“Lived experiences matters. When you step into a room with a provider there are two experts in that space.”
Brittany Taylor-Williams MPA, MHA
She/Her
Founder, The Black Girl Health Collective
As a seasoned public health practitioner, Brittany brings over 15 years of experience within leadership roles in the federal public health & non-profit sectors as an operations and technical assistance and design expert.
Throughout her career, Brittany has served as an investigator, senior level leader, full spectrum doula, facilitator and avid patient advocate, working with health systems, administrators, and on the front lines with patients.
Brittany has worked with Planned Parenthood of Southern New England as the Regional Director of Clinical Services supporting Connecticut’s Fairfield and New Haven Counties by increasing access to primary and reproductive healthcare.
Currently, Brittany spends much of her focus on increasing access to patient centered and trauma informed care. With intention, she curates spaces centering the most under-represented communities across the country and advocating for autonomy within care.
With a goal of impact Brittany brings together diverse minds to expand thought and influence the experience of both community and practitioners navigating systems. To this end, she also serves as a board member for Planned Parenthood of Delaware and Black Mothers in Power.
Leadership & Experts
Farron Harvey (they/them)
Expansive Programming
Founder, Farron’s View
Farron is a coach, counsellor, and consultant on all things equality and inclusion. They offer services on discussion facilitation, organizational development guidance, and provide support to Black people and individuals of color in leadership positions.
For a long time, Farron believed that they had to compartmentalize themselves to a mold, just to fit into certain spaces. Every time they tried, they left behind parts of themselves, and it felt like they were denying their whole self. It felt as if they weren’t acknowledging the reason why they were able to create, vision, collaborate, and execute: this was because of ALL of their identities, not despite it.
Their commitment is to continuously practice bringing their whole self at all times. With 16 years of experience in facilitation and movement work, they believe in the ability to bring the help and support needed to the communities around them. Their expertise continues to grow with ongoing training, learning, and mentorships.
Stephanie Nicole Dawkins (she/her)
Community Relations Manager
Founder, Black Girls Hike Too!
As a child, Stephanie loved to be on her Grandparents’ farm, tending the garden, the animals and occasionally running into the woods.
In August 2020, Stephanie was exhausted. As a wife, mother, teacher, employee, cook and cleaner in one home, she was overworked, anxious and suffered from severe insomnia. This working Mama was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. This was when Stephanie remembered what brought her the most joy as a child, so she set out for a hike.
Once out in nature, she knew she had to share this experience, and thus Black Girls Hike Too! was born. This passion project is set to debunk myths that black women are "afraid" of the outdoors or that it “isn't a place for us". This is a message that was told to us, shaped by our history. But Stephanie is set out to create a new story. HERSTORY.
Black Girls Hike Too! is a bold declaration that Stephanie is making to say that we can hike, camp, swim, kayak, canoe, hunt, fish and take up space in the great outdoors as well.
Ernestine Chambers, MSW, CWDP, CDP (she/her)
Advisor, Strategic Partnerships
Founder, Upskill Etc.
Ernestine Chambers is a highly experienced human capital planning specialist with a proven track record of delivering results. With over 17 years of experience in both government and private sectors, she possesses extensive knowledge in developing teams. Ernestine is a nationally renowned trainer in diversity, equity & inclusion, leadership development & coaching, results-based accountability framework, and proficient in operational service delivery. She has facilitated training across various industries, from non-profit grassroots organizations to large corporations.
Ernestine's commitment to social justice is evident in her work in economic mobility, health access, housing stabilization, and equity advocacy. She has played an instrumental role in driving positive change in these areas, and her expertise is sought after by organizations across the country. She strongly believes that providing equitable health access will lead to better health outcomes, lower healthcare costs, and help address health disparities. “Everyone deserves access to quality healthcare that can positively impact their economic, social-emotional, and workforce productivity.” – E. Chambers
Falon Desselle, MSW, LCSW (she/her)
Falon received her Master's Degree in Social Work from Delaware State University and is currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has been in the social work field for approximately 14 years, and has experience working with individuals and families in many different capacities within the community.
Falon is passionate about working with individuals experiencing crisis, or who may feel socially excluded. Falon promotes resiliency and the utilization of resources to enhance the natural recovery process.
Clinical Advisor, Mental Health Programing
Our Board of Directors
Zari Watkins, Esq. MBA
Healthcare Systems Executive & Lawyer
Zari Watkins Esq. serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Clinical Health Network for Transformation Operating providing crucial support across 19 states with integrated services that connect patients to the care they need.
Zari earned her undergraduate degree in sociology from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, doctor of jurisprudence from St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida, and masters of business administration from University of Miami. She is a member of the Florida Bar, the American College of Healthcare Executives and the National Association of Healthcare Service Executives.
Previously, Zari held executive positions at Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, and Broward Health and Jackson Health System, where she managed strategic initiatives and a $125M operational budget. She's been recognized as one of the "Most Powerful Black Business Leaders in South Florida" and serves on multiple healthcare boards.
Shanai Vann, MBA
Financial Services Professional & Small Business Advocate
Shanai Vann brings over 10 years of accounting and finance expertise from her role at Discover Financial Services. She holds a Bachelor's in Accounting and Finance from Delaware State University and Master’s in Business Administration. Through her company Anderson Howard LLC, Shanai provides financial services to small businesses and families, believing that quality financial guidance should be accessible to all.
A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Shanai is passionate about teaching financial literacy in her community.
Councilwoman Shané Darby
Community Leader & Founder of Black Mothers in Power
Councilwoman Shane Darby is a Wilmington native, mother of three, and founder of Black Mothers in Power, a statewide nonprofit addressing racial inequity among mothers. She holds a Bachelor's in Mass Communication & African Studies and a Master's in Africana Studies from Temple University.
As a Child Behavioral Therapist and Army National Guard paralegal since 2012, Shane works directly with trauma-affected youth. She's an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and serves on her city council, connecting all neighborhoods in the 2nd District.
D'Andrea Walker holds a Master's in Human Resources Management from Wilmington University and brings extensive experience in hospitality management, benefits administration, and DEI leadership. She has successfully directed diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives for nonprofit healthcare centers and state governments across the east coast.
An adaptive leader D'Andrea has created innovative tools for organizational transparency and bias incident reporting, always focusing on treating others with respect and ensuring all voices are heard.
D’Andrea Walker, SHRM
Human Resources & Organizational Culture Leader
Dr. Chioma Ndubisi
Board-Certified OB/GYN & Reproductive Health Specialist
Dr. Chioma Ndubisi is a board-certified OB/GYN specializing in sexual and reproductive health. She completed her medical degree at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and a fellowship in Complex Family Planning at Columbia University, where she also earned a Master's in Epidemiology.
Currently serving as Assistant Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology at Penn Medicine, Dr. Ndubisi has provided care for complex patients in Washington, DC and New York throughout her career.
For all press inquires contact: press@blackgirlhealthcollective.org