Our MEMBERS
JADA W.
Hello! I’m Jada, a passionate creative and community builder who founded B3 Bookclub in 2022. B3 is dedicated to celebrating Black and Brown authors, promoting literacy and connecting through lived experiences. Beyond my love for reading, I enjoy hosting family and friends, traveling, making pottery, spending time with my golden doodle Cree and learning new skills. I’m currently studying to become a Certified Beekeeper in North Carolina and pursing a MFA in Interior Architecture.
Education: BA Communication (Mass Media), MA in Communication (Organizational Leadership & Strategic Communication)
Occupation: Marketing Strategist
FAITH E.
My favorite book is The Spook Who Sat By the Door – a powerful, rebellious tale that reflects the strength and creativity of Black voices. B3 is more than just a bookclub to me; it’s a sisterhood and a community where we celebrate Black and Brown authors and the power of storytelling.
Being Black/Brown means embracing our rich heritage, resilience, and the deep connections that bind us together. As a Community Stability Coordinator for the city, I’m passionate about creating spaces that support and uplift our communities. Outside of work, you’ll find me spending time outdoors, exercising, obsessing over my dog, tending to my chickens, and always learning new skills.
Education: BSW, LMSW
Occupation: Community Stability Coordinator
dawn D.
I have a couple favorite books but one of them is By The Book. This book was one of my favorites because I’m also a writer and it actually inspired me to write! One of the characters gives pep talks to an upcoming author and each time I felt like she was talking to me! Being in bookclub keeps me passionate about reading but it’s really so much more than a book club! It’s really a ministry! We connect on so many levels and listen and support each other and have fun while doing it! At the same time we are keeping a space open for black and brown authors to continue to write and be creative as we support them!
I work as a mental health and substance abuse care transitions coordinator. As people are hospitalized for mental health or substance abuse crisis, I work to ensure they have proper placement once discharged as well as helping them create a plan so they don’t return to the hospital! I’m passionate about helping others! I also enjoy writing, baking, playing tennis and traveling for fun!
Education: BA, Psychology
Occupation: MHSU Care Transitions Coordinator
Jodeci P.
“Your why is what you think about underneath everything else. If you’re working, you’re thinking about it. If you’re on vacation, you’re thinking about it. It’s something that follows you all around and taps on your shoulder when you’re not paying attention to it.” — You Owe You by Eric Thomas, Ph.D. (My Favorite B3 Read)
B3 has allowed me to connect with like-minded women who not only look like me but also share my passion for reading. This book club continues to promote and validate black and brown authors and our lived experiences. I love the intellectual conversations and transparent discussions that this book club invites us to have. As a mental health professional, I am also excited about advocating for wellness in our communities and encouraging positive coping mechanisms like reading your favorite book!
Education: M.Ed., LCMHC
Occupation: Clinical Counselor and Grief Therapist
Shawnda B.
I have been a member of B3 Bookclub since 2024. The books that we read are very relatable for me as a Black woman. I always look forward to our book discussions and outings. B3 is not only a bookclub, it’s a community/ sisterhood!
I am the Owner of Bloomberry Bouquets, a floral design company rooted in Charlotte, NC. My love for flowers began during the pandemic, when arranging blooms became my personal sanctuary—a way to bring beauty and calm into an uncertain world. I quickly realized that flowers had a powerful way of lifting spirits, not just for me but for my loved ones as well. What started as a simple passion soon blossomed into a business, where I now merge my background in psychology with my love for floral artistry.
Education: BS Psychology
Occupation: Child Care Consultant/ Florist
MESHA S.
I am an attorney by trade, an aspiring writer, a lover of the Earth and of all things family.
I love being apart of B3 Bookclub not only for the way it expands my personal knowledge but, perhaps even more importantly, for the strong sense of camaraderie and kinship that exists in this group. The books we read week in and week out expand our minds, but the stories and experiences of our members are what really expand our hearts. I am honored to be in community with such an amazing group of folks dedicated to amplifying the voices of the Other.
My favorite book is the Autobiography of Malcolm X, as told to Alex Haley.
Education: BA, Classical Civilization; Juris Doctor
Occupation: Attorney
Being Black is at the core of how I move through the world. It’s in the way I take up space unapologetically, the pride I have in my roots, and how I advocate for authenticity in everything I do. Whether it’s in my creative work, professional spaces, or personal life, I make it a point to show up as my full self—bold, Black, and proud.
That’s one of the reasons I love being part of B3—it’s a space where I can not only explore stories that reflect my experiences but also engage in conversations that uplift and empower our community. Reading books by Black and Brown authors reminds me that our voices, our struggles, and our joys are worth celebrating. One of my favorite books is The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon because it’s a beautiful reminder to embrace who you are and trust your journey, even when life feels uncertain.
I’m currently a Merchandise Assortment Planner at Lowe’s while at night, I’m actively pursuing a degree in Graphic Design with a concentration in User Experience Design. For me, UX design is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about accessibility, representation, and creating experiences that reflect the people who use them. Too often, Black and Brown communities are overlooked in the design process, and I want to change that. Through my work, I plan to highlight the importance of inclusive and culturally aware design, ensuring that digital spaces, branding, and marketing reflect the diversity of the world we live in.
Education: BA, Information Technology
Occupation: UX Design/Graphic Design Enthusiast
Renae t.
Ayat S.
My name is Ayat, and I became a member of B3 in 2023. My favorite books we’ve read are Communion: The Female Search for Love by bell hooks and Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan. B3 isn’t just a book club to me, it is a space to gather with other women who relate to me in so many ways. I’ve built so many friendships through B3 and always look forward to making more. Even when I don’t have time to read the books, I still gain so much from our meetings and conversations.
I am a Social Worker at UNC Health where I work with children with neurological conditions. I am also currently in school obtaining my Master’s in Healthcare Administration at UNC-Chapel Hill. When I’m not working or in class, I enjoy going to concerts, trying out new local restaurants, and hanging out with my friends!
Education: BA, MSW, LCSW, CCM
Occupation: Social Worker
BREHANNA H.
Hi, I’m Brehanna or Bree! I’m married, a mom of two and a dog mom. My favorite book we’ve read in B3 would have to be Kennedy Ryan’s Before I Let Go. This wouldn’t have been a book I would normally read but it was amazing! I was hooked from start to finish.
Being Black and Brown in this space means I can fully be me. I get to see people who are like me and who share similar experiences. Being able to see what we all have in common is really beautiful especially in a world that does not take care of us.
Last year, I started a brow business and since then, I have taken a step back from that as I adjust to my family and all of our busy schedules. I was previously in law enforcement at 21 and now at 30, I am looking to go back into that field after a much needed break. I’m a Dallas CASA Advocate which is a volunteer role that I enjoy very much. I’m currently trying to figure out how I can fit all my passions into a career.
Education: BS, Criminal Justice & Human Services
Occupation: Searching For What’s Next!