Jasmia worked with mission-driven teams in education (K12 and higher education) and with area non-profits. In these roles, Jasmia implemented culturally responsive and identify-conscious practices as a student services coordinator/advisor, collaborated as a member of a racial justice team, and co-managed equity-focused professional learning and programming. She is ecstatic to join the Foundation at this moment which provides her the novel opportunity to be an inaugural collaborator for the launch of the Well Black Woman Institute. She is thrilled to see the new possibilities and transformative impact that actualizes when Black women are well, uplifted, and thriving.

Micaela Berry-Smith serves as Program Manager for Maternal and Child Health Initiatives with the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness. She brings to the Foundation an impressive track record of work and service in birth equity leadership, early childhood education, and social entrepreneurship. For over 15 years, Micaela has worked  extensively with children and families in diverse settings, and has led several high-impact efforts including most recently serving as Co-Executive Director of Harambee Village Doulas, and previously as Assistant Director for the YMCA’s before and after school programs for middle school children. Micaela has also managed her own Nanny service in the Greater Madison area, matching in-home childcare providers to working professional families. She completed a double major in Early Childhood Development and Art Therapy at Metro State University in St.Paul, Minnesota and is a DONA trained Doula, certified Infant Specialist, certified Lactation Consultant, a Protective Factors and Ages and Stages Trainer, and a former Head Start Teacher. Micaela is a 2019 Madison Magazine MList Awardee recognized as an outstanding Innovator.

Christine Russell serves as Director of Health & Wellness Programs with the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness. She brings over 15 years of experience supporting and administering health and wellness programming for hospital systems, global pharmaceutical companies, and national health management organizations, bringing greater health, wellness, and outcomes to employees and families. Christine is also a practitioner with training as a fitness instructor and wellness coach, rounded out by her experience with program implementation, data analytics, marketing, and communications, and leading strategic initiatives. Christine’s passion for community impact has inspired her local work in Greater Madison to support underserved individuals and their families through maternal care, financial, and physical well-being. Her transition from corporate wellness to community health drives her commitment to further support her own community.

Lauren Rock is committed to building community and connections. She leverages her relationships and talent to amplify the impact of early learning, health and wellness, and global nonprofit leaders like the Girls on the Run, Urban League and United Way. Over the past 8 years of her experience design and fundraising career, Lauren has successfully raised more than $25 million dollars to create meaningful relationships amongst 2,000 individuals. Lauren has been recognized as a 30 Under 30 Nonprofit Leader by Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Atlanta, and for her trailblazing leadership by the National Urban League. Lauren’s personal and professional lives are strengthened by her passion for creating opportunities for others to pursue their dreams and advance positive change.

Keena Atkinson, the visionary founder, and CEO of R’oujie Wellness, is a versatile wellness professional specializing as a nutritionist, wellness coach, dance fitness instructor, and a 500hr trauma Informed social justice yoga instructor with an Ayurveda perspective. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from UW Madison, Keena’s journeys from homelessness to homeowner and 15 year old mom, giving birth while in the foster care system, domestic violence survivor navigating the federal prison system to a dedicated mother, parenting and raising her two sons intentionally while becoming the creator and host of the transformative 2023 R’oujie Wellness Retreat exemplifies her remarkable resilience. A writer, speaker, and poet, Keena hosts podcasts including “R’oujie Ruminations and Revelations” and “Good Bad Breakthru,” found on all streaming platforms. Her YouTube channel @keenasfa offers over 80 on-demand yoga classes and more. Keena’s holistic approach emphasizes parenting, hair, emotional well-being, personal development, and women’s hormonal health, reflecting her passions for positive psychology, social, emotional and brain health development, literacy and liberation. Please find her on all social media at keenasfa or on her website at http://www.roujiewellness.com

My name is Sharon Hardiman, Certified Personal Trainer, and owner of Excel Wellness with SSHerese. I provide individual personal training however I am also open to additional fitness opportunities to help transform lives one body at a time. My goal is to walk in my purpose while pursuing my passion.

DJ GEMINI GILLY is a Midwest-based DJ and curator. Growing up on a variety of genres from her older brother’s collection (East Coast and Southern Hip-Hop, Funk, Disco, 90s R&B), she gained a love for music at a young age, occasionally stealing his CDs to listen to her favorite tracks. After countless times of being the designated AUX cord operator, she recognized that DJing/curating was her true passion and embarked on her journey as DJ GEMINI GILLY.

DJ GEMINI GILLY fuses her #blackgirlmagic and love for black music with creative mixing and blending to create an eclectic set that brings people together. Additionally, since teaching herself how to DJ in 2018, DJ GEMINI GILLY joined the World Champion Milwaukee Bucks DJ Squad and has performed for Summerfest World Festival, Soho House, Black Futures Lab, and countless others. In 2023, DJ GEMINI GILLY curated her own event series, GEMS ONLY, which celebrates black community and black cultures of all kinds through music.

Beyond DJing, DJ GEMINI GILLY has her master’s degree in social work and actively advocates for black folx. She hopes that she can inspire other black youth to take their passions and translate them into careers.

Carola Peterson-Gaines has worked for Unity Health Insurance and the UW Medical Foundation for 22 years, as the BadgerCare Outreach Coordinator. A nurse by training, she currently serves 17,000 BadgerCare Plus (BC+) members as the Community Liaison and Advocate. Her goals are to coordinate and provide a heightened level of support to the BC+ providers and BC+ membership. Carola, actively develops and implements programs to improve access to care for BC+ members, coordinates patient care and inform them of new state programs and initiatives. She advocates for members with high-risk health care needs and works to educate BC+ members about preventive health measures such as early prenatal care.

