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Dr. Judy Lubin is Promoting a CURE for Racial Health Inequities
As founder and president of the Center for Urban and Racial Equity (CURE), Dr. Lubin is transforming how organizations think about equity “I’ve always felt called towards racial equity and antiracism work,” says Judy Lubin, PhD, MPH, a sociologist, policy analyst, racial justice advocate and founder and president of the Center for Urban and Racial…
Marissa McKeever is Empowering the DC Community with Care
In her role at Sibley Memorial Hospital, Marissa drives healthcare advocacy and community investments Marissa McKeever has always been passionate about access, particularly among historically marginalized communities. That, she says, is what motivated her to pursue a law career. “By high school I knew that was my path,” Marissa says. “I wanted to go to…
Onari Jackson is Saving Families, One Broken Wing at a Time
From her own pain came an incredible purpose—and, now, she’s helping countless women every single day Growing up, Onari Jackson was used to conflict. “I used to tell people, ‘I don’t like girls’ or ‘I don’t get along with other girls,’” she says. “It was always, ‘I don’t get along with so-and-so.’ I had such…
Nkechi Feaster Turns Frustration into Action, Advocating for Shelter Reform
Nkechi Feaster loves D.C. Born in the city, she, her brother and mother moved to South Carolina—but Nkechi always knew she’d return. When she did, though, life in her beloved city wasn’t what she envisioned. “When I came back to D.C. I found myself in a shelter,” Nkechi says. “Between college, having my son, leaving…
Storyteller, Educator and Oyé Palaver Hut Founder Vera Oyé Yaa-Ann Teaches African Culture and the Importance of Good Nutrition
Since moving the the U.S. in 1993, Vera has been committed to telling her story, and supporting countless families in the process
One House, One School, One Mission
Shannon Hodge’s Passion for Education Reform Impacts Thousands of Students When she was in first grade, Shannon moved into a new neighborhood and her interest in education was sparked. Shannon’s parents chose the house because it fed into a stronger high school than another house they had considered. With that choice, they knew Shannon would…
Mary Brown Creates a Safe Space Where Her “Family” Learns Through Artistic Expression
For 24 years, Mary has led the charge at Life Pieces To Masterpieces, an organization for African American boys in Wards 7 and 8 For many, career paths are linear — they follow a seemingly set course starting from college and moving into a career. That, though, wasn’t the case for Mary Brown. After graduating…
Entrepreneur and Change Agent Karen Alston Uses the Power of Storytelling to Change Lives
She’s helping thousands find their voices, as a business leader and nonprofit board member Karen Alson never envisioned working in the nonprofit arena. A graduate of Howard University, Karen dove into the business world post-graduation, working at global enterprises such as JP Morgan, MBNA Bank and AOL. But, years into her corporate rise, Karen took…
Marilyn Lacy Turned Trauma into Powerful Advocacy and Ministry
Through her church- and community-based work, Marilyn has helped countless women and girls impacted by sexual abuse Trauma was a central theme to Marilyn Lacy’s early years. Sexually abused by her stepfather, Marilyn found herself in “a world of bad choices and wrong decisions,” including a long-term relationship with another abuser while in her teens. …
Karen Venable-Croft’s Innovative Charter School Elevates the Next Generation of Innovators & Entrepreneurs
This passionate educator took a leap of faith and created a truly unique learning environment for young women For more than two decades, math teacher Karen Venable-Croft was focused on bringing big ideas and unique paths to learning to her students. Then, two years ago, she and her partner took the ultimate leap, founding Girls…