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From Our President...
Dr. Bisa Lewis
It is quite the honor to serve as the President of Black Child Development Institute (BCDI)-Atlanta! On behalf of our national office (NBCDI), Board of Directors, members, partners, and volunteers, I bring you greetings from Georgia’s Capitol!
I accepted the charge to lead this organization, because I want to pay it forward. When I was growing up in Southwest Georgia, there were so many servants and leaders in my community whose relationships and genuine care for my well-being made it possible for me to become the woman, mother, and educator I am today. I strive to replicate constructive learning experiences with others who cross my path, in hopes to inspire the next generation to be leaders and assets to society.
Even after serving as Vice President of BCDI-Atlanta for nearly four years, I am continually impressed by the work our Affiliate does in Georgia’s communities. I love it that we are not pointing fingers; we’re taking ownership of challenges and concerns in the Black community and facilitating solutions! Ultimately, ALL children and families benefit from the work we do.
In each of our focus areas—literacy, child health, child welfare, policy, family engagement, and early childhood education, we are supporting communities through research, programs, and resources, so we can truthfully say Being Black is NOT a Risk Factor and “all the children are well”. I plan to leave this world empty, working and serving to build up our communities by inspiring youth, empowering families, and educating future leaders. Along the way, I hope to meet others who will commit to passing on this perpetual gift of service; because service is the gift that keeps on giving!
I personally invite you to become a member and attend one of our upcoming events. Change starts with…[look in the mirror]!😊
See you soon!
Board of Directors
ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
Ashlee Williams
holds a BA in Communications from Georgia State University and is pursuing a Master of Social Work at Howard University. She passionately advocates for marginalized communities, youth, and displaced families. With over ten years of social service experience, Ashlee has worked diligently to facilitate and maintain resources, organizational structure, and programming for various government and non-profit organizations.
In addition to her work in the social service industry, she is also an educator, having worked as an English teacher in China and pre-k instructor. Ashlee’s passion for serving marginalized communities has led her to travel frequently, living abroad and in multiple states nationwide.
Ashlee volunteers at various organizations across the metro Atlanta area in her free time, including Covenant House, and takes pride in being creative as a writer and photographer.
Ashlee Williams
Operations
Coordinator
Lubna Budhwani
is a proud dual MBA degree holder in Human Resources Management, from prestigious universities located in Australia and United States. Not only does Lubna hold dual degrees, she also has more than twenty years of experience working in the administrative field in multiple parts of the world.
Apart from her professional life, she is very keen on assisting those in need by volunteering at multiple reputed nonprofit organizations to make a difference in the world of those with disabilities and life-threatening conditions.
In addition to her professional and charity work, she has extensive knowledge and experience about how the fashion industry works. Being a fashion entrepreneur, her passion of designing beautiful ethnic wear for all occasions is clearly seen through her work. Not only does she design custom wear ethnic clothing, she has vast knowledge of marketing her products through social media.
Lubna Budhwani
Administrative
Coordinator
INTERNS
Nina Martin
is a spirited college senior hailing from Snellville, Georgia. Currently enrolled at Georgia State University, Nina is pursuing a degree in Social Work, a field that resonates deeply with her.
Nina's connection to the world of social work traces back to her family, where she discovered her innate passion for making a positive impact on the lives of others. Growing up with a twin brother who has autism, she learned firsthand the importance of understanding and supporting individuals with disabilities. This personal experience cultivated her desire to contribute to the well-being of those facing unique challenges.
Eager to translate her compassion into action, Nina embarked on her academic journey with unwavering determination. As the vice president of the Social Work Club, she plays an instrumental role in fostering a supportive community for like-minded individuals, all driven by a shared commitment to social welfare. Beyond her academic pursuits, Nina dedicates her free time to two remarkable organizations, showcasing her boundless dedication to her chosen path.
At her local library, Nina lends her skills to a range of tasks, showcasing her willingness to go above and beyond to assist her community. Additionally, she serves as the social media coordinator for God’s Ladies of Significance and Service (GLOSS), an organization that aligns well with her values and aspirations. Through her role in GLOSS, she harnesses the power of digital platforms to raise awareness and create meaningful connections.
Nina's dreams for the future are as inspiring as her current endeavors. With a heart set on continued growth and impact, she aspires to earn her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, equipped with an advanced toolkit to create lasting change. Her focus remains on advocating for the geriatric community and individuals with disabilities, striving to provide them with the care, understanding, and resources they deserve.
In a world where empathy and action go hand in hand, Nina Martin stands out as an embodiment of compassion and dedication. With her eyes fixed on a future filled with transformative possibilities, she is a beacon of hope for those whose lives she touches and an inspiration to all who have the privilege of knowing her.
Nina Martin
Intern