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 We must dismantle myths and outdated ideals about Black women and parenting, by challenging restrictive societal expectations of how Black motherhood and family-building should look.”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 student sexual health educator at Florida State University. She went on to complete a Master's degree in Maternal and Child Health with a certificate in Humanitarian Assistance from the University of South Florida, and she is a certified doula. As the Program Director, she manages SisterSong’s Faith, Youth, and State Programming in Georgia, North Carolina, and Kentucky. Her passion for sexual health education, Human Rights, and Maternal & Child Health complement her educational background, management experience, and keen skills in programming. 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. In 2021, Brittany moved back to the east coast to be closer to friends and family, and has happily rooted herself in Atlanta. She is a dog mama and a cinephile who also enjoys reading, traveling, concerts & festivals, gardening, trying new recipes, and a great cup of coffee.

OREOLUWA ADEGBOYEGA, Operations Director

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 enjoys graphic art, travel, cinema (both live and animated), and spending his free time with his family and friends!

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/his

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.

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, taking in the sights and sounds of the city that he loves and is loved by.

Lori Rodiguez, Education and Advocacy Coordinator

She/They

Lori is a researcher, writer, educator, and mechanic with an interdisciplinary and project-based approach. They're the education coordinator at SisterSong, a woman of color led reproductive justice collective, where they lead and design workshops about reproductive justice. She's worked with colleges and universities, state and local governments, nonprofits, corporate partners, and grassroots youth and community-based groups, to bring RJ and its principles and practice to people throughout the country and world. She produces the podcast "Fuck Marry Kill", hosted by SisterSong's Simran Jain. She's a bicycle mechanic and has worked on mutual aid bicycle projects and public sculptural works. She is part of a sailing collective that maintains a 30 foot sailboat in Brooklyn; the collective's intended to build autonomous skills and networks to weather climate chaos. She also writes and has published and performed some of her short work, poetry, and music.

Khadijah Austin, DIGITAL STRATEGY MANAGER

SHE/HER

Khadijah Austin is a lifelong creative, organizer, and spiritualist, who believes in the power of creativity, community, and culture to not only shift narratives but build the world we deserve. As the Communications and Digital Strategy Manager at SisterSong, she leads digital campaigns, crafts narratives that spark action, and creates online spaces where people, especially Black communities, feel seen, heard, and empowered in the Reproductive Justice movement. 

For over a decade, Khadijah has worked at the intersection of social justice, nonprofit leadership, and movement-building with one guiding mission: to center and uplift Black voices and stories. She was the executive assistant to the Me Too Movement and its founder, Tarana Burke, managing high-profile partnerships, global events, and press runs that shaped cultural conversations around Survivorship, gender, and power. As the Youth Programs Coordinator for the American Friends Service Committee, she co-led Peace by Peace, now known as Community Movement Builders, an initiative focused on building sustainable Black communities across the U.S., fundraising over $250,000 to support grassroots efforts in cities like Baltimore, Atlanta, and New Orleans. She also developed and co-coordinated the Our Melanin Festival, a cultural celebration that centered Black Joy by uplifting Black creatives, entrepreneurs, and organizers, serving hundreds of community members in its inaugural year. 

She also founded Harper Street Dreams, a creative consulting agency that helped Black-led organizations, creatives, and artists tell their stories with impact.

A proud St. Louis native and Agnes Scott College alum, Khadijah is dedicated to shifting narratives, reclaiming history, and ensuring that Black Voices are not just heard but honored, amplified, and centered in the fight for justice.

JALAYNA Muhammad, Operations & Finance Coordinator

she/her

Rooted in social justice and community organizing, I’m passionate about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered. Growing up in a family that valued activism and grassroots movements, advocacy and equity have always been at the heart of what I do.

As an Operations & Finance Coordinator, I support the execution of impactful programming by ensuring the logistics align with the mission. Beyond my work, I’m driven by a desire to foster meaningful connections, whether through curating experiences that bring people together or embracing moments that inspire growth and joy.

