 | Dr. Natasha Crooks is an Associate Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing. Her community-engaged research program centers on addressing sexual health disparities among Black girls and women. Her current research focuses on the development and testing of IMAGE (IMARA for Black Male Caregivers and Girls Empowerment), a family-based HIV prevention intervention designed to increase the protection of Black girls' sexual and reproductive health in Chicago. |
 | Jessica Ogwumike, MPH, is a public health researcher and trained labor doula. She is experienced in adapting evidence-based programming to improve outcomes for marginalized birthing and parenting communities, especially serving Black and queer families. As Project Director, Ogwumike oversees IMAGE research procedures and curriculum implementation. |
 | Ms. Juquita “Jay” Johnson is a Chicago native that has been a part of UIC’s research team since 2012. Ms. Jay has a very strong connection to the city’s culture, socioeconomics and social needs and has committed to improving communities for decades. Ms. Jay is a mother to an adult daughter and mentor to many others, so she understands how important it is for children to have safe spaces, unconditional love and support and stern guidance so that that can become the best versions of themselves. |
 | Alexis Strong is a Chicago native who is dedicated to the field of human services. Alexis is commissioned to combat the challenges and disparities of underserved communities, to help improve the livelihood of a Greater Chicago through UIC's IMAGE team. |