Team SisterSong

Leah Jones, Director of Maternal Health and Birth Equity Initiatives
She/Her

As a Southern Black Woman, Proud Mother, Maternal Health Advocate, and Champion for Fertility and Birth Justice, Leah Jones brings a holistic approach to her work. She is deeply committed to advancing civil equity and reshaping the global reproductive health landscape for women and families in Indigenous and marginalized communities.

Leah passionately affirms:
“Fertility justice is the basic human right to conceive, labor, give birth, raise families, and sustain life free from inequity, shame, and fear—on our own terms, with whomever we choose, and however we choose. We must dismantle myths and outdated ideals about Black women and parenting, by challenging restrictive societal expectations of how Black motherhood and family-building should look.”

Leah's deep-rooted passion for this work is no surprise, as her great-great grandmother, a freed slave, served as a midwife for the U.S. military during the Civil War and was awarded a land grant for her service. This land, her family’s legacy of service and resilience continues to inspire Leah’s leadership today.

Her work includes spearheading pivotal birth and fertility justice initiatives, such as the Birth Justice Care Fund – which has awarded over $1M in birthing services and essential items in southern states since 2020, Black (in)Fertility Awareness Week, and The Spectrum of Fertility support group. Leah also pioneered the development of the Fertility Justice Framework, while amplifying the voices of Black and Indigenous community midwives, advocating for breastfeeding education and leading support groups for individuals navigating infertility.

BRITTANY SMITH, Program director
She/Her

Brittany was born and raised in Gainesville, Florida and began her work in reproductive health as a peer health educator at Florida State University. As the Program Director, she manages SisterSong’s State Programming and Youth Programming in Georgia, North Carolina, and Kentucky. She also plays a key role in external programming with partners and stakeholders. She is often looking ahead to implementing new programs and creating fresh approaches to fighting for maternal health equity and reproductive justice. Her passion for maternal and child health led her to get a master's degree in Maternal and Child Health at the University of South Florida, and she is also a certified doula. Her passion for sexual health education, Human Rights, Maternal and Child Health, and Reproductive Justice complement her education, keen skills programming and organization skills, and management experience.  

Brittany also served the communities of central and southwest Louisiana for six years as a Regional Prevention Coordinator for the Louisiana STD/HIV/Hepatitis Program, and later accepted a position as a Clinical Operations Manager with Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.  In 2021, Brittany moved back to the East coast to focus her passions on serving Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities. Brittany has happily rooted herself in Atlanta. She is a cinephile and coffee lover who also enjoys cooking and learning new recipes while dancing in the kitchen. Brittany is a Womanist, a dog mama to a rescue pup, an avid reader, music lover, and a devoted daughter and friend. 

OREOLUWA ADEGBOYEGA, OPERATIONS Director, administration HE/HIM

Ore is a cisgender male, Brooklyn, NY native and Atlanta, GA transplant. Ore graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelors in Finance and Hospitality. His exposure to the Reproductive Justice and Black Feminist movement made it easy to make the shift to SisterSong from corporate. In 2016, he began with SisterSong as a volunteer during our Trust Black Women Resource Days. His interest quickly grew, and he then joined SisterSong as an intern. In 2017, he became SisterSong’s Administrative Assistant and the first male to join our staff, in our 20 years of existence. His time in the RJ movement has inspired him to create the RJ For Black Men training under SisterSong’s Reproductive Justice training programming. He believes in bringing awareness to relevant issues such as racism and toxic masculinity within his community to aid breaking down barriers that deny human rights.

Ore is based in Atlanta.

DANIELLE RODRIGUEZ, GEORIGA COORDINATOR
THEY/THEM/She/Her

A dedicated advocate, and organizer, embraces both she and they pronouns to honor their multifaceted identity. As the Georgia Coordinator at SisterSong, the esteemed National Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective, Danielle devotes their efforts to championing reproductive justice and empowering marginalized communities.

At the heart of Danielle's work lies a profound belief in the transformative power of coalition building and community growth. Through their role, they skillfully cultivate partnerships and nurture collaborations to advance the collective cause. They are driven by the understanding that true progress can only be achieved when diverse voices unite, fostering empathy, understanding, and shared purpose.

One of Danielle's significant contributions is the creation of the SisterSong Queer, Trans, and Women Bailout Program, a small yet mighty initiative with a profound mission—freedom for Georgia's most marginalized communities. By addressing the systemic injustices within the criminal justice system, this program provides vital support and resources to those who have been disproportionately impacted.

