Rhonda L. Bayless, Executive Director
CWUW Team
About our Executive Director
Rhonda L. Bayless is the founder of the Centers of Wellness for Urban Women (CWUW), established in 2007 to address the critical need for women to prioritize their health and overall well-being. With decades of experience advancing the health of women and girls, she has led and developed programs at the local and national levels that center on equity, prevention, and community-based care.
Her leadership includes Woman to Woman, a program recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention focused on HIV and African American women, and work with the Girls Inc. National Resource Center, where she supported 92 affiliates in strengthening capacity in HIV/AIDS, substance use prevention, and adolescent pregnancy prevention. Ms. Bayless has also contributed to national initiatives focused on women and girls and spoke at a National Council on Disability quarterly meeting during the Obama administration on Black women and mental health.
As the founder of CWUW, Ms. Bayless continues to call on women and men to take collective action to improve health outcomes and the quality of life for women and their families. Your time, talent, and resources matter.
Our Staff:
Executive Director: Rhonda L. Bayless, rlbayles@cwuwonline.org
Director of Operations, Katrina May, katrina@cwuwonline.org
Manager of Whole Health, Michelle Clegg, michelle@cwuwonline.org
Engagement Coordinator, Brittany Adkins, brittany@cwuwonline.org
Connection 4 Wellness Coordinator, Carmen Canseco, carmen@cwuwonline.org
Young Women’s Health Associate, Eliana Waire, eliana@cwuwonline.org
Board Members:
Paisley Lismon, Co-Board Chair
Shamika Garrison, Co-Board Chair
Mackenzie Issac, Board Secretary
Stephanie Sponsel, Board Treasurer
Milele Kennedy, CEO, Gennersaret Clinic
Sonia Buckner-Marion, Marion County Public Health Department
Our board members are committed to the Center of Wellness for Urban Women's mission and values. Each member is dedicated to furthering the work of CWUW through their time, skills, and financial support.
Board Commitment
Interested in Board Membership?
CWUW is seeking board members to support the organization's continued growth and development.
Each Board member is expected to chair or participate actively in a committee. Immediate chair positions available.
Each Board Member must be committed to women's health and advocacy.
Your time commitment is critical. You must commit to 10-15 hours per month of board responsibilities, including committee engagement and program attendance.
We have fundraising expectations to build the organization's sustainability.
We are a working board. You may be asked to volunteer at CWUW activities and events to support staff.
CWUW must have a strong and reliable board to ensure its sustainability.
If you want to be a board member, please complete the form below!