Lisa M. Peyton, MS.Ed.

Founder, CEO & President

Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness & BWWDAY

Lisa Peyton is the Founding CEO & President of 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.

Heather Schultz

Nurse

Meriter Birthing Center

Heather is a nurse in the Meriter birthing center, lactation counselor, doula, mother of a neurodivergent child, reproductive justice advocate, FFBWW wellness ambassador, entrepreneur, and Cohort 3 Well Black Woman Institute graduate.

Her journey into birth work started 12 years ago with the birth of her son at 32 weeks gestation. After a terrifying labor, there wasn’t anyone to discuss breastfeeding a premature infant and how to support the child while they stayed in the NICU. This lack of support inspired her to become support for other BIPOC women in her community.

Her journey in healthcare has brought her to work as a labor and delivery/postpartum nurse and creating Lactadoula LLC to provide inclusive lactation and doula services to all birthing people. She plans to sit for the IBCLC exam and is working on becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife. She works hard to change policy and be the advocate patients, clients, and the community need.

Bronwynn Ziemann

Doula

Umama Birthing Services

Hello! My name is Bronwynn Ziemann and I am honored to join you on your birth journey! I was trained as a doula at the University of California-Davis and am currently receiving my medical education at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, where I continue to foster a passion for supporting families through the transformative experience of childbirth. I provide prenatal counseling on the stages of labor and effective coping techniques to help expectant parents understand their options and confidently advocate for themselves throughout their pregnancy and postpartum. I will guide clients through tailored and evidence-based exercises designed to support progress and comfort during labor. I also offer resources and support during the postpartum period, emphasizing wellness and an empowered transition into parenthood.

Dr. LaKeeta Watts

Doctor of Natural, Functional & Holistic Medicine

Essentially Empowered, Inc.

Dr. Lakeeta Watts is a holistic health practitioner, educator, community leader, and maternal health advocate committed to creating healing-centered pathways for individuals, families, and communities.

A Doctor of Natural Medicine and Doctor of Holistic Medicine, Dr. Watts is a Board Certified Natural Wellness Practitioner, Advanced Master Herbalist, Ayurvedic Practitioner, Iridologist, HTMA Practitioner, and trained Pelvic Floor Psychosomatic Therapy practitioner. Her work integrates holistic medicine, herbalism, nutrition, mind-body wellness, reproductive and maternal health, and culturally responsive approaches to healing.

As Executive Director of Essentially Empowered Inc. and Co-Founder of Aja Healing and Masika Health Wellness Clinic, Dr. Watts leads initiatives focused on maternal and infant health, doula care, community health, family advocacy, workforce development, and health equity.

An educator and mentor, she has trained doulas, Community Health Workers, holistic health practitioners, and emerging community leaders. Her work extends beyond individual wellness to advancing culturally responsive systems, expanding access to knowledge and care, and addressing the social conditions that shape health.

At the heart of Dr. Watts’ work is a belief in treating the whole person—helping people reconnect with their bodies, understand their health, recognize their capacity for healing, and build healthier, stronger communities.

Reverend Dr. Marcus Allen, Sr.

Senior Pastor

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Marcus D. Allen Sr., Senior Pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he was licensed to preach in July 1997 and ordained in July 2005 at Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church under Pastor George H. Jolly.

Dr. Allen served honorably in the United States Army for more than a decade as a Petroleum Supply Specialist. His assignments included service in Germany, Iraq, Afghanistan, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Fort Lee, Virginia. As a Staff Sergeant with the 101st Airborne Division, he led soldiers in combat and worked to ensure their safe return. He later served as an instructor in the Petroleum and Water Department. His military honors include the Army Achievement Medal, five Army Commendation Medals, and the Bronze Star Medal.

From 2012 to 2016, Dr. Allen served as Senior Pastor of Union Branch Baptist Church in Prince George, Virginia. He holds a Master of Divinity from Virginia Union University, a Doctor of Ministry from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, and a certificate in Pastoral Leadership from Marquette University.

