BLACK WOMEN FOR WELLNESS
THURSDAY, AUGUST 15 · 8AM – 5:30PM PDT
About Our Conference
2024 Annual Reproductive Justice Conference
A New Era of Justice: Our Bodies, Our Voices, Our Freedom.
Table of Contents
As we reflect on the success of our 25th Annual Reproductive Justice Conference, our team at Black Women for Wellness sends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event truly powerful. Your participation and dedication were the driving forces behind the 2024 conference, and we couldn’t have done it without you.
This year’s theme, A New Era of Justice: Our Bodies, Our Voices, Our Freedom, was all about bringing updates across the spectrum — from implicit bias and the Black-lash (increase in anti-Black racism), to the criminalization of women seeking abortion care, including the impacts of maternity deserts, maternal mortality, and how environmental justice plays a role in our reproductive health status. The conversations we had during the conference were vital in shedding light on these issues and propelling us forward in our fight for justice.
We extend a special thank you to California Attorney General Rob Bonta for his inspiring message and to our keynote panelists, Deon Haywood and Dazon Dixon Diallo, for their profound insights on designing a future rooted in justice and liberation. We are also deeply grateful for the recognitions from Governor Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager, Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, LA City Councilwoman Heather Hutt and California State Senator Lola Smallwood Cuevas.
A particular highlight was the special video message from Supervisor Holly Mitchell, who uplifted the work that Black Women for Wellness and our Executive Director, Janette Robinson Flint, have been doing on behalf of Black women and girls for nearly three decades. Her words were a beautiful reminder of why we do the work we do.
Each year, the Reproductive Justice Conference is a testament to the strength and resilience of our community. As we move forward, we carry with us the knowledge, inspiration, and connections forged at this conference. We encourage you to continue sharing what you’ve learned and to stay engaged as we navigate this new era of reproductive justice together.
Pre-Conference Events
Conference Schedule
Designing our Future: Perspectives and Visions for a New Era of Justice and Liberation
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Reproductive Justice movement and in this moment, we are bearing witness to the systematic weaponization of our society’s institutions to deny our ability to enjoy the full scope of our humanity. From the outright assaults on abortion care to the attacks on democracy and the dismantling of our nation’s administrative infrastructure, the unrelenting effort to usurp and consolidate power strips us of our right to determine our reproductive destiny. In the face of oppression, how do we fight to secure our dignity and fundamental freedoms? Our esteemed panel will help us assess the moment that we find ourselves in and what it means for Black women, femmes and our communities. We will then explore visions to design and realize the New Era of Reproductive Justice and therefore our liberation.
April Foster
April is the current Program Coordinator for Sisters in Motion. She is a graduate of George Mason University in Fairfax, VA and originally from the DMV area . Throughout her career in event management she has worked for a range of companies in entertainment, corporate and nonprofit organizations. Her passion is to do mission based work that produces social change for the Black community.
April will talk about Housing Justice and the impact it has on Black women and girls who live at or below the poverty line. Specifically, as it pertains to period poverty and hygiene poverty.
Karen Balumbu-Bennett
Karen Balumbu-Bennett is a psychotherapist with an advanced certification in Perinatal Mental Health. Karen has over 15 years of experience providing therapy in community mental health settings, emergency outreach teams, private practice, and within secondary schools. In recent years, Karen has become dedicated to supporting people who are trying to conceive and those of the perinatal population. She knows first-hand about the complexities associated with fertility challenges and with having a high-risk pregnancy. Through her own healing journey, Karen’s once painful experience has transformed into her passion and purpose. Karen shares her experience in her self-published ‘memoir meets guided journal’ titled: My Baby Journey- A Guided Journal To Support You Through The Peaks and Valleys Of Trying To Conceive. Learn more about Karen at Karenthetherapist.com.
Sonita Moss
Sonita Moss (she/her) is a sociologist, author, and expert on the intersection of race, gender, culture, and systems of inequality. Dr. Moss earned her B.A. from the University of Michigan and her Ph.D in sociology from the University of Pennsylvania. She has published articles on misogynoir in the media and racial science. She is currently a Project Scientist at UCLA, where she leads the development of a community-based research project focused on dementia in the Black LA community.
Dr. Tshema Nash
Dr. Tshema Nash is the Access to Care Program Officer with Cedars-Sinai’s Community Benefit Giving Office, driven by her focus on building more equitable communities so all have an opportunity to thrive. In her role, Tshema mobilizes resources to support community health clinics, behavioral health organizations, and other LA County nonprofits that comprise the healthcare safety net.
Prior to this role, Tshema held positions with the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), The Commonwealth Fund, and at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), focusing on a variety of healthcare and public health topics. Throughout her career, Tshema also spent three years living and working in Ecuador, Bangladesh, South Africa, and Lesotho in both educational and public health capacities. Tshema holds a Doctor of Public Health from Boston University School of Public Health, an MPH from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, and a BS from Emory University.
Morning Schedule
TITLE: Our Vote, Our Future: How Voting Impacts Reproductive Healthcare Access
DESCRIPTION: As we gear up for what is shaping up to be a historic election year, it is important that we understand the vital role that voting has on the landscape of reproductive healthcare access. When it comes to winning the fight against those who seek to limit our bodily autonomy, our ability to access abortion care, and our right to raise our families in safe, resource rich environments, the outcome of elections are pivotal in determining the policies and laws that are put in place to dictate these issues. In this session, we will have an opportunity to speak to leaders in the reproductive justice and voting rights movements to discuss how elections at the state and national level have contributed to the current reproductive climate, what access looks like today, and how to effectively engage in the civic process to preserve and expand the reproductive rights that are available within our communities.
