The Team
Tamu Green
Founder & CEO
Dr. Tamu Green is a developmental psychologist and thought leader who brings expertise and lived experience in communities facing inequities in her pursuit of social justice through institutional and systems change. For nearly 30 years, she has been engaged in power building efforts that synergize resources, facilitate equity-oriented decision making, and turn advocacy into outcomes. Dr. Green is the CEO of the Equity and Wellness Institute, where she works collaboratively with a talented team of consultants to assess and meet a wide variety of clients’ and communities’ needs.
Jillyan Sylvia McKinney
Senior Director of Projects and Operations
Jillyan Sylvia McKinney is an educator and thought leader with an extensive background in anti-racist advocacy, facilitation of professional development, project management, and community outreach. Jillyan’s passion and drive for social justice derive from her family and their experiences with racism and discrimination. Jillyan holds a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with a Minor in History and a Masters of Education with a concentration on Culturally Relevant and Responsive Pedagogy. As the Senior Director of Projects and Operations, she will provide leadership and guidance to the team while pursuing the Equity and Wellness Institute’s mission to advance racial equity and community wellness.
Fabian Perez-Gove, MPH
Health and Racial Equity Manager
Fabian Perez-Gove is a public health professional with an extensive background in community engagement and community based participatory research centered around health disparities and the social determinants of health. Fabian is passionate about achieving health equity and believes everyone should have access to high quality of care and living conditions no matter their ethnic or socioeconomic background. Fabian has dedicated his career to dismantling health inequality and has worked in Latino cancer research, health advocacy for undocumented communities in Sacramento, and health policy in the state of California. Fabian holds a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Arizona and a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences and Healthcare Administration from Sacramento State University. As the Health and Racial Equity Manager, he will provide leadership for the growth and development of health and racial equity goals and initiatives.
Danielle Hawthorne
Special Projects Advisor
Danielle Hawthorne is an experienced Organizational leader, Speaker, Facilitator and Program Manager committed to helping companies and organizations reach their full potential. Danielle’s passion for social justice and the liberation of BIPOC communities is deeply rooted in her belief in their inherent dignity, value and humanity. In leadership roles for more than fifteen years, Danielle has been the catalyst for business and program growth. She is a passionate speaker with a unique talent for connecting with her audience through captivating stories, vulnerability, and solutions to real-life challenges. Ms. Hawthorne earned a Bachelors degree from Loyola Marymount University in African American Studies.
Alicia Music
Operations Associate
Alicia Music is a dedicated professional who has an extensive background in executive administration, organizational growth and development, office and facilities management, problem-solving, budgeting, communication, and event planning. Alicia brings twenty years of experience working for local non-profit organizations that advocate for, and give voice to communities facing disparities. Alicia is known for a personable and solution-oriented demeanor, holding the unofficial titles of “The Backbone”, and “Director of Fun”. As the Operations Associate with Equity and Wellness, Alicia will oversee the office’s day-to-day operations and support the Equity and Wellness Institute Team. In their role they will be responsible for a wide range of duties including office management, administrative and technical support, communications, scheduling, event planning, budgeting, creating and implementing process improvements and direct client services.
Beth Waitkus
Organization Development Advisor
Beth Waitkus has collaborated across sectors, ideologies and communities, convening diverse stakeholders to explore, understand, and find common ground on a variety of systemic issues – specifically those impacting marginalized communities. As EqWI’s senior strategist and data analyst, Beth brings her organization development and communications skills to strategic planning, group facilitation, community building and new business development. Her work is informed by years of experience in the public, private and non-profit sectors — including as Founder and former Executive Director of Insight Garden Program, which offers transformative nature-based programming and reentry services to people in prison. Beth holds an M.S. in Organization Development from Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business and a B.S. in Political Science from Tufts University.
Christiana Johnson, MA
Project Associate
Christiana E. Johnson, MA is a highly accomplished professional with a distinctive blend of academic achievement and extensive experience across diverse sectors. Passionate about understanding the human experience, she holds a Master of Arts degree in Culture & Spirituality from Holy Names University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree with department honors, in African American Studies from the University of California, Berkeley; where she was the recipient of the Fannie Lou Hamer Emerging Leader Award. With a solid foundation in Customer Service, Christiana has consistently excelled in addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and ensuring a positive experience for clients and stakeholders. In the field of Education, she boasts a proven track record of providing unwavering support to students, educators, and administrators, contributing significantly to the educational landscape. Christiana’s proficiency in Office Administration is evident through her adept organizational skills, time management, research capabilities, and her role in maintaining efficient office operations, all of which have played pivotal roles in team success. Having successfully navigated the intricacies of government support, she demonstrates the ability to streamline processes, manage documentation, adhere to strict policies, and facilitate seamless communication across departments. As Project Associate, Christiana will draw from her anomalous background to support the planning, implementation and management of EqWI projects. Christiana actively engages in community service as an Adult Literacy Tutor and Mentor, showcasing her dedication to meaningful impact beyond her professional endeavors.
Aliyah Middleton
Lead Research Associate
Aliyah Middleton is a Ph.D. candidate in Sociology at UC Davis with over a decade of research experience. As a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Research Scholar, Aliyah is committed to using research to build a culture of health. Combined with their academic prowess, Aliyah is well-versed in project management approaches and grounded in holistic health as a certified reiki therapist. Aliyah brings strong research, project management, and wellness skills to the Equity and Wellness Institute.
Judah Sanders
Community Engagement & Training SpecialistJudah Sanders’ faith journey has fueled his passion for diversity, inclusion, equity, and wellness. As an Ordained Minister, Judah has served the Sacramento Region in full-time ministry since 2014. Judah’s intersectional identity and his degrees in Communication and Theology help inform the way he participates in building a world where all people are free and safe. Judah specializes in coaching, training and community healing for the Equity and Wellness Institute.
Christina Borbely
Senior Advisor, School Mental Health & Youth Substance Use Prevention
Christina Borbely, PhD, (“borbay”) is a developmental psychologist who served as Project Director of SAMHSA’s Project AWARE, Healthy Transitions, and ReCAST Training and Technical Assistance Center and as Project Director of the Pacific Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC). She currently leads local and state initiatives that advance cohesive systems of behavioral health support. She is a Senior TTA Advisor for the Southeast MHTTC’s School Mental Health team, including eight state-level Project AWARE grantees, and is the Senior TTA Advisor for Alaska Project AWARE. Christina supports the training and professional development of Santa Cruz County California’s behavioral health services agency and community partners, and advises for Marin County California’s Health and Human Services and County Office of Education youth wellness initiatives.