Dr. Allen is the author of “I Got Next: Ten Essential Lessons for Effective Pastoral Transition” and founder of the Midwest Gospel Preaching Summit. He serves as an associate professor at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. His contributions to community service have been recognized with several awards, including the Outstanding Community Service Award from the Madison Metropolitan Links, Inc. (2019), the Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice “Voice for Justice” Award (2022), and the Rev. James C. Wright Humanitarian Award (2024).

He is married to Terra Cook, and they are blessed with three children, a son-in-law, and three granddaughters. Through ministry, education, and service, Dr. Allen remains committed to proclaiming Jesus Christ, strengthening believers, and building God’s Kingdom within his congregation and community.

Jillian Stacey

Doula & Child Birth Educator

Umama Birthing Services and Well Black Doula Collective

Jillian uses her life experiences as a mother, birthing person and social worker to support those in the community around her. She brings several years of program coordination and administrative experience holding both an undergraduate degree in History from UW-Madison and a Master of Social Work from UW-Milwaukee. During her undergraduate and graduate careers, she gained membership into both Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, as well as Lambda Delta Mu Social Work Honor Society.

Jillian is certified birth doula, grief support specialist and is in the process of becoming a certified lactation consultant. Jillian has a strong passion for social work, birth work, and motherhood.

Jillian enjoys working out, watching cartoons and ice cream dates with her two daughters.

Tamisha Binion

Founder

A Peace of Lovelace

I’m Tamisha, the Founder of A Peace of Lovelace. My greatest passion is helping those find serenity and reminding them how powerful we are.

During my pregnancy, I wished I had more resources regarding breastfeeding, support, postpartum care, labor choices, and more. As a young parent, I was also growing up with my son, and I needed more support.

Becoming a birth and postpartum Doula, I want to provide the ultimate care by educating, motivating, nourishing, and bringing peace.

Pregnancy is a very emotional and sacred journey. As your Doula, I will walk through your journey with you being there every step of the way.

Carla Williams

Founder
The View From Here Wellness Collective

Communications Manager
UW Extension-Dane County

Carla Williams is the Communications Manager with UW Extension-Dane County and the founder of The View From Here Wellness Collective. She holds a Master’s in Journalism from UC Berkeley and a Bachelor’s in English from Edgewood College. Committed to creating meaningful change, Carla focuses on addressing mental health disparities and fostering healthy relationships for Black women and their families through advocacy, community-building, and culturally relevant wellness initiatives.

Dr. Shanice Baquet

Doctor Of Natural, Spiritual, & Functional Medicine

Co-Founder of Aja Healing & Masika Health Wellness Clinic

Dr. Shanice Baquet is a holistic wellness practitioner, herbalist, educator, birthworker, and community health advocate dedicated to helping individuals and families reconnect with traditional, natural, and culturally grounded approaches to wellness.

As Founder of Mommy’s Beautiful Sunrise Inc. and Co-Founder of Aja Healing & Masika Health Wellness Clinic, Dr. Baquet develops educational and wellness programs focused on herbal medicine, nutrition, spiritual wellness, reproductive and maternal health, and community empowerment.

Her work bridges traditional herbal knowledge and botanical wellness with experience in Western healthcare settings, bringing a compassionate, culturally conscious approach to health education and advocacy. She is passionate about helping people understand their bodies, use plants responsibly, embrace traditional wellness practices, and recognize the value of food, nature, and ancestral knowledge.

Through her community work, Dr. Baquet supports healthy birth, maternal and infant wellness, youth education, families experiencing grief, individuals with special needs, and greater access to holistic wellness opportunities.

At the heart of her work is a belief that knowledge should be shared, wellness should be accessible, and communities grow stronger when people pour back into one another.

Dr. Kathy King

Assistant Professor

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical College of Wisconsin

Dr. Kathy King joined the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical College of Wisconsin as an Assistant Professor in July 2001. She received her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School in 1997. She then completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and served as a Resident Administrative Chief at the Integrated Obstetrics and Gynecology program at the Medical College of Wisconsin in 2001.

Dr. King strives to provide high quality compassionate care. She enjoys all aspects of obstetrics and gynecology but has special interest in low and high risk obstetrics, preventive care, management of abnormal pap smears including colposcopy, comprehensive family planning/contraception and minimally invasive surgery including office based permanent sterilization and endometrial ablation.

