Join us for a care-forward discussion with Eboné McCloud (Program Manager, Art + Practice), Gabrielle Brown (Maternal and Infant Health Program Manager), and Meron Shita (Civic Engagement and Program Manager) of Black Women for Wellness.
This conversation explores the impact racial disparities and structural racism have on the current state of Black maternal and infant health in California while highlighting the need to organize, mobilize, and advocate for meaningful change using the resources within BWW’s Black Joy Guide.
议程
6:00 – 6:30 PM – Guest Arrival
6:30 – 7:30 PM – Panel Conversation
7:30 – 7:45 PM – Q&A
7:45 – 8:00 PM – Final Book Sales and Closing
扬声器
Meron Shita is the Civic Engagement Program Manager at Black Women for Wellness and Black Women for Wellness Action Project, where she leads countywide outreach and engagement strategies that advance civic participation and health equity for Black women and communities across Los Angeles. In this role, she oversees the development and implementation of large-scale education and outreach efforts designed to increase understanding of the electoral system while mobilizing residents around critical issues at the intersection of social, reproductive, and environmental justice.
Meron is responsible for building and managing community-driven engagement initiatives, cultivating partnerships with grassroots organizations, and ensuring that culturally responsive information reaches historically marginalized communities. Her work supports informed civic participation by translating complex policy and electoral processes into accessible, action-oriented resources for LA County residents.
Grounded in a public health framework, Meron brings extensive experience in resident-centered program planning, implementation, and evaluation. She has led and supported initiatives serving thousands of residents annually, with a focus on addressing structural inequities related to reproductive health outcomes, food access and environmental conditions. Meron holds a Master of Public Health with an emphasis in Health Promotion from California State University, Fresno.
Gabrielle Brown serves as the Program Manager for the Black Maternal and Infant Health
program at Black Women for Wellness, where she leads with passion, purpose, and an
unyielding commitment to reproductive justice. A dedicated advocate and emerging policy
leader, Gabrielle drives forward transformative change in Black maternal and infant health by
holding healthcare systems accountable for addressing racism, discrimination, and implicit bias.
She designs and implements strategic programs and policy initiatives aimed at reducing the
disproportionately high rates of Black maternal and infant mortality in Los Angeles County and
across California. Gabrielle’s work is rooted in community-centered, culturally responsive
approaches that prioritize the lived experiences of Black women and birthing people while
driving systems-level change.
Gabrielle holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health Administration from California State University,
Northridge, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from California State University,
Long Beach. Her work is grounded in a mission to uplift and empower women of color through
culturally relevant health education, community advocacy, and policy-driven solutions—laying
the foundation for a more just and equitable future for Black families.