Carola leads and serves on numerous community initiatives including, the Dane County Immunization Coalition, Safe Sleep Coalition, Dane County Asthma Coalition, Fetal Infant Mortality Review Board, Black Women Wellness Day Planning Team, and the African American Health Network to name a few. She is the Wisconsin State Coordinator of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (DST), and Immediate Past Chapter President of the Madison Alumnae Chapter (DST). She has received many awards, including the YWCA- 2010 Woman of Distinction, Dane County Walk of Honor Award, the South Madison Community Service Award, Charles Hamilton Houston Service Award, 2013 Madison Metropolitan Links Community Award, Wisconsin Women of Color Network Distinguished Service Award, 2015 Urban League of Greater Madison President’s Award, the 2016 Black Women’s Leadership Collaborator Award, and the 2018 Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness Legacy Award.

Nyra Jordan has been with American Family Insurance for over 20 years serving in various leadership roles throughout the organization. Nyra is a social impact investment director at the American Family Institute for Corporate and Social Impact where she is advancing the creation of economic opportunities for historically overlooked communities including those impacted by incarceration. Nyra holds an undergraduate degree in mass communication from UW-Madison and has a master’s in criminal justice administration from Valdosta State University. She also has a master’s in social innovation and sustainability leadership from Edgewood College. Nyra’s goal is to utilize venture capital investment as a vehicle to drive social change while leveraging the thought leadership of innovative community partners.

Amy Crowe, CUDE, CEPF, is a personal finance expert with 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and educating about money. Her thoughts, ideas, and advice have been featured on television, in print and online magazines, on podcasts, at conferences and on expo stages. With a degree in communications from the UW-Stevens Point, Amy started her career marketing financial services at Summit Credit Union and today leads their award-winning signature community financial education programs, Project Money and Project Teen Money.

Amy is passionate about illuminating the connection between mindset and money behavior, and empowering others to make breakthrough changes that result in financial transformation. Whether presenting in workplaces, college lecture halls, high school classrooms, or community settings, her lessons are meant to inspire and motivate others into action through storytelling and connection to practical resources and trusted tips to build wealth.

Inspired by her many years as a Girl Scout troop leader, Amy is also deeply committed to working with girls and moms to master smart money management and has developed financial literacy programming for the Badgerland Council of Wisconsin.

Amy has a college age daughter and lives in the Madison area with her husband. She enjoys traveling and photography.

Representative Sheila Stubbs who was elected in 2018 as the first African American state representative from Dane County, is a true public servant and champion for social and racial justice and Black Maternal & Child Health. Representing Dane County District 77, which covers the South and West parts of the City of Madison. Rep Stubbs is also the current Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, leading on issues impacting the lives of all Wisconsinites. Representative Stubbs is also a member of the Dane County Board of Supervisors, leading on critical issues since 2006; and recently proposed a unanimously passed resolution establishing April 11 -17th as Black Maternal and Child Health Week in Dane County.

Representative Shelia Stubbs is extremely active in the community, providing leadership, mentoring and volunteer services, and has received numerous community recognition, service award and honors including being named 2019 YWCA Woman of Distinction Award Recipient, 2020 BRAVA Woman to Watch Recipient. and Legislative Board Member of the Wisconsin Women in Government. She is the beautiful wife of Bishop Godfrey A. Stubbs and the mother of Aquila. Also, she is a Co-Founder of the End Time Ministries International Church in Madison, WI.

Born and raised in Orange, New Jersey, Dash Hudson grew up in a one-parent household, where his mother did her best to provide for him and his four sisters. Despite the challenges he faced, Dash was a vibrant child with a creative mind, though he struggled with a yearning for attention from his absent father.

Growing up in a household marked by trauma, Dash experienced verbal and physical abuse, leading him to develop a dismissive and cold demeanor. His journey was further marred by being physically abused on his way to school and navigating through foster homes and mental health facilities. He also graduated from high school even though he couldn’t read the diploma. In the 2000s, a policy known as “No Child Left Behind” further complicated matters, pushing him out into the world before he was ready.

Dash’s traumatic upbringing fuels his passion for mental health advocacy. He believes that children with low self-esteem often grow into adults with no self-esteem, and he aims to be a voice for those suffering in silence, using his experiences to help others find the courage to confront their own challenges.

Despite his own fatherless upbringing, Dash is committed to being a present and loving father to his son, Nyeeam Hudson, also known as KingNahh. Nyeeam’s remarkable journey, recognized by Forbes as the most motivational kid in America, serves as a testament to Dash’s dedication to breaking the cycle of absentee fatherhood. Nyeeam has traveled the world, inspiring individuals globally from Dubai to Tanzania, Johannesburg, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and over 37 states in America. Even though Dash struggled academically when he was younger, he homeschooled Nyeeam, instilling in him the love and knowledge that would shape Nyeeam’s inspiring speeches, shared with the rest of the world.

Currently, Dash is working on two books, creating a podcast titled “Sessions with Dash,” speaking engagements at foster homes and youth organizations. He also produces content and courses aimed at motivating and inspiring parents and individuals on their mental health journey. Through his social media platforms, Dash reaches millions of people daily, sharing his healing journey with the world while offering hope and encouragement to others facing similar struggles.

Dash’s life is a testament to the power of resilience and the ability to find strength and purpose in the face of adversity. As he continues on his journey of personal growth and healing, Dash hopes to inspire others to embrace their own struggles and understand that problems only mean that you are alive. He says, ‘Never judge the picture while the creator is still painting. Be patient; you have no idea who you are going to be.