SPEAKERS:
Francine Coeytaux
Francine Coeytaux, MPH, is a Co-Founder of Plan C, a campaign to normalize the modern option of at-home abortion using pills in the U.S. A woman’s health advocate and public health specialist, she is known for her work on new reproductive technologies including emergency contraception, medication abortion and microbicides. In addition to her international experience, Ms. Coeytaux has worked for many years in California where she co-Founded the Pacific Institute for Women’s Health and the Pro-Choice Alliance for Responsible Research, contributed, in the 1970s, to the creation of Planned Parenthood’s first adolescent outreach programs in San Francisco, served on the State of California’s Advisory Committee on Human Cloning and currently chairs the Advisory Board of the Center for Genetics and Society. She has received numerous awards including the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Public Health Association and the Ruth Roemer Social Justice Leader Award (2013).
Imani Wilson-Shabazz
Imani Wilson-Shabazz is a recent graduate of the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, earning an MPH in Community Health Sciences with a certificate in Population and Reproductive Health. She is currently a PhD Candidate in Social and Behavioral Sciences at Temple University. Her research focuses on transforming family planning systems and institutions to empower queer individuals of color to make informed and affirmed reproductive choices. Ms. Wilson-Shabazz currently works at Plan C as their Partnerships and Engagement Manager, facilitating community partnerships to increase awareness of abortion pill access around the country. She also provides lectures, webinars, and educational videos on how to advocate for, and promote medication abortion access in diverse communities.
Xochtil Lopez-Ayala (She/Her)
Xochitl (She/Her) is the Policy Advocacy Coordinator at ACCESS REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE. With a passion for advancing legislation and policy for affordable, safe, and inclusive reproductive health services, she transitioned to full-time advocacy work. Previously, she served on the board of the Northwest Abortion Access Fund and was Vice President of the Board of Directors at Kachemak Bay Family Planning. She’s part of the Homer Pride Planning Committee and a Movement Makers leadership development program graduate. Raised in Los Angeles on Tongva lands, she spent 16 years in Alaska, balancing her day job in telecommunications with volunteer advocacy roles for Social, Racial, and Reproductive Justice. She is supported by her spouse Don and their two dogs, Laika and Charlie.
Lauren Hattaway (she/her)
Lauren Hattaway is a proud Angeleno native, deeply connected to the unceded Tongva land she calls home. Currently, Lauren serves as the Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator for Plan C Pills, an initiative under the National Women’s Health Network, where she leads the Plan C Community’s efforts to expand visibility and involvement around abortion medication accessibility and reproductive justice, particularly for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. Her work is enriched by her background as a classically trained actor, with a BFA from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and postgraduate studies at Balliol College, Oxford University, where she earned an MSt in English, Shakespearean Text & Performance.
Before joining Plan C, Lauren served as a field organizer for ACLU SoCal, where she played a crucial role in helping people register to vote as part of their GOTV efforts during the 2018 and 2020 election cycles. In addition, Lauren is trained as a legal observer with the NLG-LA.
Her commitment to reproductive justice is deeply personal. This passion extends to her dedication to voter rights, recognizing that access to the ballot is integral to advancing social justice and equity. Lauren remains grateful to Plan C and all who have encouraged her journey toward creating sustainable, equitable change during uncertain times.
Norma Rodriguez
Norma is Director of Public Affairs at Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley (PPPSGV). She advances the missions of both PPPSGV (501 c3) and Planned Parenthood Advocates (501 c4) by developing and directing strategy for the organizations’ advocacy, political, and electoral initiatives. Norma has over 15 years of experience managing political outreach and grassroots organizing campaigns throughout Los Angeles County.
Prior to joining PPPSGV, Norma oversaw the public affairs, media, and communications strategies for The California Endowment’s 10-year, $1 billion statewide Building Healthy Communities (BHC) Program in underserved communities throughout Southern California. She also managed communication and community outreach strategies for Fortune 500 companies such as SoCal Gas, Health Net, and Frontier Communications. At the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Norma worked as a political organizer, field representative, and labor contract negotiator for local and statewide campaigns.
Norma earned her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Economics from University of California, Berkeley and Master’s degrees in both Public Administration and Urban & Regional Planning from California State University, Northridge.
TITLE: Housing for Homies & Hunnies: Green Social Housing for Reproductive Freedom
DESCRIPTION: True reproductive freedom requires that all birthing people have access to clean, safe, and affordable housing. Across the nation, housing is becoming more and more expensive & less and less habitable, and corporations are making a profit off of it. The unhoused population is growing rapidly, climate change is wreaking havoc on already vulnerable communities, and all the while, the ‘American dream’ for homeownership is seeming more like an American nightmare. Join Black Women for Wellness’ Environmental Justice team in collaboration with the CA Green New Deal coalition to talk about a different dream – one for green social housing for all.
