MEET THE TEAM
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MEET THE TEAM 〰️
Meet the founder
Dr. Baker has over two decades of professional experience in Higher Education and teaching experience at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Dr. Baker currently serves as the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. Prior to her current appointment, she served as the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at the University of Puget Sound and the Assistant Dean for Campus Life and Director of Residence Life at Elon University in North Carolina. Dr. Baker earned an M.Ed. in counseling psychology and a B.A. in English and sociology, both from Rutgers University. She completed her Ph.D. in educational policy with a focus on urban education through a joint program of Rutgers University and the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Her dissertation research was titled “An Ontological and Phenomenological Model of Leadership: Igniting Individual and Collective Transformation and Catalyzing Educational Reform.” She was the 2016 recipient of the Illinois Qualitative Dissertation Award presented by the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry at the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign.
In her research, she chronicles her own personal journey in leadership as an African- American educator and student affairs practitioner. Her other scholarly publications focus on the role of ontological inquiry in exploring ways to engage university administrators, faculty and students in such a way that they are transformed and empowered to see themselves as change- agents within and beyond the classroom. Dr. Baker has presented her award-winning research at national and international conferences, through self-led workshops, and at invited talks and classroom presentations. Dr. Baker is also the founder and owner of The Leap Agency, a company focused on providing individuals and organizations with the tools they need to LEAP (lead ethically, authentically, and with purpose).
Uchenna Baker, PhD
Tiffany Walker, LCSW (Board Member)
Tiffany Walker is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, health equity champion, and clinical expert with over a decade of experience advocating for mental health and wellness. She specializes in supporting the health and wellness of Black women in predominantly white spaces. Tiffany’s work tackles the systemic, cultural, social, and political barriers Black women face in professional environments, providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed strategies that promote healing, resilience, and equity.
As the Director of Health and Wellness at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Tiffany oversees innovative frameworks that expand access to health and wellness care for over 11,000 students. Her leadership is defined by a commitment to sustainable change through data-driven strategies and public health models centered on equity and inclusion.
As the founder of Journey Therapy Center, Tiffany empowers organizations and Black women leaders through coaching, consulting, and training. She is also the creator of the "Lifecycle of Microaggressions Framework™," a groundbreaking approach that helps individuals and institutions understand and address the impact of race-related trauma on identity and well-being.
A proud graduate of Columbia University, Tiffany blends her lived experience with professional expertise to create transformative solutions. Her work has established her as a trusted thought leader and advocate for systemic change. Outside of her professional endeavors, Tiffany enjoys traveling, experimenting in the kitchen, and curating a skincare routine that keeps her grounded. She brings her full self to her work, creating spaces where Black women feel seen, valued, and supported.
Daphney Alston, Ed.D. (Board Member)
Dr. Alston is currently the Associate Director for the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership Development at Southern Connecticut State University. She received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut in Human Development and Family Studies. Dr. Alston earned her Master's Degree in Counseling with a specialization in Student Development in Higher Education from Central Connecticut State University. She is doctoral candidate for the Counselor Education and Supervision Ed.D program at Southern Connecticut State University Dr. Alston has worked in Student Affairs for 14 years, focusing on areas including: student activities, leadership development, student government, service, new student orientation, and programming. Dr. Alston has served as an adjunct faculty member in the First Year Experience program at Bryant University and SCSU. She has also taught in the Counseling and School Psychology program at SCSU. Dr. Alston’s experiences and intersections of her identities, along with the principles of Black Feminist Theory, have informed how she shows up as a Student Affairs professional and adjunct faculty member, as well as a mentor and an advisor throughout her career in higher education. Dr. Alston actively seeks to create empowering spaces for those who are othered and disenfranchised within the higher education system and counseling. Dr. Alston is a mother of three children and wife to her partner of 20 years, as well as a very proud daughter of Haitian American immigrants.
