Meet the Team

Black Women for Wellness Janette Robinson

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Jan Robinson Flint

Jan is the executive director 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.

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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.

Black Women for Wellness Nourbese Flint MA

POLICY DIRECTOR / PROGRAM MANAGER

Nourbese Flint M.A.

Nourbese Flint serves as a program manager with Black Women for Wellness (BWW). Here, she directs environmental and reproductive health work, organize community advocacy and works on policy. In addition, Nourbese serves as the head of civic engagement with Californians for a Healthy and Green Economy (CHANGE), where she strategically looks at the political landscape and helps design efforts to build power and address toxic chemicals as it relates to reproductive health through elections, legislative efforts and community politics.

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Nourbese Flint serves as a program manager with Black Women for Wellness (BWW). Here, she directs environmental and reproductive health work, organize community advocacy and works on policy. In addition, Nourbese serves as the head of civic engagement with Californians for a Healthy and Green Economy (CHANGE), where she strategically looks at the political landscape and helps design efforts to build power and address toxic chemicals as it relates to reproductive health through elections, legislative efforts and community politics. Before joining BWW, Nourbese studied women’s health in both Spain and Cuba and journalism in Scotland. Nourbese communication’s background includes serving as communication director for the Center of Women’s Health and Human Rights, as well as reporting for KPFK evening news in Los Angeles. Nourbese has a Masters of Arts in Women’s Health from Suffolk University, where she specialized in health disparities as it relates to media influence. Nourbese is a founding member of Trust Black Women; a national coalition dedicated to increasing respect and support of Black Women and is an active member of the Women’s Intercultural Network. Nourbese is a proud alumnus of San Jose State University, where she majored in Broadcast Journalism and African American Studies.

Charity Faye Program Manager for Sisters-In-Motion

PROGRAM MANAGER SISTERS IN MOTION

Charity Faye

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.

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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 team member Jamila Jabulani

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR

Jamila Jabulani

Jamila started her career in politics as a super volunteer and organizing fellow for Organizing for America where she learned about effective grassroots mobilization strategies. She went on to serve on the Kings County Democratic Committee, an elected position in Brooklyn, New York.

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Jamila started her career in politics as a super volunteer and organizing fellow for Organizing for America where she learned about effective grassroots mobilization strategies. She went on to serve on the Kings County Democratic Committee, an elected position in Brooklyn, New York; a volunteer coordinator for a political action committee in Pasadena, California; a regional field director for a Los Angeles city council candidate; and as a Canvass Director for issue and electoral campaigns in Omaha, Nebraska and Kirkland, Washington. Prior to political organizing, Jamila worked in philanthropy where she focused on grants management, capacity-building, and program-related investments.

Black Women for Wellness Team Member Mary Starks

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

Dr. Mary Sparks

Dr. Mary Starks serves as the Deputy Director at Black Women for Wellness. Dr.Starks passion includes mentoring young people and advocating for underserved communities. Dr. Starks received her Doctorate Degree in Organizational Leadership in 2019 from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and a Master Degree in Social Work in 2003 from California State University of Long Beach.

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Dr. Mary Starks serves as the Deputy Director at Black Women for Wellness. Dr.Starks passion includes mentoring young people and advocating for underserved communities. Dr. Starks received her Doctorate Degree in Organizational Leadership in 2019 from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and a Master Degree in Social Work in 2003 from California State University of Long Beach. Her professional background of over 25 years includes extensive experience in community-based work in South Los Angeles. Dr. Starks has over 25 years of experience in program development, youth development work, developing mentoring programs, workforce development, community organizing, and serving on community planning committees. Dr. Starks also served as a Social Work Field Instructor for both undergraduate and graduate level social work students. Moreover, Dr. Starks is an Adjunct Professor at Pacific Oaks College in the Community Psychology Program.

Black Women for Wellness Team Member Megan Chichester

BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH COORDINATOR

Megan Chichester

Megan Chichester is a recent graduate of Occidental College. She holds a degree in Urban and Environmental Policy (UEP) and a minor in Public Health. Chichester received Distinction on her senior thesis, “Maternal Health Coordination: How Community Health Centers and Maternal Mortality Review Committees Can Impact Black Maternal Health Outcomes.”

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Megan Chichester is a recent graduate of Occidental College. She holds a degree in Urban and Environmental Policy (UEP) and a minor in Public Health. Chichester received Distinction on her senior thesis, “Maternal Health Coordination: How Community Health Centers and Maternal Mortality Review Committees Can Impact Black Maternal Health Outcomes.” Her research analyzed the current state of maternal mortality in Washington, D.C., as well as perspectives for potential intervention and prevention opportunities to improve the overall health status of black mothers. Chichester has experience in health management consulting and community organizing, specifically in the areas of health disparities and voter engagement. In the future, she plans to pursue a Masters degree in Public Health with a concentration in Health Policy. She is passionate about population health and championing the shift from disease management to disease.