Awards and honors include: Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, American Medical Women’s Association Certificate of Commendation for graduating in the top 10% of medical school class, Fetherston Award for outstanding resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology, top 20 ranking of all physicians in the Press Ganey Survey for Froedtert inpatient and outpatient satisfaction. She also received the Award for Outstanding Medical Student Teacher in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Dr. King divides her time between her academic practice at Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin teaching medical students and residents physicians and servicing as the Associate Medical Director of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin where she provides reproductive health care services to low income women.

Outside of work Dr. King enjoys spending time with her family and many pets at her lakeside home, yoga, knitting and world travel.

Dr. Natasha Crooks

Associate Professor

University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) College of Nursing

Dr. Crooks is an Associate Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) College of Nursing and faculty affiliate at the Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science (CDIS) in the Department of Medicine. Her community-engaged research program centers on addressing sexual health disparities among Black girls and women. Her current research focuses on the development and testing of IMAGE (IMARA for Black Men and Girls Empowerment) a family based HIV prevention intervention designed to increase the protection of Black girls’ sexual and reproductive health funded by NIMHD (R01MD018929).

Dr. Crooks earned her BSN and PhD in Nursing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She completed NIH-funded (K12GM0000580), postdoctoral training at Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. Her research has been supported by federally- and internally funded awards. Dr. Crooks is actively involved in several organizations such as the National Black Nurses Association and Center for AIDS Research.

Dr. Crooks career is dedicated to protecting Black female sexual and reproductive health. She has been invited to collaborate on projects to aimed at improving Black maternal health outcomes, and HIV outcomes among Black sex workers in Chicago.

Shenikqua Bouges

Assistant Professor

University of Wisconsin – Madison

Shenikqua Bouges, MD, is an assistant professor in the Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology within the Department of Medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health and the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital. Dr. Bouges works with individuals 65 years of age and older who are experiencing memory loss concerns. She is also involved on various dementia research studies with a passion in developing alternative recruitment strategies to increase the participation rate of less recognized populations in dementia research studies and memory diagnostic clinics.

Althea Miller

Minister of the Gospel, Artist, Educator, Curator, Dancer

Althea René Miller is a minister of the Gospel whose interdisciplinary practice spans education, visual art, and dance. Rooted in liturgical and diasporic traditions, she draws primarily from West African, Caribbean, and early Black American movement forms, approaching dance as a living expression of healing, memory, joy, and communal celebration. Beyond dance, her visual artwork has been exhibited throughout the Madison area, and she delights in working with youth and cultivating spaces for creativity, learning, and spiritual formation.

Tiffany Sofa

Certified WERQ Instructor

Registered Nurse | Neurology ICU

St. Mary’s Hospital

Tiffany Sopha, RN is a registered nurse in the Intensive Care Unit at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI where she provides compassionate, lifesaving care to critically ill patients and their families. As an ICU nurse, Tiffany understands firsthand the importance of protecting heart health, preventing chronic disease and prioritizing our well-being. Beyond the bedside, Tiffany is a Nursing Assistant Instructor at Madison College and a passionate movement instructor who believes fitness should be joyful and accessible to everyone. Recognized for her exceptional commitment to patient care, Tiffany brings the same to every class she leads!

Nichelle Nichols

Founder

Activate Impact, LLC

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 currently serving as an elected school board member, and past president for 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 completed 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.

TR Williams, J.D.

Principal & Owner

TRWConsult414 LLC

T.R. Williams was born and raised in Wisconsin. She excels in bridging the gap between where people/ organizations are (their current reality) and where they want to be (their aspired reality). She does this bridge building by artfully blending her background in education, nonprofit leadership and strategic planning with her experience in legal advocacy, public policy, community engagement and public/government affairs.

T.R. 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. Williams has held positions with the Harlem Children’s Zone, Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) and the Wisconsin Primary Health Care Association (WPHCA). T.R. has been a part of executive leadership teams with the Office of the Governor for the State of Wisconsin and served as the Assistant Deputy Secretary (third in command) for the Wisconsin State Department of Health Services (WI DHS).

