Jade Ellis Mathis

Jade Ellis Mathis, also known as “The Resilient JEM,” is an attorney, TEDx speaker, mental health advocate, and television personality. While following in the footsteps of her father, host of the Emmy Award-winning Judge Mathis Show, Jade experienced several obstacles and setbacks on her challenging road to becoming an attorney. After receiving a life-changing diagnosis of clinical depression, ADHD, and a learning disorder in her junior year in college, she was determined to change the way the world views mental health. Jade’s bold, authentic, and unapologetic approach to addressing mental health is admired and respected by many. In 2016, she gained national notoriety after sharing her story of resilience and perseverance in her viral testimony “Don’t Quit, Anything Can Happen” video with over 900k views. 

Jade served as a non-traditional prosecutor for six years, specializing in criminal justice reform. In 2016, Jade created the Back on Track -Prince George’s County diversion program as an alternative to incarceration, modeled after the program created by Vice President Kamala Harris during her tenure as Attorney General. Jade has been recognized for her work and expertise in expungements and second-chance initiatives. 

In 2021, Jade resigned from prosecution to follow her passion for inspiring the masses and embarked on a full-time journey of mental health advocacy and inspirational speaking. Since then, she has been featured in People, Essence, E!, NBC, FOX, Rolling Out, The Root, and several other publications, podcasts, and media outlets for her advocacy and resilience journey. Jade has served as a panelist, host, moderator, and keynote speaker for dozens of community events, private companies, federal government agencies, national conferences, high schools, universities, law schools, faith-based institutions, and many more. 

The Detroit native obtained her Juris Doctrine from Western Michigan School of Law with a concentration in Litigation and aBachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism. Jade is certified and trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid and serves as an Advisory Board Member at Charles H. Hickey Jr. School, a male youth Detention Center. Jade works with the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the Black Greek Letter Consortium as their mental health influencer and keynote speaker for their national Rooted in Resilience tour. Jade also serves as Of Counsel and media consultant to the District Legal Group, litigating high-profile civil rights cases in Washington, D.C., and is a recurring guest contributor on MSNBC.

Ross A. Watson, Jr.

Ross A. Watson, Jr. is an accomplished non-profit leader and mental health advocate with over 15 years of experience in strategic leadership, program development, and community engagement. He has a demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi-faceted initiatives aimed at supporting high and at-risk populations, assisting in securing over $40 million in funding to drive impactful community programs. His expertise spans violence prevention, mental health advocacy, workforce development, and youth mentorship.

In his most recent role as Director of Community Wellness, Ross A. Watson, Jr. managed a department of 20 staff members, overseeing mental health, violence prevention , community safety, and various wellness programs designed to promote recovery and empowerment within diverse communities. His leadership efforts facilitated successful partnerships with local organizations, schools, and key stakeholders, resulting in enhanced services for individuals facing significant challenges. He also provided strategic oversight on budget management and grant acquisition, ensuring the long-term sustainability of critical programs.

In addition to his leadership in community violence prevention, Ross A. Watson, Jr. has been instrumental in assisting multiple health departments across the country in establishing comprehensive violence prevention offices. These initiatives have helped shape public health responses to community violence, integrating mental health recovery with violence reduction strategies.

Ross A. Watson, Jr. also serves on a national advisory committee focused on addressing issues of gang violence and human trafficking, where he contributes his extensive knowledge and expertise in violence prevention and youth intervention strategies at a national level.

Holding a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology, Ross A. Watson, Jr. combines his academic training with practical leadership experience, making him adept at developing data-driven strategies to address complex social issues. His experience in fiscal management, strategic planning, and fundraising has consistently driven successful program implementation and long-term organizational growth.

In addition to his professional work, Ross A. Watson, Jr. is a dedicated youth mentor, having coached young athletes and helped instill the values of leadership, discipline, and teamwork. This hands-on experience reinforces his commitment to community engagement and personal development.

Ross A. Watson, Jr. is driven by a vision to advance mental health advocacy, promote recovery-focused initiatives, and implement innovative violence prevention strategies. He is committed to making a lasting impact on individuals and communities, ensuring equitable access to services that foster health, safety, and wellness.

Dr. Ashlie Perry Banerjee

Dr. Ashlie Perry Banerjee is an Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Security Studies at Endicott College, specializing in security studies and political psychology. Dr. Perry Banerjee has published on the topics of terrorism, social movements and identity politics. This includes a chapter on The Impact of Governmental Strategies on Black Political Discourse Groups: Voices Heard from the Black Panther Party to the Black Lives Matter Movement.

Dr. Perry Banerjee research focuses on the intersectionality of identity and violent political action, and has spent over a decade researching and writing in this area. She teaches classes that range from Race and Justice to Terrorism Studies.

Outside of academia Dr. Perry Benerjee is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc and the Midwest Political Science Association. Dr. Perry Banerjee currently resides in the greater Boston area with her husband and son. 

Gina Curry, MPH, MBA

Director, Office of Community Engagement & Cancer Health Equity

University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center

Gina Curry is the Director of the Office of Community Engagement and Cancer Health Equity (OCECHE) at the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, one of only two NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in Illinois. She has over 15 years of community engagement and community-engaged research experience. She has expertise in creating novel health awareness and promotion initiatives, community mobilization, and has developed multiple networks of Community Health Workers, patient advocates, as well as community- and faith- based organizational partners. Gina collaborates with multiple statewide networks to address disparities in urban and rural areas and is the Chair of the Illinois Cancer Partnership Executive Committee. Gina is also the Founder and Executive Director of Health Washington Heights and Beverly, a Community Health Worker led public health coalition on Chicago’s far south side. Also, has been working in the Englewood community for the past 10 years. 

Community projects:

• Annual Englewood Community Health Fair

        Vincennes Senior Center, 2021-present 

• Girls STEAM initiative, 2018 & 2019 
• Workshop series exposing girls to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) work/careers
• Theace Goldsberry Community House 
• Imagine Englewood If, 2017

        Community garden support 

• PlayStreets Faith Temple, 2016 

HWH trained two facilitators and engaged 78 teen girls in the Girl kNOw More! 

Workshops Addressing sexually transmitted infections among 13-19 year olds in Chicago, specifically chlamydia & gonorrhea, 2015 

E.P.I.T.O.M.E

Empowering Productive Intelligent Teen

Overlooked Mothers Effectively, 2015

Family Focus Englewood 

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination educational campaign to identify and eliminate barriers to HPV vaccination in African Americans, 2013 & 2014