#blackwomensparkchange
It’s time to share their stories
Know someone you think should be highlighted? Let us know!
Sierra Morris is a Passionate Educator Creating Learning Experiences for DC Students
Sierra Morris is the Manager of Programming at Live It Learn It, a DC-based nonprofit dedicated to creating experiential learning opportunities for students. “We work with Title I schools, which means that about 90% of the students are having free or reduced lunch,” Sierra says. “We take them to different historical sites, museums, and nature…
Precious Freeman is Passionate About Making The World Better for the Next Generation
Precious Freeman is the Vice President of National Engagement at Measures for Justice, a nonprofit organization leading the movement to reimagine the criminal justice system by developing data tools that help communities reform the system. “I am obsessed with making things better for the next generation,” Precious shares. Precious was always drawn to community engagement…
Deidre Johnson Says You Are In The Driver’s Seat Of Your Life
Deidre Johnson is the CEO and Executive Director of the Center for African American Health, a community-based nonprofit in Denver that empowers the Black community to make informed health decisions. “I have learned so much and I’ve really grown and enjoyed being in this role,” Deidre shares. Since taking over the role 8 years ago,…
Paula Brown on Showing Up Authentically in Community Work
Paula Brown is the director of operations at the Center for African American Health, a nonprofit based in Denver that empowers the Black community to make informed health decisions and achieve whole-person wellness. Paula’s extensive portfolio includes human resources, facilities and property management, development and implementation of strategic plans, vendor relations, and driving improved performance…
Trinice McNally is a Transformative Leader Who Promotes Healing and Inspires Change
Trinice McNally is a nationally-recognized activist, creative and educator who wears many hats. She is a founding director of the Center for Diversity, Inclusion & Multicultural Affairs at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and founding director of the Envisioning Safety On Our Campuses Now Project (ESOC NOW). She is also an Ifá…
Jamese Beauford Unapologetically Advocates for Black Women and Girls
Jamese Carey Beauford is the 1st Vice-President of Programs, and former President, of the Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., a nonprofit organization advocating for Black women and girls in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment. “When I was younger I didn’t know that this is the…
Karina Nelson on Advocacy and Knowing Who You Are
Karina Nelson is the Volunteer Manager at the Invest in Girls program of CEE, a nonprofit working to build financial literacy and confidence in high school girls. This program offers online and in-person workshops to help girls become financially confident and even pursue a career in finance. “I love what I do because I know…
Tiara Nicole Riley Lives Life Intentionally
Tiara Nicole Riley is a life coach, motivational speaker, author and HR manager. She also serves as a board member for Stillborn And Infant Loss Support (SAILS), a nonprofit dedicated to helping people who have been affected by the loss of a baby. She began working as a life coach, motivational speaker, and published author…
Dr. Monique Darrisaw-Akil Uses Authentic Leadership to Transform Education Systems
Dr. Monique Darrisaw-Akil is the Superintendent of Schools at the Uniondale Union Free School District in Long Island, NY. Dr. Akil was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and realized early on that she wanted to dedicate her life to fighting for equity in education. “My life, in some ways, was shaped by de facto…
Sharon Washington Brings a Trauma-Informed Approach to Anti-Racism Consulting
Sharon Washington is the founder and CEO of Sharon Washington Consulting, which provides sustainable strategies for institutions to promote equity, inclusion and belonging by cultivating racial literacy and anti-racism. The pathway to this work started when Sharon was just four years old and her family moved from Oakland, California to rural Oregon where Sharon’s family…