Recognizing the intrinsic link between civic engagement and reproductive justice, Danielle spearheaded the 'RJ the Vote' campaign—an embodiment of their commitment to fostering inclusive and safe spaces for the community. By organizing a transformative event where individuals could gather, converse, heal, and dance while awaiting the final votes for governor or presidency, they aimed to empower marginalized communities, reminding them of their collective strength and agency.

In addition to their impactful campaigns, Danielle has demonstrated their dedication to education and dialogue by playing a pivotal role in organizing the first RJ Leadership Summit (2014) and co-organizing the 'Let's Talk About Sex' Conferences. These gatherings fostered an open and inclusive environment where participants engaged in thoughtful discussions, shared knowledge, and collectively envisioned a future where reproductive health and justice are upheld for all.

Danielle Rodriguez is an influential organizer who spearheaded the reproductive justice movement in response to the appalling forced sterilizations targeting BIPOC individuals at the Irwin County Detention Center. Through her tireless efforts, she organized a Reproductive Justice Briefing, hosted vigils with impacted families and freed migrants, penned heartfelt letters to government officials, spoke passionately at rallies, and worked in coalition to ultimately celebrate the success of closing the Irwin County Detention Center. Danielle's advocacy for migrant justice remains unwavering as she continues to fight for the rights and well-being of migrants, steadfastly working towards a more equitable and humane society for all.

Danielle's approach to advocacy is rooted in thoughtful reflection and a deep understanding of the complex issues at hand. By amplifying the stories and experiences of marginalized communities, they strive to challenge societal norms and inspire meaningful change. Their tireless efforts as a reproductive justice organizer that is woven in their work in migrant protection and LGBTQ+ liberation, exemplify a profound commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive society for all.

Danielle proudly dedicates their time to parenting, engaging in therapy, abolition and healing justice.

AMIR Jones, EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
HE/HIM

Amir’s entrance to Reproductive Justice was at SPARK Reproductive Justice now! Volunteering at SPARK helped him see connections between bodily autonomy and his role in allyship to female bodied people and trans feminine folks. He especially appreciates being at SisterSong where he can bring his whole authentic self to work!

Amir proudly still reads a printed newspaper, cherishes nearly all things analog, is a cycling evangelist and enjoys thrifting, and collecting stationary. Amir has a background as a bookseller, staff at OutBack bikes, a licensed Affordable Care Act navigator, and barista. Originally from Southern California, Amir values offering great service and centers accessibility for queer and trans folks of color, in all he does. In his role, as Monica Simpson’s executive assistant, he manages her schedule and aims to help her thrive in her role as SisterSong’s executive director. Deeply intentional about all he does, and a person well suited behind-the-scenes, showing up fully present to make someone’s day better keeps him motivated. When you are in Atlanta you may see him with his tie and suspenders zipping around town on a fixie bicycle. 

Amir serves as a deacon a Park Avenue Baptist church where he and his wife have attended since 2018. He is on the board of Georgians for a Healthy Future and a proud dog dad.  

Lori Rodiguez, Education and Advocacy Coordinator,State Organizing She/They

Lori is a queer writer, educator, and content creator of indigenous Central American descent. They have worked at the intersection of political organizing and education, art, and media. She has done LGBTQ organizing at the statewide level, has worked in the abortion movement at the local, statewide, and national levels, and is now the education and advocacy coordinator with SisterSong, the national women of color-led reproductive justice collective. She also does content creation for the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art, the only contemporary art museum in the world dedicated to LGBTQIA+ art and artists. Their written work, largely art and movie reviews and analysis, along with some poetry, has been published by various small presses. She used to work as a bike mechanic and is now an avid motorcyclist and beginner sailor.

Khadijah Austin, DIGITAL STRATEGY MANAGER

SHE/HER

JALAYNA Muhammad, Accounting and operations

she/her

Jalayna, a native of Milwaukee, WI, embarked on a lifelong journey of community service from childhood. Her unwavering dedication to assisting others and fostering healing inspired her to pursue a degree in Community Education from the University of WI-Milwaukee. Throughout her academic and professional pursuits, Jalayna’s passion for supporting and empowering her community remained steadfast.

In 2016, Jalayna founded The Person Next to You (T.P.N.Y), a visionary project dedicated to providing essential healing resources for survivors of sexual assault. Through T.P.N.Y, Jalayna exemplified her deep commitment to creating safe and supportive spaces where survivors could find solace and empowerment.

In 2022, Jalayna embarked on a new chapter in her career journey by joining SisterSong as the Operations and Accounting Coordinator. In this role, she discovered an opportunity to merge her passion for community with the organization’s mission. Jalayna is dedicated to leveraging her skills and expertise to support SisterSong’s operations.