I also have a deep love for exploring the world, immersing myself in different cultures, and broadening my perspective through travel. At my core, I embrace love, laughter, and creativity, cherishing deep friendships and shared experiences that enrich life’s journey. Every day, I strive to cultivate spaces where people can connect, thrive, and build something greater collectively.

Simran singh Jain

she/they

Simran Singh Jain is an activist and poet 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. Her poetry has been featured by the Academy of American Poets, BigCityLit, and more.

Dr. Noelle Elizabeth Spencer, PhD, MSc, Research Coordinator

she/Her

Dr. Noelle Elizabeth Spencer PhD, MSc is a global health equity advocate and researcher with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights. 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. Dr. Spencer 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 8 years of experience and expertise in mixed methods research with a focus on community based participatory research (CBPR) to her role.

SHANTI MOORE RN, BSN, Birth Justice Training and Curriculum Coordinator

she/her

Shanti Moore works passionately to improve the lives of birthing people in her role as the Birth Justice Training and Curriculum Coordinator at SisterSong. She brings with her over 10 years of combined experience as a former mental health nurse, doula, nurse midwife, and birth justice advocate. Her vision has been instrumental in the creation of community programming, such as a Labor Support Training, which equips pregnant individuals lacking doula access with information to guide them through early labor and postpartum, along with a seasonal program called We Outside which focuses on perinatal nutrition and exercise. As a midwife, Shanti focuses her passions on preconception counseling, with the goal of reducing rates of maternal mortality and morbidity before they start. In her leisure time, she enjoys reading, hiking in nature, and learning about herbal medicine.

Chanel Stryker, Birth Justice Care Fund Coordinator

she/her

Chanel is a dedicated community advocate and a beacon in the realm of perinatal support, embodying multiple roles with unwavering commitment. As a seasoned Perinatal Support Professional, she offers a holistic approach to birthwork, alongside being a childbirth and lactation educator, trainer, mentor, coach, and a staunch advocate for birthworkers. Her work extends beyond the personal to address systemic issues as a fervent Black Birth and Reproductive Justice Advocate and a Maternal and Child Health Professional.

At the heart of Chanel's work is "Joie" — a guiding principle of joy that she brings to every aspect of her service. Through her multifaceted career, Chanel not only aims to effect tangible improvements in maternal and infant health care but also to infuse every space she enters with an infectious optimism and a spirit of resilience. Above all, Chanel cherishes her role as a mother to three empowered sons, which remains her most profound source of inspiration.

Neah'Marie Hubbard, North Carolina State Coordinator

she/her

Neah’Marie is the NC State Coordinator for SisterSong, leading the organization’s efforts in the state to advance reproductive justice for Black women, honoring both their agency and collective history. They joined SisterSong in the fall of 2024, bringing a passion and deep-rooted understanding of the struggles and strength inherent in their communities. Growing up in a single-parent household in Charlotte, NC, She faced everyday challenges that shaped a profound understanding of resilience and the complexities of identity. From an early age, they dreamed of a world where their identity wasn’t marginalized but celebrated. The passing of Erica Garner ignited a transformative shift in her life, motivating them to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the cause of reproductive justice for Black women. She approaches this mission with a deep interest in history and research and an unwavering commitment to healing spaces for Black and People of Color. Her unique combination of dedication, compassion, and intellectual curiosity drives her work daily. When not organizing for change, she enjoys traveling and immersing herself in the world around them, photography, and writing.

Akua “FRi” Kwayana, Birth Justice Care Fund Organizer

she/her

Akua Kwayana is an Atlanta native, mother, and maternal health advocate. She plays a key role in the Care Fund, managing the internal logistics and overseeing data tracking. She is also working to remove the stigma around mothers expressing their sexual desire and has plans to facilitate workshops on healing through sexual pleasure.

Danielle Rodriguez, Georgia State Coordinator

she/They

Danielle is a dedicated reproductive justice advocate, strategist, and facilitator with over a decade of experience organizing in the South. She has worked extensively to expand abortion access, improve maternal health outcomes, and protect gender-affirming care, particularly in conservative-led states where restrictive policies disproportionately impact marginalized communities. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping policy initiatives, grassroots mobilization efforts, and large-scale advocacy campaigns to shift power back to those most affected by systemic barriers.

