about us
Who We Are
Black Women Thriving East of the River is dedicated to empowering Black women in Wards 7 & 8 in Washington, DC, home to some of the most historically neglected and culturally rich neighborhoods in the District. Our mission is to reduce cancer mortality and increase health-related workforce success by dismantling barriers that contribute to persistent inequities. Our goal is to nurture a supportive and thriving community where Black women can excel in every way. When Black women are well, their partners, children, elders and communities will also improve.
The Strategic Design Initiative guides our approach. We created detailed roadmaps to tackle workforce development and cancer patient navigation disparities through an intentional and thoughtful process.
At the heart of our efforts is the persistent belief that Black women know best what they need to thrive. Committed to centering lived experience, we collaborate with those closest to our work. Together, we design and implement solutions that drive impact. By embracing their intellect, grace, and resilience, we celebrate the diverse group of Black women who make up our community. These women, despite facing numerous challenges, carry the seeds of change and hope for a brighter future.
Program Overview
Since our inception in 2019, Black Women Thriving East of the River has been at the forefront of developing innovative solutions in workforce development and cancer care. In collaboration with community leaders, we strive to ensure that Black women in Wards 7 and 8 have access to opportunities, resources, and effective treatments. Our programs aim to achieve optimal health and economic success by addressing the systemic barriers and disparities that hinder our community. We focus on actionable interventions, providing support for community leaders to champion transformational change. Our approach ensures that the voices of Black women are central to the strategies and interventions we implement, fostering a community where everyone can thrive.
Meet Our Team
At Black Women Thriving East of the River, we are committed to core values of equity, continuous learning, integrity and transparency, courageous communication, community and wellness. Our diverse and passionate team members are dedicated to dismantling harmful systems and providing relief to community members facing daily challenges. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration, we empower those most affected by discriminatory practices to lead the way in creating impactful solutions. Our collective efforts are aimed at achieving equity and justice for Black women in Wards 7 and 8, ensuring their voices and experiences shape the future.
Nakeisha Neal Jones became our first Executive Director in 2023, and we’ve on boarded a Director of Operations, a Patient Navigation Manager and a Workforce Development Manager.
We are fortunate to have an extended team of implementing partners who are aligned with our values and ensure that our plans are put into action.
Our Approach
We Embrace. Black women of Wards 7 & 8 carry the seeds of change and hope for our community and are the center of our work. We go beyond simply including them – we embrace the knowledge and grace of the leaders neighbors, mothers, and sisters who are the heart of this community.
We Listen. We value and center the Black women of Wards 7 & 8 as the experts in dismantling the inequitable systems that hold them back. Their lived experiences inform the barriers they face, and they are the architects of the interventions that will break down those barriers.
We Act.We are intentional and rigorous in our pursuit, seeking partners who can enact specific and actionable interventions designed by Black women. We collaborate with partners and the community to develop programs and initiatives that best meet the community’s needs.
Our Values
Equity. We foster an inclusive environment that promotes collaboration and respects individual perspectives. We center the voices and experiences of Black women, actively seek to address imbalances in power and privilege, and advocate for justice.
Continuous Learning. We embrace ongoing growth and development by seeking new knowledge, skills, and perspectives to adapt and thrive in changing circumstances. We engage in active unlearning of harmful beliefs and norms imposed by systems of oppression.
Integrity and Transparency. We consistently lead with respect and make ethical choices. We demonstrate honesty and trustworthiness as we seek to engage responsibly with our community. We openly share information and communicate truthfully to build trust, foster accountability, and ensure clarity in our relationships and in our work.
Courageous Communication. We fearlessly express thoughts, ideas, and concerns with respect and empathy, promoting constructive dialogue, understanding, and growth, even in difficult situations.
Community. We build strong connections and engage in mutual support, grounding our work in a sense of belonging, interconnectedness, and shared responsibility. We trust the wisdom of lived experience and actively seek to amplify the voices of those most directly impacted.
Wellness: Wellness is central to our work, and we commit to working in ways that support our individual and collective healing. We believe that wellness is not only possible, but necessary, for Black women to thrive. We promote physical, mental, and emotional health through radical self-care, education, and supportive environments.
Our Story
Black Women Thriving East of the River began as a powerful response to systemic inequities faced by Black women in Wards 7 and 8. Founded on the principles of equity and justice, BWTEotR was inspired by the urgent need to address the barriers to healthcare and economic opportunities that Black women encounter daily. Our journey started with a clear vision: to create a community where Black women can thrive, unburdened by the constraints of systemic racism and discrimination.
BWTEotR’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and unshakable dedication to justice. We have built a strong network of collaborators and community leaders who share our vision. Together, we have made strides in improving health outcomes and creating economic opportunities for Black women in Wards 7 and 8. Our journey is far from over, but with each step, we move closer to a future where every Black woman in our community can thrive.
Open letter
Washington, D.C., known worldwide as the nation’s capital, also tells a tale of two cities divided by the Anacostia River. Our story focuses on life east of the river, where systemic challenges and disparities are all too common. This letter outlines our vision for a brighter future for women in Wards 7 and 8 and across D.C., shedding light on the fundamental issues we face and the paths we are taking to overcome them. Join us in empowering Black women in Wards 7 & 8 to build healthier, more prosperous communities.
“This work is important because Black women are important. We continue to witness Black women prioritize everyone but themselves, often presenting for screenings with tumors at advanced stages. This work is literally dire.”
– Dr. Joelle Robinson-Oghogho