Baltimore

Vanessa trains and educates adults, parents, and community groups around sexual health topics such as consent and boundaries, sexually transmitted infection prevention, contraceptive methods, teen pregnancy and abortion stigma, healthy relationships, LGBTQ inclusion. 

“In my work, I realize that women, especially Black women, don’t always have a platform to discuss their sexuality and sexual lives. These conversations are either held in private with one other person and shushed from larger society and I want to elevate the message that we're amazing, wonderful, complicated and multi-faceted beings who deserve to be heard and deserve to feel good."

Lisa is a Principal, Architect, and the Sustainability Director at Hord Coplan Macht where she consults on many projects across all studios and promotes the integration of sustainability and well-being throughout the entire design process. Lisa describes herself as an “urban scientist” studying the interconnected systems of people with each other, nature, and cities.

"In Architecture, we also need to connect the dots - from race to place, people to planet, COVID to climate. We cannot solve one crisis to inform the other, but need to respond simultaneously with a road to recovery, prevention and resilience.”

"For women globally, financial literacy and economic empowerment are critical to ensuring their economic security and that of their family. I am passionate about empowering women and girls through community outreach and training centered on financial education."

Keira Mull is a recent biology graduate from Notre Dame of Maryland University. While there, she was a strong student leader through her roles as a resident assistant and tutor. Keira organized several events that empowered her peers such as the annual self-defense seminar. 

“There continues to be an evident gender gap in leadership and political participation around the world. Even when women outnumber men (i.e. America), female representation in government offices is not proportionate."

 Louise Phipps Senftbuilds bridges wherever they are needed: between people, different philosophies, and conflicting needs. She empowers the innate capacity of each human being, even through moments of conflict or crisis.

“Conflict around social justice occurs because people don’t take time to hear what those on the opposite side are saying – we have to recognise that each of us is molded and influenced by our personal experiences. Conflict usually arises when discussing diversity because the framing around the issues is usually divisive unto itself. "

Tonee was featured on “In Real Life” on the Quicksilva Show for her impact on the community; and was recognized by the Daily Record as a Very Important Professional Under 40. She is a 2018-2019 Johns Hopkins University Social Innovation alum and 2020 Baltimore Corps Fellow where she developed a virtual reality curriculum for social emotional learning in youth.

"Our youth take a firsthand account and bear witness to years of injustices. They feel hopeless. They feel unheard. I have made it my personal mission to ensure that does not continue. Women have historically been at the forefront of justice movements."

Dr. Karsonya “Kaye” Wise Whitehead is Associate Professor of Communication and African and African American Studies at Loyola University Maryland; the Founding Director of The Karson Institute for Race, Peace, & Social Justice; and, the host of the radio show, Today With Dr. Kaye on WEAA.

She is a K-12 master teacher in African American History; an award-winning curriculum writer and lesson plan developer; and, an award- winning former Baltimore City middle school teacher.

"I know that America is not my home. Home is where you feel safe and where you belong. It is a place where my sons could walk free without fear or trepidation. They are Sankofa birds who are learning how to fly forward across this red, white, and blue landscape with rivers that run deep with the blood of innocent black and brown people while hopelessly keeping their heads turned in search of somewhere else."