Michele Lopez’s journey began as a renowned celebrity fashion stylist, captivating audiences with her impeccable taste and transformative style. Her work graced the red carpets of Hollywood, earning her a reputation as a trendsetter and trusted advisor to the stars.

Driven by a passion to empower women beyond the confines of celebrity culture, Michele embarked on a new chapter in her career. Drawing from her wealth of experience and innate creativity, she launched her eponymous clothing line, Michele Lopez. Her designs, showcased on the runway and worn by celebrities and women worldwide, quickly gained attention and went viral, captivating audiences with their celebration of diverse beauty and individuality. With each design, Michele sought to offer a blend of sophistication, confidence, and empowerment, aiming to inspire women to embrace their uniqueness and radiate confidence from within.

As her clothing line gained acclaim and adorned the wardrobes of celebrities and women globally, Michele’s vision expanded beyond fashion. Recognizing the transformative power of collaboration and support among women, she founded the “Refer Her” movement in 2023.Through the Refer Her movement, Michele aimed to inspire women to lift each other up, not just in business but in all aspects of life. The movement quickly gained momentum, amassing a staggering outreach of over 15 millions women worldwide to date, igniting a powerful wave of empowerment and solidarity.

Today, Michele Lopez stands not only as a designer and stylist but as a visionary leader in the realm of empowerment advocacy. Her journey from celebrity stylist to fashion icon to founder of the Refer Her movement is a testament to her unwavering commitment to uplifting and empowering women everywhere.

Dr. Michelle Robinson serves as Chief Programs and Partnerships Officer for the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness. Before joining the FFBWW, Dr. Robinson served as the inaugural Director of the Office of Health Equity at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) in the Office of the Secretary where she was responsible for establishing a clear vision and focus for the agency’s health equity work, including programs and policy efforts for statewide workforce planning and equity and inclusion; and complementing and amplifying the work of the related diversity, equity, inclusion, access, wellness and health equity initiatives across all of DHS’s internal and external programs and operations. Dr. Robinson previously served as the Director of the Office of the Inspector General and the Equity and Systems Change Research and Policy Officer (ESCRPO) at the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) where she was a member of the Secretary’s cabinet and the agency’s leadership team. As ESCRPO, Dr. Robinson provided strategic leadership and direction on internal and external equity, and health equity initiatives and, as the Inspector General, was responsible for establishing an internal review team and Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program for the agency. During her tenure in state leadership, Dr. Robinson served as vice-chair of the Governor’s Health Equity Council (GHEC) – a council charged with creating a comprehensive plan that will achieve long-lasting and equitable health outcomes for all Wisconsinites by addressing health disparities; and is the primary author of its report Building a Better Wisconsin: Investing in the Health and Well-being of Wisconsinites. 

Prior to entering state service, Dr. Robinson was a member of the award-winning Race to Equity Project at Kids Forward. She contributed her expertise on disparities and racial equity research, policy, practice, and community engagement.

A committed servant leader beyond her professional capacity, Dr. Robinson works to give back to the various communities she is a part of, serving as a member of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Education Board of Visitors and the Archer Center’s Advisory Board. The Archer Center, founded in 2001, is described as “where Texas meets the world” and is the Washington D.C. campus of the University of Texas System “providing talented undergraduate and graduate students from across the UT System with the opportunity to live, learn and intern in the nation’s capital.” Dr. Robinson has also served as an advisor to multiple fellows selected in the National Academy For State Health Policy’s (NASHP) Emerging Leaders of Color Fellowship. She was recently appointed to serve as a member of NASHP’s Population and Public Health Steering Committee, a term beginning January of 2024. 

Dr. Robinson has had the esteemed honor of being recognized for some of her many contributions through receiving the 2018 Madison Community Leader Award by Church Women United, the 2018 Collaborator of the Year award by the Progress Center for Black Women, the 2017 Community Justice Award by the Urban League of Greater Madison, and being named one of the University of Wisconsin’s Outstanding Women of Color in Education in 2014. In 2022, Dr. Robinson was awarded the Outstanding Leadership Diversity Award by the State Council on Affirmative Action (SCAA) and the Division of Personnel Management (DPM) Department of the Administration.  The award is designed to “recognize an individual leader in state service who has demonstrated a devotion to inclusivity, diversity, equity, and wellness promotion within their area of influence.”

Dr. Robinson holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Sociology with a minor in Educational Sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Government and certificates in Ethics and Leadership and Social Inequality, Health and Policy from the University of Texas at Austin. 

Juan Irby is a passionate birth and postpartum doula and new parent educator, who has dedicated his life to helping families through the exciting, yet challenging experiences of welcoming a new life into the world. Juan is a married father of two, and he has experienced firsthand the joys and struggles of becoming a new parent.

Juan has honed his skills as a compassionate and knowledgeable guide, helping families navigate the complexities of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. He is also the proud owner and founder of Dad to Dudla, a company that provides education and support to new parents, particularly fathers who are often overlooked in the childbirth process.

Juan’s approach to doula work is rooted in empathy, inclusivity, and a deep respect for the unique needs and desires of  each family.HE believes that every person deserves to have a positive and empowering birthing experience, and he works tirelessly to ensure that his client feels supported, informed, and in control throughout their pregnancy.

In addition to his work as a doula, Juan is also a passionate advocate for fathers and partners in the childbirth process. He believes that dads and partners have an essential role to play in the birth of their child, and he strives to empower them with the knowledge and skills they need to be active participants in the birthing process.