T.R. builds community wherever she is. She has served the Wisconsin Women’s Network (WWN) as a Board member, as President and now as the Lead Facilitator for the WWN Policy Institute ( 2023- present). Williams is an appointee on various State Boards including the Board of Directors for the Office of the State Public Defender and the Governor’s Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council. As a multi-lingual and culturally fluent professional, Williams 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.

The State Bar of Wisconsin recognized T.R. for her contributions to the legal profession with the 2025 Trailblazer Award. Williams is a fellow of the Wisconsin Law Foundation and a proud recipient of the coveted University of Wisconsin (UW-Madison) Law School Gargoyle, presented to her in 2022 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. T.R. is a proud member of the Madison Metropolitan Chapter of the Links, Incorporated and the Kappa Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Taisha Caldwell-Harvey, PhD.

Founder & CEO

The Black Girl Doctor

Taisha Caldwell-Harvey, affectionately known as Dr. Tai, is a licensed psychologist who finds purpose in using herself as a tool to heal and inspire others. A graduate of Spelman College, she earned her doctorate in psychology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and then spent 7 years leading mental health initiatives across the 10 campus University of California system, managing more than $8 million in innovation funds. Then, in 2017 she founded The Black Girl Doctor, a nationwide virtual therapy practice that specializes in supporting the mental health of Black women leaders. With a team spanning all 50 states, The Black Girl Doctor quickly grew into the go-to place for high-achieving women to navigate life with greater clarity and intention. Dr. Tai also serves as a wellness consultant and advisor to universities and healthtech startups. She believes her purpose in life is to inspire people to dream bigger and is an advocate for Black Joy as a social justice issue.

Michelle Hendrix-Nora

Founder & Executive Director

Rising Phoenix Academy

Michelle R. Hendrix-Nora is the Founder of Rising Phoenix Academy (RPA), an innovative faith-based, place-based middle school designed to empower students through academic excellence, cultural identity, leadership development and social-emotional wellness. With more than 25 years of experience in education and community leadership, she has dedicated her career to creating equitable opportunities for students and families. As a teacher, principal, special education leader, coach and mentor, she has led school improvement initiatives focused on increasing student achievement, strengthening school culture, expanding family engagement and removing barriers to success. A devoted advocate for underserved youth and communities, Michelle is also the founder of H.E.A.R.T.S. (Help Educate At-Risk Teenage Students) and co-founder of the Rising Knights HBCU College Tours. Her commitment to service, mentorship and educational equity has earned her numerous recognitions, including the Nina Simone Community Leader Award, Wisconsin’s Most Influential Black Leaders recognition, the YWCA Racial Justice Award, the Beloit Hometown Hero Award, the Herb Kohl Teacher of the Year Award and the YWCA Women of Distinction Award. Michelle holds degrees from Hampton University, the Academy of Art University and Northwestern State University and is currently pursuing a PhD in educational management.

Regina Hendrix

Founder

Virtuoso’s Mind, Inc.

Regina D. Hendrix is the director of Help Yourself Programs at Beloit College. The programs aim to intervene early in the lives of low-income, first-generation, underrepresented students to expose them to college and careers and prepare them for the college-going process. Under her leadership, the program has seen massive success, boasting a 100% graduation rate among participants, with 98% enrolling in four-year institutions of higher learning. In addition, she has visited hundreds of colleges with her students to ensure they make the most informed decisions possible. Regina is an advocate for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. She is committed to advancing our future leaders, co-founding the Rising Knights HBCU College Tour with her sister, which is now in its 14th year. They have taken over 200 students nationwide to visit these fantastic institutions. As a result, many of the programs’ participants are attending or have recently graduated from these schools.

In 2014, Ms. Hendrix made her debut into the world of politics by becoming the first African American female to hold the office of City Councilor in the history of the city of Beloit. She used her role as City Councilor to help give a voice to those in the community who felt they did not have one, especially the youth. She has also served as a Commissioner on the Community Development Authority and was on the Board of Directors for Visit Beloit and Community Action. She has been, most recently, appointed to the Board of Project 16:49, a local non-profit organization serving Rock County’s unaccompanied homeless teens.

