Meet the Team

Black Women for Wellness Janette Robinson

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Jan Robinson Flint

Jan serves as the executive director of Black Women for Wellness.

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Janette Robinson Flint holds the executive director position of Black Women for Wellness, a woman centered community-based organization working on reproductive justice issues as they impact Black women & girls.

Ms. Robinson Flint is also part of the Los Angeles Coalition for Reproductive Justice, California Coalition for Reproductive Freedom and In Our Own Voice; National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda with the intention of lifting the experiences and voices of Black women in pursuit of health and well-being.

My work in the health field began as an advocate during my pregnancy, seeking a holistic practitioner to work with my concept of a gentle birth. and It gives me great pleasure to imagine a world with powerful women, at optimum physical, mental, spiritual, emotional and financial health leading us to justice and peace.

Over the course of the years my journey has included The Birthing Project USA, Great Beginnings for Black Babies, National Health Foundation, March of Dimes, California Primary Care Association, Inglewood Healthy Mothers & Babies, South Los Angeles Health Project and Women Infant & Children (South Los Angeles advisory board) Programs as well with a member of the community faculty with Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science.

Travel is a love I combine with my work, attending the 4th World Conference on Women in Beijing China inspired the creation of Black Women for Wellness. As a researcher in Cuba I witness the reality of what political will accomplishes with health for all. Great food, a good story (either book or movie), spoken word, live music, salsa dancing and a scenic walk make my day in Los Angeles. A victory that encourages health for women and girls grounds me through the challenges, traffic and the struggle for freedom.

Robert Akil Bell Black Women for Wellness Grants Manager

Grants Manager

Robert 'Akil' Bell

Akil serves as the Grants Manager for Black Women for Wellness.

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Akil, a lifelong resident of Los Angeles, California, is a wellness advocate and systemic practitioner who serves as the Grants Manager for Black Women for Wellness. For more than 25 years he has worked in South Los Angeles communities, East LA, Lynwood, Inglewood, the San Gabriel Valley and most recently, the Inland Empire (Chino and Ontario, Ca.) and as far as Ethiopia. He understands the value of using methods of education, mentorship, wellness practices and systemic leadership as tools for promoting and supporting sustainable Human, Community and Capital development.

Akil found his passion for wellness and community health while working in local education systems and community health organizations. With these organizations he became adept at promoting the implementation of wellness practices in schools and communities to address issues of access and equity to quality health services and resources for communities of color.

Akil serves as a board member for the Learning, Enrichment Academic Resource Network, The Pan African Technical Association and the ShadeTree Multicultural Foundation.

He is passionate about building social capital, travel, engaging in healing practices and creating healing spaces for people to explore modalities that may support their growth and development psychologically, emotionally, physically and spiritually.

Charity Faye Program Manager for Sisters-In-Motion

PROGRAM MANAGER SISTERS IN MOTION

Charity Faye

Charity serves as the program manager for Sisters-In-Motion at Black Women for Wellness.

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Charity Faye is a trained Wellness Chef and Healer. Currently studying Herbalism and Wise Women traditions, she serves as the Program Manager for Sisters- In- Motion at Black Women for wellness.

With over 7 years experience as a chef, she noticed several barriers African American’s face that prevent them from living healthy lives.

Through her work with Kitchen Divas and with the National Diabetes Prevention Program, she aspires to remove barriers, increase nutritional awareness, encourage flavorful cooking demonstrations, support physical activity, and provide various healing modalities along the way.

Black Women for Wellness Job Openings

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COORDINATOR

Kaela Thomas

Kaela works with Black Women for Wellness as our Environmental Justice Coordinator.

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Black Women for Wellness Team Member Kimberley Robinson

Community Liaison Northern California Office

Kimberly Robinson

Kimberly serves as a Black Women for Wellness Community Liaison and oversees operations in our Northern California office.

