2025 GWEP Fellows 

Raven Williams is an MSW student at Alabama A&M University passionate about advocating for vulnerable populations and promoting social justice. She actively serves her community through mentorship and service-based organizations. A dedicated leader, she has held roles in the Student Government Association, Graduate Student Council, and Alpha Omega Phi National Service Fraternity, Inc. Through advocacy and support, Raven strives to create lasting change in her university and the broader community.

Meinquett Childress is  graduate of Alabama A&M University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Social Work, with plans to become a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where she is employed. Beyond her professional and academic pursuits, Meinquett has a passion for gardening, growing a variety of fruits and vegetables. When she’s not tending to her garden, she enjoys spending time in her reading room, immersing herself in literature.

Cassandra R. Brown, LICSW-S, PIP, is a mental health professional specializing in geriatric care and mental health therapy PhD student at Alabama A&M University. With 20+ years in social services and healthcare, she leads at Brookwood Baptist and Love Out Loud Counseling. She holds an MSW from Alabama A&M and is a certified youth mental health specialist. Cassandra is President and a charter member of NCNW’s Birmingham Metropolitan Section and an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 

Andrian Penn-Green is a dedicated social work professional with a passion for supporting individuals and families. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and is currently pursuing his Master’s in Social Work at Alabama A&M University. With a background in working with children and families, Andrian is expanding her expertise through her current internship, where she provides support to adults experiencing substance abuse and homelessness. Committed to advocacy and meaningful change, she strives to empower individuals by connecting them with the resources they need to thrive.

Emily Hardwick is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, hoping to pursue Internal Medicine after graduation. She is passionate about improving care for older adults and is interested in career in geriatrics. At UAB, Emily has been an active leader in the medical community, serving as Chair of the Honor Council and President of the American Medical Association (AMA) chapter. She is also involved in clinical research in public health on the impact of science education on high school students’ interest in healthcare fields. Before medical school, Emily earned her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from Furman University, where her interest in the intersection of science and compassionate care began.

Jasmine Williams is a second-semester nursing student at Drake State Community & Technical College, currently pursuing her second college degree with a strong commitment to entering the nursing profession. With a longstanding interest in healthcare influenced by her family, Jasmine is focused on building a career grounded in clinical excellence, critical thinking, and compassionate care. She is preparing to become a Registered Nurse, with aspirations to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care while continuously advancing in the ever-evolving field of nursing.

Sonia Lashay Johnson is a seasoned Certified Nursing Assistant with 26 years of experience in long-term and assisted living care. As the only CNA in Alabama to hold an Assisted Living Administrator License, she brings unmatched leadership and expertise to the field. Currently a second-semester RN student at J.F. Drake Technical College, Sonia is expanding her clinical skills and medical knowledge to become a Registered Nurse. Her ultimate career goal is to open an Adult Day Care Facility that provides compassionate, structured care for seniors and adults with disabilities—continuing her lifelong commitment to patient advocacy and quality healthcare delivery.