Regina is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, the Beloit Branch of NAACP, and Rising Professionals. She is the Coach and Co-Founder of the Knightingales Cheer, Dance, and Step Teams, a Challenge Day Moderator, former Beloit College Black Students United (BSU) Co-Advisor, and former Minority Excellence Organization (MEO) Co-Advisor. Regina is also one of the co-founders of BRAVE (Beloit Residents Against Violence Everywhere), a group started by local mothers and educators to help protect little ones from violence.

She is a proud graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry. Though she is interested in and loves the sciences, she wanted to explore the array of opportunities offered. After pursuing her graduate education in optometry and public health, she returned home to Beloit, Wisconsin to make a more significant impact on her hometown and beloved community. She has done so using her background in Science, Public Health, Music, and Education. She holds a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration on Equity, Ethics, Justice, and Community Engagement from Concordia University. Regina is currently pursuing her doctorate in Leadership, Innovation, and Continuous Improvement. Her dissertation is focused on the young Black woman’s perception and perspective of self and its impact on college choice.

Because of her tireless dedication to the young people in her community, she is often featured in the daily news and called upon to be a featured speaker. She was awarded the 2016 Woman of Distinction Award from the YWCA and was recognized by her alma mater with a 40 Under 40 Young Alumni Award. In 2022, she was named one of Wisconsin’s Most Influential Black Leaders. She firmly believes that you can’t be what you can’t see. She believes her calling is to be an image of excellence for young people – especially those who look like her. While she knows she cannot save them all, she wears her cape – Confidence, Assertiveness, Passion, and Energy – with pride!

​An acclaimed singer, Regina has shared her vocal gift across the country in front of thousands for as long as she can remember. She is also a trained violist and plays piano, violin, and cello. Regina is a talented visual artist who enjoys drawing, painting, and ceramics. No stranger to the stage, she has been acting and performing since age five and knows the power of the arts on education and the importance of education to the next generation. She has one daughter, Ryann, who is also naturally artistic in many ways, so it was no surprise when she was identified as Gifted & Talented in Creativity – it’s innate!

As a lifelong learner with creativity beyond this world, Virtuoso’s Mind Inc. is the culmination of all of Regina’s loves and passions intertwined. It’s her literal dream come true.

Rosa Thompson

Founder and Executive Director

Black Girl Magic Educational Services

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!”

Corinda Rainey-Moore, PhD

FFBWW Board Member
& Community Engagement Manager

Unity Point Health-Meriter

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

FFBWW Founding Board Member
& Director for Community Health Improvement

UW Health

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.

Debbie Jones, MD

FFBWW Board Member

& Internal Medicine Physician & Hospitalist

SSM Hospital – St. Mary’s

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.

Micaela Berry-Smith

Senior Programs Manager, Community & Maternal and Child Health Initiatives

Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness

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

Director of Health & Wellness Programs

Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness

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

Brand Experience and Marketing Manager

Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness

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.

DJ Gemini Gilly

Midwest Based DJ and Musical Curator

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 A. Gaines

Community Liason / Sr. Advocate

Quartz Health

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

Associate Vice President, Community & Social Impact

American Family Institute for Corporate and Social Impact

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.

Patrina White

Interim Executive Administrative and Operations Liaison

Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness

Patrina White is a Community Organizer and Advocate. She most recently served as the Executive Director of Kennedy Heights Community Center on the northside of Madison. Mrs. White led daily operations and finance, human resources, and community programming for children and families including an early childcare center, after school programming for school aged youth, and family-centered education and support services. In her role, Mrs. White also worked extensively with a number of city, county and community-based agencies to support the Adult Resources initiative to secure employment for families in Kennedy Heights and the Greater Madison area. Prior to her departure, Mrs. White was able to secure a mental health and counseling partner to provide neighborhood youth with personal, social and psychological support services during the COVID pandemic.

