Dr. Iyabo Adediran
Founder & President
Ph.D., LMFT, LPCC
Why I Serve
Growing up in Oakland, California, I saw firsthand the challenges that can arise from limited access to resources, the stigma surrounding reaching out for support, and the fear of being judged or misunderstood. I wanted to create a space where people would not have to explain or defend who they are before being welcomed. A space where they could receive a smile, feel cared for, experience a sense of community, and know that the people around them genuinely have their well-being in mind. That vision continues to influence the programs and experiences we create through Authentic Peace.
I continue to serve because I have a deep passion for and commitment to my community. I believe in the power of what can happen when we come together, support one another, and create opportunities that might not otherwise be available. Authentic Peace gives me a way to offer some of what I wish had been available to me, while creating a space where people can feel connected, show up authentically, and know they are being met with that same authenticity in return.
Bio
Dr. Iyabo Adediran holds a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, consultant, educator, and community advocate. She is the owner of Be Encouraged Counseling Services and Peace Within Training and Consulting. Her work is centered on connection, generational healing, emotional well-being, and the importance of the mind-body connection in how individuals and families experience, understand, and move through life.
Cheryl Gilmer
Chief Financial Officer
Why I Serve
I serve to uplift the African American community. To bring awareness and opportunities to those in need. To assist the youth in their dreams for the future.
Bio
Cheryl Gilmer is a transportation professional with experience in finance, accounting, community outreach, and public service. She values being dependable, helping others, and staying connected to the community. She brings that same steady and caring approach to her role with Authentic Peace Wellness Center.
Sharral Dean
Board Secretary & Program Development Lead
Why I Serve
Serving with Authentic Peace Wellness Center is meaningful to me because I believe wellness grows when individuals and families have access to supportive relationships, education, resources, and spaces where they feel valued and empowered. APWC gives me an opportunity to contribute my experience in mental health, community service, and nonprofit leadership while helping strengthen the well-being of families and communities.
Bio
Sharral Dean is a Licensed Professional Counselor and mental health professional. She is the Owner and Founder of Seeds of Life Counseling Agency, LLC, and the Founder and Executive Director of Seeds of Life Ministries, Inc. She also serves as a clinical supervisor, counselor educator, and ordained minister.
Anthony Wofford
Community Partnerships & Outreach Chair
Why I Serve
My faith has taught me that we are called to serve others, strengthen families, and be a source of hope in our communities. Serving with Authentic Peace Wellness Center allows me to live out that calling by helping create a place where individuals and families feel supported, encouraged, valued, and connected.
Bio
Anthony Wofford is a Broker with Wofford Realty Group, a business owner, and a community advocate. He brings experience in community outreach and relationship building, faith-based community service, real estate, insurance, business leadership, and family advocacy.
Ayanfe Adediran
Family & Community Engagement Liaison
Why I Serve
I believe laughter, kindness, and a genuine smile can uplift people. I serve with APWC because I want to bring encouragement, awareness, and positive connection into our communities.
Bio
Ayanfe Adediran is a transportation professional and community advocate who enjoys connecting with people and creating welcoming spaces for families and community members. He brings warmth, humor, and a genuine interest in helping APWC stay connected to the people it serves.
Denisha Wright
School & Faith Community Partnerships Lead
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Why I Serve
I serve because I believe in the possibilities of healing through cultural pride, genuine connection, and community. Authentic Peace allows me to live out my belief through service, and demonstrate the power of what can happen when WE see us.
Bio
Denisha Wright is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, therapist, consultant, and owner of Strive Wright Counseling. She has experience supporting parent-child relationships and strengthening connections between teens and their families. Her work centers on helping families build healthier, more connected relationships.
Ashley W. Cummings
Program Operations & Communications Chair
Why I Serve
The mission of Authentic Peace offers the Black community a type of support needed for children and families to thrive in an oftentimes toxic world. It is my honor to use my expertise to affirm and equip people with tools and programming to develop self-love, build unshakeable confidence, and develop worthwhile relationships.
Bio
Ashley W. Cummings is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and clinical practice supervisor. Professionally, she specializes in using trauma-informed interventions to help organizations create leadership integrity, psychological safety, and joy so that people can work in environments free of implicit bias, cultural dissent, and misaligned values. Through her company, Liberation Lane Consulting, she delivers this work through courses and workshops.
Ashley enthusiastically serves the mission of Authentic Peace Wellness Center as its Program Operations & Communications Chair, where she focuses on the development and execution of supportive community programs, specifically in faith-based identity and wellness. She also contributes to APWC as newsletter editor.
Our Board in the Community