As the Georgia Program Coordinator at SisterSong, Danielle has led statewide efforts to amplify Black, queer, and marginalized voices, ensuring they are centered in the fight for bodily autonomy. She played a key role in mobilizing against the overturning of Roe v. Wade, advocating for midwifery legalization, and pushing for policies that support equitable, community-based perinatal care. She also helped organize the successful closure of the Irwin County Detention Center after the exposure of forced sterilizations, highlighting her commitment to fighting reproductive oppression at all levels.

Beyond policy work, Danielle is passionate about education and storytelling, using media and community engagement to reshape narratives around reproductive justice. Her work is grounded in the belief that liberation is collective and that transformative organizing can create lasting change, even in the most challenging political landscapes.

Dr. Noelle Elizabeth Spencer PhD, MSc Research Coordinator

she/her

Dr. Noelle Elizabeth Spencer PhD, MSc is a global health equity advocate and researcher with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights. 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. Dr. Spencer 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 8 years of experience and expertise in mixed methods research with a focus on community based participatory research (CBPR) to her role.

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.

Bajha Jordan, youth coordinator

she/her

Bajha, is a California native, an aunt, and godmother. She earned a bachelor’s degree in health science and community health education from Sacramento State. In 2020, she served as the Health Education Coordinator at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital of Oakland, California. She facilitated queer-affirming, anti-racist sexual health education for high school students. She also served as the hospital case manager and connected families to resources for food, housing, and health insurance enrollment. In 2022, she moved to Atlanta and earned a Master of Public Health from Emory University, focusing on behavioral health and maternal & child health. During her MPH program, Bajha worked at a youth-serving homeless shelter and interned with SisterSong, supporting birth justice initiatives. After graduating in 2024, Bajha worked for CDC, funding social-emotional programs for youth, parents and school-based health centers. Bajha is an educator, youth advocate, organizer and public health practitioner. She loves community work and brings her expertise to SisterSong. She is committed to advancing health equity and reproductive justice for youth. Fun Fact: Bajha tap danced from 6th-9th grade!

Andrew Randall, Finance Director

he/him

Andrew Randall joined SisterSong in 2024 as Finance Director, bringing over 14 years of experience in nonprofit financial leadership. He is passionate about aligning financial strategy with mission-driven work, ensuring resources are effectively managed to support impactful programming.

Drawn to SisterSong’s critical role in the fight for reproductive justice, Andrew is inspired by its commitment to amplifying the voices of Indigenous women and women of color. He is excited to strengthen the organization’s financial sustainability, implementing best practices that support long-term growth and stability.

Having grown up in the Atlanta area, Andrew has witnessed firsthand the deep-rooted inequalities that persist in the South. His background fuels his dedication to advancing justice and equity through his work. By fostering collaboration between finance and program teams, he ensures that financial decisions support the people and communities at the heart of SisterSong’s mission.

Andrew lives in the Atlanta area with his wife, two children, and three cats.

SEYI ADEBANJO, ARTIST UNITED FOR REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE Coordinator

THEY/TheM

Seyi Adebanjo, MFA, is a Queer Gender-Non-Conforming Nigerian artist, facilitator, coach 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, art as activism and institutional health/spirit. Seyi’s work raises awareness around social issues through video. Seyi's work exists at the intersection of art, imagination, ritual and politics. Seyi is a 2024 Sundance Documentary Awardee, a 2023 Sundance Institute Trans Possibilities Intensive Fellow and serves on the faculty of New York University. Seyi has received a Fatales Forward: Trans Stories Fellowship, an NYSCA Individual Artist Grant , and residency with The Laundromat Project.

Seyi’s latest project is AFROMYSTIC a lyrical documentary that follows LGBTQ+ Yorùbá practitioners across the waters of Nigeria, Brazil, and the United States in a quest for post-colonial liberation--through the preeminence of indigenous religion with poetry, and ritual interwoven amongst animation. Seyi brings their intersectional vision to SisterSong as the Artist United for Reproductive Justice (AURJ) Coordinator.