‍Mrs. White served on the 24th Leadership Greater Madison committee that worked with Feed Kitchen and other nonprofits to understand and solve food insecurities on the northside. Her passion started early on in life when her grandmother and mother would come home from a long days’ work and feed the community with the food they brought back from her mother’s restaurant in Chicago. Mrs. White’s leadership and volunteer work also includes two years with the United Way of Dane County as a Loaned Executive.

In 1990, Mrs. White received the Operation Desert Storm Achievement Award after she prepared and submitted a proposal to the CEO at Metra Railway in Chicago to organize a fundraiser for deployed troops. The outcome of this plan was over 72,000 pounds of personal supplies and toiletries shipped to our troops abroad.

The mission of the Foundation resonates with Mrs. White because she enjoys being part of conscientious organizations and movements that focus on helping people and confronting systemic social inequality. She has served as an FFBWW Wellness Ambassador for the since 2015.

Dr. Michelle Robinson

Chief Programs and Partnerships Officer

Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness

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.

Natasha Watkins

Manager, Community Health Services

Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness

Natasha Watkins recently joined FFBWW as the Manager of Community Health Services. She brings experience as a licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker with 10 plus years in the field. She’s passionate about working with women and families and connecting them with resources and support that will empower through generations to come. When she’s not working, you’ll find her hiking or cooking up a new creation.

Queen Michelle

Wellness Ambassador & Soul Line Dancing Instructor

Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness

I’m Michelle Bozeman and I am obsessed with changing the narrative of the economically disadvantaged to be advantaged. My entire life has been guided to help people who battle with getting life back on track. Born and raised in Chicago, I moved to Madison for education and a better life.

With over 25 years of community, public and civil service, I have a BA in Business Administration emphasizing on Human Resource Development, Non-Profit Management and Marketing and Communications.

I am honored to have served on several boards such as Turning Point of Madison College, Southside Raiders Football and Cheer, Inc., One City Learning Center, and the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce. I was the head cheer coach for the Southside Raiders serving a 9-year tenure having more than 150 girls ages 7-13.

I have volunteered for many organizations including The River Food Pantry, Middleton Outreach Ministry, Southside Raider Cheerleaders, Nehemiah, FOSTER of Dane, Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness, Urban League Young Professionals, United Way of Dane County Women’s Leadership Council, Urban Triage, UJAMAA Business Network, UMOJA Magazine, Urban League Guild, EOTO, Susan G. Komen, League of Women Voters.

Currently serves as the Associate Matron of Friendship Chapter #2 of Madison, Order of the Eastern Star, State of WI, Prince Hall Affiliate, an Masonic organization that continues to give back to communities worldwide.

I am a proud mother of five adult children (Raymond 34, Reeba 33, La’Neice 31, Mia 27, and LaDell 24) and nine grandchildren.

In my spare time, you can catch me in the gym, dancing, cooking, singing karaoke, bowling, excelling my baking business, spending time with family and traveling with my husband, Lawrence. I love sports and is a DIE-HARD fan of the Chicago Bears, Chicago Sky, Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox.

Johnny Winston, Jr.

Public Health Professional & Certified Personal Trainer

Johnny Winston Cares

Johnny Winston, Jr. of Johnny Winston Community Action Resource Education Services is a multi-faced entrepreneur focused on providing consultation and educational services in CPR training, fitness & wellness and leadership solutions and the acquisition of future assets.

As a long-time resident of Madison, WI, he is a retired Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician. Winston was a Firefighter and during his tenure, he was promoted to various positions, including Training Officer, Fire Investigator, Lieutenant, and Division Chief.

In addition to his career in the fire service, Winston has served in various capacities for several community-based programs for underserved children, youth and families, including but not limited to: South Madison Neighborhood Center (now Boys and Girls Club of Dane County), Dane County Human Service’s Neighborhood Intervention Program, Briarpatch, Vera Court and Bridge Lake Point Waunona Neighborhood Centers, Madison School and Community Recreation. He was elected to the Madison Metropolitan School District Board of Education for two terms from 2004 to 2010, serving as the Board President from 2006-2007.

Johnny Winston, Jr. completed his undergraduate and graduate education in Fire Science (A.A.), Public Administration (B.S.), and Management (M.S.), and is a Certified Public Manager (CPM) and has a certificate in Servant Leadership.

