Annual EXTRAordinary Women Award

Nasrien E. Ibrahim, MD, MPH is the founder and executive director of the nonprofit, The Equity in Heart Transplant Project, Inc, a 501(c)(3) public charity that provides financial assistance to patients with end-stage heart failure who need a transplant but cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs. Dr. Ibrahim is an advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologist and clinical researcher. Her research interests include the role of hospital systems and health policy in dismantling disparities and improving access to heart transplantation in historically excluded and systemically oppressed patient populations.

Desiree Decoo, is a mental and public health professional with over 20 years of experience. She is the founder of H.O.P.E.-Healing On Purpose Everyday, which provides counseling and consulting services; prioritizes pregnant and postpartum women, undeserved communities and an array of priority populations. Born and raised in Dorchester’s Uphams Corner Neighborhood, Desiree is passionate about advocating and providing mental health services in the community she knows and loves! Given her Cape Verdean and Puerto Rican descent, Desiree has been able to utilize her language abilities to foster community trust, build relationships, and provide safe spaces for individuals and families to explore and address their mental health needs and learn new skills to build their mental wealth! Desiree’s mission through HOPE is to continue removing barriers to mental health resources and combating the stigma around mental health in Black and Brown communities.

“My HOPE is that we as a community choose to heal, after all, you can’t spell Health without it! When one of us heals, we potentially save families and protect generations!” In addition to work and raising a family, Desiree also takes pride in volunteering; serving on several boards over the years, most recently the Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester’s Young Professionals and the Massachusetts Center for Unexpected Infant and Child Death."

Cheyvonne Heywood, is a passionate entrepreneur and the driving force behind Lymelyfe Juices. With a deep commitment to health, wellness, and community, she brings bold Caribbean flavors and fresh, nourishing ingredients to every bottle. As the juice tender and operational powerhouse of Lymelyfe, Cheyvonne ensures every product meets the highest standards while delivering an unforgettable customer experience.

Her journey is rooted in a love for crafting beverages that not only taste good but also promote a balanced lifestyle. Whether she’s curating new juice blends, leading pop-ups across Boston, or hosting interactive Mocktail Workshops, Cheyvonne’s mission is to make wellness accessible and enjoyable for everyone. She also spearheads the Hydration Station—a refreshing addition to corporate and community events—offering a unique way to keep people energized and hydrated.

Beyond the juices, Cheyvonne’s work reflects her belief in the power of collaboration and community upliftment. She plays a key role in developing partnerships, enhancing customer engagement, and ensuring Lymelyfe continues to grow as more than just a brand—it’s a movement.

When she’s not running the day-to-day operations, you can find Cheyvonne brainstorming the next big idea, connecting with fellow entrepreneurs, or sharing a good vibe with those around her. With her hands-on approach and unwavering dedication, she’s not just making juices—she’s building a legacy of health, empowerment, and community one sip at a time."

Emily Anesta, is a passionate advocate for maternal health and justice, especially access to midwifery care. She co-founded and leads the Bay State Birth Coalition, organizing statewide advocacy for legislation to expand access to midwives and community birth options such as birth centers and home births. After years of advocacy, this effort culminated in the passage of the landmark Midwifery and Maternal Health Omnibus Law in August 2024. This "Momnibus" package of legislation, H.4999, "An Act promoting access to midwifery care and out-of-hospital birth options," was passed unanimously by the Massachusetts House and Senate before being signed into law by Governor Maura Healey in August. This bill advances many of the recommendations of the statewide Commission on Racial Inequities in Maternal Health in their 2022 final report, bringing us closer to eliminating structural racism and achieving healthy outcomes for everyone. With this new law in place, more families will have access to the option of receiving care from a midwife, of a home birth, or a birth center in their community. Bay State Birth Coalition's model of advocacy is based on grassroots organizing and coalition-building, convening over two dozen organizations and engaging thousands of birthing people, families, and supporters across the state to share the message: Midwives Save Lives. Emily also proudly serves on the steering committee of Birth Equity and Justice Massachusetts (BEJMA), and she is board president of Birth Future Foundation (BFF), a national midwifery grantmaking organization. Previously, Emily served as a board member and then president of the Foundation for the Advancement of Midwifery, and was an Executive Producer of the 2016 documentary “Why Not Home.” Prior to becoming a birth justice advocate, Emily led technology research and development projects for over a decade at MIT and holds an MS and BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Emily birthed her two children at home, attended by midwives, and was herself born at home with a midwife. These experiences with midwifery care inspired her to join the movement to improve maternal care.

