Get to Know About Together EMPOWERED
Here are the main pillars of Together EMPOWERED Inc.
- A 501 (c)3 organization committed to supporting and empowering women and girls of color worldwide.
- A powerful impact on the community by providing women and girls of color with tools to promote growth, independence, and increased self-esteem through our Core Values of Love, Sisterhood, and Service.
- Raises funds to support our Little Sister and Sister-2-Sister mentoring programs, as well as a host of other programs to uplift and empower our community.
- Our mentoring programs build a sisterhood among women and girls, promote education and excellence, and empower them with the tools to achieve their Dreams.
Our History
Together EMPOWERED, Incorporated began as a vision of Dr. Bertrina Olivia West Al-Mahdi in 2011. Dr. Al-Mahdi wanted a way to empower and unite women of color while simultaneously combating the sexual exploitation of women of color. In August 2011, Black Ladies, Inc. was established to provide resources and mental health services to women of color.
In June 2015, Dr. Al-Mahdi traveled to KwaZulu-Natal and Johannesburg, South Africa, where she discovered that the need to unite and empower women of color was an international concern. Upon her return, Dr. Al-Mahdi established the Black Wives Club (BWC), a division of Black Ladies, Inc. whose mission is to unite and provide support, sisterhood, and advisement to married women of color internationally.
A year later, in June 2016, Black Ladies, Inc. had grown to over 500 members worldwide, including 163 members of the BWC, and was officially established as an international 501(c) (3) organization. With the support and unification of women worldwide, Black Ladies International, Inc. has provided empowerment and support services to over 1,200 women and girls of color since 2011.
In 2018, Black Ladies International Inc. changed its name to highlight its mission and vision of empowering and uniting women, Together EMPOWERED!
Meet The Founder
Dr. Bertrina Olivia West Al-Mahdi is an U. S. Navy veteran, International Psychologist, Trauma, Diversity & Inclusion consultant, and a Human, Social, and Civil Rights Advocate and Activist. She travels the world working with individuals, families, couples, children, and organizations helping them to identify and overcome trauma, while also educating and advocating for the equal rights of marginalized groups, specifically women, girls, and people of color.
Following her career in the U. S. military and as a law enforcement officer, Dr. Al-Mahdi received her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University, with a concentration in Diversity and Human Rights. Dr. Al-Mahdi graduated with honors and specialized training in cognitive therapy and trauma-focused therapy.
Following her master’s degree, she participated in the Diplomacy Fellows Program with the U. S. Department of State. Dr. Al-Mahdi completed her doctorate degree in International Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, with a concentration in Trauma. Dr. Al-Mahdi graduated with research honors and specialized training in diplomatic affairs.
Dr. Bertrina Olivia West Al-Mahdi is an U. S. Navy veteran, International Psychologist, Trauma, Diversity & Inclusion consultant, and a Human, Social, and Civil Rights Advocate and Activist. She travels the world working with individuals, families, couples, children, and organizations helping them to identify and overcome trauma, while also educating and advocating for the equal rights of marginalized groups, specifically women, girls, and people of color.
Following her career in the U. S. military and as a law enforcement officer, Dr. Al-Mahdi received her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University, with a concentration in Diversity and Human Rights. Dr. Al-Mahdi graduated with honors and specialized training in cognitive therapy and trauma-focused therapy. Following her master’s degree, she participated in the Diplomacy Fellows Program with the U. S. Department of State. Dr. Al-Mahdi completed her doctorate degree in International Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, with a concentration in Trauma. Dr. Al-Mahdi graduated with research honors and specialized training in diplomatic affairs.
Board of Directors
Together EMPOWERED, Inc. Board of Directors ensures the future of the entire organization at all levels. Board members act as trustees and stewards on behalf of our members, including financial management of the organization. The Board also provides guidance and helps govern the vision and mission across the Council system – which includes Mentorship, Finance, Fundraising, Membership, and Communications. The Board also ensures that all organizational programs are consistent with the Together EMPOWERED‘s mission and that our efforts move Together EMPOWERED forward according to our annual strategic goals.
Dr. Bertrina Olivia West Al-Mahdi
Executive Director
Dr. Bertina Olivia West Al-Mahdi (“Olivia”) is the founder and executive director of BLI. She is a world-renowned International Psychologist, Clinical Therapist, Motivational Speaker, Human and Civil Rights Advocate, and Trauma and Diversity & Inclusion, Consultant. Prior to becoming an International Psychologist, Dr. Al-Mahdi served her country and her community as a member of the United States Navy and Deputy for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department in Tampa, FL. Her passion for empowering women of color and advocating form human and civil rights equality has led her to travel the world promoting these issues and fighting against social injustices and discrimination. To find out more about the Dr. Al-Mahdi please
Sarah Jackson
Director of Finance
Sarah Jackson is originally from Illinois and has been in the metro- Atlanta area for over 10 years. She is an advisor for a federal grant program that supports education, training and workforce development. Sarah holds degrees in Business Administration and Accounting. She is currently preparing for CPA licensure. Sarah truly knows “it takes a village” and is extremely passionate about empowering women and girls through education.
LaKeisha Hankins
Director of Communications
LaKeisha Hankins was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada and relocated to Georgia in 2011 with her husband and three of their four daughters. LaKeisha holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and certifications in Life & Success Coaching. She has a burning desire to empower and equip other girls and women to reach their full potential in life by stretching out of the comfort zone so they can live the life they desire. In addition to serving as the Director of Communication, she is also an active member of her church and a Fatherless Daughter advocate.
Eboni Eaton
Secretary
Eboni is originally from Munford, TN, and identifies herself as a lifelong learner and educator. She graduated from Tennessee State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development and from the University of Memphis with a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. Eboni has been a part of the educational experience for many children and adults aged Pre-K to College. In addition, Eboni has previously served on a nonprofit board and is passionate about giving back and being a resource for those who need it.