Who are we?

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From day one, Alexandrea Turner hit the ground running as a Generational Firestarter, gaining a seat at the table that no other African American teen girl would in local government and faith based communities. 

Now Parent, Advocate, Consultant and Speaker, she is committed to making a difference in the lives of families. With a passion for empowering parents and children, Alexandrea Turner specializes in providing guidance, support, and resources to navigate the complexities of education and parenting. Through her professional background, lived experiences and unwavering dedication, Alexandrea is passionate about helping families overcome obstacles and access the resources they need to thrive. Her mission to impact the lives of as many families as possible and be a catalyst of change for lasting transformation among future- minded generations. She positions herself as a bridge between systems that are no longer of service and the strategic innovations that she brokers.

At 19 years old, Alexandrea received a revelation of what her divine calling would mean for her life and the life of her growing family. Birthing her 1st born son, Christian Alexander also brought into existence the Visionary Mama that she is.  Alexandrea’s first order of business is her ministry to curate a lifetime of experiences for the transformation of her own three beautiful, black, and blessed children, Christian, Alijah, and Alaijah. With a “Home First” Mindset, Alexandrea’s highest calling of her life is to model balanced living and cultivate as many opportunities as available for thriving in a culture where surviving and grinding is prevalent. Overcoming systemic and personal adversity is not her middle name but is deeply embedded into her identity as God continues to make her the exception. 

Despite the storms that are sure to come, Alexandrea has maintained her passions for singing praise songs, painting with her littles, cooking Sunday Dinner, and still loves being the helping hand that for anyone in need. In this season of her life, this Millennial woman will not stop short of virtuous!

An advocate for maternal and child health, Carla is a multifaceted professional with a deep-rooted commitment to addressing disparities in healthcare. With a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA), she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her work.

In addition to her MSW, Carla holds several certifications and qualifications that make her a well-rounded expert in her field. As a Full Circle Doula, she's passionate about providing holistic support to expectant mothers during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Her dedication to empowering women during this transformative journey is further exemplified by her certification as a certified lactation education specialist, ensuring that mothers receive the guidance and resources they need for successful breastfeeding.

A registered yoga teacher, Carla recognizes the importance of physical and mental well-being during pregnancy and beyond. Her yoga expertise allows her to offer valuable guidance on maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle, which is especially crucial for expectant mothers.

Carla's journey towards becoming a student midwife reflects her unwavering commitment to addressing healthcare disparities. With a keen focus on maternal and child health, she's working tirelessly to make childbirth a safer and more equitable experience, particularly for Black mothers and babies.

As a mother of three, Carla brings a personal perspective to her advocacy efforts. Her own experiences have fueled her dedication to creating a world where every Black family has access to the care and support they deserve.

Her involvement with initiatives like AAIMM (African American Infant and Maternal Mortality) demonstrates her commitment to addressing racial disparities and promoting equitable healthcare. Through her work and passion, Carla is making a significant impact in the field of maternal and child health, ensuring that every mother and baby has the opportunity to thrive.

Jazmine Blackman is the Owner/Director of Carousel Developmental Service, an infant development program serving the San Gabriel Pomona Valley and Inland Empire. Her goal is to see underserved families of infants and toddlers with special needs have the supports needed to thrive. In addition to working in home with infants and toddlers, Jazmine spends her time supporting the Infant Development Association of California as the Co-Chair of the Social Media Committee, Community Representative for the State Interagency Coordinating Council on Early Intervention, and with local organizations focused on educating black families about the Regional Center system and how poor maternal health outcomes impact baby’s long term.

She received her bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders with a minor in Child Development from California State University, Fullerton. Master’s in Public Administration and Public Health from the University of LaVerne. She is a Children’s Hospital Los Angeles/USC California Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (CA-LEND) Public Health Fellowship graduate.

She enjoys indoor cycling, hiking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Elise, a California native has always had a passion for patient advocacy and empowering the Black community in their healthcare decisions. With her own history of sickle cell, her diagnosis did not stop her from pursuing her dreams. She graduated from Spelman College with her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and is currently acquiring her Masters Degree in Nursing. She aims to help rebuild the trust between the Black community and the medical field, so that they can lead healthy and sustainable lives. After graduation, she plans to continue her education and acquire her Nurse Practitioner license. 

When she is not actively studying, Elise conducts research for the various initiatives offered here at Access Nonprofit. She believes that in order to make informed decisions about one's care, having the proper resources is necessary, and as a result, commits to ensuring that parents are adequately equipped to address the needs of their children. Living life through the words of her favorite quote ["to know that one life has breathed easier because you have lived--is to know success-Ralph Waldo Emerson], she hopes to be an asset to those who cross her path and help them breathe easier.