Yale Black Women’s Coalition is an organization centered on the experience of Black women. Founded in 2006, YBWC fosters a safe space for Black women on campus to celebrate and discuss their Blackness. Every month, we hold meetings on topics related to our reality here. We cannot wait for you all to see what we have in store for the future!
In the past two years, YBWC could not execute all of our plans due to the limitations of the pandemic. This year, YBWC will revive in its full potential and be a pillar for the Black community on campus and in New Haven.
Meet the 2022-2023 Board Members of YBWC:
Ashanti Bruce- Director of Events; Ashanti (she/her) is a third-year in Jonathan Edwards College from Brooklyn, New York. She is majoring in Political Science and African American Studies. Outside of YBWC, Ashanti is on the Marketing and Outreach Committee of the Black Solidarity Conference at Yale.
Georgette Uwera Nyiraneza- Director of Outreach; Georgette (she/her) is a second-year in Timothy Dwight College from Kigali, Rwanda, where she is a prospective Sociology and Data Science double major. As a YBWC Board member, she invites fellow Yale Black women from all backgrounds to learn from one another in both the fundamentals and intricacies of life as Black women.
Kennedy Mitchell- Treasurer; Kennedy (she/her) is a sophomore in Pierson College from Holly Springs, NC. She is studying Molecular Biochemistry & Biophysics on a pre-med track, with intentions to pursue a career in the medical field. Outside of YBWC, you may find her working on phage therapy research in the Turner Lab or performing with Yale Movement!
Adia Guthrie- Secretary; Adia (she/her) is a sophomore in Silliman College from Teaneck, New Jersey who anticipates majoring in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. As secretary, Adia is dedicated to helping YBWC facilitate events that celebrate the diverse manifestations of Black womanhood on Yale’s campus. Adia is also a member of Black and Pre-Health at Yale.
Shelley Duodu- Publicist; Shelley (she/her) is a first-year in Branford College from Worcester, Massachusetts. She plans to major in Molecular Biology and Economics. Aside from YBWC, she is in STARS and is a research assistant for Alzheimer’s Disease Research Unit at Yale.
Marly Archie- First-Year Liaison; Marly (she/her) is a first year in Pierson College from Hot Springs, Arkansas. She is interested in pursuing a double major in African American studies and Ethnicity, Race, and Migration on the pre-law track. She is so excited to add to and learn from the cultivation of a space that uplifts the Black women’s community at Yale and beyond!
Jaleyna Lawes- First-Year Liaison; Jaleyna (she/her) is a first-year in Pierson College from South Florida, with a prospective major in History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health. In addition to YBWC, Jaleyna is involved with the Black Student Alliance at Yale, Community Health Educators, and the Yale Undergraduate Legal Aid Association.