Jackie Irving, Ed.D. (Board Member)
Dr. Jackie Irving is a transformative leader with over 20 years of experience in higher education and nonprofit leadership, deeply committed to advancing student engagement, academic success, and equity in degree attainment. Currently serving as President and CEO of The Chester Pearls Foundation, Dr. Jackie blends mission-driven strategy with an unwavering focus on access and belonging. Her leadership across roles such as Interim Provost, Associate Provost for Student Success, and Associate Vice President for Student Affairs has shaped inclusive policies and high-impact programs tailored to meet the needs of diverse student populations. Jackie is especially dedicated to supporting first-generation, low-income, and historically underrepresented students—developing intentional systems that foster connection, academic persistence, and holistic well-being.
Through innovation and data-driven strategy, Jackie has launched student success platforms, redesigned first-year experience programs, and created advising models that close equity gaps and improve graduation outcomes. She is widely recognized for building campus cultures that promote student voice, inclusive learning environments, and comprehensive wraparound support services. Jackie’s leadership extends to the Eastern University Prison Education Program (PEP), where she serves on the PEP advisory board, working to expand educational access and promote degree attainment for incarcerated learners—reflecting a deep belief in the transformative power of education.
As a board member, Jackie brings proven expertise in strategic planning, program development, compliance, and collaborative governance. Her vision and experience center students as agents of change, ensuring that institutional decisions prioritize engagement, access, and meaningful pathways to academic and lifelong success.
Jackie graduated from Cheyney University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and a Master's Degree in Adult & Continuing Education and earned her Doctorate of Education in Higher Education from Immaculata University.
Standing In Solidarity
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Standing In Solidarity ~
Community Circles
Gather. Share. Grow.
Community Circles are at the heart of how we connect. These facilitated gatherings create safe, nonjudgmental spaces where individuals can share stories, reflect deeply, and support one another in real time.
Whether virtual or in person, our circles are built on radical empathy and intentional listening. They are open to all who seek authentic connection, guided reflection, and a space to simply be.
Who they’re for:
Anyone navigating life transitions, healing journeys, or simply seeking soulful community.
How often we gather:
Monthly, with seasonal themes and guest facilitators.
Mentorship
Guiding with Grace. Uplifting with Purpose.
Our mentorship program is designed to support emerging leaders, creatives, and change-makers. Through one-on-one or group mentorship, we walk alongside those seeking clarity, direction, and purpose in their personal or professional lives.
We focus on building reciprocal, affirming relationships rooted in trust, wisdom-sharing, and empowerment.
Who it’s for:
Young adults, early-career professionals, or anyone seeking grounded guidance from someone who’s walked the road ahead.
How to get involved:
Apply as a mentee or mentor — we match based on values, goals, and lived experience.
Stories that inspire:
Coming soon — testimonials from past mentees who’ve found clarity, confidence, and community.
Advocacy
Raising Voices. Advancing Change.
We believe rest and healing are justice issues. Through our advocacy work, we champion systemic change that supports mental health, spiritual well-being, and community care — especially for marginalized communities.
Our advocacy takes many forms: storytelling campaigns, educational events, policy awareness, and grassroots organizing in partnership with aligned organizations.
What we advocate for:
Accessible wellness and mental health care
Rest and recovery for Black and Brown communities
Safe, inclusive spaces for healing and growth
Partner with us:
We welcome collaborations with change-makers, nonprofits, and local leaders aligned with our mission.
Healing
Rest is Resistance. Healing is Revolutionary.
We offer healing-centered experiences that honor the full self — mind, body, and spirit. Our practices are rooted in collective care, cultural wisdom, and the belief that healing is not a luxury, but a birthright.
Offerings include:
Restorative retreats
Journaling and embodied reflection
Faith-rooted healing experiences (if applicable)
Emotional processing and grief support circles
Why it matters:
We hold space for people to reclaim joy, tend to their pain, and reimagine a future rooted in wholeness.