Erise Williams, Jr., MPH is the co-founder of Williams & Associates, Inc., a community based non-profit public health agency addressing minority health disparities and health equity issues that impact minority health. His public health experience consists of 20 years of working on the frontlines of addressing minority health disparities. He has served as the founding executive director of Blacks Assisting Blacks Against AIDS (BABAA- 1990-2002), which under his leadership, became one of the premier minority ASOs (AIDS Service Organizations) in the Midwest region. Mr. Williams served in this position for 12 years, before leaving and starting Williams & Associates Inc, to address minority health disparities and health equity.

James Green has been in public health for thirty-plus years in the St. Louis region.  He has served his community in various capacities through the years i.e., educator, counselor, mentor, coach, and health advocate among others.  He was born in Mississippi on a plantation, raised by a single mother in public housing, lived in a depressed urban community, received a public education and this life experience has given him the “why” for the work that he does unapologetically for Black people.

Imani Sharif has long been advocating for women, girls, and social justice issues, working alongside a team in the St. Louis region, she understands how stigma affects people of every age, gender, and orientation. Fun Fact: She once held the title of “The Designated Calm Person.”

David Dandridge is a community health worker who got his start in HIV activism as a member of the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power [ACT-UP] in the early 1990s. He went on to serve as a hotline operator for the Saint Louis Effort for AIDS [now Vivent Health], as well as volunteering with Food Outreach and Planned Parenthood. Prior to joining Williams and Associates, he was a research assistant at Barnes Jewish Christian Hospital and a group facilitator for Diversity Awareness Partnership and served on the board of Abortion Action Missouri.

Tabasha has been an advocate for medically correct sexual reproduction education and community resources. She stands for justice and fairness even when it's difficult. Fun fact: she rides motorcycles.

Taylor was born and raised in Saint Louis. After completing her undergraduate degree in Spanish, she earned a Master's in Public Health with a concentration in Mental & Behavioral Health to gain a better understanding of how to address the problems and needs of her community and learn how to better serve it. She is an advocate for improving the mental health of others, helping those who suffer from substance misuse, and leading them on a path to recovery.

Arianna is a passionate advocate for harm reduction and housing justice, with over eight years of experience working with unhoused communities in Las Vegas and St. Louis. Drawing from their professional background in supportive housing services, their lived experience with homelessness and addiction, and their academic focus on sociological research, Arianna has led key initiatives in both harm reduction and housing advocacy, helping to create more equitable systems for marginalized populations.

Born and raised in Chicago, DeJuan (DJ) leveraged his community knowledge and experience to guide others. As an HIV Peer Navigator, he connects individuals with essential care services while simultaneously educating and advocating for them. Prior to this role, as a preschool teacher, he gained valuable insights into patience and understanding people’s needs. These skills help him ensure he always performs at his best.

Keith Lofton is very passionate about his work as an outreach coordinator. As a person in recovery for more than four years himself, he uses his personal journey as a means to help others in the community he comes from.

Julian Johnson is a mental health professional with a passion for helping individuals overcome physical, mental, and emotional challenges. Julian has spent the past several years working in various settings, including vocational rehabilitation agencies, addiction clinics, and psychiatric medical facilities. Julian's expertise is entrenched in providing personalized counseling and support to empower clients to achieve their fullest potential.

Felicia was born and raised in St. Louis, MO, and graduated from Sumner High School. She has been in the healthcare field for over 15 years, starting as a direct support care worker for people with intellectual disabilities.  She became a Certified Nursing Assistant and worked in long-term care and assisted living facilities for 12 years.  She has been in recovery for over 16 years and believes in meeting people where they're at in their process because all Lives are Worth Saving.

Mahlik was born and raised in East St. Louis, IL. He graduated from SIUE Charter High School in 2016. He eventually became a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant in 2022 after attending St. Louis School of Phlebotomy. He enjoys reading, writing, and hanging out with like-minded individuals.

Genevieve Love is a public health social worker who is a fierce advocate for people living with HIV and the LGBTQIA2S+ community. She has worked around the world to push back against injustice and provide support where she can. Her favorite ‘work thing’ is fostering new collaborations and partnerships across the St. Louis region and saying ‘no’ to working in silos.

Joshua Alexander received his Bachelor of Social Work from Thee Jackson State University and went on to complete his Master of Social Work from Arizona State University. Joshua has worked directly with individuals living with HIV since 2017, beginning his journey as a Health Coach. Joshua has been trained in health literacy, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, Mental Health First Aid, and a plethora of other trainings to assist in engagement with our client population. Joshua is one of only a few case managers in the region who are black, gay and living with HIV.

Born in Rockford, IL, Damon is a Black transman, activist, and community organizer involved in the Ferguson uprising of 2014. He is a recent graduate of Washington University with a Bachelor's in African American Studies.

With a background in education and event management, Gabrielle has dedicated her career to empowering individuals to reach their full potential through a positive mindset, strategic resources, and decisive action. Beyond her professional pursuits, she finds joy in singing, songwriting, and exploring various forms of art during her free time.

Vicotoria's passion lies in helping all people, regardless of their background or story.  She earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Human Services and a Master's degree in Health Education and Promotion.  Her educational expertise led her to join the National Society of Leadership and Success. Her goal is to increase the quality of life for others and inspire them to indulge in self-love and mental freedom. Her motto is to be a guiding light for those seeking better days, love all people unconditionally, and treat people as she desires to be treated.

Greg grew up in North St. Louis and graduated from Lincoln University in 2005 with a degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Music Education.  In 2012, he completed his Master of Education from Lincoln University, obtaining a degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in Social Studies and ClassroomTeaching. He retired after 27 years as a Special School District Paraprofessional.

He is also a dog dad to a 3-year-old American Blue Nose Bully named Sterling

Hawi was born and raised in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa. She received my Bachelor's in Medicine from Addis Ababa University and her Master of Public Health in Global Health and Epidemiology from Saint Louis University. Having worked in the ICU during the COVID-19 pandemic, she witnessed firsthand healthcare access and outcomes disparities. These experiences motivated her to focus on minority health and leverage her Global Health expertise to reduce disparities and promote equitable care in underserved communities.

Portia Osei was born and raised in Ghana, West Africa. After graduating high school, Portia moved to America to attend college and graduated from Southern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Health. She has been working in the health industry for ten years, first as a certified nurse assistant, and currently works as a Medical Case Manager. Portia plans on getting her master’s degree in Epidemiology.

Xavier Robinson is a health coach bringing his previous experience from the life coaching field as well as physical wellness. He is from Normal IL and has relocated to St. Louis after graduating college in 2018. He enjoys being active, painting, dancing, and learning new skills.

Shawn Furlow was born and raised in the city of St. Louis and earned his degree in Communications from Lindenwood University. In his spare time, he enjoys camping, kayaking, and trying different types of food. His future plans include getting into skydiving and rock-climbing. “Empowerment should start with feeling like you have a purpose!”

David Bell is a Family Nurse Practitioner, Outreach Coordinator, and healthcare educator who has worked in healthcare for over 19 years. David is passionate about addressing the challenge of reducing the spread of STIs in disenfranchised and marginalized communities through treatment and education and bringing awareness to the importance of good sexual health. He believes that "we can not expect people to make well-informed decisions if they are not well informed."

Benjamin Woods is a St. Louis native and mental health advocate who is passionate about the fight against the opioid crisis, medical education, and the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases.