In a city reshaped by development, René Carter is leading a different kind of transformation — one grounded in legacy, guided by listening, and committed to community. As a founding board member of the Jane Bancroft Robinson Foundation, René brings decades of experience in service and advocacy to a new model of philanthropy: one that centers women, families, and historically underserved neighborhoods in D.C. “We weren’t going to come in and tell people what was best for them,” she says. “We wanted to hear from the people who actually live there.”

WANDA is a sisterhood using food as a tool for healing, justice, and change.
Founded by Tambra Raye Stevenson, it empowers Black women and girls in nutrition and agriculture.
From D.C. to Nigeria, WANDA is growing a movement of “food sheroes.”
Through shared meals and community action, they’re breaking generational cycles.
We stand with WANDA in building a future where food is power.

Cancer doesn’t discriminate—but systems do.
In D.C., Black residents in Wards 7 and 8 face the highest cancer burdens.
At JBRF, we’re breaking down barriers to prevention, treatment, and survivorship.
From patient navigation to policy change, we’re fighting for health equity.
Because where you live shouldn’t determine if you live.

World Cancer Day on February 4th reminds us of the ongoing battle against cancer and the need for a people-centered approach to care. The theme for 2025-2027, United by Unique, emphasizes tailoring care to each person’s unique needs. Cancer remains a leading cause of death, but many deaths are preventable through lifestyle changes and early detection. In Washington, D.C., Ward 8 faces alarming disparities in cancer incidence and mortality. On this World Cancer Day, let’s unite to ensure equitable cancer care for all, especially in underserved communities.

At the Jane Bancroft Robinson Foundation (JBRF), we celebrate leaders like Anita Hammond, whose innovative approaches drive positive change in workforce development. As Director of Workforce Development at Johns Hopkins Health System, Hammond’s leadership has enhanced opportunities for frontline healthcare workers, focusing on training, growth, and holistic support. She champions peer-learning and strategic planning to create sustainable, industry-wide solutions. Her commitment to addressing workers’ personal and professional needs underscores the importance of a holistic approach. Hammond’s leadership highlights the need for diverse perspectives in leadership roles, ensuring meaningful change for underserved communities.

The Jane Bancroft Robinson Foundation is honored to be part of the East of the Anacostia River community, where resilience and determination thrive every day. We are inspired by the work of the Anacostia Coordinating Council (ACC), an organization founded in 1983 with the vision of giving the people of Anacostia a voice in shaping their future. ACC’s efforts to unite residents, leaders, and organizations around shared goals resonate deeply with our mission to empower Black women, especially those in Anacostia and surrounding neighborhoods. Together, we are committed to creating opportunities, breaking down barriers, and building a brighter future for all.

For over 35 years, Academy of Hope (AoH) has empowered adult learners through education and career training. In partnership with the Jane Bancroft Robinson Foundation (JBRF), AoH is deepening its impact by addressing systemic barriers to economic opportunity. AoH serves over 800 learners annually, offering pathways from GED preparation to career-specific training in fields like healthcare and IT. Through flexible programs, AoH helps learners achieve economic self-sufficiency. This collaboration focuses on racial equity and providing essential resources to support long-term success.

For over 25 years, Ambrose Lane Jr. has been a driving force in health equity advocacy in Washington, D.C., championing the rights of marginalized communities through the Health Alliance Network. His dedication shines through initiatives like Her Story Matters, an annual celebration of African American women’s resilience against breast cancer. As JBRF joins Ambrose in honoring this milestone, we invite you to learn more about his impactful work and the inspiring stories of strength that continue to transform health outcomes in our community.

At the Jane Bancroft Robinson Foundation (JBRF), we are committed to addressing economic disparities and enhancing health outcomes for Black women in Washington, D.C., particularly in Wards 7 and 8. As part of our dedication to supporting Black women-led nonprofits and systemic change, we are proud to highlight our partnership with the Center for Nonprofit Advancement through the Chief Executive Leaders Ascend Program (CELAP).

Jaren Hill Lockridge is a driving force behind health equity in Washington, D.C.’s Ward 8. As Chair of the Ward 8 Health Council, she leads initiatives that bring essential resources directly to underserved communities. Her work in environmental justice and public health highlights her dedication to creating a healthier future. Jaren’s leadership and passion make her a beacon of hope and change in her community.

In Washington, D.C., the Anacostia River symbolizes the divide between Wards 7 and 8 and the broader opportunities found across the city. Black women from these wards often face long commutes for better jobs, underscoring the need for inclusive workforce development. Addressing barriers like wage disparity, transportation access, and systemic inequities is essential for enhancing economic mobility. By focusing on education, fair hiring practices, and access to childcare, we can create a more equitable future for these resilient communities.

Cancer doesn’t discriminate, but outcomes and access to care often do, especially for Black families in Washington, D.C. Black women face unique hurdles, with higher mortality rates and significant inequalities in care access. Addressing these disparities requires raising awareness about prevention, screening, and treatment. Efforts by organizations like JBRF and Black Women Thriving East of the River are crucial in improving cancer outcomes and addressing economic and health challenges in underserved communities. Every step forward in this mission is significant, reflecting a united commitment to health equity and quality cancer care for all.

In the vibrant heart of Wards 7 and 8 in Washington, D.C., visionary women have driven transformative change by addressing social determinants of health through education and housing. Trailblazers like Mary Jane Patterson and Nannie Helen Burroughs laid educational foundations, while Dorothy Height and Ella Baker championed housing rights and civil rights, respectively. Today, organizations like JBRF and Black Women Thriving East of the River (BWTEoTR), led by Nakeisha Neal Jones, continue this legacy, working to reduce racial, health, and economic disparities and fostering a future where every individual has the opportunity to succeed.

East of the Anacostia River, disparities persist: historic segregation, economic inequality, and limited healthcare access. With a median household income of $30,000 for a family of four—far below the city and national averages—residents face significant challenges. Efforts like the Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center aim to bridge the gap, offering hope for a more equitable future. By empowering residents and addressing root causes, we aim to create a Washington, D.C., where all thrive, regardless of zip code.

Despite historical progress, healthcare and economic challenges persist East of the River, gravely impacting Black women who reside in Wards 7 and 8 communities. Recognizing the urgency is the first step to uncovering patterns that display systemic issues. We believe that every individual deserves the chance to thrive, regardless of socioeconomic status, and that collective action is of utmost importance today.

In collaboration with D.C. Health, a Mayoral Task Force invited JBRF to delve into the longstanding systemic challenges affecting healthcare workforce development in Washington, D.C. What emerged in the form of a report were key stressors and strategic recommendations to enhance healthcare accessibility, reduce unemployment, and empower underrepresented populations, particularly focusing on improving opportunities for Black women in the healthcare sector.

The first step to creating diverse healthcare opportunities begings with confronting the challenges that a community is facing, such as implicit biases and systemic racism.