T.R. Williams was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. T.R. excels in bridging the gap between where people are (current reality) and where they want to be (aspired reality); by artfully blending her background in education, nonprofit leadership, legal advocacy, public policy, community engagement, government affairs and strategic planning.

Williams served as a criminal defense attorney and practiced in civil litigation for governmental and nonprofit law firms. She has leveraged her experiences to work outside of the formal practice of law, holding positions with the Harlem Children’s Zone, Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), the Wisconsin Primary Health Care Association (WPHCA), the Office of the Governor for the State of Wisconsin, and in the Secretary’s Office of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (WI DHS).

T.R. Williams builds community wherever she is. T.R. is a proud member of the Board of Directors for YWCA Madison. She has also served the Wisconsin Women’s Network (WWN) as a Board member (2017- 2022), as President (2020-2022) and as the Lead Facilitator for the highly selective Policy Institute ( 2023, 2024). As Lead Facilitator, Williams builds curriculum and mentors the Wisconsin women selected for each year’s cohort.

T.R. is multi-lingual and culturally fluent, she believes that effective and efficient communication is grounded in focusing on edifying the listener. Through this type of communication, individuals can be agents of change.

Williams is a fellow of the Wisconsin Law Foundation and a proud recipient of the coveted UW Law Gargoyle, presented to her at the 2022 LEO Banquet in recognition of her contributions and service to UW Law students. T.R. was also recognized by The Business Forum as an Athena Young Professional Award nominee (2021) and named Attorney of the Year by the Wisconsin Association of African American Lawyers (WAAL) in 2020.

She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin- Madison Law School and Vassar College.

Bianca Shaw is an innovative Director, Policy Advisor and Senior Strategist with more than 16 years of leadership experience and progressive public service in non-profit, state and local governance. She presently serves as CEO & President of Milwaukee-based Black Equity and Policy Institute, and is an Executive Consultant who has influenced both state and local policy programs.

Bianca also currently serves as the grassroots manager for All Voting is Local Wisconsin, and previously served as a political appointee as the Director of the Office of Urban Development in the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families from 2019 until 2022. In tha role, she directed the governor’s quality early care and access educational initiative and managed more than $2.2 million in funds. Bianca has also designed and managed social service, economic development, and community advocacy programs.

As a human rights advocate with an interest and background in state and local policies, Bianca has served as a Business Service Consultant for the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and Program Director.

She is adept at crafting and executing a vision to transform communities and create effective social change. Bianca’s mission is to help individuals move from poverty and low-income situations to middle-income and stability.

Courtney S. Hayward is the Director of Government Relations at Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin and serves as the registered Lobbyist for the organization where she uses her knowledge of policy issues and the enter-workings of government to influence legislation at the state and local level. She also uses her role at Planned Parenthood Advocates to share her knowledge of Wisconsin politics with Black lead organizations in order to bring more individuals and groups from that community into the advocacy and policy space. She holds a Bachelor’s in Legal Studies from the University of Central Florida, a Master’s in Public Administration and is currently working on her dissertation so she can earn her Doctorate in Public Policy and Administration from Walden University. Prior to starting her tenure at Planned Parenthood she worked in the grants and fundraising arena which gave her the necessary skills and experience to network with individuals across a myriad of disciplines. She’s originally from South Florida but has been living and working in the Madison Wisconsin community for over 6 years. She’s passionate about mentoring, advocacy, and helping others. In her very limited free time she enjoys reading, spending time with her mentees, and going for long drives.

dr. monique liston is an unapologetic Black woman that also identifies as a warrior scholar, joyful militant, evaluator, sister and friend. She is the founder of UBUNTU Research and Evaluation, a professional learning community led by Black women.  If global white supremacy hadn’t wrecked havoc on her existence, she would probably be a food scientist and homemaker. Her professional interests include race work, Black-centered education, and critical media studies. She is a proud alum of Howard University.

Afra Smith, the visionary Founder & CEO of The Melanin Project since its establishment in 2019, has transformed her personal struggles into a passionate mission to assist others. Honored as a 2024 Woman to Watch by Brava Magazine and acknowledged as one of the most influential black leaders in 2023 by Madison365, Afra’s journey serves as an inspiring narrative.

As a motivational speaker and the face of The Melanin Project brand, Afra openly shares her journey of overcoming a daunting $30,000 in debt, including a car loan, payday loans, credit cards, and a credit score in the mid-500s. In addition, the experience of being unbanked and dealing with the impact of a substantial amount of student loan debt.

Through rigorous research and her own financial wellness journey, Afra unearthed several barriers hindering Black women from building generational wealth. Having empowered herself financially, Afra is on a mission to share her insights and experience as a motivational speaker, financial coach, and the visionary behind the annual Wealth Literacy Conference.

Committed to her work with The Melanin Project, Afra designs and develops programs and services that empower women of the Black and African diaspora to take control of their finances, build generational wealth, and shape a better future for themselves and their families. She often emphasizes that “it is time for a new narrative,” starting with her own story and those of countless other Black and African diaspora women engaging with The Melanin Project for support.

Afra, the creator of the AODEC financial wellness strategy, and the Bloom Where You are Planted budget planner, employs behavioral approaches and an economic mobility framework to empower individuals to build wealth. Holding a Masters in Business Administration, a Bachelors in Gerontology, and graduating from ACRE (Associates in Commercial Real Estate), Afra currently focuses on real estate investment as a means to build generational wealth.

