Our Team
Dedicated to Amplifying Black Women’s Voices
We are a growing team dedicated to amplifying Black women’s voices. We are shifting not only racial disparities in birth outcomes but also the conditions that drive inequity in maternal and infant health. With our members, we are collaborating and creating an organization with purpose.
Meredith Shockley-Smith
Director of Community Strategies
Dr. Meredith Shockley-Smith is an educator and former professor. With Queens Village, she is taking her passion for Black Studies and Women & Gender Studies beyond the classroom to build stronger, more equitable relationships that benefit the greater community. She seeks to engage fixed mindsets as they relate to cultural identities. Meredith received her PhD in Educational Studies from the University of Cincinnati. As Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Community Strategies at Cradle Cincinnati and Queens Village, she works with Black women to co-create sustainable communities that help reduce stress and, in turn, lower infant mortality in Cincinnati.
Josseyln Okorodudu
Community Engagement Strategist
Josselyn Okorodudu is a community advocate and organizer. Although she began this work officially as a Public Ally in 2011, her passion for justice was ignited on the streets of Cincinnati as a child protesting and picketing alongside her mother. As Community Engagement Strategist for Cradle Cincinnati and Queens Village, Josselyn employs skills built over ten years of transforming teams, programs, families and communities. She is thrilled at the opportunity to use these gifts to uplift and support Black women in Cincinnati, specifically and unapologetically.
Danyelle Bush
Media & Communication Strategist
Danyelle Bush is a communications specialist, blogger and influencer. She is passionate about uplifting and inspiring Black women by sharing her own experiences. And through Queens Village and her blog, Deevah Discussions, Danyelle provides a safe place for other Black women to do the same. She has successfully run her unique blog for three years, creating a space where self-care and beauty are a given, mental health is a priority and wellness is nurtured. Danyelle brings her expertise as a communications specialist to Queens Village to generate creative ideas, activate her organizational and planning prowess, and apply her skills to address infant mortality and celebrate and uplift Black women.
Crystal Brown
Community Health Worker
Crystal Brown is a community health worker for Queens Village and Cradle Cincinnati Connections. Crystal’s passion is supporting and showing up for moms in whatever way they need, whether that’s lending an ear or getting a car seat. Her priority is making sure everyone feels welcome and gets essential information by providing resources, education and importantly, her time. Her commitment to reducing Black moms’ stress and creating community and belonging among families is integral to the Village and has a direct impact on closing the racial disparity gap in infant and maternal health.
Lucia Palmarini
Community Strategist
Lucia Palmarini is an international producer, educator and community strategist. She has been working at the intersection of arts, culture and activism for over fifteen years from New Mexico to Chicago. But her heart and soul are grounded in Cincinnati, where she is proud to support the Queens Village team in the activation of big visions. Lucia’s passion is bringing people together to connect, create and unlock their individual and collective potential in order to build a more equitable, connected world.
Antwon Watson
Director, Fatherhood Initiative
Antwon Watson is the lead over the Fatherhood Initiative (Kings Stand) for Cradle Cincinnati and Queens Village. He has co-founded and successfully ran his own nonprofit, The Alana Marie Project, for over three years. Antwon has a passion for uplifting and supporting Black men. He continues to serve as a mentor at the Lebanon Correctional Institution, helping men set obtainable goals as they prepare for re-entry. Antwon is excited to use his experience with his nonprofit and work within the prisons to help create a safe place for Black men to experience unconditional love, understanding, and acceptance. He is determined to help Black men uncover their true strength, love and power as Black fathers. As the lead of Kings Stand, Antwon will work to build an alliance of Black men to help end the disparities that affect maternal and infant health in our community and our families.