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Kimberly Robinson is an independent consultant on reproductive justice issues, including the health of Black women. She has worked in direct services at a variety of settings, including for many years as the Director of Health Services at Women’s Health Specialists, an independent feminist health center.

While at Women’s Health Specialists, she oversaw the operations for multiple clinics and satellite services and was responsible for the training and recruitment of all clinical staff including residents and medical students and helping to train the next generation of abortion providers.

Kimberly created training protocols and has trained over 20 residents throughout Northern California. More recently, she works in the primary care setting and oversees the medical operations and behavioral health care for low income and homeless communities. As a women’s health activist, Kimberly works with colleagues, communities and allies to build constituencies that demand reproductive justice for all women.

Black Women for Wellness Team Member Deborah Cooper

Finance Director & Bookkeeper

Deborah Cooper

Deborah is the Bookkeeper/Administrator at Black Women for Wellness.

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Deborah Cooper is a retired Finance Director and Bookkeeper that has been working with community-based and faith-based organizations as a part-time staff member/volunteer for over 30 years. She currently serves as the Bookkeeper/Administrator at Black Women for Wellness.

Deborah is dedicated to providing financial and administrative support to nonprofit organizations so that they are able to concentrate on providing necessary services to sustain and strengthen the communities we live in.

Astrid Williams

Environmental Justice Manager

Astrid Williams

Dr. Williams' serves as the Environmental Justice Program Manager with Black Women for Wellness.

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Dr. Astrid Williams has an extensive background in public health. Dr. Williams' background spans the fields of chronic disease, maternal and reproductive health. She is most passionate about women's issues and its connection to health.

Dr. Astrid Williams’ specific interests include advancing evidence-based practices in the development of public policy that addresses community-level health and social aspects. She has coordinated numerous programs as it relates to public health as an administrator and leader. She serves as faculty in higher learning teaching the next generation of healthcare leaders.

She is a graduate of Loma Linda University School of Public Health earning a Doctorate in Public Health and Master of Public Health in Health Promotion & Education. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychobiology from the University of California at Los Angeles, (UCLA). Additionally, Dr. Williams is certified as a Health Education Specialist (CHES). She enjoys self care, wellness and traveling abroad.

Adia James

Program Coordinator

Adia James

Adia serves as the program coordinator for Sisters in Motion at Black Women for Wellness.

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Adia was born and raised in Alabama, where her grandmother, a retired nurse, played a significant role in her upbringing and passion for equitable healthcare.

She graduated from Pomona College with a B.A. in Gender and Women’s Studies on the pre-medical track. Much of her academic research focused on the quality of reproductive healthcare that Black women receive and the public image of Black American Mothers.

She spent her summers working and volunteering with nonprofits that teach young children bike safety and immerse Black women in outdoor activities, respectively. Adia’s research interests include Black women’s health, gender dynamics in the Black community, and Black healing traditions and rituals.

She loves to read, bike, kayak, longboard, skate, and stay in touch with her family down South.

Adrienne Spires

Sisters in Control Reproductive Justice Program Manager

Adrienne N. Spires

Adrienne serves as the Sisters in Control Reproductive Justice Program Manager with Black Women for Wellness.

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Adrienne N. Spires is a native Illinoisan and has worked in the anti-gender-based violence field
in California as a project coordinator for the last five years. She received a MS in Education
Administration from Eastern Illinois University. Adrienne has 15 years' experience in children’s
mental health.

Adrienne is dedicated to positively influence and increase education and social change through
organizing, networking and collaborating with entities and individuals. She has 20 plus years of
non-profit experience implementing racial, economic and gender equity in preventing and
addressing interpersonal violence and related crimes, domestic violence and sexual assault, and
mental health.

When Adrienne is asked to describe herself, she happily shares she is a wife, mother, and
grandmother without hesitation.

Kendall Warther

Development Associate and Executive Assistant

Kendall Warther

Kendall Warther serves as Black Women for Wellness' Development Associate and Executive Assistant.