Simran singh

she/they

Simran Singh Jain is a queer Desi activist and poet from Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, currently living in Durham, NC. She graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans where she studied Political Science and Gender and Sexuality Studies and served as a sexual violence response team member and consent educator. Before joining Team SisterSong, she worked at the Center for Community Alternatives, an anti-incarceration non-profit based in Syracuse, NY, where she provided violence prevention education and after-school programming for youth in the city. Today, Simran is the National Membership Coordinator with SisterSong and aims to expand and grow our Reproductive Justice community and network. Her journey with SisterSong began in 2019 as an intern through the Reproductive Rights Activist Service Corps, and she is a practicing abortion doula. Simran believes deeply in the power of art to grow movements and uses poetry as a tool for her activism. Her work has been published by The Academy of American Poets’, BigCityLit, Nine Mile Literary Magazine, The South Asian Sexual and Mental Health Alliance, and more. 

SHANTI MOORE RN, BSN, Birth justice coordinator

she/her

Originally from Chicago, Shanti has called Atlanta home for over 20 years which is where she began her professional career as a Registered Nurse. It was during the 13 years she spent in mental health nursing that her passion for advocacy began to grow. After working as an RN, and a licensed massage therapist, she began her work as a doula in 2017 by providing volunteer labor support to birthing people from underserved communities. In 2020, Shanti joined SisterSong’s Birth Justice Team and through her work with the organization, has helped to create and facilitate Birth Justice trainings, a Queer Parenting Panel for Queer and Transgender individuals exploring avenues to parenthood, a summer series to educate pregnant people about pregnancy nutrition and exercise, and a Labor Support Training for birthing people with limited access to doulas. Shanti is a birth justice activist and continues to use her skills and experience to directly improve birthing outcomes for Black and Brown people and other marginalized communities.

Dr. Noelle Elizabeth Spencer PhD, MSc Research Coordinator

she/her

Dr. Noelle Elizabeth Spencer PhD, MSc is a global health equity advocate and researcher. She is guided by the principles of health equity and reproductive justice and her work focuses on improving health outcomes and access to health information and education. Noelle believes in the power of storytelling, and that research provides us with tools to turn the data of our stories, experiences, needs and strengths into action and change. She brings over 7 years of experience and expertise in mixed methods research with a focus on community based participatory research (CBPR) to her role as research coordinator. In addition to this role, she continues to contribute to research and to the field of sexual and reproductive health through domestic and international collaborations with researchers and students. Her work is guided by a desire to understand and remove the barriers to equitable access to care and resources for underserved and minoritized populations.

Reverend Iyalosa Estee Nena Dillard

she/her

Reverend Iyalosa Estee Nena Dillard is a SpiRitualist Scholar, Ancestral Storyteller and Queer Sexologist. Estee's work is harnessing the ways that theological formation, embodiment, sexuality, ancestral spiritual care and ritual transform wellness. A proud almuna of Spelman College and Emory University, Estee is Minister of Ritual and Spiritual Formation at Rize Community Church, a priest in the West African Orisa Tradition, a reiki practitioner and a member of the Nation of Ndugu and Nzingha. Estee is the founder/owner of ENDless Spiritual Consulting, LLC a business that curates sacred space through Christian and African traditional practices to connect individuals, families and businesses to the sinew of the generations within them and the endless capacity of their spirit. As a womanist practitioner, her passion is to align people with the efficacy of both our grandparents’ prayers and ways is the roadmap to the liberative justice of wholeness. Rev. Iya Estee currently brings her intersectional expertise in sexuality, theology and program development to serve the reproductive justice movement as the Faith Coordinator for SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective. She resides in Atlanta with her partner Brandisha and dog Reese.

SEYI ADEBANJO, ARTIST UNITED FOR REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE Coordinator

THEY/TheM

Seyi Adebanjo is a Queer Gender-Non-Conforming Nigerian artist, healer, facilitator and thought leader. Seyi has over 20 years’ experience working with communities of Color, Queer/LGBTQ community, youth, womxn, immigrants, non-profits on healing justice, culture shift, and institutional health/spirit. Seyi’s art raises awareness around social issues through multi-media video. Seyi's work exists at the intersection of art, imagination, ritual and politics. Seyi is serving on Creatives Rebuild New York (CRNY) Think Tank -artist grant programs. Seyi was recently awarded a residency with The Laundromat Project, Fatales Forward: Trans Stories Fellowship, NYSCA Individual Artist Grant, received the BRIO Award and 1 of the 8 Exciting Filmmakers Shaking Up Hollywood by IndieWire. Seyi was nominated for the 2020 Art Matters Fellowship.