Meet Alex Booker, a passionate boutique farmer on a mission to nourish Black food vendors in the Madison, WI area with fresh produce deeply rooted in the diaspora’s heritage. For Alex, farming is not merely a profession; it’s a profound connection to his ancestral roots in Mississippi, where generations before him cultivated the land. Through his agricultural journey, Alex has discovered the transformative power of working with the roots, both metaphorically and literally. As he lovingly tends to a diverse array of herbs, he witnesses the incredible potency and wisdom that nature’s bounty bestows upon us. Beyond the fields, Alex’s heart beats for his community, and he fervently believes in the importance of food sovereignty education. By hosting engaging and enlightening gardening workshops, he aims to reignite his community’s relationship with their food systems. Empowering individuals with knowledge about cultivation, nourishment, and sustainability, Alex envisions a future where the community embraces their food traditions with pride and self-reliance. Alex Booker exemplifies the epitome of resilience, cultural heritage, and the transformative potential of sustainable farming in every seed planted and harvest reaped. His unwavering dedication to his craft and commitment to revitalizing the connection between people, land, and culture make him a true visionary in sustainable agriculture and community empowerment.

Dr. Shakkiah Curtis is a leading voice in personal and professional development, renowned for her expertise in fitness, finances and emotional intelligence. She has collaborated with numerous prominent companies, helping them build robust frameworks, programs, processes, and growth strategies. Recently, her focus has been on transforming organizational culture and developing leaders both personally and professionally.

As a proud graduate of an HBCU and holding a DBA in Business, Dr. Curtis has decades of experience in health and wealth management, entrepreneurship, and building generation legacies. As a first-generation wealth builder, her transformative work has led her to partnerships with companies like Starbucks, The Milwaukee Bucks, Boys and Girls Club, Fortune 500 companies, K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and many individuals striving to reach their full potential.

Veronica is the owner of An Amazing Journey Birthing and Family Services, LLC. In this capacity, she provides birth doulas services, Certified Parent Peer Specialist support, CCS and therapeutic services. She holds master degrees in public administration and social work. She is a Wisconsin Certified Advanced Placement Social Worker who is working to become certified as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She also is a Local Program Coordinator for a project called Engaging Communities to Change Health Outcomes-ECCHO- in Rock County. In this role, she works with a group of diverse women to develop projects that positively address social determinants of health in communities of color. She is a member of the UW-Prevention Resource Center Community Advisory Board and a graduate of the first Well Black Women Institute. But above all the roles that Veronica holds she values building and establishing relationships and empowering and emboldening everyone she meets to become their best selves.

Dr. Tiffany Green is an economist and population health scientist and a nationally recognized expert in racial/ethnic and nativity disparities in reproductive health. She is currently Associate Professor of Population Health Sciences and Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Green earned her Ph.D. in economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her B.A. in economics from Florida A&M University. Her research focuses primarily on understanding the individual-, family-, and structural-level determinants of disparities in women’s health and birth outcomes. Dr. Green’s mission is to shed light on how and why Black women, regardless of socioeconomic status experience the worst maternal and child health outcomes.

Nichelle Nichols is a poet, writer, speaker, facilitator, workshop presenter and emcee. She is the founder of Activate Impact, LLC, a business she created to draw out the best in people by harnessing their inspiration, influence and desires to have greater impact in their lives. She serves her community on the school board and supports individuals and groups to reflect on their equity-centered leadership and inspired actions.

Ms. Nichols is a native of Madison, WI and works remotely at the National Equity Project as a Senior Equity Leadership Consultant where she supports public school districts to create equitable learning environments for students. She is also an elected school board member, serving her second term as President on the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) Board of Education. Her career has spanned over 25 years in the non-profit and public sector serving the greater Madison, WI area.

Ms. Nichols will complete her doctorate in educational leadership in 2025, holds a master’s degree in business management, and a bachelor’s degree in family & consumer journalism. She is a mother of four sons and an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Genia Stevens is the Founder and Executive Director of Rock County Jumpstart, the very first incubator and accelerator in Rock County, WI dedicated to supporting Black entrepreneurs by offering training, mentoring, resources, and financial assistance.

Genia’s commitment to challenging the status quo and creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Rock County that supports the growth of Black business owners is unwavering. Since launching Rock County Jumpstart in 2019, she’s worked to build relationships between the Black business community and local policy makers, created a network of business professionals who’ve become mentors and advisors, held over 40 events that have been attended by community leaders and state and local elected officials, and worked to create a culture where celebrating Black Business Month has become the norm.

For over 20 years, Genia has supported businesses with strategic planning, business plan development, and community engagement. Genia has extensive experience working with nonprofits, with a specific focus on organizational development, community outreach, and community engagement. For three years, Genia served as the first Entrepreneur in Residence for Madison College’s Goodman South Campus.

Genia has served on numerous nonprofit boards and committees, including the Lt, Governor’s Small Business Academy, the City of Beloit Equal Opportunities Commission, the Beloit NAACP Economic Development Committee, the Beloit NAACP Political Action Committee, Concerned Black Citizens, the Beloit Memorial High School’s Master Planning Committee, and the Beloit School District Strategic Planning Committee.

Genia was named a YWCA Rock County Woman of Distinction, one of Wisconsin’s Most Influential Black Leaders, and she’s received the Beloit NAACP’s Community Service Award. She’s currently serving as a Rock County Board Supervisor, representing District 13 and a she’s member of the Board of Directors of Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP).

Genia lives in Beloit, WI with her wife Andrea, her two adult sons Christopher and Andrew, and her two grandchildren Nataly (age 13) and Annabelle (age 22 months).