TRACK CHAIR(S): Tianna Shaw Wakeman & Zoe Cunliffe
SPEAKERS:
Sim Bilal
Vivian Breckenridge
GROWN WOMAN TALK – General Talking Points
- disparities in women’s health and especially Black women’s health
- misconceptions surrounding women’s suffering
- the history of stigmatization surrounding menopause – why and how to change it
- inefficiencies of the modern health care industry
- how women can age healthily
- hormone management & replacement options during menopause
- effectively preparing for your doctor’s visit in 21st century
- how to be your own healthcare advocate
- Trump’s abortion position
- the menopause research act
- the current doctor shortage in America
Summary:
Join Black Women for Wellness’ Sister’s in Motion: Grown and Sexy Program for an engaging workshop titled,”Grown Woman Talk,” where we will have a fireside chat with Dr. Sharon Malone, a nationally known expert in women’s health and the New York Times Bestselling author of Grown Woman Talk. During this workshop we will discuss disparities in women’s health and especially Black women’s health, misconceptions surrounding women’s suffering, the history of stigmatization surrounding menopause – why and how to change it and the inefficiencies of the modern health care industry. Participants will leave with the knowledge of how to effectively prepare for your doctor’s visit in the 21 st century and how to be your own healthcare advocate. Throughout Dr. Malone’s professional career, she has been active in advocating for reproductive rights, reducing teen pregnancy, and eliminating health care disparities. We are excited to share Dr. Malone’s book “Grown Woman Talk” with 5 lucky participants after the conclusion of the workshop.
KEY INTERVIEWS & MEDIA:
- Making menopause and women’s health a public priority | The Hill
- Centering Menopause: Dr. Sharon Malone and Jennifer Weiss-Wolf on the Menopause Research Act of 2022 – Ms. Magazine (msmagazine.com)
- Malone: doctor shortage ‘to get worse within next ten years’ (youtube.com)
- Flash: Menopause is no longer stigmatized – CBS News
- Dr. Sharon Malone Wants All of Us to Feel More Empowered When it Comes to Our Health, and She Tells Us Exactly Where to Start (mariashriversundaypaper.com)
INTERLOCUTOR PROMPTS:
- What reasons keep women, especially Black women, from seeking medical help? Why is it important to understand how history has influenced these reasons?
- Women’s pain has historically been diminished or discounted; Black women’s pain has practically been ignored. What are some misconceptions surrounding women’s suffering? How can society—and the healthcare industry—change these biases?
- Health Span is something you want us to be familiar with, Dr. Sharon. What does health span mean to you? How does it differ from lifespan?
- What does self-care mean to you, Dr. Sharon? How is self-care important to our health?
- Similarly, how can stress affect our health today, as women? While some stress is systemic and outside our control, some stressors are manageable. What steps can we take to better deal with stress and possibly prevent greater health problems?
- When it comes to racial disparities in health, why is it important to look deeper than the headlines? What sort of information matters? What stories do the statistics really tell about illness and wellness?
- Why is a book and a guide like this important? Why did you write it?
SPEAKER:
Dr. Sharon Malone
Dr. Sharon Malone is a nationally known expert in women’s health and the New York Times Bestselling author of Grown Woman Talk. She is the Chief Medical Advisor at Alloy Women’s Health, a telehealth company that focuses on women over 40. Before joining Alloy, Dr. Malone was a partner at one of the oldest and most successful OB/GYN medical practices in Washington, D.C. She is board-certified by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and certified by the North American Menopause Society as a Certified National Menopause Practitioner. Throughout her professional career, she has been active in advocating for reproductive rights, reducing teen pregnancy, and eliminating health care disparities.
TITLE: Fertile Ground: Empowering Black Women’s Reproductive Health
DESCRIPTION: Join us for “Fertile Ground,” a comprehensive workshop dedicated to addressing the unique fertility challenges and opportunities faced by Black women. This session will explore the intersection of reproductive justice and fertility, providing vital information on navigating healthcare systems, understanding fertility treatments, and embracing holistic wellness practices. Through expert-led discussions, participants will gain valuable insights and practical tools to empower their reproductive journeys. Whether you’re planning for the future, currently trying to conceive, or supporting someone on their fertility path, this workshop aims to create a supportive and informative space for all.
TRACK CHAIR(S): Charity Faye
SPEAKERS:
Alyssa M. Newman
Alyssa M. Newman is a Senior Research Scholar at the Kennedy Institute of Ethics and Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at Georgetown. Previously, she was a Hecht-Levi Postdoctoral Fellow at the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics and the Hixon-Riggs Early Career Fellow in Science and Technology Studies at Harvey Mudd College. Her research currently focuses on race and assisted reproductive technologies, as well as on institutional solutions to racial health disparities. She has also published extensively on multiraciality, exploring the topic through a variety of research projects relating to collective identity formation; biology and genetics; the intersection of mixedness and masculinity; immigration; as well as family relationships and reproduction. Her work can be found in journals such as Bioethics, New England Journal of Medicine, Sociology of Race and Ethnicity, and Medical Anthropology. Dr. Newman received her PhD in Sociology with a doctoral emphasis in Black Studies from the University of California Santa Barbara.