Johnny has four daughters and five grandchildren. His hobbies include weightlifting, attending concerts, attending sporting events, and traveling.

Quintel Freeman-Allen, MSLIS

Librarian, Change Agent & Investor

After years of wrangling properties, managing tenants and property management companies, and surviving more home improvement projects than HGTV has reruns, Quintel Freeman-Allen is a seasoned landlord, home improvement wizard and accidental therapist who is now leveling up. What started as a humble purchase of her mom’s first home (and a not-so-humble collection of power tools and safety equipment) is now evolving into a full-fledged business with a portfolio of homes—with a side hustle into asset protection consultancy to build legacy wealth, because apparently “just winging it” isn’t a legal strategy.

Raised between Brooklyn, NY and the DMV (DC, MD & VA), Quintel Freeman-Allen holds degrees in English Language and Information Science from Hampton University in VA and the University of Illinois @ Urbana-Champaign, respectively. She uses both—to win arguments at brunch with her friends and to evaluate property listings; hire general contractors and service specialists; assess financial products and services, and mitigate tenancy laws. Known for wielding her librarian and records management skills to tame chaotic filing systems or negotiating metadata and decoding bureaucratic riddles into policy documents that her coworkers might actually read, Quintel brings a rare blend of precision research, empathy, and caffeine-fueled brilliance to every real estate project. With a knack for bringing order, clarity, and just a hint of existential flair, she elevates real estate operations from the mundane to the masterful—maximizing a property’s potential within budget to transform a house into a home. Overthinking every detail, her home improvement redesign goal is to create a place of comfort and belonging.

Described as “a walking TED Talk with better shoes,” Quintel is also a former Peace Corps Volunteer who served as an English Language teacher and librarian in Zimbabwe. She enhanced her students’ learning environment by spearheading the construction of a library building. She organized a book drive and secured furniture donations to stock the facility, and also performed basic maintenance to ensure its continued upkeep. Now, as the owner of Neeron LLC, an acquisition entity with asset protection consultancy that’s equal parts real property investing and group therapy, Quintel works at the grassroots level supporting and networking with like-minded investors to build community through affordable quality housing.

Outside of work, she lives with her family and dog, Vanta B., who has stronger opinions than most humans. She enjoys authoring erotica, biking trails, researching and curating detailed plans for future road trips, laughing at the ironies of daily living and pretending not to be competitive at game night If you need someone who can bring order to the whirlwind that is the real estate industry, inspire action with nuggets of healthful investment insight and help you remember where you left your keys—she is your person.

Brandice Hatcher, CHW, CPS

Community Intake and Outreach Specialist

Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness

Brandice Hatcher, Chicago native, has been an active resident of Madison, WI since 2008. Known by her community and peers as an advocate and resource guru, Brandice has carved out a career path rooted in Human Services and entrepreneurship and focuses her life and work on equity, justice and empowering others to achieve their highest levels of potential. Brandice currently holds Wisconsin certifications as a Peer Support Specialist and Crisis Manager, and is a proud graduate of the United Way of Dane County Boardwalk Academy and the University of Wisconsin Odyssey Program. The mother of two daughters, Brandice is passionate about mentoring and empowering young girls in the Madison area while working on many levels to support and invest in her community. She is the founder of Righteous Voice Mentoring and Big Thingz Popping LLC, a plus sized women’s boutique, and is an author. She presently serves as a board member for local organization, Positive Women for Change. Brandice volunteers with many organizations within Dane County, and is a longtime Wellness Ambassador and Black Women’s Wellness Day Planning Committee member with the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness, roles she proudly played before joining the organization as an employee.

Diane Milner

Director – Health Equity

Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter

Diane is recognized for her natural ability to lead dynamic teams that include government, funders, community and business leaders. Diane is skilled at rallying these leaders to work cooperatively and collaboratively toward a shared goal. She is connected to and partners with leaders in the Aging field at the local, regional and national level. Diane excels at encouraging others to build strong and effective relationships with stakeholders, both internally and externally.