Jillian Barnes, founded Body Is A Sport (BIAS) to address the gap in support for women's health, a need she understands firsthand through her own experience with endometriosis. BIAS provides a supportive community where women can connect, access resources, and navigate their wellness journeys through workouts, events, and more. Jillian's expertise is grounded in certifications in Performance Nutrition, Prenatal/Postnatal Fitness, and Fitness During Pregnancy, complemented by extensive training in yoga, strength training, and a degree in Nutrition. She's dedicated to empowering women to take charge of their health and challenging the underrepresentation of women in healthcare research. A decade of experience led Jillian to be voted Best Personal Trainer in Boston by Boston Common Magazine in 2022.

Cheryl Jean, is a dedicated community leader, serving as the Director of the Lower Roxbury Coalition and Wellness Initiative. Her commitment to community engagement includes organizing workshops, annual resource fairs, parent conferences, and youth mental health forums. In addition, Cheryl is the Vice President of the Board for F.A.M.I.L.Y Movement, an organization supporting families facing homelessness. Through this initiative, she plays a vital role in helping families transition from homelessness to homeownership.

Beyond her community work, Cheryl is a passionate advocate for fashion and creative expression. She is the Founder and CEO of Fashion Trend Class (FTC) and RegiJames Productions, both dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge styles for the runway and everyday wear. Celebrating over 25 years in the fashion industry, Cheryl has an impressive resume, having held senior leadership roles in prestigious fashion events such as The Fierce Styles Fashion Week. In October, she made history as the founder of Boston’s first all-menswear fashion show. Her unwavering dedication to both community service and fashion continues to leave a lasting impact.

Jem Manolios,  is a third-year student at Northeastern University studying Political Science with a concentration in Law and Legal Studies. They are passionate about uplifting marginalized communities through solidarity and empowerment, and hope to utilize the law to the same end.

Jem has previously worked in the Division of Public Records as a legal clerk and compliance assistant and has volunteered at nonprofits and with restorative justice efforts. They currently work at the Massachusetts chapter of the National Organization for Women, doing feminist advocacy. There, they are particularly involved in promoting economic and racial justice as well as uplifting their LGBTQ+ community.

Kyla Speizer (she/her), is the Operations and Communications Manager at Mass NOW, an intersectional feminist organization dedicated to advancing equity and acting for justice in the Commonwealth. In her role, she supports efforts to advocate for increased access to menstrual products and education, ensuring that the needs of menstruators are at the forefront of policy discussions. Kyla holds a BA in Sociology, Anthropology, and East Asian Studies from Brandeis University, where she first became involved in menstrual justice activism through Period Activists at 'Deis (PAD), a student-run organization. With a strong commitment to feminism and advocacy, she is proud to contribute to Mass NOW’s mission and feminist agenda.

Dr. Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha, is the Julia A. Okoro Professor of Black Maternal Health in the Department of Public Health and Community Medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine. Dr. Amutah-Onukagha is the Founder and Director of the Center for Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice (CBMHRJ) and of the Maternal Outcomes of Translational Health Equity Research (MOTHER) Lab. In addition, she is the founder of the largest conference on Black maternal health in the United States, held annually in April. In its 8th year, the conference has recently attracted participants from over 46 states and 10 countries. An active scholar, Dr. Amutah-Onukagha’s research investigates maternal health disparities, infant mortality, reproductive health and social justice, and HIV/AIDS as experienced by Black women. She also serves as the inaugural Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the university’s Public Health and Professional Degree Programs. 

A well-published author, Dr. Amutah-Onukagha’s research has been presented in over 85 manuscripts, 8 book chapters, a best-selling book on Amazon, and a textbook on culturally responsive evaluation. Her research has also been featured across a series of platforms, including The Lancet, TedX, USA Today, MSNBC, and most recently in the New York Times. She also serves on the editorial board for the Journal of Women’s Health Issues. Currently, Dr. Amutah-Onukagha is the Principal Investigator of two multi-year studies on maternal mortality and morbidity. She is an active co-investigator on several other research studies with collaborators across the country.   