Dr. Jade S. Sasser
Dr. Jade S. Sasser is Associate Professor in the Departments of Gender & Sexuality Studies and Society, Environment, and Health Equity at the University of California, Riverside. She received her PhD in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management from the University of California, Berkeley. Her work sits at the intersection of reproductive justice and environmental problems, exploring how challenges like climate change and toxic exposures intersect with reproductive bodies, health, and rights. Her first book, On Infertile Ground: Population Control and Women’s Rights in the Era of Climate Change (2018), was published in 2018 by NYU Press and won the Emory Elliott book award. Her new book, Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question: Deciding Whether to Have Children in an Uncertain Future (2024), centers the issue of racial inequality in the relationship between climate emotions, social marginalization, and reproductive anxiety in the U.S. Sasser hosts a podcast by the same name. Her new research focuses on the ways oil, gas, and climate change are shaping the experiences of fertility, pregnancy, and motherhood. Sasser consults for the Ms. Foundation, where she researches and writes about the importance of addressing infertility as a reproductive justice and birth justice intervention.
Dr. Shanee’ Porter
Dr. Shanee’ Porter is an integrative and functional OB/GYN who cares for women through all aspects of their reproductive stages, including management of adolescent care, gynecology, obstetrics, and surgery. She combines her skills as a conventional board-certified OB/GYN with her deep understanding of holistic treatment options she obtained through her Integrative Medicine fellowship.
Dr. Porter’s approach involves listening attentively to the patient’s story so she can better determine what steps are needed to restore their health, identify the root cause of their condition, and develop a plan that will allow the body to heal holistically. Through an understanding of the connection between the mind, body, and spirit, as well as the importance of food as medicine, Dr. Porter aims to empower women by suggesting appropriate steps that would enable them to take control of their health and achieve ultimate wellness.
Dr. Porter earned her medical degree from the University of California, Irvine College of Medicine. She completed residency in OB/GYN at the University of California, Davis Medical Center, and completed a fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine. She is board certified in OB/GYN and Integrative Medicine.
In addition, she is a certified 200 hour yoga teacher through Yoga Alliance.
Dr. Porter aims to use all of who she is and all that she has learned to transform the lives of women.
Victorious Aku Wanjiro M.Ed.
Victorious Aku Wanjiro M.Ed. is a wholistic educator, trans-national movement builder, Black Panther Cub and Borkorvi priest of Afa. Los Angeles born and California raised Victorious rematraited to Ghana, West Africa upon her 7th trip to the motherland in 2020.
Victorious uses education and wholistic healing to repair, heal & transcend the harmful effects of capitalism, colonization & hegemony. She is most notably known for curating and connecting programs that integrate scholarship, activism and wholistic healing throughout the Bay Area, Los Angeles and Ghana. Victorious maintains her own inner peace through travel, meditation, spending time in nature, sunbathing, reading and channeling divinity through social and ceremonial dance.
TITLE: From Eugenics to Equity: Navigating Genetics and Maternal Health
DESCRIPTION: Join Black Women for Wellness’ Maternal and Infant Health Program and Personal Genetics Education and Dialogue for an engaging workshop where we will explore the intricate relationship between genetics and Black maternal and infant health. This workshop will provide a comprehensive understanding of genetics, emphasizing its intersection with reproductive justice and the historical implications of eugenics on marginalized communities. Participants will delve into the ethical considerations essential in genetic research and healthcare, focusing on autonomy, consent, and informed decision-making. Through interactive and intimate discussions, we will examine the prevalence of genetic conditions among Black mothers, considering the critical influences of race, gender, and socioeconomic factors on maternal health while addressing the significant disparities in access and equity. This workshop aims to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to advocate for more equitable and ethical practices in genetic healthcare.
TRACK CHAIR(S): Gabrielle Brown & Adjoa Jones
SPEAKERS:
Aarin Ables Williams, MS LCGC (she/her)
Genetic Counselor, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Assistant Program Director- Genetic Counseling Program, Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science
Aarin Ables Williams is a certified clinical genetic counselor at Kaiser Permanente Southern California. Her role at Kaiser focuses on general genetic counseling, which includes the provision of care for prenatal, cancer, cardiac, pediatric and adult indications. She is a proud alum of Howard University, and a graduate of the Stanford University School of Medicine Master’s Program in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling. She recently joined Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science as the Assistant Program Director for their emerging genetic counseling training program.
Aarin entered the genetic counseling field motivated to increase health care literacy among underrepresented groups and is passionate about mending the health care gap for underserved communities. She uses her training to play a role in the stories of families as they navigate moments in their lives where genetics education and support have impact. In addition to her work as a clinician, Aarin previously served as a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee and will be appointed Director-at-Large for NSGC’s 2025-2027 term. She has presented diversity education for genetics colleagues at the local and national level, facilitated learning for aspiring health care providers, given seminars to community members, and has provided genetics training for the California Department of Public Health’s Sickle Cell Counselor Training Program. Aarin enjoys staying active, reading, and experiencing the world with her husband, Dr. Jamaal Williams, her daughter, Moriah and son, Zion.
Helen Kim, MS, MA, CGC
Helen Kim, MS, MA, CGC (she/they) is a board-certified genetic counselor, educator, and an advocate for disability and reproductive justice. With her clinical background working with marginalized patient communities, she is currently a public engagement associate at the Personal Genetics Education & Dialogue (PGED), where she collaborates with BIPOC communities in Los Angeles to provide education and facilitate conversations on the ethical and social issues in genetic health. Helen received her M.S. in Human Genetics & Genetic Counseling from Stanford University and is an active member of the Alliance for Genomic Justice (AGJ).
