Why we exist

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If not now, then when? If not us, then who? With over 35 years of combined experience in public health across both governmental and nonprofit sectors, we came together with a shared purpose: to channel our passion, expertise, and vision into creating an organization that addresses the critical gaps in equitable service provision and utilization for Black women and girls.

As Black women ourselves, we are acutely aware of the disparities in health and wellness, leadership, and the overall global perception of Black women. We’ve sat at many tables, listened to the narratives of health inequities, and witnessed the absence of social justice in the allocation of resources for Black women and girls. It became clear to us that the time had come to take action. Through the creation of this organization, we aim to fill the void in equitable, dignified service provision and to build a platform that is not only for Black women but led by Black women.

The need is undeniable, and the task ahead is immense. Yet, we are resolute in our commitment to lay the groundwork—brick by brick—to bring our vision of Shaping Health Equity (SHE) to life. Our mission is simple yet profound: to provide access to holistic health care for Black women and girls by breaking down barriers to health and wellness through advocacy, education, and community building.

Our vision is to create a space where Black women can thrive—physically, mentally, and emotionally—through collaborative programs that embody community, innovation, accountability, and social justice.

Individually, we believe that “I am she, and she is me.” As representatives of the population we serve, we are committed to advocating for and delivering healthcare services through a lens of dignity, equity, and collaboration with existing health systems. Our core programs center on health education, advocacy, community building, affirmation, and the delivery of quality care. We look forward to the day when health disparities are not just a thing of the past, but when the health outcomes of Black women and girls are equal to, and ultimately exceed, those of other populations.