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 (JBRF), 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.

In Ward 8, systemic barriers in healthcare have long impacted Black residents, with some of the city’s highest cancer rates and chronic disease burdens.
The Ward 8 Health Council (W8HC) is changing this through a community-led model focused on access, prevention, and equity.
From health education and screenings to advocacy and partnerships, W8HC addresses the social and structural drivers of poor health.
Their work shows that real transformation happens when residents lead solutions for their own communities.
JBRF is proud to partner with W8HC in advancing health equity and strengthening Ward 8’s legacy of resilience and leadership.

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 those in underserved communities.

At 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 health care 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.

JBRF 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).