TITLE: Overcoming Barriers to Reproductive Health for Black Men
DESCRIPTION: Join us for an essential discussion on identifying and addressing barriers to reproductive healthcare access and healthy outcomes for Black men. This event will delve into the internal (ie: cultural factors within Black communities) and external (systemic racism, healthcare disparities, discriminatory policies, etc.) challenges that hinder Black men’s access to reproductive health services and explore effective strategies for overcoming these obstacles. To close out the session, we will discuss strategies to combat misinformation, stigma, and norms affecting Black men’s access to reproductive health services. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain invaluable insights, share your perspectives, and learn about practical solutions to improve reproductive health outcomes for Black men.
TRACK CHAIR(S): Nevon Watson, Tikneshea Karimah Hicks
Tikneshea Karimah Hicks, MPA
Tikneshea Karimah Hicks is the Chapter President of Omicron Rho Zeta of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated in Inglewood, California. She is a Management Analyst for the City of Manhattan Beach and has a Master of Public Administration Degree. Tikneshea is a veteran of the United States Navy and is dedicated to serving urban communities.
SPEAKERS:
Mike Young
Mike Young (he/him) is EnviroVoters’ Senior Political and Organizing Director. He has nearly two decades of experience working on electoral campaigns and organizing with key political and grassroots community partners to build strategic relationships that have helped both identify and support environmental leaders, as well as hold legislators accountable to their community’s concerns. In 2013, he received the Carroll Inspiration Award by the San Fernando Valley Young Democrats, and in 2020 was listed on the Top 40 Under 40 by the National Association of Asian Pacifics in Politics and Public Affairs. He’s a graduate of Pepperdine University where he earned B.A.s in Political Science and Philosophy, as well as an Undergraduate Certificate in Dispute Resolution.
LaKisha G. Camese
LaKisha G. Camese is an engaging public policy and social justice advocate with a background in medical cannabis lobbying & regulatory compliance, post-conviction exonerations, voter protection electioneering, and all aspects of business law.
LaKisha received her Juris Doctorate from THE Southern University Law Center. She is originally from New Orleans, La., where she received her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from THE Southern University at New Orleans. Prior to law school, LaKisha worked as a DNA Paralegal for the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office where she was afforded the opportunity to work with the Innocence Project of New York in the exoneration of one of her clients. In addition to serving as the 2020-2021 Moot Court Board Parliamentarian, LaKisha also served as the Chair of the Student Bar Association’s Diversity Committee, as well as the 2020-2021 President of SULC’s Minorities for Medical Marijuana student organization. LaKisha has always been a strong champion of “Sankofa.” As such, she not only served with the SULC Pro Bono Organization but also was a 2020-2021 Marshall Brennan Fellow, where she taught local high school students constitutional law and prepared them for two mock Moot Court competitions. While serving on the Moot Court Board, LaKisha was awarded Best Oralist Presenting Both Arguments in the Price Media International Human Rights Moot Court Competition.
LaKisha has worked with the Louisiana State Capitol House of Representatives Department of Transportation in drafting legislation and the 19th Judicial District Court drafting post-conviction relief petitions and memoranda in response to currently incarcerated inmate grievances. Further, LaKisha served as a delegate for Texas’ Senate District 23, Deputy Registrar, and various electioneering positions during her 13 years in Dallas.
While working at Ilera Holistic Healthcare – the vendor for the Southern University Agricultural Center’s Medical Marijuana program in Louisiana, LaKisha directly increased the hiring of diverse candidates by 35%; the usage of minority and women-owned vendors by 30%; increased community outreach by 40% and partnered with local municipalities in drafting cannabis decriminalization legislation. LaKisha has served as the Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM) Inc. National Program Director for Project Clean Slate – which provides no/reduced cost cannabis expungement and wrap-around services to those most harmed by the War on Drugs as well as led several successful federal lobbying efforts for cannabis and hemp legislation.
LaKisha recently joined the phenomenal Black Women for Wellness Action Project team as a Policy Analyst which has put to great use her SULC background in abortion access and reproductive rights advocacy. In her spare time, LaKisha enjoys delighting friends and family with her delicious & decadent desserts from her former cake decorating days as well as being a doting plant mom and nature lover.
Matt Abularach-Macias (he/him)
Matt Abularach-Macias is EnviroVoters’ Deputy Campaign Director. Originally focused in San Bernardino and Riverside, Matt has expanded to also work on our statewide organizing efforts. In this role, Matt has been able to build partnerships and amplify community concerns about the impacts of climate change, the local benefits from investments in clean energy, and the critical need to conserve and protect our environment. Outside of EnviroVoters, he is on the board of IE United working to grow progressive organizing and political infrastructure & leadership in the Inland Empire. He got his start in the professional organizing and political world as a regional field director on the successful campaign to elect Pete Aguilar to US Congress. Prior, Matt graduated from UCLA with a degree in Chicana/o Studies. Contact Matt at: [email protected]
TITLE: Reproductive Justice 101: Youth Advocacy Jeopardy
DESCRIPTION: In this Jeopardy-style active learning session, we aim to meet the following goals while educating our youth:
Understand the Basics of Reproductive Justice:
Define reproductive justice and distinguish it from reproductive rights.
Identify key principles of reproductive justice, including intersectionality and human rights.
