PARTICIPANTS 

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Kiyah Allen

Benedict College
Senior


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Shalandra Anderson

Harris Stowe University

Degree in nursing and over 20 years of experience in the healthcare field. Currently working as a Senior Bio-Pharmaceutical Technician. Lives in St. Louis and attends Harris Stowe University. 

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Nadia Andrews

Southern University and A & M College
Senior

Nadia Andrews. Senior Biology pre-med major with a minor in chemistry from Augusta, Georgia attending Southern University and A&M College. Currently serves in the Louisiana Army National Guard as a Combat Medic. A Reproductive Justice Organizer with the Black Women’s Health Imperative. She is currently an intern as a Red Zone Ambassador for Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault and is a member of the Student Survivor Caucus for End Rape On Campus. Served as the 2021-2022 Miss Army ROTC and 2022-2023 Miss Men’s Federation. Currently, serve as the 2022-2023 President of My Sister’s Keeper. 

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Rasheedah Blackwood

Langston University
Senior

Senior nursing and health administration major from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and attends Langston University. First-generation college student and the first in her family to attend a Historically Black College-University. 

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Alexis Butler

Virginia State University 
7 years of experience

From San Diego, California, Alexis has lived in Virginia for most of her life except for a few moves curiosity of the military. Alexis is a part of the honors college as well as an E-board member of the Association of Political Science at the Virginia State University Association.She was born a Black woman, but being a proud black woman came from hard work, determination, and resilience. She realized that the reason she achieves what she puts her mind to is because her ancestors are guiding and she has a support system who wants nothing more than to see her win. 

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Justice Clark

Southern University and A & M College
Senior

Justice Clark is a Level I nursing student. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois where she attended a performing arts high school and studied dance intensely for four years. She enjoys being a student at Southern University and is involved in a lot on campus. She enjoys positively impacting student life on campus. Vice President of My Sister's Keeper (a student organization) and our mission is to educate students about their health and well-being in all aspects of life. Strives to carry herself as an ambassador, Wants every woman on campus to be comfortable talking to her about anything. Someone whose ultimate goal is to uplift women and never tear them down.

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Natalie Cooley Evans

Jackson State University
Graduate Student

Natalie Cooley Evans resides in Dallas, Texas, and is a native of Jackson, Mississippi. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana, and a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. She is currently a Doctor of Public Health student at Jackson State University studying sexual health and wellness of Black communities. She is also a Certified Pharmacy Technician. Currently, Mrs. Evans works as a Data Manager and Project Manager for Abounding Prosperity, incorporated which is a non-profit organization that addresses social determinants of health impacting communities particularly servicing Black families. Mrs. Evans has enjoyed volunteering with a variety of organizations including For Oak Cliff, OMG (Outstanding Mature Girlz) organization, Urban Congress on African American males, Re-Entry Alliance Coalition for Baton Rouge, and Girl Scouts of America. Committed to empowering folks to have a better quality of life, Natalie has a passion for community engagement, sexual health and wellness, STI prevention, and female empowerment.

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Chelsee Cooper

Southern University and A & M College
Senior

Chelsee Cooper is a Sophomore Pre-Nursing student at Southern University located in Baton Rouge, La. She is originally from Jonesboro, La, home of the Deacons of Defense! During her spare time, she enjoys reading, attending church, and spending time with family, and close friends. Her favorite quote is "Freedom is not free until you allow that same freed self to free someone else." 

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Camille Copeland

North Carolina A&T University
Graduate Student

Camille is a Higher Education professional passionate about student engagement. A Hampton Roads native who adores serving her community in any capacity. An active member of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, whose passion is to build campus and community leaders through service. Camille is a freelance photographer, she writes music (Hip Hop/Rap) and is a co-founder of Prestige & Poise Modeling Troupe And Majorette Team (Located At Old Dominion University And Florida International University)

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Saleana Cox

Southern University and A & M College
Senior

A 22-year-old, senior double majoring in criminal justice and nursing from Houma Louisiana. Currently involved in five different organizations on Southern University's campus. Saleana is bright, intelligent, eager to learn, and helps out with any and everything that I am called to do. I am also an active member in my church where I assist with events.

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Antionette Crawford

Coppin State University
Junior 

Antoinette Crawford is a Baltimore Native. Currently a Junior Nursing Student at Coppin State University. Very passionate and dedicated individual. Enjoys helping others and learning from others. The greatest blessing and joy is being a mom to my beautiful two daughters.

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Zaria Davis

Albany State University
Senior

Zaria Davis is a senior studying Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Psychology and History. She has lived in Albany for 13 years. Zaria started her dance journey with Uptown Dance Studio at the age of 12, and began training with Dr. Liz Delancy a year later. She continued her training through high school, and went on to attend Troy University as a dance major for 2 years before she decided to move back to Albany. Zaria has aspirations to transition into the dance industry, where she would perform and choreograph professionally. Zaria works hard to be a role model to young girls while promoting her program, Dance: Entrance to Confidence. Her goal is to establish dance and movement as a therapeutic tool to boost self-esteem and body image throughout her community.