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She is a graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and was recognized in 2020 as one of the 30 most inspiring and influential female leaders at the university.

Her work experiences span international organizations and various nonprofit organizations, with focuses on environmental justice, gender equity, fair housing, and international affairs.

She is currently a member of the Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo's Advocacy Committee, the Climate Reality Leadership Corps, and is a certified California Domestic Violence Peer Counselor. Her interests also include political communication and technology in the public sector.

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Policy Analyst

Onyemma Obiekea

Onyemma Obiekea is the Policy Analyst for Black Women for Wellness (BWW) and its sister organization, Black Women for Wellness Action Project (BWWAP).

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Onyemma began her work in Reproductive Justice (RJ) as Program Coordinator for BWW’s Get Smart B4U Get Sexy Program - the comprehensive sex and sexuality education program of the Organization’s RJ focused Project, Sisters in Control. Since then, she has continued her work in RJ in varying capacities and currently works on behalf of BWW/AP, to advance intersectional, transformative legislation that seeks to secure the health and wellbeing of Black women and Girls throughout California.

Onyemma holds a Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law and Master of Public Health from Tufts University School of Medicine. She is committed to contributing to the global realization of RJ, by leveraging her training and experience in the field.

Black Women for Wellness Team Member Annette Drone

Data Entry Specialist

Anthnette Drone

Anthnette serves as part of the VREAM (Voting Rules Everything Around Me) Civic Engagement Team.

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Anthnette first met Black Women for Wellness as an attendee of the Annual Reproductive Justice Conference. Impressed and in agreement with BWW’s vision and mission, she soon joined BWW as a member, volunteer, and later an employee. Anthnette has worked with BWW for over five years.

She is part of the VREAM (Voting Rules Everything Around Me) Civic EngagementTeam. She shares in the delivery of the Community Outreach, monitoring the Membership and Volunteers Program, and helping organize the [email protected] Program.

In addition, she sits on the planning committee for the Susan G.Komen's Circle of Promise and is the BWW Team Co-Captain for the 2019 and 2020 Susan G. Komen's More Than Pink Walk for Breast Health Awareness.

Anthnette holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the School of Applied Arts and Sciences at California State University, Long Beach and a Paralegal Certificate from the University of West Los Angeles School of Law. She is a current member and student with the OLLI (Osher Life Long Learning Institute) at California State University, Dominguez Hills. Anthnette states that her end goal with Black Women for Wellness is to help build and sustain strong, empowered, safe from harm, financially-secured, healthy black women, girls, families and communities.

Stephanie Haynes

Consultant

Stephanie Haynes

Stephanie is a consultant for the Sisters in Control (Reproductive Justice) program and the “Grown & Sexy” events.

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Stephanie Haynes is the founder and CEO of Fashionably Fit.

Ms. Haynes is a gifted multi-talented personal trainer, life coach and health educator. She has first hand knowledge of healing the mind, body and spirit. Her famous saying is “When you heal the mind the body will follow”.

Ms. Haynes specializes in self-empowerment with a focus on enabling the individual to create a fulfilling and successful life by supporting them in transforming negative beliefs and replacing them with powerful positive ones. Ms. Haynes has been working in the communities for over 35 years in different capacities such as community activist for women, youth education and reproductive health care.

She has worked with many organizations and committees, such as the Community Advisory Coalition, Los Angeles County Second Supervisor District as Co-Chair for the Policy Advocacy, In Our Own Voice as a lobbyist and advocate for women's reproductive health care. She has been to Washington D.C and Sacramento as an advocate and lobbyist as well.

She is currently working at the Asian American Drug Abuse as a Health Educator and HIV Counselor and tester.

As a consultant for Black Women for Wellness, I have been the event planner for at least 4 of their conferences, Small business Saturday and their 20th anniversary.

Stephanie is currently a consultant for the Sisters in Control (Reproductive Justice) program and the “Grown & Sexy” events.