Explore Reproductive Health and Rights Issues:
Learn about various reproductive health issues affecting youth, such as access to contraception, STI prevention, nutrition, environment, and abortion access.
Discuss barriers to healthcare faced by marginalized communities.
Empower Youth Advocacy:
Educate participants on the importance of youth advocacy in advancing reproductive justice.
Provide tools and strategies for effective advocacy, including grassroots organizing and using social media.
Promote Inclusivity and Intersectionality:
Discuss how race, class, gender identity, and sexual orientation intersect with reproductive justice issues.
Highlight the importance of inclusive advocacy that addresses the needs of diverse communities.
TRACK CHAIR(S): Lonnell Schuler
Afternoon Schedule
TITLE: Non-Toxic, Better Black Beauty Training
DESCRIPTION: Certain ingredients commonly found in hair relaxers, skin lighteners, and hair dyes marketed to Black women contain harmful chemicals linked to serious health issues such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, maternal health complications, and more. It is crucial for Black women to be well-informed so they can make safer choices for themselves and their families. Thus, we will be tailoring this session for our community members to provide them with the skills necessary to better understand and inform others about the health risks associated with toxic chemicals in beauty products marketed to Black women. Our training will include an overview of the science linking chemicals in Black beauty products to negative health problems impacting Black women and girls, interactive exercises, training tips, and legislative solutions our community can engage in to address the problem. Join us to access easily understandable science-based information, explore our non-toxic Black beauty product database, discover Black-owned beauty products you can trust, and more!
TRACK CHAIR: Arnedra Jordan
SPEAKERS:
Nyisha Green-Washington
Nyisha Green-Washington, Senior Organizing Manager, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP): Nyisha comes to BCPP with several years of grassroots community organizing and activism in upstate NY and San Diego, CA, advocating for many causes, including human rights, environmental justice, and most recently reproductive justice. They’ve co-founded two grassroots community organizations with a focus on gender equality, sit on three non-profit organization board of directors, and owns a small business as a certified full spectrum doula. Nyisha graduated from Stony Brook University with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. In their spare time they enjoy roller skating by the beach and coloring.
Laura Dobbs Gillan
Laura Dobbs Gillan, Program & Policy Manager, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP): Laura Gillan is a former environmental health scientist turned program and policy manager at Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP). At BCPP, Laura manages campaigns that influence federal, state, and corporate policies and laws to eliminate exposure to toxic chemicals linked to breast cancer and other serious diseases. Laura also manages the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics’ Non-Toxic Black Beauty Project, which expands access to safer personal care products that Black women and girls can trust. Before joining BCPP, Laura worked as a toxicologist and conducted a variety of human health risk assessments to evaluate cancer risks and non-cancer health effects associated with environmental exposures at contaminated sites, residential homes, and commercial offices. Laura holds a Master of Public Health degree specializing in Environmental Health from Boston University.
Dede Teteh
Dede K. Teteh-Brooks, DrPH, MPH, CHES (she/her) is a public health professional with almost two decades of experience across academia, research, policy development, and strategic communications. Through her work in community advocacy and prevention, as well as several roles at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, she has refined her interest in sustainable public health infrastructure and building healthier communities, particularly in under resourced populations. Dr. Teteh-Brooks is currently an Assistant Professor of Public Health at Chapman University in Southern California. Her research program, funded by the National Institutes of Health, is focused on understanding disparities in cancer survivorship through a social determinants of health lens and developing community-based interventions to improve quality of life of survivors and their families. She is the founder of the Bench to Community Initiative, a community-based participatory research project on endocrine-disrupting chemical exposures in personal care products and breast cancer risk with an emphasis on Black women. A Togolese native, Dr. Teteh-Brooks was born in Lomé and grew up in Bronx, NY and Atlanta, Georgia. Currently she calls Southern California home where she resides with her husband, Lieutenant Brooks of the United States Navy. Her friends and family, especially her nieces and nephews, are the joys of her life and her motivation for addressing disparities in health outcomes for Black people across the African diaspora.
SPEAKER:
Renee Featherstone is an Empowerment Coach, Speaker, Facilitator, and Author, dedicated to teaching women over 50 to create and live their best lives, yet has work with groups as diverse as foster teen girls to male prison inmates,
Her ability to connect with people and inspire them to take action has earned her a reputation as the go-to for empowerment, whether it be through her group or one-on-one coaching, motivational speaking, or through her written words.
Her latest book is titled, “Awesome Aging 101” and offers tips for living well beyond 50.
Contact:
Instagram: @awesomeaging
TITLE: Tackling Reproductive Health From the Global Perspective
DESCRIPTION: Join the International Track as we delve into informative discussions surrounding the various ways people across the world are impacted by both negative and positive policies surrounding Reproductive Health. As the United States trails in the women’s health rankings compared to other developed nations, this talk will give us a better understanding of why that is. We will discuss why other countries fall behind in providing reproductive care and access to those who need it. Join us as we connect with trailblazers in international affairs to engage in crucial dialogue that allows us to better understand the fight for reproductive justice across the world!