Joshua Liston-Zawadi is a proud Milwaukee native who prioritizes community, fatherhood and mental health. Josh celebrates the process of family and community building by using his platform and work to model how to be an intentional figure in the lives of their children.

Joshua Zawadi is also the man behind the social media brand Melanated Daddy and the signature non-birthing parenting course Dad Doula. He is also the co-founder and executive director of the newly founded family and community engagement non-profit organization, Life reDefined. The mission of the Dad Doula program is to provide resources, and guidance for the non-birthing parent as they plan to support the birthing person during the pregnancy, labor and delivery and thereafter. This is done by learning how to advocate, and support with intentional presence. This service is extended to expecting parents, new again parents and parents looking to re-enter their children’s lives. The mission of Life reDefined is to inspire family and community connection through intentional and collaborative experiences.

Josh Zawadi is an Army Veteran, husband, biological and bonus dad to four children. He is a lover of Christ and believes in the power of community. He also identifies as a womanist nad uses he/him pronouns. His passion for fatherhood is rooted in the belief that Iron Sharpens Iron.

Angela Russell is the chief diversity officer at TruStage and the vice president of the TruStage Foundation. In these roles, she provides strategic enterprise-wide leadership to ensure that TruStage’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is reflected in the workplace, community partnerships and marketplace through our products, processes and services.

In 2021, Russell was the recipient of the inaugural DEI Trailblazer Award from the African American Credit Union Coalition. In 2018, she was named as one of the nation’s most powerful diversity executives by Black Enterprise magazine.

Russell has 20 years of professional experience. Prior to joining TruStage, she worked in various roles in public health, including serving as a health equity coordinator for Public Health Madison Dane County, and she was the community engagement lead for the National County Health Rankings and Roadmaps Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Population Health Institute.

Russell has also worked in a variety of roles in Wisconsin state government, including division administrator for the Division of Early Care and Education, assistant deputy secretary for the Department of Children and Families, and policy advisor to Governor Jim Doyle. She was formerly an epidemiologist with the Wisconsin AIDS/HIV and Hepatitis C Program at the Department of Health Services.

Russell serves on the Board of Directors for JustDane which is focused on providing programing for individuals returning to the Dane County community after incarceration. In 2023, she also joined Downtown Madison, Inc. board (DMI) that works through advocacy, research, planning, and community action to create and sustain a healthy and vibrant downtown Madison and Beloit College Board of Trustees. She also hosts a Wisconsin-based podcast called Black Oxygen, which was awarded the 2021 Wisconsin Innovation Award.

Russell holds a Master of Science in Population Health from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Beloit College. In 2021, Angela was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Science degree from Beloit College.

Angela has two children that are the loves of her life and are a regular source of feedback (the good, bad and often very funny).

Shyelle, a West Madison native, brings a wealth of experience sustainable farming, indigenous agricultural practices, and trauma recovery education. As a passionate advocate for community empowerment, she founded Young Moms of Madison (YMOM) and leads social equity initiatives across Dane County. With her expertise in farming and community building, Shyelle is dedicated to creating educational opportunities and sustainable living solutions for BIPOC communities, fostering connection with the land and nurturing holistic well-being. She firmly believes in the transformative power of connecting with the land and understanding our food sources, envisioning a shift in mindset, health, and societal norms in the present and with future generations.

Bola is the Creator of The Peace Workout Corporation, a Health and Wellness Recovery company that serves under-represented and marginalized communities on the key fundamentals of mental health through physical activity and nutrition.

Glenna is a proud participant of the first cohort for the Well Black Woman Institute through the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness. More recently, Glenna participated in Cohort 14 of the African American Leadership Program through the African American Leadership Alliance Milwaukee. Lastly, Glenna just completed the Minister in Training Program at her church home in Milwaukee, Evolve.

Glenna’s true passion and purpose is in the arena of spirituality and wellness – specifically the intersectional trinity of the mind, body and spirit. As a survivor of childhood victimization, bullying from body shaming, domestic abuse, suicide attempt, and disordered eating, fitness became her outlet. The journey has, and continues, to teach her what it truly means to lead in authority because of who she is, and whose she is.

As a triathlete and lover of running – Glenna successfully ran her first marathon (26.2 miles) last year on her birthday, and just recently competed at the USA Triathlon Nationals in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

She is a God fearing servant leader, and mother of her greatest blessing, Savannah Margaret.

Mission

To lead a God glorifying life proving, through the sharing of my testimony, that suffering can be transmuted to power through prayer, faith and purposeful activities honoring God through mind, body and spirit, to ultimately set others free from bondage.

Vision

Young girls and women of color fully restored, healed and made new through their knowledge, understanding and application of God’s word and promises that break the silence and put an end to generational cycles of bondage and suffering. As Iron Sharpens Iron, our ashes turned to beauty, strengthened and uplifted, living out our predestined purpose according to His plan

– mind, body and soul – for His Glory.

As the CEO of J.R. Creative Holdings, the parent company, Valor Creative Collective and Vogue Dreams Production and the owner and founder of She Slangs Wood Co, Tonda Thompson considers her life’s mission is to encourage others to walk with authority in everything that they do. Being a Runway model in Los Angeles taught Tonda how to accept rejection as a fuel to keep going. Following the tragic death of her first son, Terrell, Tonda spearheaded a career as a serial entrepreneur and community advocate. She took this path to find solutions and preventative methods to reduce Social Determinants of Health that have negative effects to the wellbeing of Black maternal, infant and fetal health within the United States. Tonda is the founder of The National Coalition for Healthy Black Families, Inc (NCHBF) and has created events such as the HaRUNbee 5K, that honors Terrell’s life. Tonda is a developer, a carpenter, a teacher, a model, sometimes a politician, and a mother who is aiming to find life changing solutions for the future.

