Lonnell Schuler (he/him/they) is the Director of Youth Programs at Black Women for Wellness, where he leads transformative initiatives designed to empower Black youth in South Central Los Angeles and beyond. With nearly 7 years of experience in reproductive justice and community advocacy, Lonnell is committed to fostering environments where young people can explore their identities, express their creativity, and envision a brighter future.

Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Lonnell’s personal journey as a former foster youth has deeply informed his work. He earned his BA in Political Science from Colorado College, minoring in Chinese and global health, and currently serves on the Reproductive Health Equity Project Youth Advisory Board. His career is marked by a profound dedication to addressing health disparities and providing opportunities for youth to thrive.

At BWW, Lonnell directs two pivotal programs: Get Smart B4U Get Sexy (GSB4UGS) and Rites of Passage (ROP). GSB4UGS addresses STI disparities in Los Angeles County through comprehensive sexual health education, supported by dedicated peer educators. ROP, designed for Black teenage girls, offers workshops on activism, clean beauty, reproductive health, financial literacy, job readiness, and creative expression. These programs reflect Lonnell’s belief in the power of education and creativity to drive meaningful change and equip young Black women with the tools to navigate their futures and advocate for change.

“I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own. I am not free as long as one person of color remains chained. Nor is any one of you.” – Audre Lorde. This quote encapsulates Lonnell’s commitment to reproductive justice and equity for all.

His work has earned him accolades such as the Soldier Award at the 2017 “Bring a Brother to Breakfast” event for his unwavering dedication to the Black community. Driven by a belief in the transformative power of education and artistic expression, Lonnell is passionate about providing young people with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to make informed decisions and become voices for change.

When he’s not working at BWW, you can find Lonnell traveling the world, curating the perfect playlist for every mood, and spending quality time with loved ones. If you want to see him really shine, just ask him about his latest adventure or his favorite song of the week—he’s always got a great story to share!