TRACK CHAIR: Ifeoma Ajufo
SPEAKERS:
Autumn Breon
Autumn Breon is a multidisciplinary artist who investigates the visual vocabulary of liberation through a queer Black feminist lens. Using performance, sculpture, and public installation, Breon invites audiences to examine intersectional identities and Diasporic memory. Breon imagines her work as immersive invitations for the public to join in the reimagining and creation of systems that make current oppressive systems obsolete. Breon has created commissions for Target, Art Production Fund, Frieze Art Fair, and the ACLU of Southern California. Breon’s performance history includes Hauser & Wirth, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Water Mill Center. She is an alumna of Stanford University where she studied Aeronautics & Astronautics and researched aeronautical astrobiology applications. Breon is a recipient of the Crenshaw Dairy Mart Fellowship for Abolition & the Advancement of the Creative Economy and the Race Forward Fellowship for Housing, Land, and Justice. Her recent work The Care Machine, is a hot pink vending machine that travels around the country and dispenses reproductive healthcare items for free.
Frieda Afary
Frieda Afary, Philosophy M.A., M.L.I.S., is an Iranian American public librarian, translator, writer, activist and author of Socialist Feminism: A New Approach (Pluto Press, 2022). She produces the blogs, Iranian Progressives in Translation and socialistfeminism.org She is also co-chair of PEN America’s Translation Committee, and Director-at-Large Elect of the Intellectual Freedom Round Table of the American Library Association.
DESCRIPTION: Join us for an enlightening and empowering workshop to educate and inform participants about the Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act. This session will delve into the critical aspects of the Act, its implications for maternal health, and its significance in ensuring respectful and equitable care for Black women during pregnancy and childbirth. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of their rights and the protections offered under this legislation, equipping them to advocate for themselves and others in healthcare settings.
SPEAKERS:
Ellen Branch
My name is Ellen, my preferred pronouns are she, her/s. I am so excited to serve birthing families as a Full-Spectrum Doula in Los Angeles, CA. And in the near future, be supporting the birthing community as a professional midwife.
I was born and raised in Eastern North Carolina and have lived in Los Angeles since 2018. My rural NC upbringing reinforces my desire to serve populations that otherwise would not have access to full-spectrum doula care.
As an individual, I bring a unique well-versed perspective to everything I do; from spoken word poetry to empowering laboring women to advocate for themselves. I am a certified lactation education specialist, yoga instructor and peer support group facilitator. I am committed to honoring myself, serving the community, and being a proud Black woman!
During my free time, you can find me somewhere with my shoes off outdoors. I love watching sunsets at the beach, roller skating, and dancing with friends. I hope to share laughter, moments of gratitude, and genuine connection with the Black birthing community and beyond.
Nikki Christian-Genius
In brief, I have been a birth worker for over 24 years. I was a labor and delivery nurse in high-risk obstetrics for 10 years in Baltimore, MD. Then I worked for 11 years as a certified nurse midwife, caring for the underserved women of Baltimore. During my time working as a midwife in Baltimore, I obtained my doctorate in midwifery, and I am currently one of only 2 Black Women in the country to hold this discipline-specific doctorate. For the last 3 years, I have been serving the women of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. I am currently a faculty member of USC Keck Medicine, wherein which I practice full scope midwifery and I am the first and only midwife in this medical system.
Victorious Aku Wanjiro
Victorious Aku Wanjiro M.Ed. is a wholistic educator, trans-national movement builder, Black Panther Cub and Borkorvi priest of Afa. Los Angeles born and California raised Victorious rematraited to Ghana, West Africa upon her 7th trip to the motherland in 2020.
Victorious uses education and wholistic healing to repair, heal & transcend the harmful effects of capitalism, colonization & hegemony. She is most notably known for curating and connecting programs that integrate scholarship, activism and wholistic healing throughout the Bay Area, Los Angeles and Ghana. Victorious maintains her own inner peace through travel, meditation, spending time in nature, sunbathing, reading and channeling divinity through social and ceremonial dance.
TITLE: Health Literacy Education As a Modality to Reproductive Autonomy
DESCRIPTION: Health literacy plays a crucial role in a patient’s understanding of their medical diagnoses, treatment plans, and healthcare outcomes, including outcomes pertaining to reproductive health. There are various factors that impact the disproportionate health literacy rates within African American communities, including a historic mistrust of the medical system, limited education, and lack of culturally-specific healthcare guidance and care. Numerous studies have indicated that creating culturally-specific health literacy workshops for African American populations led to an increase in health literacy within this population. Thus, the purpose of this workshop is to provide a collaborative space where attendees can work together to understand medical terminology, patterns of inheritance, prevention behaviors, and patient rights so that they feel better equipped to navigate healthcare settings. Attendees can expect to go over the following information:
Navigating nutrition labels
Normal vs abnormal vital signs
Patient History and getting to a diagnosis
Patient Rights
Applying the above four topics to Reproductive health
TRACK CHAIR(S): A. Ja’Nea James
TITLE: Empowering Black Men in Advocacy for Reproductive Justice
DESCRIPTION: Join us for the second Men’s Track session of the Reproductive Justice Conference, focused on empowering and engaging Black men in advocacy for Reproductive Justice. This session aims to highlight Black men’s vital role in supporting and advocating for Reproductive Justice, offering practical tools and real-life examples of effective involvement in the movement. Moreover, we will work together to understand the importance of allyship and active participation in the Reproductive Justice Movement, discover practical ways Black men can support and advocate for Reproductive Justice, and listen to success stories about impactful advocacy and community-driven initiatives. Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired, gain valuable insights, and learn how you can make a meaningful impact in your community.