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Chanise Egbue

North Carolina A&T University
Junior 

Chanise, is a junior chemistry student. After undergrad, Chanise hopes to attend medical school to become an anesthesiologist.

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Xiomara Francis

Howard University
Graduate

Xiomara Francis earned her Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education from Howard University in Washington, DC. While there she had the opportunity to be an Intern with Morehouse College Project Imhotep conducting public health research. Throughout her undergraduate studies, she also developed both personal and professional skills which now allow her to be a leader in her community. After graduating from Howard, Xiomara worked in education as an Academic Advisor and Interim Program Coordinator with the University at Albany Science and Technology Entry Program. She also continued her studies in Public Health by earning a Certificate of Public Health from the State University of New York at Albany. She is now pursuing her MPH full-time at George Washington University Milken School of Public Health in Washington DC. Serving as a Communications Consultant for the Black Ladies in Public Health (BLiPH), allows Xiomara to maintain her commitment to building and promoting healthier communities for current and future generations.

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Nina Giddens

Xavier University of Louisiana 
Senior

Nina Giddens is a senior studying public health on a pre-law and international affairs track at Xavier University of Louisiana. From Atlanta, GA, she is a self-proclaimed voter rights, HBCU, and reproductive justice advocate with a history of activism. Currently, Nina represents over 3,500 students on her campus as Miss Xavier University of Louisiana and a student representative for the Board of Trustees.
She now advocates for reproductive justice and HBCUs on a national level as a 2022-23 HBCU White House Scholar, sexual health educator for Planned Parenthood, social justice fellow for Xavier’s Office of Social Justice and Inclusion, and a campus organizer for Advocates for Youth with whom she lobbied for the passage of the Equality Act. Her efforts have earned her multiple invitations to the White House, including from the Office of Vice President Kamala Harris to speak on the impact of the overturning of Roe V. Wade on HBCU students.
Nina’s life mission is to amplify the voices of marginalized communities as a United States senator.

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Amariah Hardwick

Harris-Stowe State University
Junior 

Amariah Hardwick is originally from Detroit, Michigan, in 2021 she relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Urban Affairs with a concentration in Public Administration, at Harris-Stowe State University. Amariah has been involved in Community Engagement since the start of her transition in 2017. Starting serving as a member of the Transgender Community Advisory Board, where she planned events for her trans peers, at The Ruth Ellis Center in Detroit, MI (2018-2020). After moving to St. Louis, MO, she then became a Community Health Worker, gained an HIV/STI Testing & Counseling Certification, and gained Peer Navigation skills. She became a blazing figure for the transgender community in St. Louis as she appeared several times in local media bringing highlighting transgender awareness. Amariah is also the project coordinator for The Shades Project focusing on allocating resources and planning events for BI-POC Trans Women. She is noticed to be the first black trans woman with an executive leadership position in Missouri. She also holds the current President Role for The LGBTQ+ Alliance at her University, where her mission is to touch the taboo of LGBTQ+ individuals on campus.

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Kyndall Jones 

Southern University and A & M College
Senior

Kyndall A. Jones, a graduating senior at the often imitated, never duplicated, Southern University A&M College. Majoring in Mass Communications with a concentration in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Vocal Music, From Washington, D.C. Upon graduation this May, She aspires to become a Reporter/MMJ, and one day would like to become a News Anchor.
Founder of Planned Parenthood Generation Action at Southern University, where with the hard work of the chapter was awarded as the Youth Champion of Reproductive Health at the 2022 Congressional Black Caucus.

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Lindzey Joseph

Southern University and A&M College
Junior 

Lindzey Joseph is currently a student at Southern University and A&M College, where she is expected to graduate in May 2025. Lindzey is an active student on campus as a member of different organizations including; My Sister's Keeper and the Student Nurses Association.  

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Monique McDonald 

Tennessee State University 
Graduate

Monique (Mo) McDonald is from North Carolina by way of Michigan and holds two bachelor's degrees, one in Public Health and the other in Business Administration from Tennessee State University. She has recently started her MPH/MBA program at The University of Texas. Mo currently works for the state of Texas Health and Human Services as a coordinator and has multiple contacts as a project manager within community health.
While in undergrad, Monique started her career in Public Health with an internship with Black Ladies in Public Health in January 2021 and has continued with the team as a project coordinator. She uses her experience in project management in health promotion and education material development, coordinating health-related community events, and working with corporate communication to support BLIPH and the BGSR program as a coordinator and peer mentor. Monique is passionate about advancing health equity, addressing health disparities, and incorporating social determinants of health into all aspects of the U.S. healthcare system. 

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Ashley Primas

Tuskegee University
Graduate Student

Currently a graduate student in the MPH program at Tuskegee University. Ashley graduated from Delaware State University with a bachelor's in public health. She is not only a student but a student-athlete. She Is very passionate about empowering black women as she becomes comfortable in her own skin. Ashley is focusing on mental health with black women when it comes to health.

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Kaiah Scott

Pennwest California University of Pennsylvania
Freshman 

Kaiah Scott is a proud trans woman. Currently a member of the Black Student Union and Women’s United. "I am proud to say I am a Black Trans woman, I am proud to say I am a Confident Black woman." 

