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

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!

Board Application

Board Committee Application

CWUW's board committees are where ideas become action. Committee members work alongside fellow leaders to strengthen our organization, support whole health initiatives, advance fundraising efforts, guide strategic growth, and ensure long-term sustainability. Whether you bring expertise in business, healthcare, finance, law, marketing, or community leadership, your knowledge can help shape the future of CWUW and the communities we serve.

Fundraising Committee

The Fundraising Committee helps secure the resources needed to advance CWUW's mission and sustain our impact. Committee members support fundraising strategy, donor engagement, special events, corporate partnerships, and resource development efforts while serving as ambassadors for the organization in the community.

Governance Committee

The Governance Committee works to strengthen the effectiveness of the Board of Directors. Responsibilities include board recruitment, orientation, ongoing board development, succession planning, and ensuring that board policies, practices, and leadership structures support strong governance and accountability.

Strategic Planning Committee

The Strategic Planning Committee helps guide CWUW's long-term vision, growth, and sustainability. Committee members work with board and staff leadership to assess community needs, evaluate organizational priorities, monitor progress toward strategic goals, and ensure that CWUW remains responsive to emerging opportunities and challenges.

Committee Member Commitment (Non Voting)

CWUW committee members play an important role in strengthening the organization's mission, impact, and long-term sustainability. Committee members are asked to commit to serving for 12-18 months and to actively participate in committee meetings, discussions, and assigned activities.

Committee members are expected to:

  • Attend and actively engage in committee meetings

  • Contribute their professional expertise and perspectives

  • Support committee goals and work plans

  • Serve as an ambassador for CWUW within their networks and community

  • Communicate openly and collaborate respectfully with fellow members

  • Follow through on agreed-upon responsibilities and action items

Please complete the application below.