Lisa M. Peyton is the Founding CEO & President of The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness. Her work as a passionate advocate for women’s health was spurred by her Mother’s untimely death at age 64 from heart disease in 2006, after which Lisa established Black Women’s Wellness Day, an annual summit now in its 16th year that empowers women and girls to sustain healthy, wellness-centered lives. The Foundation is an outgrowth and progression of this work which has mobilized a movement in Greater Madison and across Wisconsin to intentionally address and improve Black women’s health. In January 2020, Peyton and team opened Dane County’s first Black Women’s Wellness Center after a successful crowdfunding effort that garnered Lisa and FFBWW national recognition as a GoFundMe Hero making significant local impact. Each year, the Foundation reaches and serves over 10,000 women and their families through a broad array of programs, services and advocacy work, and has grown to have national reach through its many strategic partnerships and its growing network of Wellness Ambassadors now representing 38 cities and 22 states across the USA.

Based on her work and impact, Lisa was appointed in 2018 to serve on then newly elected Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’ Health Policy Advisory Council through which she was able to influence proposed policies addressing maternal and child health and health disparities in our State. In 2020, she was appointed by Governor Evers to serve on the first ever Wisconsin Health Equity Council, a statewide body that, in 2023, released a comprehensive report, Building a Better Wisconsin: Investing in the Health and Well-being of Wisconsinites, to advance health equity for all.

Lisa also previously served as Assistant Vice President of Life, Learning and Events at Summit Credit Union (2014-2018) where she and her team led the company’s efforts on Diversity & Inclusion, Employee Wellness, Financial Education, Community Giving, and Corporate Events.

An experienced leader, manager, and educator, Lisa has led impactful work over the past 30 years spanning the PreK – 16 education, non-profit, women’s health, and financial service sectors. She is actively engaged in a number of local efforts to promote thriving, sustainable communities, and serves on the board of the United Way of Dane County, and previously on the boards of Unity Point-Meriter Health, the Center for Resilient Cities, the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute Advisory Board, Sustain Dane, and A Fund for Women. Among her lasting contributions to community is the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s highly successful DoIT Information Technology Academy (ITA), a pre-college technology training & college access program she conceived, designed and launched with colleagues in 1999 and now in its 25th year.

Lisa has been widely recognized for her work in women’s health, leadership, business, and community stewardship. She is the recipient of a 2022 Brian D. Howell Excellence in Innovation Award by Madison Magazine’s Best of Madison Business Awards, and in 2021 was awarded the Jeffrey Clay Erlanger Civility in Public Discourse Award which recognizes City of Madison residents who share Erlanger’s dedication to and passion for public policy, civility, individual and human rights. In 2017, Peyton was named among local health innovators on the Madison Magazine’s 2017 M List. In 2016 she was recognized as one of 44 Most Influential African Americans in Wisconsin by Madison365 Magazine. Other honors include the Wisconsin Alliance for Women’s Health Woman of Character Award (2015) for her efforts to mobilize Black women and partners to eliminate health disparities. She is the 2014 recipient of the Public Health Madison & Dane County Leadership Award, 2014 Brava Magazine Woman to Watch, 2014 Distinguished Community Service Award 2014 Distinguished Community Service Award issued by Madison Metropolitan Chapter of the Links, and was nominated an “Everyday Health Hero” by the Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation in 2013. Additionally, she is a 2008 UW Alumni Association Forward Under Forty Award honoree for her service and impact on the world by living the Wisconsin Idea.

A Mother of five, Lisa holds a Masters of Science degree in Educational Leadership & Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is also a proud former Hampton University student, home of the Pirates, where she completed her first three years of undergraduate studies.

Dr. Michelle Robinson serves as Chief Programs and Partnerships Officer for the Foundation for Black Women's Wellness. Before joining the FFBWW, Dr. Robinson served as the inaugural Director of the Office of Health Equity at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) in the Office of the Secretary where she was responsible for establishing a clear vision and focus for the agency’s health equity work, including programs and policy efforts for statewide workforce planning and equity and inclusion; and complementing and amplifying the work of the related diversity, equity, inclusion, access, wellness and health equity initiatives across all of DHS’s internal and external programs and operations. Dr. Robinson previously served as the Director of the Office of the Inspector General and the Equity and Systems Change Research and Policy Officer (ESCRPO) at the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) where she was a member of the Secretary’s cabinet and the agency’s leadership team. As ESCRPO, Dr. Robinson provided strategic leadership and direction on internal and external equity, and health equity initiatives and, as the Inspector General, was responsible for establishing an internal review team and Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program for the agency. During her tenure in state leadership, Dr. Robinson served as vice-chair of the Governor’s Health Equity Council (GHEC) – a council charged with creating a comprehensive plan that will achieve long-lasting and equitable health outcomes for all Wisconsinites by addressing health disparities; and is the primary author of its report Building a Better Wisconsin: Investing in the Health and Well-being of Wisconsinites.

Prior to entering state service, Dr. Robinson was a member of the award-winning Race to Equity Project at Kids Forward. She contributed her expertise on disparities and racial equity research, policy, practice, and community engagement.

A committed servant leader beyond her professional capacity, Dr. Robinson works to give back to the various communities she is a part of, serving as a member of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Education Board of Visitors and the Archer Center’s Advisory Board. The Archer Center, founded in 2001, is described as “where Texas meets the world” and is the Washington D.C. campus of the University of Texas System “providing talented undergraduate and graduate students from across the UT System with the opportunity to live, learn and intern in the nation’s capital.” Dr. Robinson has also served as an advisor to multiple fellows selected in the National Academy For State Health Policy’s (NASHP) Emerging Leaders of Color Fellowship. She was recently appointed to serve as a member of NASHP’s Population and Public Health Steering Committee, a term beginning January of 2024.

Dr. Robinson has had the esteemed honor of being recognized for some of her many contributions through receiving the 2018 Madison Community Leader Award by Church Women United, the 2018 Collaborator of the Year award by the Progress Center for Black Women, the 2017 Community Justice Award by the Urban League of Greater Madison, and being named one of the University of Wisconsin’s Outstanding Women of Color in Education in 2014. In 2022, Dr. Robinson was awarded the Outstanding Leadership Diversity Award by the State Council on Affirmative Action (SCAA) and the Division of Personnel Management (DPM) Department of the Administration.  The award is designed to "recognize an individual leader in state service who has demonstrated a devotion to inclusivity, diversity, equity, and wellness promotion within their area of influence."

Dr. Robinson holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Sociology with a minor in Educational Sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Government and certificates in Ethics and Leadership and Social Inequality, Health and Policy from the University of Texas at Austin.

Shiva Bidar serves as UW Health’s Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer leading the overall vision, coordination, and strategic leadership for the design and implementation initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. She has over twenty years of experience in community partnerships, diversity, equity and inclusion work. She has been instrumental in leveraging and developing policies in Dane County and nationally to ensure equal access to health care for underrepresented communities.

Shiva has worked extensively on issues of equal access to health care for limited English proficient (LEP) individuals. She is nationally recognized for her work in the area of medical interpretation and is a frequent speaker at national conferences on cultural competence and health care interpreting. She served on the Board member of the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care for 15 years leading the work on the National Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for Healthcare Interpreters. She serves as a founding commissioner of the Commission for Healthcare Interpreter Certification.

Shiva is the Co-chair of the Latino Health Council of Dane County, an executive committee member of the Latino Support Network, a Madison College Board Trustee, and a Madison Community Foundation board member.

Shiva completed her undergraduate studies at the Université du Hainaut, Mons, Belgium, her Master’s degree from the Monterey Institute of International Studies, Monterey, California. She obtained her Certificate in Diversity Management in Health Care (CDM) from the Institute for Diversity in Healthcare & Georgetown University.

Representative Sheila Stubbs who was elected in 2018 as the first African American state representative from Dane County, is a true public servant and champion for social and racial justice and Black Maternal & Child Health. Representing Dane County District 77, which covers the South and West parts of the City of Madison. Rep Stubbs is also the current Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, leading on issues impacting the lives of all Wisconsinites. Representative Stubbs is also a member of the Dane County Board of Supervisors, leading on critical issues since 2006; and recently proposed a unanimously passed resolution establishing April 11 -17th as Black Maternal and Child Health Week in Dane County.

Representative Shelia Stubbs is extremely active in the community, providing leadership, mentoring and volunteer services, and has received numerous community recognition, service award and honors including being named 2019 YWCA Woman of Distinction Award Recipient, 2020 BRAVA Woman to Watch Recipient. and Legislative Board Member of the Wisconsin Women in Government. She is the beautiful wife of Bishop Godfrey A. Stubbs and the mother of Aquila. Also, she is a Co-Founder of the End Time Ministries International Church in Madison, WI.

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Micaela Berry-Smith serves as Director of Maternal and Child Health Initiatives with the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness. She brings to the Foundation an impressive track record of work and service in birth equity leadership, early childhood education, and social entrepreneurship. For over 15 years, Micaela has worked  extensively with children and families in diverse settings, and has led several high-impact efforts including most recently serving as Co-Executive Director of Harambee Village Doulas, and previously as Assistant Director for the YMCA's before and after school programs for middle school children. Micaela has also managed her own Nanny service in the Greater Madison area, matching in-home childcare providers to working professional families. She completed a double major in Early Childhood Development and Art Therapy at Metro State University in St.Paul, Minnesota and is a DONA trained Doula, certified Infant Specialist, certified Lactation Consultant, a Protective Factors and Ages and Stages Trainer, and a former Head Start Teacher. Micaela is a 2019 Madison Magazine MList Awardee recognized as an outstanding Innovator.

Deanna is a doula trainer on a mission to make a difference, my journey into the realm of birth work began in 2010 as a Baby Planner. Each step—from Certified Child Safety Educator to Perinatal Bereavement Specialist—has led me to where I am today. Driven by a desire for change and more inclusivity, I am a founding member and director of the Wisconsin Doulas of Color Collective, which addresses the need for diversity in the Wisconsin doula community, creating a space where everyone can feel seen and supported. In 2018, I launched my personal venture, Birthing Intuition and Wellness, a dedicated space for alternative women's health care services, filling a crucial gap in our community.

Now, why doula training? It's simple. Everyone deserves training from someone who understands them. I'm committed to making doula courses accessible to all—from those just curious to seasoned professionals. My aim is to build a stronger doula community through education that's evidence-based, trauma-informed, and culturally aware.

Why doulas, you ask? Because we play a vital role in providing support—physical, emotional, and informational—throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. My focus is on empowerment, informed decision-making, and creating a positive birthing experience. Birth is a multifaceted life event, and as a doula, I'm here to make it as positive and empowering as possible for families.

Heather is a nurse in the Meriter birthing center, lactation counselor, doula, mother of a neurodivergent child, reproductive justice advocate, FFBWW wellness ambassador, entrepreneur, and Cohort 3 Well Black Woman Institute graduate.

Her journey into birth work started 12 years ago with the birth of her son at 32 weeks gestation. After a terrifying labor, there wasn’t anyone to discuss breastfeeding a premature infant and how to support the child while they stayed in the NICU. This lack of support inspired her to become support for other BIPOC women in her community.

Her journey in healthcare has brought her to work as a labor and delivery/postpartum nurse and creating Lactadoula LLC to provide inclusive lactation and doula services to all birthing people. She plans to sit for the IBCLC exam and is working on becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife. She works hard to change policy and be the advocate patients, clients, and the community need.

Joshua Zawadi, the owner and founder of Melanated Daddy is a fatherhood and mental health advocacy platform that celebrates the process of parenting and unpacking trauma to heal in order to be intentional figures in the lives of their children.

Joshua Zawadi is also the man behind the Dad Doula and Dad Connect programs. The mission of Dad Doula is to provide resources, and guidance for the non-birthing parent as they plan to support the birthing person during the pregnancy, labor and delivery and thereafter. This is done by learning how to advocate, and support with intentional presence. This service is extended to expecting parents, new again parents and parents looking to re-enter their children's lives. Dad Connect is simply a curated space for Dad’s to come together and connect, vent, and learn from one another in a safe space. 

Josh Zawadi is an Army Veteran, husband, biological and bonus dad to four children. He is a lover of Christ and believes in community. His passion of fatherhood is rooted in the belief that Iron Sharpens Iron.

