Volunteers
Program & Development Support
WyKisha R. Thomas-McKinney
Development Assistant
WyKisha R. Thomas-McKinney
Development Assistant
WyKisha McKinney's fight against suicide began after her brother died by suicide in 2004, leading to a long battle with post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression, and severe anxiety. With family support and counseling, she found hope in helping others affected by suicide, gaining extensive knowledge in crisis intervention and suicide prevention. WyKisha is a highly sought speaker and trainer, and she recently launched her new company, The TwenTea Company, a tea retailer that donates 20% of its profits to suicide prevention.
Ally Ball (she/her)
Program Assistant
Ally Ball (she/her)
Program Assistant
Ally is a licensed social worker in the state of Ohio and currently serves as a program assistant for the organization. In this role, she assists with a variety of projects and supports the organization's growth. She also works as a 988 supervisor and conducts crisis assessments in local emergency rooms. Passionate about suicide prevention, Ally is dedicated to addressing the overwhelming stigma surrounding suicide and mental health within the Black community. She hopes to contribute to the organization's expansion and increased recognition.
Black Mental Health Awards Committee
Alexandra Mosby
Co-Chair
Alexandra Mosby
Co-Chair
Alexandra Mosby is a seasoned cosmetology professional and educator with a profound dedication to integrating beauty services with mental health and wellness. With a career spanning various roles within the beauty industry, Alexandra has consistently demonstrated her commitment to enhancing her clients' overall well-being through holistic approaches. Alexandra is dedicated to integrating beauty services with mental health and wellness, creating holistic programs that emphasize self-care and well-being. By thoughtfully combining beauty treatments with mental health support, Alexandra fosters an environment where clients can achieve both physical relaxation and emotional well-being. This innovative approach positions her as a leader in the field, committed to enhancing the lives of her clients and students through comprehensive care and education.
Monika Driver, MPH
Committee Member
Monika Driver, MPH
Committee Member
Monika Driver, MPH, has been a dedicated member of the Holy Cross Health Network since 2010, initially as a Health Educator before transitioning to leadership roles within the Community Benefit arm of Community Health. Her work spans coordinating health education efforts and organizing numerous community events annually across Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. With a focus on compliance and community engagement, Ms. Driver ensures Holy Cross Health meets its obligations under community benefit regulations by identifying local health needs, overseeing responsive programs, and providing detailed reporting to stakeholders. Her recent promotion to manager, Healthy Communities underscores her commitment to advancing initiatives that promote wellness and address social determinants of health within the community. Ms. Driver received her bachelor’s degree from Howard University in Washington, DC, and her master’s degree from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in New Orleans, LA.
T-Kea Blackman (she/her)
Co-Chair
T-Kea Blackman (she/her)
Co-Chair
In addition to serving as the executive director and co-founder of Black People Die By Suicide Too, T-Kea also serves as the chair of the Black Mental Health Awards committee, a heartfelt endeavor she has nurtured for seven years. During her tenure as a production and talent coordinator on shows such as Black Girls Rock!, the BET Awards, and the NAACP Image Awards, T-Kea dreamed of creating a similar experience to celebrate and honor Black mental health. Combining her skills in event production and communications with her passion for mental health, and with the support of the committee, her vision is coming to life in 2025.
Lauren Jenkins, LCPC, CCTP
Committee Member
Lauren Jenkins, LCPC, CCTP
Committee Member
Lauren N. Jenkins is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC), certified clinical trauma professional (CCTP), mental health & suicide prevention advocate, speaker, and trainer. She is the owner of The Journey2Well, LLC, whose mission is to empower and equip organizations, through training, coaching, and consulting to promote emotionally healthier staff, leaders, and work environments. In addition, Lauren provides trauma-specialized psychotherapy to adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She also specializes in working with individuals called to the helping profession and with those navigating significant life transitions. Lauren has a personal connection to this work, including her own journey with mental health challenges as well as lived experience with suicide loss and her own personal struggles with suicidality. It was after experiencing great loss and then a suicide attempt in 2012 that was the catalyst to her healing and the pursuit of professional and advocacy work in the mental health and suicide prevention spaces.