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Evonnia Woods, PhD
Executive Director
Evonnia has 15 years of experience addressing economic, racial, and reproductive justice issues using an integrative approach. She simultaneously started her sociology PhD program, became a community leader at a local economic justice organization, and began working with campus leaders at every level to increase student participation in decision-making processes. She then gained experience as a reproductive justice organizer and opposition researcher at a startup nonprofit. After years of co-founding and/or serving as a leader at health-focused collectives like Mid-MO Repro and the Missouri HIV Justice Coalition, Evonnia continues to work toward health equity and justice as a cofounder and the Executive Director of Center for Collective Action.
Founding Board Members
Dr. Kenneth Bryant Jr.
President
Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Texas at Tyler, where he specializes in American politics, race and ethnicity, and civic engagement. Recognized for his innovative, student-centered approach to teaching, he is the creator of The System Works, a vital civic education initiative. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Bryant is an accomplished author and public scholar dedicated to bridging the gap between media, politics, and the public. He will assist with our forthcoming podcast.
Shatonya Woodard
Treasurer
Principal HR Associate at Capitol One with 10 years of experience across onboarding, recruitment, employee relations, HR systems, compensation, benefits, performance management, and succession planning, as well as prior experience as an operations manager. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, an Associate’s degree in Business Administration, and certifications in Human Resource Management and Strategic Human Resources. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, juicing, playing bingo, driving, and spending time with family and friends. She assists with our retreats.
Secretary
Alex R. Dopp, PhD
Child clinical psychologist and a research scientist at RAND, a non-profit, non-partisan policy research institute. His work utilizes research and community-defined evidence to enhance services and systems for underserved populations. By leading interdisciplinary teams and community partnerships, he strives to reform traditional systems to better serve those in need. He assists with our Missouri Comprehensive Health Alliance.
Dr. Angela Haeny
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine and a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in substance use disorders. She leads the Resilience Empowerment and Addiction Lab (REAL), where her research focuses on improving alcohol and drug treatments for Black adults by addressing racial stress, trauma, and other understudied risk factors. She assists with our retreats.
CranioSacral therapist and wellness educator who owns a healing-focused practice and teaches at Encircle Technologies in Columbia, MO. She loves being outside, where she finds strength, creativity, and optimism. She co-authors our Mid-MO Take Action Newsletter.
Corri Flaker Fraser
Director of the Center for Social Change and Belonging, Associate Teaching Professor of African Studies and Philosophy, and Adjunct Professor of Law at Penn State University. He holds a B.S. in Political Science, Philosophy, and Economics with an African Studies Certificate from the University of Pittsburgh; an M.A. in Philosophy from the University of Missouri; a Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina School of Law; and a PhD in Education from Penn State. He assists with our board orientations and retreats.