Janine Stephens has been named the Chief Operating Officer for The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness, a Wisconsin based non-profit committed to elevating Black women’s health and reducing racial health disparities. The organization announced today that Stephens will begin her new leadership role on Monday, Feb. 17, when she will become the Foundation’s second full-time employee.
“I’m so thrilled to join the FFBWW team! The Foundation has played a pivotal role in the lives of many Black women in this community including myself,” Stephens tells Madison365. “I look forward to continuing the work with our partners and ambassadors to advance our mission and impact the lives of many more striving to be Well Black Women.”
Stephens joins the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness at a time of expansion as it gets ready to host the official grand opening of its new Black Women’s Wellness Center on Madison’s west side on Saturday, Feb. 1, noon-3 p.m. Dane County’s first-ever Black Women’s Health and Wellness Center experienced its “soft opening” on Saturday, Jan. 4.
The Center was made possible by the support of local donors, and a successful fundraising campaign last spring that raised well over $100,000 and won the organization’s recognition as a national GoFundMe Hero at the Pearl in San Francisco, California, on Nov. 14.
Lisa Peyton-Caire, CEO and president of The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness, launched the organization in 2012 and has led it since that time with the support of a working board and a legion of committed volunteers.
“We are beyond excited and elated to welcome Janine to our team and at such a critical time in our organization’s development,” said Peyton-Caire in a statement. “She brings talents and experience that will be central to strengthening our capacity to broaden our reach and fulfill our commitment to transform Black women’s health.”
Stephens is well-known in the Madison community for her previous work as Chief Development Officer of the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County (BGCDC), where she was instrumental in helping lead the opening of the organization’s new Sun Prairie location. Stephens worked for BGCDC for nine years and served in a number of leadership roles in marketing, development, event management, and operations. Stephens has also served as Chief Operating Officer for Building Brave, a non-profit women’s empowerment platform launched in 2016 by local businesswoman and philanthropist Mary Burke.