In 2023, she received the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the March of Dimes and the Academic Excellence in Maternal Health award from the IRTH app. In 2022, she received the John MacQueen lecture award from the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs. Dr. Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha was an honoree of the 2020 Top 40 under 40 Minority Leaders in Healthcare, as presented by the National Minority Quality Forum. She also holds federal and international appointments and was appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to the Advisory Council on Infant and Maternal Mortality for a 4-year term. In 2024, she was appointed to serve as the Inaugural Health Equity Think Tank Director for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., an international organization with over 125,000 members.  

A community-engaged leader, she is a founding member of Birth Equity Justice MA, a board member for the Neighborhood Birth Center in Boston, and a board member for Dr. Shalons’ Maternal Action Project. Dr. Amutah-Onukagha is also the President and Founder of Amaka Consulting and Evaluation Services, LLC, a minority and women-owned public health research and evaluation firm.  

Dr. Amutah-Onukagha received her Master of Public Health from The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services before completing her Ph.D. in Public Health from the University of Maryland. She also completed the Kellogg Health Scholars postdoctoral fellowship with an emphasis on community-based participatory research and health disparities.

My name is Arianna Jean-Baptiste, and I’m 19 years old, currently a student at Suffolk University, where I’m pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Pre-Law. My long-term goal is to become both a lawyer and a Crime Scene Investigator. I’m incredibly passionate about justice and leadership, which has been a driving force in my life. Growing up in the Dorchester community, I’ve always been motivated by the desire to make a meaningful impact, and these values continue to guide my personal and academic journey. I’ve been an integral part of the GROW program since middle school, where I had the opportunity to work closely with local law enforcement to advocate for positive change in our community. Through my efforts, I helped spread the word about the program and contributed to its expansion. The leadership skills I’ve developed through GROW have shaped my commitment to creating opportunities for others. I strive to be a leader who advocates for those who don’t have a voice and works to make sure everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Outside of GROW, I’ve volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club and worked with preschoolers during the summer, furthering my commitment to service. I continued to volunteer. I’ve worked with various age groups, providing mentorship and support, and it has been incredibly rewarding to give back to the place that had such a positive influence on me. Despite facing some academic challenges throughout my educational journey, I remained determined and maintained an honor roll status in high school. I was fortunate to earn multiple college acceptances and scholarships, which have allowed me to pursue my dreams. My experiences have only deepened my passion for justice and leadership, and I continue to mentor my peers as I work toward my goal of becoming a lawyer and crime scene investigator.

Hello, my name is Suheyr. I was born in Somalia and grew up in Boston. I am currently a pre-law student at UMB. As one of 10 siblings, I’ve developed strong communication and teamwork skills. In my free time, I love to read and watch series. I know five languages and am currently on my way to getting a degree in Mandarin Chinese.

Shaquera Robinson is a mother of three. She graduated Suma Cum Laude from Rasmussen University, class of ’21, with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a focus on Management and Leadership. Shaquera has since returned to Rasmussen University where she recently achieved her master’s degree in public health (March 2023). In 2004, Shaquera graduated as the President of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program at Bay State College, where she received her associate degree. Shaquera has a background in education expanding over 20 years, from the roles and responsibilities as a primary educator, to the commitment of a dedicated team player, where her leadership roles have earned her the parent-partnership recognition awards. As a transformational influence amongst her peers and colleagues, Shaquera is a visionary, a motivational speaker, and an educator across academic and public sectors. Activism and advocacy for victims and survivors of domestic violence (DV) are two of the many hats worn by Robinson. Known for her optimism and charisma, friends would say that despite her lived experiences with sexual assault (SA) and DV, she is a beacon of hope and positivity to those surviving these traumatic events. These lived experiences qualify her as an expert across various domestic violence components, which disrupts/plagues communities across all sectors. Shaquera is the 2023 Timothy White Take a Stand Award recipient on behalf of RESPOND, Inc., in recognition for work as a survivor turned advocate who makes it a point to uplift the lives and voices of victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

