Welcome to

Be Diverse Network

Welcome To Be Diverse Network

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Welcome to Be Diverse Network, where we are on a mission to empower and uplift the transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary community. Founded in 2023, our organization is deeply committed to fostering inclusion, eradicating stigma, and creating opportunities that bridge the gap to a brighter future.

Our Mission

We’re on a mission to tackle discrimination against LGBTQ+ folks and fight against the challenges we face. We want a world where everyone, no matter who they are, gets a fair shot at both equal rights and economic opportunities. We’re working to Bridge gaps and Burn Stigmas to make things more inclusive, and put an end to HIV/AIDS. Our goal is to create positive changes that make life better for everyone in our community.

Our Vision

We envision a world where everyone, regardless of their background, can thrive, succeed, and celebrate their uniqueness. Through advocacy, education, and practical support, we are striving to build a more equitable and accepting society.

Our board of directors

Jiyah Bolden

President

Jiyah Bolden is a dedicated advocate and the founder of Be Diverse Network, a non-profit organization committed to empowering transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary individuals. As a Black trans woman, Jiyah has a deeply personal understanding of the discrimination and challenges faced by her community. Her passion for fostering inclusion, eradicating HIV-AIDS stigma, and providing opportunities for others to thrive drives her work. Jiyah is also a fellow for the GenHERate program through the Human Rights Campaign, where she works tirelessly to dissolve health disparities within the Black community. With a strong focus on education, career readiness, and entrepreneurship, Jiyah’s mission is to create a more equitable and accepting society for everyone. Through her tireless efforts, Jiyah is making a lasting impact and leading the way towards positive change.

Dr. Katina Jackson

Dr. Katina Jackson, a dedicated community leader for over 25 years, founded Mu Omicron Beta (MOB) in 1995. With a Ph.D. in Psychology and 25 years of service in the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department, her unique background combines law enforcement and psychology. Dr. Jackson is a certified Life Coach and is committed to nurturing youth and addressing complex community issues. She’s an exceptional leader in Lakeland, Florida, inspiring the next generation of community leaders.

Leigha Ford-Shelton

Leigha Ford-Shelton, a valuable member of our Board of Directors. With a remarkable two decades of experience as a registered nurse and a decade as a family nurse practitioner, Leigha transitioned into the field of medical aesthetics in 2016.

Before her journey into aesthetics, Leigha focused on infectious disease management, with a specific emphasis on HIV/AIDS care and community outreach. She is deeply passionate about educating communities and vulnerable populations.

Beyond her professional life, Leigha finds her greatest joy in her loving family. She is happily married and takes pride in being a parent to four wonderful children.

Garret Williams

Garret Williams, a valued member of our Board of Directors. Originally from Clearwater, Garret now calls Tampa, Florida, home.

Garret is an active member of the LGBTQ+ community and is known in the local drag scene as Genesis Glamoura. By day, Garret works at Tampa’s leading LGBT night club, allowing them to connect with a diverse range of community members.

With a strong sales background, Garret aims to be a bridge for potential partnership opportunities within the community. We’re excited to have Garret as part of our board, and we look forward to the positive impact they’ll bring to our organization. Stay tuned for more introductions of our exceptional Board of Directors!

Naomi Wright

Naomi Wright, a cherished member of our Board of Directors, bringing a unique blend of talent, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit to our team. Naomi’s journey began in the DC/Maryland area and took her from the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, NY, to the welcoming community of Tampa, Florida, where she has proudly called home since 2006.

Beyond her passion for our mission, Naomi is a successful business owner, heading Haute Coudoor LLC. Under this umbrella, she manages both Haute Coudoor Couture, a studio renowned for crafting custom gowns and costumes, and Haute Coudoor Cosmetics, a dynamic startup cosmetics brand.

We are thrilled to have Naomi’s expertise, creativity, and commitment as part of our board, and we anticipate the positive impact she will bring to our organization.

Mariah Emery

Mariah Emery, a dedicated member of our Board of Directors. Mariah’s journey into the field of Speech-Language Pathology is a testament to her passion for helping individuals communicate and regain their voice.

She embarked on this path when her part-time job at a local ice cream shop in Cincinnati, Ohio, led her to meet Dr. Gloria Jean-Wallace, a renowned speech-language pathologist who became her mentor. Their collaboration resulted in impactful research and highlighted presentations at national and state conventions.

Further inspiration struck during a vacation in California when Mariah supported her close friend’s journey to relearn communication after surviving a severe brain injury. This experience drove her to complete graduate school at the University of Cincinnati.

Her dedication and leadership were recognized when she was awarded an opportunity in the Minority Student Leadership Program at the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) convention, leading to her coauthorship of NIH publications.

Throughout her career, Mariah has prioritized helping therapists find work-life harmony and pursue entrepreneurship. She runs her own private practice, Meaningful Intervention Services, and co-founded a staffing agency, Integral Partnerships, with Shante Sellers.