Our Crisis to Care: Healing-Centered BIPOC Leaders Cohort
Zina Brockman — Eastern Region (Suffolk)
Founder of MotherBaby Wellness Perinatal Hub and Vice President of the Doula Association of Virginia, Zina empowers women through perinatal bodywork, Reiki, and birth education. She identifies as a Builder, Healer, and Guide in the social change ecosystem
Shanteny Jackson — Central Region (Richmond)
Executive Director of the Virginia Community Health Worker Association, Shanteny is an Afro-Latina leader uplifting communities of color through health equity, maternal health, and representation. She serves as a Builder, Experimenter, and Guide.
John Smith — Central Region (Petersburg)
A Certified Community Health Worker and diversity and inclusion advocate, John promotes trauma-informed workplaces and community care. He identifies as a Frontline Responder, Visionary, and Caregiver.
Valerie McAllister — Eastern Region (Hampton)
Senior Program Manager at the Institute for Public Health Innovation, Valerie drives statewide community health initiatives and equity-centered systems change. She embodies the roles of Weaver, Visionary, Storyteller, and Healer.
Francine Hardy — Central Region (Richmond)
Founder of A-Vision Community Health Services, Francine weaves storytelling, intergenerational care, and advocacy to uplift older adults and underserved families. She leads as a Weaver, Frontline Responder, and Guide.
Veronica “Vee” Tovar-Castro — Central Region (Richmond)
A bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Vee integrates culturally rooted therapy, advocacy, and healing for diverse communities. She leads as a Weaver, Visionary, Storyteller-Witness-Bearer, Caregiver, Healer, and Guide.
Jarene Fleming — Central Region (Henrico)
As the State Breastfeeding Coordinator with the Virginia Department of Health, Jarene blends advocacy, education, and leadership to advance maternal and child health. She acts as a Weaver, Experimenter, and Storyteller-Witness-Bearer.
Kimberly Embe — Central Region (Richmond)
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker and youth advocate, Kimberly merges clinical practice and policy to destigmatize mental health and expand access to care. She identifies as a Weaver, Disrupter, and Healer.
Chad Martin — Piedmont Region (Axton)
A Senior Fellow with the Center for Engagement, Environmental Justice, and Health, Chad brings decades of public service, leadership, and food equity advocacy. He serves as a Weaver, Frontline Responder, and Visionary.
Elizabeth Solano — Central Region (Henrico)
A first-generation Latina social worker with Communities In Schools, Elizabeth blends education, social work, and healing-centered engagement. She leads as a Weaver, Builder, and Guide.
Tiara Hicks — Central Region (Henrico)
A learning and inclusion strategist, Tiara designs transformative learning experiences that center creativity, belonging, and organizational change. She embodies the roles of Weaver, Visionary, and Builder.
Betty Borden — Eastern Region (Birdsnest)
A School Board Member and Certified Community Health Worker, Betty bridges education, health, and policy to advance equity. She identifies as a Weaver, Visionary, and Guide.
Alexis (Simms) Miller — Central Region (Richmond)
A doula, social worker, and trauma-informed practitioner with Henrico County Public Schools and the Virginia Department of Health, Alexis leads systems work through the Henrico Trauma Framework. She embodies the roles of Builder, Healer, and Guide.
Felisha Jones — Central Region (Richmond)
Founder of Heal My People, Felisha is a certified meditation teacher and self-care activist integrating mindfulness, somatic healing, and trauma recovery. She identifies as a Weaver, Visionary, and Caregiver.
Lyons Sanchezconcha — Central Region (Richmond)
A trauma-informed educator with Richmond Public Schools and the Executive Director of Sacred Heart Center, Lyons advocates for inclusive, healing-centered education. He identifies as a Weaver, Builder, and Guide
April Johnson — Central Region (Petersburg)
A Certified Nursing Assistant and maternal health specialist with the Virginia Department of Health, April supports low-income families through equitable care. She serves as a Caregiver and Guide.
Jackie Murrell — Central Region (Henrico)
A Community Health Worker with the Virginia Community Health Worker Association and faith-based outreach volunteer, Jackie connects people to care through advocacy and service. She is a Frontline Responder, Builder, and Guide.
Karen Bettis-Davis — Northern Region (Fredericksburg)
A pastor and faith leader, Karen centers spiritual healing and justice in her ministry. She serves as a Visionary, Healer, and Guide
Niko Centeno-Monroy — Central Region (Richmond)
A Latino mental health advocate and artist, Niko uses creative storytelling and cultural practice to foster emotional wellness and connection. They identify as a Builder, Storyteller-Witness-Bearer, and Guide.
Joy Pearson — Northern Region (Stafford)
A realtor and community connector, Joy links housing access and wellness through storytelling and care. She identifies as a Weaver, Builder, Storyteller-Witness-Bearer, and Caregiver.
Kitteria Mayo — Western Region (Danville)
A Community Health Worker and grassroots advocate, Kitteria bridges health and justice efforts in Danville. She embodies the roles of Weaver, Builder, and Guide.