TRACK CHAIR(S): Nevon Watson, Tikneshea Karimah Hicks
Tikneshea Karimah Hicks, MPA
Tikneshea Karimah Hicks is the Chapter President of Omicron Rho Zeta of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated in Inglewood, California. She is a Management Analyst for the City of Manhattan Beach and has a Master of Public Administration Degree. Tikneshea is a veteran of the United States Navy and is dedicated to serving urban communities.
TITLE: Choices: A Film Screening
DESCRIPTION: This workshop aims to engage attendees in a thought-provoking discussion on reproductive justice and empower them with insights from the film Choices. Overall, this workshop aims to:
Understand key themes and messages related to reproductive justice portrayed in the film “Choices.”
Analyze the implications of reproductive rights, autonomy, societal expectations, and friendship dynamics as depicted in the film.
Engage in critical reflection and discussion on the intersections of reproductive health, social justice, and individual agency.
Explore diverse perspectives and lived experiences related to reproductive justice through panelist insights and discussions.
Develop awareness of the challenges and opportunities in advancing reproductive justice efforts within communities.
Foster dialogue, empathy, and solidarity among attendees to promote collective action and advocacy for reproductive rights.
Apply insights gained from the film screening and panel discussion to personal beliefs, attitudes, and actions regarding reproductive justice issues.
TRACK CHAIR(S): Lonnell Schuler & Miyana Evans
SPEAKER:
Kameishia Wooten is a visionary Writer and Director based in Los Angeles, has passionately crafted and directed seven short films with a focus on thought-provoking and inclusive storytelling. Her latest work, “Choices,” gained recognition at prestigious festivals like Hollyshorts, Chicago International Children’s Film Festival, and Cannes. Most recently, she was awarded the WIF Directing Fellowship supported by Netflix and participated in Ryan Murphy’s Half Initiative program in 2022. Kameishia’s storytelling style reflects her personal journey as a multi-generational African American woman with southern roots, bringing depth and soul to her narratives.
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SisterSong’s mission is to empower and elevate the voices of indigenous women and women of color to attain reproductive justice by eliminating reproductive oppression and ensuring human rights.
The Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) operates as a global nonprofit organization that delivers high-quality HIV care and services to individuals in need. They employ a network of pharmacies, thrift stores, health and wellness centers, affordable housing locations, and food-service programs to generate fresh and innovative approaches to treating and overcoming barriers to care for their clients.
The Black Maternal Health Center Of Excellence is a Los Angeles County-based organization that offers maternity care and support. It aims to empower Black women, birthing persons, and their families, ensuring they feel safe, respected, and informed throughout their entire pregnancy journey.
Cedars-Sinai operates as a nonprofit academic healthcare organization, extending its services to the diverse Los Angeles community and beyond. They have been at the forefront of pioneering medical research achievements, shaping the future of healthcare through their education programs, and engaging in various community benefit activities. In doing so, they are establishing new benchmarks for quality and innovation in patient care.
Coming Clean operates as a nonprofit environmental health collaborative with a mission to bring about a transformation in the chemical industry, ensuring it no longer poses harm. They are dedicated to securing systemic changes that promote a safe chemical and clean energy economy, fostering an environment where both can thrive. The organization’s membership comprises various entities, including grassroots activists, community leaders, scientists, health professionals, business leaders, lawyers, and farmworker advocates. Through principled collaboration, they are committed to advancing a vision of a nontoxic, sustainable, and just world for all.
L.A. Care Health Plan functions as the largest publicly operated health plan in the nation, catering to the healthcare needs of over 2.4 million members. They specialize in offering a diverse range of affordable health plans tailored to meet the requirements of the various communities in Los Angeles. Through their health plans, individuals gain access to an extensive network of local doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies, ensuring comprehensive healthcare services are readily available.
Planned Parenthood is a widely trusted health care provider, known for being an informed educator, a passionate advocate, and a global partner that collaborates with similar organizations worldwide. The organization is dedicated to delivering essential reproductive health care, comprehensive sex education, and valuable information to millions of individuals across the globe.
Los Angeles City Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson takes great pride in representing the Eighth District of Los Angeles and holds the chairmanship of the city’s Planning Land Use and Management committee. Throughout his tenure, Councilmember Harris-Dawson has been proactive in introducing policies aimed at combating homelessness, fostering the creation of quality jobs, enhancing street cleanliness, and promoting community policing initiatives. His dedication to these issues reflects his commitment to serving and improving the lives of the residents in his district and the broader Los Angeles community.
CCF operates as a public, charitable organization with a clear dedication to strengthening communities in Los Angeles County through effective philanthropy and civic engagement.
The Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project Los Angeles County (PPAP) functions as an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization, serving as the political arm of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles (PPLA).
PPAP actively engages in legislative and electoral activities, encompassing advocacy, education campaigns, grassroots organizing, and electioneering. Their overarching mission is to enhance the quality and affordability of reproductive and sexual health care, safeguard and extend services that prevent unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, and guarantee ongoing access to safe, legal, and confidential abortion care.
First 5 LA is an independent public agency with a goal to support the safe and healthy development of young children so that by 2028, all children in L.A. County will enter kindergarten ready to succeed in school and life.
Thank You For your Support
For more information please contact:
Arnedra Jordan
[email protected]
Visit our conference website for updates
www.bwwla.org
323.290.5955