Name: Shaleka Boone
Shaleka Boone is a dedicated mother, wife, and education leader. As a mother with an 18-month-old named Brave and married to her high school sweetheart, she understands firsthand the challenges mothers face. With a passion for making spaces more inclusive and equitable, Shaleka seeks to bring about positive change by amplifying the voices and experiences of mothers. Her commitment extends beyond motherhood, as she also serves as an Education Leader, utilizing her skills as an Instructional leader to create spaces for leaders to grow. Shaleka’s mission is to create a more supportive and empowering environment for all mothers, ensuring their needs and experiences are recognized and valued.
Name: Deseré Cross Ward
Deseré Cross Ward is a child of God, communications strategist, Black storyteller, community builder, wife and mother. Originally from Salisbury, NC, Deseré moved to Austin, Texas in 2016 for love. In 2021, she birthed TwoWards Solutions, a communications and business consulting firm, dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to discover their brand identity, redefine themselves, and reach their career/business goals. The following year Deseré birthed her first child, Antoinette Elizabeth Ward. Since then, she’s proudly taken on the identity as a Mommy CEO.
Deseré is active in the community, volunteering regularly with her church, Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church, and Austin Area Urban League Young Professionals. In her spare time, she loves blogging and exploring Austin with her husband Michael Ward Jr. and baby girl, Antoinette.
Name: Phylica Constable
Hi, my name is Phylica Constable. I am a strong-willed and compassionate woman who leads with love in all aspects of life. I am also a warrior in my faith, a passionate educator, dedicated mom, and devoted wife. I have a witty and bright two-year old baby girl (who’s really 22). And a new bundle of joy on the way. I am truly blessed to enjoy my time with family and friends. I also enjoy shopping, exploring new adventures. And I can say that, while not intended to, these precious moments continue to help me learn and evolve as an individual, mom, and wife.
Life has taught me many things that I strive for such as respect, love, humility, honesty, and commitment. And each day I push to model these things, and more to my family and those around me. As a unit, my husband and I navigate the roses and thorns of our marriage, which helps us build a stronger foundation of love, trust, and respect. In turn our girls understand healthy functioning relationships and seek the same in their own lives.
Name: Nakeenya Wilson
Panel Facilitator
Name: Erin Backus
Title: Grant Manager, Panel Facilitator
Organization: Maternal Health Equity Collaborative and Black Mamas ATX
Erin is a native Texan whose social service roots have impacted youth and the underserved across the state’s following major cities: DFW, Austin, El Paso, and Houston. She received her BA in African and African Diaspora Studies and BS in Athletic Training from the University of Texas at Austin. She recently graduated with her Master of Public of Health from the UT Health Science Center at Houston. Her background in healthcare and lived experience as a Black woman led her to intern twice for Black Mamas ATX. Now she has returned for a third appearance as a grant manager for BMATX and the MHEC’s Safer Childbirth Cities grant! Her dream is to empower BIPOC to live their best lives through health and wellness, self-expression, and art. She believes in the power of people and advocates for the empowerment of BIPOC women everywhere. When she’s not in a class or out hustling, you can find her traveling the globe, out in nature, or curled up on the couch with a good book or movie.
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