Dr. Diane Kern and Valarie Davis, JD, discuss Being Well While Black and its Black Voter Guides

Everything Co-op with Vernon Oakes

October 31, 2024 This episode includes an interview with Dr. Diane Kern, a psychotherapist, and Valarie E. Davis, JD, who are both ardent advocates for social justice. Vernon and his guests explore the development of Being Well While Black, an initiative established at the onset of the COVID pandemic to offer resources aiding the community in coping with COVID, and its progression to create the Nonpartisan 2024 Black Voter Guides for the Washington Metro Area. Dr. Diane Kern, a licensed psychologist in the Washington Metro Area, brings over 25 years of experience in psychotherapy, life coaching, workshop facilitation, and consultation across diverse groups. She frequently leads expert talks and workshops on mental health and wellness. Through her "Happy and Healthy U" series, Dr. Kern combines expertise with a personal philosophy to inspire positive life changes. Her warm interpersonal style combined with her expert facilitation skills encourage engagement, skill building and the motivation to embark on positive change. Author of Go Forward to Work! Dr. Kern provides guidance on finding fulfilling careers that promote happiness and success. Her commitment to social justice inspired her to co-found Being Well While Black (BWWB) with Valarie Eiland Davis in 2020, an initiative to support well-being and Black voter empowerment. Under the auspices of Being Well While Black, the Nonpartisan Black Voter Guide Project was developed. Diane also leads the DC team for BWWB’s 2024 Nonpartisan Black Voter Guide and chairs the local Greater DC National Action Network Voter Empowerment Committee. Valarie Eiland Davis, JD, is the co-founder of Being Well While Black and the founder of Life and Legacy, a service and product provider that assists individuals and families in successfully managing life transitions. Additionally, Valerie serves as an education equity consultant and is the Convenor of "The Black Coalition For Excellence in Education," an advocacy group for education equity that evolved from the Montgomery County team of Being Well While Black. She dedicates her tireless advocacy for justice to the service of women, children, and Black communities globally.