Black Women for Wellness Team Member Ellen Branch

PROGRAM COORDINATOR POLICY & MATERNAL HEALTH

Ellen Branch

North Carolina Native, Ellen Branch graduated from East Carolina University in 2014, with a Bachelor of Arts in Women's Studies with a Multidisciplinary Minor in Nursing. Before moving to Los Angeles in 2018, Ellen served her community as a full-spectrum doula to Black womxn and yoga teacher to all.

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North Carolina Native, Ellen Branch graduated from East Carolina University in 2014, with a Bachelor of Arts in Women's Studies with a Multidisciplinary Minor in Nursing. Before moving to Los Angeles in 2018, Ellen served her community as a full-spectrum doula to Black womxn and yoga teacher to all. Ellen has forged her own path toward the aspirations of professional midwifery. She currently works at Black Women for Wellness Los Angeles as the Policy & Maternal Health Program Coordinator. She offers a unique perspective to everything she does; from spoken word poetry to advocating for laboring women. She is committed to honoring herself and serving those who are often underserved and overlooked. She has always been passionate about reproductive justice and the historical context of black women's role in the fight for rights over our own bodies.

Black Women for Wellness Jesslyn Chatman

PROGRAM COORDINATOR GET SMART B4 U GET SEXY

Jesslyn Chatman

Jesslyn Chatman serves as the Program Coordinator for “Get Smart B4 You Get Sexy” for Black Women for Wellness. She is a Los Angeles native and has served in her community for over 10 years in various capacities, the most notable being a wellness & intervention specialist for the charter school system.

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Jesslyn Chatman serves as the Program Coordinator for “Get Smart B4 You Get Sexy” for Black Women for Wellness. She is a Los Angeles native and has served in her community for over 10 years in various capacities, the most notable being a wellness & intervention specialist for the charter school system. She earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Rehabilitation Services with a concentration in Behavior Analysis from CSULA. She is also a Vaginal Steam Practitioner certified through that studies ancient holistic womb healing practices in order to assist women and young ladies in finding healing optimal health. Jesslyn has always shown a passion to serve her community and provide the knowledge and resources to advance not only in the realm of education but in all aspects of life.

Black Women for Wellness Team Member Carmen Taylor Jones

2020 CENSUS DIRECTOR

Carmen Taylor Jones

Carmen Taylor Jones serves 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.

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Carmen Taylor Jones serves 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.

Black Women for Wellness Team Member Patina Butler

Sr. Program Manager Sisters in Control, Reproductive Justice

Patina Butler

Born and reared in New Jersey, before pursuing a higher education in the Bay Area;
Patina Butler holds a Bachelors in a self-designed study of communications from Mills College, and a Masters in Counseling Psychology and Marriage & Family Therapy with a specialization in Professional Clinical Counseling from John F Kennedy University.

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Born and reared in New Jersey, before pursuing a higher education in the Bay Area;
Patina Butler holds a Bachelors in a self-designed study of communications from Mills College, and a Masters in Counseling Psychology and Marriage
& Family Therapy with a specialization in Professional Clinical Counseling from John F
Kennedy University. Currently, a PhD candidate in Social Psychology, this proud
mother of three beautiful daughters is the Sr. Program Manager of Sisters in Control
Reproductive Justice at BWWLA. As a former mental health professional remediating
mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders; Patina now works in shifting attitudes in
African American/Black women and girls health disparities and health inequities. “I
embrace the idea that in our full wellness, we use our power, beauty and intelligence,
to pursue and cultivate healthy living.”

Black Women for Wellness Team Member Agere Teshale

Data Entry Specialist

Agere Teshale

Agere Teshale is a recent college graduate from California State University Los Angeles with a B.S. in Public Health with an emphasis in Community Health. She is currently working as a Data Entry Specialist for the Black Women for Wellness.

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Agere Teshale is a recent college graduate from California State University Los Angeles with a B.S. in Public Health with an emphasis in Community Health. She is currently working as a Data Entry Specialist for the Black Women for Wellness. Her previous experience includes community health education and health promotion in the greater Los Angeles Area. As a Leimert Park resident, she has a passion for lending a helping hand by engaging the community and providing accessible and equitable healthcare for the community.

Black Women for Wellness Team Member Deborah Cooper

Finance Director & Bookkeeper

Deborah Cooper

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.

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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.

Black Women for Wellness Team Member Annette Drone

Data Entry Specialist Sisters @ Eight

Anthnette Drone

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 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 Sisters@Eight 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.

Black Women for Wellness Team Member Kimberley Robinson

Community Liaison Northern California Office

Kimberly Robinson

Kimberly Robinson is an independent consultant on reproductive justice issues, including the health of Black women. Kimberly is currently working with Black Women for Wellness as our 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. Kimberly is currently working with Black Women for Wellness as our Community Liaison and oversees operations in our Northern California office. Kimberly 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 Gyasi

Phone Banker

Gyasi

Gyasi has been working with Black Women for Wellness for 5 1/2 years. She started at BWW as a volunteer and currently serves as a phone banker. She enjoys her time connecting with her community & the women of BWW. Outside of BWW, she is a Crochet Artist & Numerologist. “Peace and Luv to Every Living Being! Stay Beautiful!”

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Black Women for Wellness Team Member Carla

Phone Banker

Carla

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.

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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.”