Fellowship for Liberated Futures supports the healing, wellness, and wellbeing of Black women and femmes* who are on the frontlines leading justice-focused work across the social sector.
This fellowship is guided by the principled work of organizers, practitioners and dreamers.
Our 18-month learning arc will center the theme of self-determination which is named by the Climate Justice Alliance as “one of the greatest tools to realize the world we need.”
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We will explore how to liberate the self and determine our futures through a two-phase program that will encompass:
exploring our
self-narrative
learning
mindfulness & embodiment
leaning into
rest & retreat
anchoring our paths to principles
Fellowship is an invitation to learn new ways to support renewal and restoration and to imagine what a move in the direction of solidarity would look like.
meet the co-host team
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CHERA REID
she | her
Dr. Chera Reid is a visionary advocate for justice and equity. Chera brings over two decades of experience to her work, fostering inclusive learning environments and challenging systemic barriers. As founder of Freedom Dreams in Philanthropy, she amplifies voices for racial justice and collective liberation while leading efforts to dismantle structural inequalities in education and beyond. With a Ph.D. from New York University and a commitment to lifelong learning, Chera continues to inspire and empower communities toward a more equitable future. As a mother and a yogi, she understands the importance of caring for the somatic body and spirit for longevity in this work.
RACHEL LEONIDAS
she | her
Rachel is a global communications and development leader dedicated to securing resources, managing programs, and elevating brands to accelerate results for organizations serving marginalized communities.
TAKIA NELSON
she | her
Takia Nelson is a people gatherer specializing in managing complex projects with a racial equity lens. Her expansive career began in Television production and progressed to philanthropy and nonprofit management. Takia brings a wide range of knowledge in program management, strategic planning, facilitation, and visual communication. Takia graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Motion Picture Television and Recording Arts. She is a mother, a Minister, and the wife of a Pastor. She loves teaching youth and traveling to support the ministry’s work.
BIANCA CASANOVA ANDERSON
she | her
Bianca Casanova Anderson, is an educator, nonprofit leader and social justice practitioner with expertise in interpersonal communication, racial equity facilitation, and human development. Ms. Anderson utilizes her unique skill set and inclusive relationship building techniques to create environments that inspire and support her peers. As Black Afro- Latina, second-generation US citizen raised in the south, Bianca finds the complexities of transformative justice work invigorating. Her open and connected leadership style brings joy to work that is often long-term, cyclical and traumatic. Bianca has over a decade of experience in the field of educational equity, social justice, community organizing and interpersonal communication.
ASHLEY BERNAL
she | her
Ashley provides data-driven policy and operational recommendations to positively impact the social, political, and economic representation of marginalized communities in various institutions.
JACQUI PATTERSON
she | her
Jacqui has a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management. Skilled in Research, Policy Analysis, Grassroots Organizing, Coalitions, International Relations, Community Organizing, as well as in the Areas of Racial Justice, Global Health, Economic Justice, Gender Justice, and Environmental Justice.