As an educator, public health professional, community activist, civic engagement leader, scholar across academic and public sectors, and consultant, Shaquera Robinson is proud to be a founding member of the Together Rising Above Coercion Coalition (TRAC). Today, Robinson answers the call for a public health crisis through her role as a Community Engagement Specialist with the Massachusetts Community Engagement Alliance (MA-CEAL). Shaquera has recently been selected by the National Institute of Health to serve as an Expert reviewer for national public health initiatives addressing health disparities through the NIH Build UP Trust Challenge. Shaquera envisions her contributions to the collective responsibility of public health services by amplifying the work between community-based organization partners, medical faculty and staff, alongside stakeholders across the continuum to increase overall positive health outcomes. Shaquera Robinson is a leader, an influencer, and a force to be reckoned with. Shaquera is currently adding the title author to her name, as she is in the process of pursuing domestic violence education attainment through her line of children's and adult literature. Shaquera’s mantra is “We all We got”, as she continues to break cycles of generational trauma by supporting and coaching people living through such experiences caused by DV. By sharing her values of family and service through her everyday commitment, she continues to bring light and awareness to the endemic of domestic violence. As an activist, Shaquera Robinson has answered the call to disrupt the cycles of domestic abuse through Shaquera’s Story Domestic Violence Consulting & Coaching, Inc.

Hi, my name is Tamesha Bowens, and I’m a mother and a passionate domestic violence advocate, driven by my own lived experiences. After surviving domestic violence for five years and facing the challenges of escaping my abuser, I realized the critical importance of community support in the fight against domestic violence. This realization led me to become involved in local advocacy groups, where I gained the knowledge needed to assist others in fleeing dangerous situations and navigating the complexities of the legal system.

I’ve collaborated with organizations like Equitable Space to raise awareness about the impact of DCF and domestic violence on community health. I also partnered with Family Matters and Northeastern University to create a documentary that highlights the everyday struggles of a mother navigating the system. Additionally, I played a key role in lobbying for the passage of the Coercive Control Bill in Massachusetts, a critical piece of legislation that provides legal protection for victims of coercive control. These efforts aim to ensure the safety of children, families, and overall community well-being.

Currently, I’m working with Legal Aid at the Boston Public Library to establish a nonprofit organization that provides financial support and guidance to domestic violence survivors, helping them access legal resources and rebuild their lives.

Denise Kasrawi, LICSW is the Clinical Director of YouthConnect, with more than 20 years of experience working directly with Boston’s most at-risk youth in various neighborhoods throughout the city, including her work as an art therapist in a hospital, social work in the Department of Youth Services in residential care, within a substance abuse program, an on-call trauma response team for Boston, and in a legal support and advocacy team for juveniles. Denise received her MSW from Boston University. Having worked with several nonprofits in the Greater Boston area, Denise has extensive leadership and management experience. Denise has been supervising social workers or front-line staff for more than 20 years now. She has exceptional program, infrastructure, and policy development skills.  

Denise received her post-graduate degree from Boston University in the Advanced Treatment for Psychological Trauma. She is certified in EMDR, Psychological First Aid, and Neurosequential Resiliency Processing. Denise is passionate about providing every social worker with the tools and interventions to serve their clients and families in a holistic and evidence-based manner.

Beverly Parham, LADC II, CADC, has been Director of Family Access and Housing for the Institute for Health and Recovery (IHR) since 2013. Beverly is part of the Access Team that provides access to Family Residential Treatment and Sober Living Programs. In her role, she oversees family access and provides capacity building and technical assistance to the eight Family Residential Treatment Programs and the three Sober Living Programs. She maintains a working relationship with the Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Addiction Services, the Department of Children and Families, and other collaborators in the coordination of care for families. She brings years of professional experience working with diverse clients and families who are impacted by addiction, mental health, criminal justice involvement, and economic disparities. Ms. Parham was Program Director for the Spectrum Women and Children’s Program for 10 years, providing substance use treatment to incarcerated pregnant and parenting women who were released or paroled to the program. She was also a Substance Abuse Counselor for the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, providing substance abuse education, case management, and counseling for incarcerated men at the House of Correction. She is a licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor certified by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Beverly Parham is a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. A woman of faith and a woman of long-term recovery. She is also a survivor of homicide, which has impacted her life in 2017 after losing her son to gun violence. He left 3 children who did not have a place to explore their grief in a therapeutic way. Beverly has navigated through her grief by becoming an advocate for peace, participating in the Mother’s Walk for Peace annually. In 2019, Beverly turned her pain into purpose by birthing a 501C(3) nonprofit organization called Children Healing By Expression, The Dennis Parham Project, in memory of her son. The organization provides a safe and trusting space for families (children) to come together to honor their loved ones, in a variety of art projects, share stories, cultivate hope, bond through mutual loss, and build peaceful neighborhoods. Helping children and families develops a powerful community of healing support. Beverly has many supporters in the community who are striving for the same goal of interrupting the cycle of community violence through healing the heart and nurturing our children, who are our future leaders.

