DR. CARRIE PETTUS is a visionary social work scholar and innovator dedicated to advancing social equity and justice within criminal, legal, and justice systems. She is the Founder and CEO of Wellbeing & Equity Innovations, a national equity-centered translational research nonprofit that collaborates with justice and community partners to improve outcomes through research-practitioner partnerships. Her work focuses on areas such as diversion and deflection, community violence, social support, trauma, behavioral health, and practices that improve the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

Dr. Pettus has published over 70 peer-reviewed articles, and her research has been featured in top-tier outlets such as USA Today, The Washington Post, and The Christian Science Monitor. She is a sought-after speaker, having presented at over 150 national and international events and conferences. Throughout her career, Dr. Pettus has demonstrated a remarkable ability to secure millions of dollars in funding to support her impactful work that advances research and initiatives aimed at using science and data to promote wellbeing and social equity. Her dedication to data justice and addressing racial and other social inequities in research is evident in her leadership as the Chair of the Grand Challenges for Social Work.

Dr. Pettus holds a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work, an M.S.W. from the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare, and dual B.A. degrees in Social Welfare and Psychology from the University of Kansas. She has served as a faculty member at Washington University in St. Louis and Florida State University, where she ran research labs and contributed to the advancement of social work education and research.

Dr. Pettus’s contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous awards, highlighting her role as a thought leader. Her work is not just academic; it is a beacon of hope and a catalyst for systemic change, inspiring others to join her in the pursuit of a more equitable and just society. Her research and dissemination efforts have significantly influenced policies and practices at local, state, and national levels, driving systemic change and improving the lives of individuals and families most impacted by criminal legal and justice systems across the United States.

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Ms. Fulmer began her career in victims’ services and crisis response, engaging in collaborations with law enforcement across city, county, and university settings. It is through these various positions that Ms. Fulmer honed her understanding of the dynamic needs of both those who encounter the justice/legal system and those who have initial contact as first responders. Ms. Fulmer also draws heavily on her years in the private sector, where managing public fire safety regulations meant a different type of cross-agency collaboration built on consensus between public and private sectors, often in high-pressure situations.

 At WEI, Ms. Fulmer leads project development, implementation, and evaluation for numerous programs that rely on researcher-practitioner partnerships. She is skilled at developing strong teams and achieving meaningful results as emphasized by her oversight of large multi-state projects, stakeholder relationships, and translating research into accessible findings.

 Ms. Fulmer holds a  M.A. in Criminology and an M.A. in Social Work from Florida State University and a B.A. in Women’s Gender and Sexuality studies from Virginia Commonwealth University.

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JENNIFER JOSEPH is the Training and Communications Specialist at Wellbeing and Equity Innovations. She began her career working within mental health hospitals, where she saw the intersection between mental health and criminal justice. Jennifer grew in her clinical and training skills as she became the Training Specialist for the Institute of Justice Research and Development at Florida State University. Jennifer trained staff on best practices within clinical research practices, as well as training outside organizations on new initiatives within the Criminal Justice System.

Jennifer is passionate about her work because she believes that individuals are more than their criminal justice involvement and everyone deserves to live a life of well-being. Jennifer is trained in several different types of trauma-informed theories and practices, which is a powerful tool when working with justice-involved individuals.

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Jessica is driven by her belief that justice research should be rooted in listening to the voices of individuals and communities harmed by systematic oppression, disparities, and inequities.

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Katie is a native of Tallahassee, Florida, and she enjoys going to the local parks with her dogs.

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He has been the recipient of the ​Kenneth R. Holder Award, Service to Mankind Award, Eastern District of Nebraska Service to Mankind Epsilon Sigma Sigma Award, Jerry Joyce Living Legacy Award, NWU Young Humanitarian Award, and Academic awards. He feels blessed with the opportunity to serve his community and make a difference in this world.

Alexandra’s work is rooted in a deep commitment to racial and gender equity, with a focus on the experiences of Black and mixed-race girls and other historically marginalized groups. She began her career supporting research and evaluation projects focused on youth violence, racial trauma, behavioral health, and systems transformation. As an educator, Alexandra has taught courses in social work and sociology focused on theory, race, identity, justice, and families. She creates inclusive, dialogue-driven online classrooms and is committed to mentoring first-generation and BIPOC students as they navigate higher education and build justice-centered, community-informed careers.

Her work is guided by critical frameworks, including Black Feminist Thought, Black Girlhood Studies, Intersectionality, and Critical Race Feminism. As a first-generation, mixed-race scholar, Alexandra is driven by a personal and professional commitment to dismantling systemic racial injustices and promoting social equity through research and education. Alexandra holds a PhD in Social Work from the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, an MSW from Metropolitan State University of Denver, and dual BAs in Psychology and Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.

