Imani Worthy became an impacted parent in 2019, when ACS came into her life and changed everything. Since then, she has facilitated training for the National Association of Social Workers, the American Bar Association, Foster America, and the National Court of Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). She has also created trainings for parents pertaining to mindfulness, embodiment, systemic oppression, toxic stress, public narrative, and public speaking. Her experiences and mentorship have also played a key role in the City College of New York's Inaugural Social Justice Fellowship, a program designed to train young social justice advocates.
Nancy Fortunato is an impacted parent who is knowledgeable about systemic racism and how it impacts communities of color. She graduated from the Child Welfare Organizing Project and the Institute of Transformative Mentoring at The New School.
Her advocacy career started when she served as a Community Partnership Representative (CPP) at the East Harlem Community Partnership Program. She then worked at the Center for Human Development and Family Services as a Parent Advocate.
In 2018, Nancy joined RISE's Leadership Team and was promoted to Senior Parent Leader in January 2018. At present, Nancy is a Peer Navigator at Justice For Families.
Teresa is a single mother and now a grandmother raising her granddaughter. She is a community advocate, activist, and survivor of all systems. For over 20 years, she has been working on issues related to the family policing system, passionately amplifying parents’ voices and advocating for children and families to overcome systemic barriers.
Teresa joined Rise in 2019 as the Program Director of the Rise & Shine Parent Leadership Program for parents affected by the child welfare system. Prior to joining the organization, Teresa worked at Graham as a Family Coach. She also served as Interim Coordinator of the East Harlem Community Partnership Program and was the Assistant Director of the Child Welfare Organizing Project.
Partially based on her own experience, her work focuses on supporting and motivating parents to become powerful leaders and the voice for their families and communities. She is very passionate about advocating and working with both children and families that are in need of advocacy to overcome systemic barriers.
Naashia is a single Black mom of the most caring little boy. Her background is in social work, with experience working at a city agency and working in the nonprofit sector as a Parent Organizer. She is an impacted parent of interconnecting systems with lived experience.
She is also an advocate for living in harm-free environments, where we are not re-traumatized through the same systems that cause us harm. Additionally, Naashia is an advocate for reparations that are not necessarily monetary, but where accountability is taken. Her lived experiences have prepared her to be even more open as a radical voice for the unseen and the unheard.
Loren is a fast learner, hard worker, and a peer supporter. She excels in helping others and connecting them with resources they need. Before BLU, she wasn't sure what she wanted to do in life, but just knew that she didn't want to be stuck in a 9 to 5 and not be happy. She has now found her calling in helping others. In the future, she wants to hold her own support group for parents and be their outlet.
Cassandra Gonzalez is a mother of two boys and an impacted parent. With Afro Latina origins, they embrace their identity and believe strongly in the power of love and acceptance. Their pronouns are they/them, reflecting their commitment to inclusivity and gender diversity. Cooking is a passion for Cassandra, as they find joy and fulfillment in preparing delicious meals for their loved ones. As an advocate and survivor, they have used their life experiences to empower themselves and others. Cassandra's journey has inspired them to support and uplift fellow parents, sharing their strength and wisdom. Their dedication to empowerment and support is a true testament to their resilience and compassion.
Tenisha is a people person capable of adapting to any situation, handling decisions, and showing up for those in need. Her goal and dream in life is to make change through helping her community. Her experience is also her testimony, giving light and hope to others.
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