My name is Kierissa Beckles! I am originally from Kingston, Jamaica but moved to Boston, MA in 2014 at the age of 7. I attended Chittick Elementary through 1-5 grade. Although I had lived through some extreme challenges, one of my most memorable moments was when I delivered the ceremonial speech to my graduating class. As I transitioned into middle school at Boston Green Academy, I was excited but also intimidated by the new, unfamiliar community. My middle school experience was unlike what I expected compared to what I saw on television and YouTube. I struggled with some family trauma that became real for me as I began to discover who I am and who I wanted to become in life. I am truly grateful that I attended a 6-12 school because it created a sense of family that I needed to help guide me and gave me a stronger sense of belonging. I didn’t have to worry about transitioning into a different high school with unfamiliar surroundings, people, etc. As I transitioned into high school, I became more academically focused, decided to take healthy risks, and participated in multiple extracurricular activities. I strive to always do my best and be the best in all that I do, despite the obstacles that may be placed on my path to greatness. I am a student-athlete, a leader, a teacher, an honors student, and so much more. I aim to always put my best foot forward and to ultimately make myself, my family, and my friends proud! After graduating high school in June 2025, I will be attending Howard University, an HBCU, to pursue a career as an Orthopedic Surgeon, which has been a dream of mine since I was in 4th grade. My ultimate goal is to be in service to others and help to alleviate their pain, so they can continue to live more fulfilled lives.

Ana Chavez, was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in the vibrant streets of New York City. She learned early on the importance of hard work, resilience, and giving back. Her early experiences in the city taught her the value of community and the power of connection. After completing her education, she graduated from the City College of New York with a degree in Business. Her academic journey equipped her with valuable skills, including leadership. 

Today, Ana is a devoted mother, wife, and grandmother to a growing family, and she currently resides in the charming neighborhood of Hyde Park with her husband, Juan Chavez. She takes great pride in balancing the demands of motherhood and family life with her strong desire to serve others. Ana is a firm believer in the power of nurturing relationships and building meaningful connections with those around her. She is deeply committed to supporting her family and ensuring that they are empowered to grow and succeed. In addition to her family life, she also serves as the President of Latidos de Amor, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping build homes for homeless families in the DR.. Under her leadership, the organization has made a significant impact by providing safe, stable housing for families in need. 

Passionate about addressing the housing crisis and believes that a home is not just a roof over one's head but the cornerstone for creating a better life. Through Latidos de Amor, she has helped bring hope and stability to many families, offering them not just shelter, but the opportunity to rebuild their futures. Her tireless work with the organization reflects her deep-rooted desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing hardship. In addition to her community work, she is an advocate for empowering others and creating inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive. Her leadership at Latidos de Amor has inspired many to get involved and contribute to the organization’s mission. She believes in the transformative power of kindness, compassion, and support, and she works every day to create a lasting impact.

When not focused on her family or nonprofit work, she enjoys moments of self-care, such as reading, practicing mindfulness, and spending time with loved ones. She finds joy in the simple pleasures of life, from family gatherings to celebrating milestones together and traveling. Ultimately, her journey is driven by a sense of purpose and a deep commitment to making a positive, lasting impact. Whether through her leadership at Latidos de Amor, her dedication to family, or her community service,  she strives to leave the world better than she found it. Her belief in the power of small acts of kindness and her unwavering dedication to service continue to shape everything she does.

Eugenia Arroyo, who was born in Colombia, has been a resident of Boston for over 40 years. For thirty of those years, she has dedicated herself to community work. She has served on the board of directors for, among others, Mujeres Unidas en Acción, Latinos Parents Association, HOPE, Poder Latino Action Network, Brookside Community Health Center, and Egleston Square Main Street. For the past twenty years, she has also been the founder and co-director of the community-based East Coast School of Combined Martial Arts; Arroyo's Program.