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Matt has served as a full-time high school teacher and coach his entire professional career, and recently discovered a passion for reentry programs. His experience in coaching and teaching throughout the US (California, Missouri, Nevada, and Nebraska) has created an appreciation for differences in people, but common ground in values and character in each unique setting.  He started work facilitating a reentry program specifically geared toward justice-involved youth and is looking forward to expanding this to a larger population. Parallels between coaching and facilitating reentry programs have proved strong as trust is earned and encouragement to reach full potential is put into action. 

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KHADIJAH MUHAMMAD is a dedicated social worker with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and a passion for empowering individuals, families, and communities. With a strong foundation in trauma-informed care, client advocacy, and community outreach, Khadijah Muhammad brings both compassion and professionalism to every client interaction.

At WEI, Khadijah Muhammad provides direct support services, connects clients to critical resources, and works collaboratively with partner organizations to address systemic barriers. Whether supporting youth in crisis, working with survivors of domestic violence, or helping families navigate housing and food insecurity, Khadijah Muhammad is committed to promoting equity, dignity, and long-term wellbeing.

Khadijah Muhammad believes in the power of empathy and evidence-based practice to foster lasting change—and is honored to walk alongside individuals as they build safer, healthier futures.

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She is passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces where individuals can reflect, connect, heal, and grow through the full range of human experiences and emotions. Keri believes that when we feel respected as individuals, when our experiences are acknowledged, and when we have access to meaningful tools and resources, we all have the capacity to rise beyond our past and become who we choose to be.

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ANGI BLAKEY is a Project Manager with Wellbeing & Equity Innovations, bringing more than a decade of experience in mental health, trauma-informed care, and justice reform. With a Master of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Angi has dedicated her career to supporting individuals and families navigating complex systems, including homelessness, incarceration, and behavioral health challenges

Before joining WEI, Angi served in leadership and program management roles across state and nonprofit sectors, including the Indiana Department of Correction, the Division of Mental Health and Addiction, and the HealthNet Homeless Initiative Program. Her work has centered on developing equitable reentry programs, expanding access to behavioral health resources, and guiding multidisciplinary teams in trauma-informed service delivery

At WEI, Angi leads initiatives that strengthen community partnerships and promote system change rooted in empathy, accountability, and belonging. She is passionate about uplifting marginalized voices, advancing racial and social equity, and helping communities heal through connection and evidence-based collaboration.

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SHEREIA HARPER is a Program Specialist at Wellbeing and Equity Innovations, where she brings her passion for helping others and years of hands-on experience supporting children, youth, and adults. With a background that spans child welfare, transitional living, and behavioral health, Shereia has developed a deep understanding of trauma-informed care and youth empowerment. Shereia has dedicated her career to helping individuals build stability and reach their full potential. She is committed to creating safe, supportive environments that foster growth, healing, and wellbeing for all.

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LILA BRODNAX is the Administrative Assistant at Wellbeing and Equity Innovations. Lila has worked in administrative support roles, including the American Red Cross Hurricane Recovery Program in TX through a grant-funded program. She later went on to work for a startup company in the Natural Food Industry, where she embraced a multi-faceted role in managing the CEO’s daily schedule, to sales in opening accounts throughout the Denver Metro area. Lila is grateful to be a part of the WEl team and apply her skills in an administrative support role.

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LES TAYLOR is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) and Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) with over 20 years of experience in the fields of substance abuse and mental health. He possesses a deep understanding of the social issues that affect individuals and communities and applies his extensive knowledge and lived experience to promote recovery, wellness, and prevention. Committed to advocacy and community empowerment, Les works to strengthen systems of care, foster collaboration, and support meaningful, lasting change within the populations he serves.

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Deborah is the founder and manager of Cypress Tree Consulting, LLC, where she provides strategic consulting services to organizations navigating complex governmental and policy challenges. Her prior leadership roles include President of Voices for Florida, Deputy Director and Legislative-Political Director for Sierra Club Florida, and Executive Director positions at Oral Health Colorado and the Colorado Coalition for the Medically Underserved. In these capacities, she has secured millions in grant funding, influenced state and federal policy, and championed vulnerable populations ranging from sex-trafficked youth to individuals with disabilities.

A dedicated advocate and coalition builder, Deborah has worked in nearly every facet of public service—from disaster recovery with the American Red Cross to legislative advocacy for the ASPCA across six states. She is known for her expertise in nonprofit management, strategic planning, public affairs, and coalition development.

Deborah holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of New Hampshire and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Bowdoin College, graduating cum laude. She has also completed executive training at Harvard University and holds a certificate in Human Trafficking Intervention and Prevention from Florida State University.

She actively contributes to several boards and advisory groups, including the Florida Society of Association Executives and the Leon County Humane Society. Her recognitions include the Colorado Public Health Association’s Award for Legislative Excellence and the Mary Fran Myers Scholarship from the University of Colorado’s Natural Hazards Center.

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