Qwantese Winters, Urban Gardener, Herbalist, Artist, Doula and Host of Let’s Grow Stuff, PBS Wisconsin

Qwantese Winters, the “food doula”, is a host of Let’s Grow Stuff on PBS Wisconsin. She is also a birth doula, urban gardener, herbalist, and artist. Her work aims to create space for diverse communities in the world of food growing, through education, and accessibility and the empowerment those two bring.

Qwantese was born in the suburbs of Chicago but grew up on the West side of Madison. After learning about her grandfather’s Gullah Geechee roots, she explored the rich history of food growing, herbalism, and medicine making that comes with her ancestry.

She joined the Troy Farms Urban Farmer Trainee program in 2019 to build her food growing skills and to foster a deeper knowledge of the land. This was after three years of teaching herself how to forage, and make herbal medicines and cosmetics. It was at Troy that she discovered her love for introducing others to food growing, and helping them see the connection between their culture and the land. Qwantese believes that nature and its bounty are home to us all, and seeks to help diverse communities overcome the barriers that stop healthy relationship to the land from happening.

Robert Pierce: Wisconsin Black Legacy Farmer and Agricultural Trailblazer

Robert Pierce is a pioneering figure in the world of sustainable agriculture and a revered Black Legacy Farmer in Wisconsin. After serving in the Marines and experiencing the challenges of reintegration following the Vietnam War, Pierce turned to organic farming as a means of healing both his body and mind. He sought to grow fresh food without the use of chemicals, believing in the power of natural, sustainable practices to restore health and well-being.

Pierce’s commitment to organic farming quickly grew beyond personal restoration. Recognizing the broader need for accessible, chemical-free food, particularly within African American communities, he became a trailblazer in the field, inspiring countless others to follow in his footsteps. His work has not only led to the proliferation of organic farming but also to the empowerment of African American farmers and gardeners across the country.

In addition to his groundbreaking work in farming, Pierce has made significant contributions to agricultural education. He is the originator and agricultural planner for Badger Rock Middle School in Madison, Wisconsin, where he developed and taught the first urban agriculture curriculum of its kind in the area. His efforts at Badger Rock have left a lasting impact, influencing a new generation of students and educators in the principles of sustainability and community-focused agriculture.

Pierce’s influence extends far beyond Wisconsin. He has traveled across the United States, sharing his knowledge and passion for sustainable agriculture, helping to shape the practices of farmers nationwide. His dedication to education and community building has made him a respected leader in the agricultural world, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of farmers, particularly within the African American community.

Rosa Thompson is the founder and Executive Director of the Black Girl Magic Conference and Black Girl Magic Educational Services, a community dedicated to providing safe and affirming spaces for Black girls, rich and engaging programs centered around identity, social-emotional development, STEAM, and the arts with opportunities to network and be mentored by Black women entrepreneurs and professionals in the Madison community.

A proud graduate of the Madison Metropolitan School District, Rosa attended college at Clark Atlanta University and completed her graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Rosa always knew that she wanted to teach in the same school district where she was educated. Rosa now not only teaches and leads in the District, but is impacting the lives of thousands of young women each year. The Black Girl Magic Conference, held in Madison, Wisconsin since 2018, convenes African American and Multiracial girls in grades 4th – 8th, exposing them to inspirational guest speakers, dynamic breakout sessions, a lively DJ, fitness classes and many more activities that affirm the girls’ sense of pride in their culture and confidence in their intelligence, culture and abilities. In 2018, the first Black Girl Magic Conference hosted 80 girls. Since that time, the one day conference has grown significantly from 80 girls to more than 1,000 girls.

“We’re bringing strong, intelligent and dynamic women together with smart, ambitious girls – showing them that they can be lawyers, entrepreneurs, educators and CEO’s. That’s what Black Girl Magic Educational Services does, we uplift the magic in Black girls, revealing their confidence and creativity!”

Ravyn Cruse is a University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute Fellow serving a 2-year placement with the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness (July 2023 – July 2025). In her role with the Foundation, Ravyn serves as the Black Maternal and Child Health Alliance Coordinator, working to advance efforts to empower and support Black women and birthing people to secure birth equity. Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Ravyn completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Fisk University in Nashville, TN, and earned her Masters of Public Health degree from Xavier University in Louisiana. Ravyn’s career interests include advocating for and addressing vulnerable populations’ experiences with inadequate healthcare, healthcare access and poor patient experiences. During her graduate career, she has gained experiences in behavioral health, recreation development, emergency planning and grant writing while using her health equity lens to explore gaps and to propose equitable and culturally competent approaches. As a University of Wisconsin Fellow, she continues the mission of the Institute of operationalizing health inequity. With the values and missions of the Foundation of Black Women’s Wellness and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, Ravyn looks forward to positively impacting the lives of Black women in Dane County while striving to be a Well Black Woman.

Kiah Calmese Walker is a true legacy-shifting powerhouse. She seamlessly blends her warmth, wisdom, and wealth of knowledge with an infectious energy that radiates through. A motivational thought-leader, collaborative mobilizer, and transformational healthcare leader with over 30 years in her field, she’s recognized as one of Wisconsin’s 51 Most Influential Black Leaders (2020) and named “The Problem Solver” as a BRAVA Magazine “Woman to Watch” in 2021. 

