About Us
Our Story
Coming soon!
Meet Our Founder
Shaquita Stewart is the Founder and Board Chair of MOMINATE, a nonprofit empowering mothers through community, education, and support. Inspired by her personal journey and the gaps in maternal support, Shaquita created MOMINATE to ensure mothers feel seen, supported, and equipped to thrive because every mother deserves a village. With over a decade of project management experience and a background in business analytics and innovation, she brings both strategy and heart to her work.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Shasta Wright
Gwendolyn R. Summers, M.Ed, LCPC
Gwendolyn R. Summers, M.Ed, LCPC
Information Technology Business Analyst & Project Manager with a passion for using strategy, technology, and communication to create real impact, Shasta joined Mominate because she believes every mom deserves support - even those who already have a strong village. More support, more resources, and more community. She believes Mominate wil
Information Technology Business Analyst & Project Manager with a passion for using strategy, technology, and communication to create real impact, Shasta joined Mominate because she believes every mom deserves support - even those who already have a strong village. More support, more resources, and more community. She believes Mominate will serve as a preventative space - not only supporting currently pregnant and postpartum moms, but also helping women navigate challenges like postpartum depression before they even arise or require a diagnosis, through connection, care, and community.
Gwendolyn R. Summers, M.Ed, LCPC
Gwendolyn R. Summers, M.Ed, LCPC
Gwendolyn R. Summers, M.Ed, LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a passion for facilitating group and individual therapy, mentoring emerging mental health professionals, and embracing intersectionality within the therapy space. Gwendolyn joined Mominate as a natural extension of her calling, creating safe spaces where individuals can process their truths a
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a passion for facilitating group and individual therapy, mentoring emerging mental health professionals, and embracing intersectionality within the therapy space. Gwendolyn joined Mominate as a natural extension of her calling, creating safe spaces where individuals can process their truths and providing education that empowers people to make informed decisions about their wellness. She believes deeply in the power of this mission: “Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn’t know you had.” Gwendolyn believes Mominate will compassionately meet mothers where they are - equipping them with the strategies, resources, and community needed to thrive in motherhood and beyond.
Jamire Merrick, LCSW-C
Janiera Jackson, MSN, CRNA
Janiera Jackson, MSN, CRNA
Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical with a passion for serving underserved populations and connecting individuals to the resources they need and deserve. Jamire joined Mominate because she understands firsthand how critical support is for mothers, especially black women whose concerns are too often dismissed or misunderstood. After
Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical with a passion for serving underserved populations and connecting individuals to the resources they need and deserve. Jamire joined Mominate because she understands firsthand how critical support is for mothers, especially black women whose concerns are too often dismissed or misunderstood. After experiencing multiple pregnancy losses due to symptoms being overlooked and misdiagnosed, Jamire saw the gap in care and compassion. Instead of receiving support, she was often left without follow-up, guidance, or emotional care during one of the most difficult times in her life. That experience fuels her passion for Mominate’s mission - to ensure no mother feels unseen, unheard, or unsupported.
Janiera Jackson, MSN, CRNA
Janiera Jackson, MSN, CRNA
Janiera Jackson, MSN, CRNA
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist with a passion for diversifying the field, advancing OB anesthesia, and mentoring more black and brown individuals in health science fields. Janiera joined Mominate because she firmly believes in its core values and is acutely aware of the alarming rates of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist with a passion for diversifying the field, advancing OB anesthesia, and mentoring more black and brown individuals in health science fields. Janiera joined Mominate because she firmly believes in its core values and is acutely aware of the alarming rates of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity in this country. Her commitment to improving outcomes for women and families is both professional and personal.
She believes all women deserve the health literacy needed to make informed, empowered decisions with confidence throughout pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. For Janiera, client education is not just important - it is essential and should serve as the foundation of culturally competent, comprehensive care.