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Eboni Slaughter

Coppin State University
Junior 

Born in Baltimore Md. Oldest of 11 brothers and sisters with 20 nieces and nephews. Eboni has one child who is the reason why she is becoming a Nurse. Eboni wants her child to see black excellence in women and be a role model for her nieces and nephews.  

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Ja'Courtney Waddy

Benedict College
Junior 

Ja’Courtney Waddy, 21 years old born and raised in Angleton, TX. Junior in Public Health major at Benedict College located in Columbia, South Carolina. Lead member of the South Carolina Public Health Student Corps and South Carolina Public Health Association. Member of Benedict College BC active minds. 

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Kennedy Whitfield

Southern University and A & M College
Senior

Kennedy Whitfield a Senior from Port Allen, Louisiana attending Southern University studying Biology-Premed minoring in Chemistry. Currently serve as the Vice-President of "MY Sisters Keeper", an organization founded under the Black Women Health Initiative. Post graduation she hopes to further her career at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries as a Parish/Coordinator while also working as a certified personal trainer. 

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Dana Williams

North Carolina A&T State University
Senior

Dana C. Williams, is a 23-year-old nursing student, from Alexandria, Louisiana. Since 2019, She has been serving as a Military Police in the Louisiana National Guard. She is involved in several campus organizations such as My Sister’s Keeper, Student Nurses Association, and Army ROTC. Upon graduation, Dana will commission in the United States Army as a second lieutenant. On the civilian side, she aspires to work as a Labor and Delivery nurse. Her favorite bible verse is Psalms 46:5, “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” 

MENTORS

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Alicia E. Diggs
Phd (abd), MPH, BSw

Alicia Diggs is a native of Philadelphia PA but resides in North Carolina. Alicia has a bachelor’s degree in Social Work, a master’s degree in Public Health and has completed doctoral courses for a PhD in Public Health with a focus in Advocacy and Leadership. Alicia works for the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Center for AIDS Research (UNC-CFAR) as the Manager for the Office of Community Engagement. Alicia is a local, national, and global speaker and subject matter expert for HIV and AIDS and a participant of “I’m Still Surviving” a living women’s history of HIV/AIDS. Alicia is also a published author of an autobiography entitled, Standing on My Healing: From Tainted to Chosen.

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Zimora Evans

Zimora is a 30 year old trans woman who has been living with HIV for 12 years. She is a performer in the DFW and has been performing for 12 years and is also in the ballroom scene.

Zimora has been doing trans advocacy work for the last 4-5 years and loves helping people navigate this thing called life.

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Connie L. Johnson

A native of Orangeburg, SC, Connie’s faith-based upbringing provided her with the solid foundation she needed to overcome her mother’s death and an HIV diagnosis as a young woman. As a spoken word artist and singer\songwriter, Connie has discovered the power of creativity as a means of healing. Her career as a community advocate began more than twenty years ago as a youth worker in various after-school programs. Her passion for youth and families has ultimately guided her academic pursuits.

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Lisa Johnson-Lett

Lisa Johnson-Lett is a military veteran who served in the U.S. Army for a decade. She is a nationally recognized speaker who is a member of Toastmasters Speaker Bureau. Lisa is a champion for the HIV/AIDS community. She has dedicated her life as a HIV/AIDS with 28 years lived-experience- focusing on Black Women, Reproductive, Justice, and Trauma Informed (HIV-specific) Care. Lisa serves as a Peer Mentor who is a member of the Positive Leadership Council at AIDS Alabama, Positive Women Network (PWN)- AL Chapter member and on a larger scale, PWN Board of Directors. Lisa also sits on the Board of Directors for AIDS Drug Assistance Program Advocacy Associates (aaa+) and an engaged member of the Ryan White Planning Council for 340B. Lisa is on the National Council Advisory Board (NCAB) for RIBBON while assisting in the planning and development for HIV community members at the 1917 Clinic who services close to 4,000 patients statewide. Lisa is a product of selfless service as she aims to transcend lives for the HIV community.

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Chauntey Sanders

Chauntey is a 43 year old post-op trans woman, born and raised in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She attended CAPA high school for dance and later studied cosmetology at South Side high school. Chauntey came out as gay at the age of 14, but still struggled with her personal gender identity! She started her transition at the age of 18 and never looked back! She was incarcerated for 16 years and this is where she started her activism! She now has her own non-profit organization called: The Love Diamond Project! It’s new, but it’s making noise! Something fun about Chauntey is that she loves to sing and dance and crack jokes!

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Helen Zimba

Helen is an international HIV and reproductive justice leader with extensive experience in the field of community health. Helen has dedicated much of her life advocating to end the stigma and isolation plaguing women living with HIV.

PRESENTERS

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Dr. Elizabeth Delancy 

EJD & D Associates
Dance, The Healing Art
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Goody Howard

Ask Goody
Pleasure as Activism Sensual Intelligence
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Jaye Wilson

Myelinated Moms
5 years of experience