OUR BOARD

Gabi Cole

I was born and raised in North St. Louis City, Missouri then moved to Chicago after high school to study Political Science and Sociology at DePaul University. I later returned and obtained a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management from Fontbonne University. I am currently a nonprofit executive and consultant, educator, and author.

I am passionate about the environmental and infrastructural implications in under-resourced communities that impact public health and food access. This drove me to research and develop a local wellness nonprofit program established in 2012 for underserved families in the St. Louis area. Fit and Food Connection’s mission is to promote equitable wellness programming and healthy food access to support my community. Because of this, I have exceptional leadership experience with racial equity work, creating and leading successful programs led by community input, direct practice, public relations, community engagement and organizational planning. My consultant work specializes in team facilitating workshops/training on community centered work, liberatory fundraising, grassroot fundraising, and coaching both in US and non US based organizations.

I believe that social and community organizations should be mission-driven and stay true to their values. I am a member of the American Public Health Association and have been recognized for several outstanding leadership and fundraising awards.

Elizabeth Williams-Johnson

Elizabeth Williams-Johnson leads the Diverse Alumni Networks team at Washington University, where she oversees strategy design and implementation for external diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Prior to her work at WashU, Elizabeth spent several years developing and implementing community engagement strategies for organizations in the St. Louis region. Elizabeth holds a Master of Social Work from the Brown School at Washington University and earned her undergraduate degree at Washington University as well. She is inspired and entertained daily by her husband, Tyrone, and two kids, Tyrone and Charles.

SonJoria Syndor

SonJoria Sydnor is a wife, mother, author, yoga instructor and educator passionate about social change in health and wellness. With a B.S.W. from the University of Missouri, St. Louis and a 200 hour yoga teacher certification, she has worked in classrooms and homes, educating students and parents for over a decade.

SonJoria is a non-profit co-founder of I AM: Breastfeeding and the owner of Our Family's Doing Yoga, LLC. She uses her skills as a parent, educator, and certified yoga instructor to support and increase visibility of well-being for Black families. 

SonJoria's goal is for families like hers to feel seen, heard, and represented. Using her platform as a public speaker, she emphasizes the importance of being inclusive while supporting Black kids and families. She reinforces this call to action through products, classes, support groups, podcasting, and more. 

Amongst her many contributions, SonJoria has authored a children's book, written an article for the Journal of Human Lactation, and was the Buy From A Black Woman's 2022 and 2023 Children's Company of the Year.