Board President

Michell Baker is a Senior HR Consultant and organizational strategist with 25+ years of nonprofit leadership experience. She provides executive coaching and HR advisement rooted in trauma-informed and equity-centered practices. Currently pursuing a PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, her research explores emotional labor and trauma stewardship in human services. She is the Board President of the Black Healing Collective, aligning her expertise and values to advance collective liberation and wellness. A DC-based roller skater and reader of thrillers, she is passionate about joy, healing, and transformative leadership.

Board Vice President

Esther Boykin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, executive coach, and keynote speaker known for helping people and organizations thrive through self-compassion, communal care, and culturally attuned strategies. A former CEO/founder, she created the Compassion Collective Retreat to support high-achieving women of color in finding deeper fulfillment. Esther’s relatable warmth and incisive guidance have made her a sought-after TEDx speaker and prominent voice in mental health media. Currently serving as President of NAMI DC, she advocates for inclusive mental healthcare at every level. Learn more about her coaching, consulting, and retreats at www.estherboykin.com,

Follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn @estherbmft

Development Officer

Danita R. Andrews is a dynamic executive leader with over two decades of experience managing complex healthcare operations and strategic partnerships across federal, state, and corporate sectors. As Managing Director at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, she oversaw a $1.4 billion national health benefits portfolio and expanded federal market share by 16%. Previously, at CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield, she led operations serving 600,000 individuals and implemented innovations generating $16 million in new revenue.

A respected speaker and thought leader, Danita fosters cultures of collaboration and excellence and serves on the American Heart Association’s Heart Ball Auction Committee. She holds a Master of Management in Public Administration from the University of Phoenix and a B.S. in Organizational Management from Washington Adventist University.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Danita launched a personal platform to help survivors of trauma move from survival to thriving. As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, she uses her own healing journey to empower others, offering relatable, practical guidance on mental health and post-traumatic growth. Her authenticity and empathy make her a sought-after speaker on empowerment and healing.