Lived experiences matters. When you step into a room with a provider there are two experts in that space.
— Brittany, Founder of BGHC

Brittany Taylor-Williams MPA, MHA

Founder, The Black Girl Health Collective

She/Her

Throughout her career, Brittany has served as an investigator, senior level leader, full spectrum doula, facilitator and avid patient advocate, working with health systems, administrators, and on the front lines with patients.

Brittany has worked with Planned Parenthood of Southern New England as the Regional Director of Clinical Services supporting Connecticut’s Fairfield and New Haven Counties by increasing access to primary and reproductive healthcare.

Currently, Brittany spends much of her focus on increasing access to patient centered and trauma informed care. With intention, she curates spaces centering the most under-represented communities across the country and advocating for autonomy within care.

With a goal of impact Brittany brings together diverse minds to expand thought and influence the experience of both community and practitioners navigating systems. To this end, she also serves as a board member for Planned Parenthood of Delaware and Black Mothers in Power.

As a seasoned public health practitioner, Brittany brings over 15 years of experience within leadership roles in the federal public health & non-profit sectors as an operations and technical assistance and design expert.

Leadership & Experts

Farron Harvey (they/them)

Founder, Farron’s View

Farron is a coach, counsellor, and consultant on all things equality and inclusion. They offer services on discussion facilitation, organizational development guidance, and provide support to Black people and individuals of color in leadership positions.

For a long time, Farron believed that they had to compartmentalize themselves to a mold, just to fit into certain spaces. Every time they tried, they left behind parts of themselves, and it felt like they were denying their whole self. It felt as if they weren’t acknowledging the reason why they were able to create, vision, collaborate, and execute: this was because of ALL of their identities, not despite it.

Their commitment is to continuously practice bringing their whole self at all times. With 16 years of experience in facilitation and movement work, they believe in the ability to bring the help and support needed to the communities around them. Their expertise continues to grow with ongoing training, learning, and mentorships.

Stephanie Nicole Dawkins (she/her)

As a child, Stephanie loved to be on her Grandparents’ farm, tending the garden, the animals and occasionally running into the woods.

In August 2020, Stephanie was exhausted. As a wife, mother, teacher, employee, cook and cleaner in one home, she was overworked, anxious and suffered from severe insomnia. This working Mama was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. This was when Stephanie remembered what brought her the most joy as a child, so she set out for a hike. 

Once out in nature, she knew she had to share this experience, and thus Black Girls Hike Too! was born. This passion project is set to debunk myths that black women are "afraid" of the outdoors or that it “isn't a place for us". This is a message that was told to us, shaped by our history. But Stephanie is set out to create a new story. HERSTORY. 

Black Girls Hike Too! is a bold declaration that Stephanie is making to say that we can hike, camp, swim, kayak, canoe, hunt, fish and take up space in the great outdoors as well.

Aja Harper MSN, RN-TNCC, SANE (she/her)

Certified SANE, Nurse educator at Lincoln University

Aja Harper is a highly experienced and passionate Travel/Emergency Registered Nurse with a mission to educate black and brown communities on health disparities in urban areas. She was born and raised in the North Side of Wilmington, Delaware. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Nursing from Delaware State University (DESU), she later earned a Masters of Science Degree in Nursing Education. She is a proud member of the esteemed Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority Inc. 

During her 14-year career as a nurse, Aja has made a significant impact in healthcare, serving at institutions such as St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington and The Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Today, she serves as a travel Emergency Nurse in Pennsylvania and the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area, where she is a Trauma certified, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), CPR/ACLS instructor, and a master’s Prepared Nurse educator at Lincoln University. 

Aja's unwavering commitment to eliminating health disparities in communities and promoting health education and justice is inspiring. She remains actively involved in her community and encourages people to lead active and healthy lifestyles while finding their passion in life. With her wealth of experience and expertise, Aja is saving lives, one patient at a time.

Ernestine Chambers, MSW, CWDP, CDP (she/her)

Founder, Upskill Etc.

Ernestine Chambers is a highly experienced human capital planning specialist with a proven track record of delivering results. With over 17 years of experience in both government and private sectors, she possesses extensive knowledge in developing teams. Ernestine is a nationally renowned trainer in diversity, equity & inclusion, leadership development & coaching, results-based accountability framework, and proficient in operational service delivery. She has facilitated training across various industries, from non-profit grassroots organizations to large corporations. 

Ernestine's commitment to social justice is evident in her work in economic mobility, health access, housing stabilization, and equity advocacy. She has played an instrumental role in driving positive change in these areas, and her expertise is sought after by organizations across the country. She strongly believes that providing equitable health access will lead to better health outcomes, lower healthcare costs, and help address health disparities. “Everyone deserves access to quality healthcare that can positively impact their economic, social-emotional, and workforce productivity.” – E. Chambers 

Falon Desselle, MSW, LCSW (she/her)

Falon received her Master's Degree in Social Work from Delaware State University and is currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has been in the social work field for approximately 14 years, and has experience working with individuals and families in many different capacities within the community. 

Falon is passionate about working with individuals experiencing crisis, or who may feel socially excluded. Falon promotes resiliency and the utilization of resources to enhance the natural recovery process. 

For all press inquires contact: press@blackgirlhealthcollective.org