In 2023, Kiah founded Joyistry, LLC, Inspired Command Solutions and Consulting, dedicated to infusing joy, artistry, systems-thinking, strategy, and connection into diverse audience experiences, learning opportunities, and visionary spaces. An equally talented vocalist and songwriter, Kiah’s also produced and released projects under her privately owned entity, Roys’JoyMusik™ (est. 2001). A sought-after emcee, performer, energizer, and advisor her sheer presence seizes command on stages of all kinds.

Camille Carter is a dedicated advocate for the financial health and economic prosperity of businesses and individuals at all levels. Renowned as a strategic thinker and leader, she inspires progressive agendas and drives positive change and legacy creation. As the President and CEO of the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce, Camille spearheads the organization’s mission to advance Black-owned businesses throughout Madison and Dane County. Through her advocacy and leadership, she collaborates and leverages resources to strengthen organizational development and capacity within this niche community. Camille is committed to leveling the playing field and fostering economic wealth and entrepreneurial excellence. Her work is always guided by knowledge, integrity, and tenacity.

Camille holds a degree in Business & Economics Management from Michigan State University. Her extensive career spans over 20 years in business entrepreneurship, banking, and development work, including international consulting for small businesses in Togo, West Africa.

Her affiliations and achievements include roles in the Madison Metropolitan Chapter of the Links Incorporated, Madison365’s, 2018 Wisconsin’s Black Power list and the 2023 Best Chamber of the Year Award, the Charles Hamilton Houston Difference Maker Award, 2024 Best of Madison Business Award and most recently the InBusiness magazine Power 100 list. She also serves on Madison College’s Business Advisory Council and the Madison Symphony Orchestra advisory board.

As a financial services professional, she owns FSG Wisconsin and has served on several business and financial panels, including Money Smart Women and The Madison Money Conferences.

Nadiyah Groves hails from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and is a graduate of Milwaukee Public Schools, where she attended the Milwaukee Trade and Technical High School. She studied User Experience at the Milwaukee School of Engineering and is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Nadiyah’s expertise lies in political organizing, with a background encompassing government affairs, lobbying, campaign strategy, and community engagement. She is dedicated to issue-based advocacy, creating inclusive spaces, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. Nadiyah collaborates with grassroots, faith-based, and non-profit organizations and elected officials at local, state, and federal levels to address critical issues impacting people’s lives and material conditions. Notably, she has held leadership roles in statewide campaigns, including the Biden-Harris campaign in 2020, and has served as the Director of Governor Tony Evers’ Milwaukee office. Currently, Nadiyah is the Political Director for U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin’s reelection campaign. Outside of her professional life, Nadiyah enjoys yoga, spending time with her ten-year-old daughter, Kaylah and her partner Eyon, watching reruns of Top Chef and The Office, and managing a love/hate relationship with her cat, Muffin.

Tenia Smith is an accomplished educator, competitive runner, and advocate for social justice, health, and wellness in her community. Her lifelong love of running and fitness began in high school, at Rufus King High School. Thanks to her dedication in the classroom along with her athletic achievements, she was able to continue her education and passions in college by attending University Wisconsin-Milwaukee on a full track & cross-country scholarship. Tenia left UW-Milwaukee with five track & field records.

Wanting to share her knowledge and passions with the next generation in her own community, Tenia found success as the head boys’ track and head girls’ cross-country coach at Rufus King High School for 11 years. She is now the Health and Wellness Director for Social X and Co-founder of F.E.A.R. (Forget Everything and Run), a Social X program dedicated to creating a safe and diverse running community within the city of Milwaukee. She continues to support and advocate for both education and fitness by volunteering as a board member of Girls on the Run, Sharp Literacy, and previously served on The City of Milwaukee’s Millennial Task Force.

She has worked alongside numerous brands that share her spirit and align with her causes. Most notably partnerships with ASICS and Lululemon as an ambassador to both. Tenia has been showcased in the nationally publicized magazine Runners World, appeared on the Today Show, and most recently highlighted in a cover story for an ASICS commercial, along with many other high-profile features.

Tenia was inducted in the 2019 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Bud K Haidet Hall of Fame for her achievements in track and field. She won the 2021 Milwaukee magazine Unity Award, recognized as 2021 Madison 365’s 41 most influential Black leaders in Wisconsin, 2022 Greater Milwaukee Urban League Equal Opportunity Day Winner for Excellence in Public Health, 2022 Milwaukee Business Journal 40 Under 40 award, and most recently inducted into the Rufus King High School 2022 Athletic Hall of Fame.

After spending 10 years as an elementary teacher, in 2023 Tenia transitioned her career to a Community Partnership Director at Greater Holy Temple Christian Academy. She enjoys spending time with her family, running, and experiencing new places in Milwaukee.

Samantha Collier is the Founder and Executive Director of TeamTeal365 Inc. She has nearly 20 years of expertise in the fields of state-wide anti-violence work, youth empowerment, social-emotional growth, and developing national systems of change. Within her career, she has had the pleasure of serving organizations/ schools/ businesses including but not limited to WestCare WI, Milwaukee Excellence Charter, Dr. Howard Fuller High School, Middle and High School, West Allis Central, City of Milwaukee Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Commissioner, Heal The Hood MKE, and Aurora Advocates for Health. Health Ambassadors for MKE Black Grassroots for Network For Health Equity contribute to filling this need. Health Ambassadors will serve translators, brokers, and connectors so that Black residents have information on COVID-19 and other health issues that is delivered from a credible source, is understandable, and links them to community resources.