Kristyl is a social impact enthusiast with a specific interest in activating communities to support

birthing parents and parents of children from ages birth to age 5. Kristyl holds a BAS-Integrative Leadership from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. Course work included - the study of human development/behavioral sciences across the lifespan and nonprofit management/public administration. Kristyl is a professionally trained birth doula, lactation specialist and parent infant massage educator. She has served communities in Wisconsin to include Brown County, Milwaukee County, The Fox Cities Valley area and the Southside of Chicago as parent mentor/early intervention specialist/home visitor/case manager/community-based doula/lactation consultant. Kristyl has supported birthing moms in a variety of settings from home visitation programs, homeless shelters, birth -to-three settings and family health programs.

Currently in her capacity as consultant Kristyl is working with First Five Fox Valley as Community Outreach Specialist; her focus currently is activating Parent Ambassadors that are parenting children birth to age 5. Kristyl is also currently working with People of Progression (POP), also based in the Fox Cities; her impact areas have been delivering community conversations among black & brown mothers to discuss "trust and safety" regarding their preterm/postpartum healthcare experiences. Kristyl will soon be leading doula led informational sessions for birthing moms that are served by People of Progression.

As the CEO of J.R. Creative Holdings, the parent company, Valor Creative Collective and Vogue Dreams Production and the owner and founder of She Slangs Wood Co, Tonda Thompson considers her life’s mission is to encourage others to walk with authority in everything that they do. Being a Runway model in Los Angeles taught Tonda how to accept rejection as a fuel to keep going. Following the tragic death of her first son, Terrell, Tonda spearheaded a career as a serial entrepreneur and community advocate. She took this path to find solutions and preventative methods to reduce Social Determinants of Health that have negative effects to the wellbeing of Black maternal, infant and fetal health within the United States. Tonda is the founder of The National Coalition for Healthy Black Families, Inc (NCHBF) and has created events such as the HaRUNbee 5K, that honors Terrell’s life. Tonda is a developer, a carpenter, a teacher, a model, sometimes a politician, and a mother who is aiming to find life changing solutions for the future.

As an Executive Director & Co-founder of an organization dedicated to serving marginalized communities, Kristen brings extensive leadership experience in nonprofit management, program development, and advocacy. She is committed to advancing social justice and equity through strategic planning, effective resource allocation, and fostering strong community partnerships. Her background includes a proven track record of empowering individuals and addressing systemic barriers to create a positive and lasting impact for those we serve.

Robin Nicole Scott (she/her/hers) is a visionary leader, writer, and public intellectual committed to the healing and empowerment of marginalized communities—especially Black families across generations and genders. Born on August 6, 1991, in Chicago, Illinois, she currently serves as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of We All Rise: African American Resource Center, where she leads with clinical insight, cultural specificity, and a deep commitment to trauma-informed care.

A licensed professional counselor (LPC-IT) and substance abuse counselor (SAC-IT), Robin holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lakeland University and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Applied Leadership at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay.

Her academic and professional paths are grounded in lived experience and a fierce dedication to justice, healing, and systemic change.

Robin is the author of the forthcoming book Let Me Be Here for YOU While YOU Stand Up For Yourself, which introduces the original concept of “African Americanism”—a framework that explores the intersections of race, culture, and spirituality as essential components of the Black American experience. Her work invites reflection, liberation, and responsibility, offering both individual and collective pathways toward healing.

As an activist and community strategist, Robin inspires spaces of belonging, mentorship, and transformation. Under her leadership, We All Rise has grown into a nationally recognized model for culturally rooted, community-driven care. Her ability to center truth, dignity, and collective power has made her a trusted voice in the fight against systemic oppression, mental health stigma, and generational harm.

Robin has received numerous accolades for her leadership and impact, including the 2018 Sister Power Award from African Heritage Inc., Madison365’s Most Influential Black Leaders (2018), the 2021 Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership Award from Brown County United Way, the 2023 Ebiere Juliet Cole Award, the 2024 Culture Care Community Impact Award from Dubceez Entertainment, and the 2024 Wello Wellbeing Impact Award. She is also a finalist for the prestigious Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize.

At We All Rise, Robin continues to build and expand programs that advocate for Black families while confronting the realities of racism, poverty, incarceration, and mental health trauma. She leads through mentorship, leadership development, and strategic partnerships, centering Black brilliance and community resilience in all she touches.

Robin’s guiding belief is simple: when Black people are given the tools, space, and support to rise—across all identities and experiences—they do so with power, purpose, and grace. Her work is not just about services; it’s about legacy, justice, and the deep knowing that healing is possible when it is rooted in culture, care, and truth.