Our History
A Model For Radical Inclusion
The history of Black Women Thriving East of the River is rooted in principles of radical inclusion and community-driven solutions. We prioritize balancing power dynamics and practicing intentional inclusivity, ensuring that the community remains central to designing and implementing strategies. This approach, which directly addresses systemic inequities, has led to meaningful improvements in health outcomes and career opportunities for Black women living east of the Anacostia River. Discover how our inclusive model fosters lasting change and drives equity within our community.
Strategic Design Initiative: An Intentional and Comprehensive Planning Process
In 2019, the Jane Bancroft Robinson Foundation (JBRF) convened 28 women with experience living in, working in, and/or leading organizations serving communities East of the Anacostia River in Washington, DC. The Strategic Design Initiative (SDI) was conceived by Kara Blankner, a Program Officer at JBRF, who was seeking more impactful strategies for directing resources for workforce development and cancer care.
Kara encouraged JBRF’s Board of Directors to adopt this unconventional approach, and recruited Manon Matchett, to serve alongside her as Co-chair of the SDI.
Initially, the SDI faced significant challenges, including skepticism about this unconventional approach to philanthropy. However, our commitment to centering the voices of Black women and involving them in the decision-making process proved transformative.
This collaborative approach brought together voices from the community, ensuring the strategies we designed addressed the root causes of inequities. The SDI focused on creating long-term positive outcomes for Black women in our communities, emphasizing empowerment and systemic change.
The SDI has evolved into Black Women Thriving East of the River, an organization committed to implementing the roadmaps identified during the planning phase in the spirit of how they were created. We are grateful for the visionary leadership of the Jane Bancroft Robinson Foundation that spurred the creation of Black Women Thriving East of the River and convened our Founding members.
We appreciate JBRF’s continued support as a thought partner, champion and financial supporter of Black Women Thriving East of the River. We look forward to increasing our impact and expanding the table to include even more women from Ward 7 & 8, community partners and financial supporters as we write the next chapter of our story. Join us!
Founding Members & Workgroups
Our founding members are a diverse and passionate group of leaders committed to tackling health and economic disparities in Wards 7 and 8. They bring together professional expertise and lived experience, ensuring our initiatives remain grounded in the realities of those we serve. Meet these inspiring women whose vision, resilience, and dedication turn strategy into action and create lasting impact for our community.
Kara Blankner
Jane Bancroft Robinson Foundation
Manon Matchett
Independent Consultant: Civic Agent of Change
Patient Navigation Workgroup
Sade Anderson-Brown, Ph.D.
RODIA LLC | Former Co-Chair
Amari Pearson-Fields, Ph.D.
Breast Care for Washington | Former Co-Chair
Lynda Brown
Bread for the City
Claudia Campos Galván
Nueva Vida, Inc.
Lisa Fitzpatrick
Grapevine Health
Delia Houseal, Ph.D., MPH
NEAN Consulting LLC
Megan Loucks
DC Primary Care Association
Shantie Morgan-Palmer
Evelyn’s Closet
Ronnette Moton
Institute for Public Health Innovation
Mandi Pratt Chapman, Ph.D.
George Washington Cancer Center
Shantie Morgan-Palmer
Smith Center for Healing and Arts
The George Washington University Cancer Center
Lorena Parrish
Wesley Theological Seminary
Julia Rowland
Smith Center for Healing and the Arts
Satira Streeter
Ascensions Psychological
Marsha Williamson
Washington National’s Youth Academy
Marquita Iddirisu
Quality Improvement Specialist for Preventative Health
Workforce Development Workgroup
Abby Charles, MPH
Institute for Public Health Innovation | Former Co-Chair
Natasha Dupee
The George Washington University | Former Co-Chair
Charnal Chaney
The W.I.R.E.
Nkechi Feaster
Service to Justice and Numerous Others
Lisa Fitzpatrick
Grapevine Health
Julie Green
New Futures
Shanta Hendry
Bread for the City
Lecester Johnson
Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School
Nicole Lynn Lewis
Generation Hope
Lorena Parrish
Wesley Theological Seminary
Tiffani Powell
DC Central Kitchen
Beverly Smith-Brown
Momma’s Safe Haven
Continuing Our Legacy
The Future of Black Women Thriving
The history of Black Women Thriving East of the River is still being written. As we look to the future, we remain committed to expanding opportunities for Black women through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and community-driven initiatives. Our focus areas—workforce development, patient navigation, and advocacy—will continue to drive equitable outcomes for women in Wards 7 and 8. We invite you to join us in shaping the next chapter of our story, ensuring that the legacy of Black women’s leadership and resilience continues to thrive for generations to come.
