Jesika Jenkins, LE
Jesika, a mother, a wife and a powerhouse of her own, she is a board-certified esthetician with a deep passion for helping others sustain and regain confidence in their own skin. She also has over a decade of experienced as a licensed hair braider where she's had the pleasure of allowing her hands to extend and enhance her clients creative expression. Not only does she create a safe space for her clients, she educates them about products and best practices for care while introducing them to innovative ways to take care of their skin. She has grounded her self in holistic wellness recognizing that the whole body deserves nurturing and care. Jesika holds a passion for post partum care and it's necessity for the health and wellbeing of the entire family. She believes beauty is more than skin deep--it's about confidence, connection, self-care, and wellness.
Jansarrah Sims-Wilson, MSN, BSN, BA
Jansarrah Sims-Wilson is a compassionate and driven healthcare professional from Gadsden, South Carolina. She earned her first degree--a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communication--from the College of Charleston in 2010, acquiring skills in advocacy, interpersonal communication, and community engagement. Inspired to make a direct impact in the lives of others, she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from South University and began a fulfilling nursing career in 2015. Determined to expand her impact in the field of mental health, she earned her Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) from the University of South Alabama in 2023. She brings a wealth of clinical insight, deep understanding of community health needs and an unwavering dedication to improving access to compassionate comprehensive care.
Meet the Advisory Board.
This group of wise advisors provide significant insight and direction for Girl, let's talk. programs and initiatives.
Dr. Takeshia Brown
A leader, advocate, educator, and the first Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Officer for the City of Savannah. Dr. Brown works collaboratively with the City’s Leadership Team to provide advisement, coaching, and training to staff on issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Previously she served almost seven years as the Director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs at Georgia Southern University; where she was responsible for the oversight of retention and mentoring programs for underrepresented students, as well as diversity and social justice education on all three campuses.
Raven Byrd, RBT, ABA
Raven Byrd is a mental health counselor with a master's degree in Clinical Mental Counseling, a Registered Behavior Technician, and a creative entrepreneur. She specializes in trauma-informed care, spiritual wellness, and holistic healing, and is the founder of an aromatherapy brand and wellness podcast. She also holds a certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis. Guiding healing through mental health, behavior support and soulful creativity.
Trinicia Jackson, LPC, LPC-S
A Licensed Professional Counselor and LPC-Supervisor in South Carolina, Ms. Jackson is the CEO/Owner of Pieces 2 Peace Wellness & Consulting, LLC., where she specializes, in trauma-informed care, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and family/relationship dynamics. In addition to her clinical work, she provides supervision and mentorship for emerging counselors, fostering the next generation of mental health professionals. She is passionate about promoting wellness, equity, and resilience within the community and brings both clinical expertise and leadership experience to her role on the advisory board.
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Listen, Explore, Together, Share
What happens when we listen to each other? When we hear a quote that resonates with us and our lived experiences? Or when we hear a story similar to our own? or the exact opposite of your own? What are you listening for?
Explore your thoughts, experiences, and feelings. How have they impacted who you are? How can you help others explore too? What do you need to re-examine? Or examine for the first time?
Connect. Support. Network. We don’t get through life living in a bubble. Social interaction is the glue of our being. Who is apart of your circle of support? Girl, let’s talk is a safe space to collaboratively learn, grow, and heal.
Storytelling is powerful. Share your story. Share your wisdom. Share how you felt, feel, and want to feel. Share what you’ve overcome and the endeavors that stand in front of you. Celebrate what you deem worthy of celebration. Allow others to share with you too.
Truth, Authenticity, Love, Kindness
No one can narrate your story for you unless you allow them too. Speak your truth.
Be accountable and gracious with yourself. Your true self requires you to be ALL that you are.
Always move from place of love instead of fear or desperation. This takes practice. But it is already in you.
Be kind to your self FIRST. Be kind to others. This creates safety for yourself and those you care about.
Girl, let's talk. is founded on the timeless principles: L.E.T.S. T.A.L.K.
I’m Rachel Alford, a mentor, wellness advocate, and founder of Girl, let’s talk. ®, a brand dedicated to centering mental and emotional well-being, real conversations, and community healing.
With more than thirteen years of leadership experience in higher education and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I have dedicated my career to helping individuals not just succeed academically or professionally but thrive mentally and emotionally. My background in advising, counseling, and program development has taught me the importance of creating spaces where vulnerability, authenticity, and self-awareness are valued and nurtured.
I launched Girl, let’s talk. because I witnessed and experienced firsthand how many people, especially Black women, navigate circumstances and environments that often disregard their mental and emotional well-being. I’ve created a space that acknowledges those realities while offering hope, tools, and strategies for holistic well-being.
Whether through workshops like Self-Awareness Matters and The Conversation Party, community initiatives like the annual Walk for Wellness, or through meaningful collaborations with other wellness leaders, the goal remains the same:
To encourage healing, self-awareness, and connection, one conversation at a time.
At Girl, let’s talk, we believe that when women feel empowered to heal and grow, entire communities are transformed. I’m honored to walk alongside you on this journey.
Notable initiatives and accomplishments:
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Established and now directs a peer mentoring program for Master of Public Health (MPH) students in the Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences (BSHES) department at the Rollins School of Public
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Presented at the 2023 Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) Annual Meeting
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Received the 2023 Staff DEI Leadership Award from the Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
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Was nominated for the 2023 Outstanding Woman of Color Award by the Women of Color Initiative (WOCI) Atlanta Collaborative in Higher Education
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Serves on the BSHES DEI Working Group