I have been a member of NCNW since 1999 I begin in the LA section. Currently the 1st Vice President of the View Park section and the program chair. I had taught the Saving Our Sister (SOS) program to young girls in the Nickerson Garden, Jordan Down’s and the Imperial courts during the summer night lights. I am responsible of overseeing programs and activities.

“When the family is strong, so is our community. We are a reflection of what is happing in our homes”. Stephanie Haynes

Black Women for Wellness Team Member Carmen Taylor Jones

2020 CENSUS DIRECTOR

Carmen Taylor Jones

Carmen serves as an Outreach Coordinator for the Black Women for Wellness' VREAM Civic Engagement team.

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Carmen serves as an outreach coordinator for the Black Women for Wellness' VREAM civic engagement team. She previously served as the 2020 Census Program Manager for Black Women for Wellness.

She recalls always having a passion about serving the neighborhood and would organize her first community event at the age of 8 years old. Currently, she is a seasoned Public Affairs Specialist in the Los Angeles Region.

Under the mentorship of the late US Representative Juanita Millender-McDonald, she would begin her government tenure as the Chief Director of the 37th Congressional District. Since such time, she has served the community through outreach, education, engagement and motivation.

In 2011, she founded Higher Conscious Consulting LLC, a California public relations firm. Inspired to encourage the public that their voice and the participation were necessary "for change" the group adopted its motto "fight the good fight... because this time... the cards are stacked in good's favor".

Hi Con Consulting has collaborated with nearly 100 government agencies, community-based organizations, local nonprofits, Law Enforcement, Local Education Agencies and private corporations.

Currently she maintains memberships on the several Board of Directors; The Greater Watts Development Corporation, the 17-member LA County Continuum of Care Board, National Council of Negro Women, SPA 6 Steering Committee, and she is a life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sisterhood.

Tianna BWW EJ Coordinator

Coordinator

Tianna Shaw-Wakeman

Tianna serves as a coordinator with the environmental justice program.

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Tianna Shaw-Wakeman holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Social Entrepreneurship from the University of Southern California where she graduated as the first Black University Valedictorian for the Class of 2021.

During her time as a student, Tianna committed herself to helping USC become more sustainable. She interned for the former USC Housing Sustainability Manager, Directed the prominent campus environmental activism group ECore, acted as the Lead Organizer for the USC 2019 Climate Strike, and she co-founded DivestSC. USC has since announced a commitment to full divestment from fossil fuels.

Beyond her activism, Tianna served on the USC Sustainability Steering Committee and the Presidential Working Group for Sustainable Education, Research, and Operations to push for sustainable policies campus-wide.

In addition to these achievements, Tianna is proud to be a Sydney Harman Polymathic Fellow, Phi Beta Kappa, a Brittingham Social Enterprise Scholar, and a former member of LA Mayor Garcetti’s Youth Council on Climate Action.

Vanessa LeMaistre

Coordinator

Vanessa LeMaistre

Vanessa serves as coordinator with Sisters in Control, Reproductive Justice and Get Smart B4 You Get Sexy.

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Black Women for Wellness Chanell Ross

Coordinator

Chanell Ross

Chanell serves as coordinator with the Maternal and Infant Health Program.

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Black Women for Wellness Team Member Gyasi

Phone Banker

Gyasi Imhotep

Gyasi started at BWW as a volunteer and currently serves as a phone banker.

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Black Women for Wellness Team Member Carla

Phone Banker

Carla Steppes

Carla is a Phone Banker with Black Women for Wellness.

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Carla has served as a phone banker at Black Women for Wellness for 2 years. Her role includes keeping the community informed about BWW updates and events through phone calls and texts. She also helps with data entry for the organization.

She is glad to be a part of Black Women for Wellness and believes that Black Women for Wellness “is a place that empowers you to build strong healthy black women and girls, families and communities.”