Alma Busby-Williams has almost 20 years of experience working in the non-profit sector in underserved communities.  She received her Bachelors Degree from Auburn University, and her law degree from New College of California School of Law.  She is currently a doctoral candidate in Organizational Leadership, with a focus on cultural competency. Alma began her management career with Head Start, where she continued for over 10 years.  She also spent 5 years working at Legal Services Corporation in Opelika, Alabama.  She is also a certified H.U.D. Professional Housing Counselor, and provides families with eviction prevention counseling, as well as pre/ post mortgage counseling. Alma has provided housing workshops in Alabama and California.

 

 

 

Aaqilah Islam brings hands-on experience in coordinating & supporting Collaborative Systems of Compassionate Care.  After receiving her BA in Communication Studies from California State University, Northridge, she worked as an AmeriCorps volunteer and Family Support Specialist at a Home Visiting Program for first-time mothers and infants age zero to three.  She began with Contra Costa County’s Children & Family Services Program/ Welcome Home Baby in 2006 as a staff training supervisor for home visitation teams, and became the project’s program manager in 2007.  Aaqilah facilitates trainings related to cultural competency, service coordination, team building, and empowering youth & women.  She also helps support community and social service agencies in their development of effective policies and procedures, offering support and training to service coordinators, project coordinators, and coordinating committees.  Aaqilah is a member of CAMFT (The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists). Trained as a trainer of early childhood practitioners, in particular infant/ toddler care teachers, by The California Department of Education/ PITC Training of Trainers Institute, Aaqilah embraces and promotes cultural sensitivity to issues of gender, race, ethnicity, language, religion, disability, and sexual orientation/ identity.

 

 

Jill Busby has been working in the field of Equality and Diversity for over 5 years with a particular focus working on issues relevant to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) people.  She is committed to bringing the best, most effective workshops and trainings to social work providers, clinicians, and educators to enhance the levels of service for the LGBTQ communities.  She is a qualified Youth and Community Worker and an experienced trainer and facilitator.  Also, she is committed to providing youth-serving professionals with the specific tools and skills necessary to successfully engage and retain LGBTQ youth clients.  Jill offers unique training services as she maintains a particular focus on using the art of storytelling and innovative activities to build resilience in LGBTQ youth as part of a positive youth development model.  Additionally, Jill has experience working with programs that promote and enhance a climate of inclusion, equity and opportunity- A sense of community that is altogether rare.