JAZ ROBBINS, PSY.D., BCHN®

Languages: English, Sign Language

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Dr. Jaz Robbins is an accomplished therapist, nutritionist, performer, writer, and humanitarian. She holds an undergraduate degree from North Carolina State University in Food Science and Nutrition, a Master's of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, and a doctor of psychology from Pepperdine as well. In 2009 she debuted her autobiographical one-woman show, “Stepping On a Few Toes,” that has gone on to receive a continuous outpouring of positive reviews, awards, and a nomination for Best One Person Show by the National NAACP Theatre Awards. Dr. Jaz is also a masterful writer with two titles to her credit: "Still Standing" and "The Golden Penny." Both books are designed to encourage, inspire, and motivate. Particularly, "The Golden Penny" is fashioned like a “how to” guide that employs a variety of creative tools and techniques that move the reader to action in order to create the future that he/she/they desire(s). She has toured her works through performing, book signings, workshops, and speaking engagements on the east coast, west coast, and internationally. In 2015 she received the Mustard Seed Humanitarian of the Year Award from Our Commitment, Inc. in association with the United States Volunteer Postal Workers. Click here for more information on Dr. Jaz Robbins.

JONARAL MARTIN

Languages: English, Spanish

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The eldest of six children and raised by a single mother, Jonaral Martin is no stranger to being of service. Since childhood, he has provided his younger siblings with emotional and mental support, while doing as much as he could to assist his mother. It was during his high school years that he was introduced to the world of theater and performing arts. Since then, he has grown into a versatile actor and has worked on stage in a number of productions including "West Side Story" and "The Roaring 20's." More recently, Jonaral combined his artistic gifts with his role as an activist and has written, produced, and narrated videos that highlight issues directly effecting Black and Brown communities. Police brutality, Black Lives Matter, Trans Lives Matter, the Dakota Access Pipeline, and immigration are some of the talking points to which he lends his voice. Jonaral is the Treasurer at Healing, Hope & Love and the Food For Friends Program Director.

KAREN MALINA WHITE

Karen Malina White is an actress and activist most known for her work in the film Lean On Me and for her television roles on the Cosby Show, A Different World, Malcolm and Eddie, and as the voice of “Dijonay” on The Proud Family.  Karen is a native of Philadelphia but has been living in Los Angeles for over 25 years. Having had a passion for acting since the age of 14 and knowing the amazing adults that believed in her and encouraged her throughout her life, she relishes in the joy of giving back. Karen, who holds a BFA degree from Howard University, mentors many young people interested in the performing arts. She was the drama teacher with the Girl Blue Project for 10 years and currently for the past 13 years, she works with the Soka Gakkai—the largest, most diverse international lay Buddhist association in the world characterized by its emphasis on the respect for the dignity of all human life, individual empowerment, and social engagement to advance peace, culture, and education.

SEQUOIAH THOMAS-FRASER

Sequoiah Thomas-Fraser is a student, art enthusiast, and New York native. Since 2014 she has been an active volunteer supporting a variety of programs and organizations within New York City. She is currently a member of New York Cares and primarily pursues projects that provide meals and groceries to the homeless and food deprived communities. Sequoiah believes that through mindfulness and empathy we can make the world around us a better place. She is currently pursuing her BA in arts administration and in the future hopes to combine her arts education with her interest in community outreach.