The Circle of Sisterhood Speakers
_edited.png)
Dr. Cynthia Raines
Dr. Raines is an exceptional counselor with a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and two master's degrees in psychology and mental health counseling. With 25 years of experience as a counselor, consultant, and mental health educator, she has received specialized training and certifications in various clinical areas. Her professional work experience includes community mental health centers, school adolescent programs, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, youth detention facilities, drug and alcohol recovery programs, and adult developmental centers. Dr. Raines' specialty is guiding individuals through midlife transitions, such as career changes, separation, divorce, loss, traumatic events, and personal crises. Her collaborative approach to psychotherapy empowers clients to tackle their problems and learn new coping strategies. Dr. Raines provides a warm, welcoming, and safe environment to help clients begin a journey of hope, health, and healing. She is a wife to a devoted father and husband and a mother to three beautiful, fierce children.
Kennedy Ryan
Photo by Perrywinkle Photography
Kennedy Ryan, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, writes empowering stories for women from all walks of life, placing them at the center of each narrative and in control of their own destinies. Ryan and her work have been featured in NPR, Entertainment Weekly, USA Today, Glamour, Cosmo, Ebony, TIME, and many others. The audio edition of her novel "Reel" received the prestigious Audie® Award, and her Skyland series is currently in development for television at Peacock. As the co-founder of LIFT 4 Autism, an annual charitable book auction, Ryan is deeply committed to raising autism awareness. Her readers have affectionately dubbed her "Queen of Hugs," mirroring her warmth and compassion, and she is a wife to her "lifetime lover" and mother to an extraordinary son.
Reverend Arthur Jackson, III
Reverend Arthur Jackson, III has served as Senior Pastor/Teacher of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Miami Gardens since March 8, 1991. A native of South Florida, Pastor Jackson is the son of Reverend and Mrs. Arthur Jackson, Jr. He served as an Associate Minister under the leadership of his father, Rev. Arthur Jackson, Jr. Pastor Jackson earned the degree of Master of Divinity from Virginia Union University, to further broaden his perspective in exegesis, counseling, leadership, preaching, and teaching.
​
Reverend Jackson, a man of great character, integrity, wisdom, and counsel, has consistently obeyed God's call. His authenticity and sincerity, are a testament to his leadership and the growth of the Antioch congregation from the 'Faithful Fifty' to a blossoming ministry of over 7,000 that continues to grow. Pastor Jackson, a humble servant of God and his community, leads over 50 ministries at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Miami Gardens. His insightful and inspiring messages provide practical solutions to a wide range of issues, from personal crises to spiritual growth. His dynamic preaching style demonstrates a keen sensitivity to the needs of God's people. Despite his numerous accomplishments, Reverend Jackson remains approachable and relatable, sought after across the United States and Caribbean as an evangelist, speaker, and lecturer. He is the proud father of Jaden Jackson and a member of the fraternal organizations Kappa Alpha Psi and Sigma Pi Phi.
Dr. Deborah Allen, M.D.
Dr. Allen is the Market Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for the AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware Plan. She firmly believes that all people have the right to high-quality, evidence-based health care, regardless of gender, race, background, or sexual orientation. She also understands the impact of health inequity and health disparities and has a keen interest in addressing these issues. As CMO, she oversees care coordination activities, quality initiatives, credentialing, and utilization management collaboration. Additionally, she works closely with Provider Network Management to enhance collaboration between the Health Plan and the Provider Network.
Before joining AmeriHealth Caritas, Dr. Allen provided full-time family medical services, focusing on urgent care and emergency medicine. Her expertise in these areas led her to become a Utilization Management Medical Director for AmeriHealth. More recently, she assumed the position of Corporate Manager of one of the UM Physician teams, further advancing her career in healthcare.
​
Dr. Allen's academic journey includes earning her Doctor of Medicine from Indiana University School of Medicine and completing her Residency in Family Medicine at Methodist Hospital of Indiana (Now Clarian). She is a Board-Certified member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the National Medical Association. Her professional achievements are a reflection to her dedication and expertise in the field. She is also the proud mother of two beautiful young adult women (twins).
Dr. Anita Malone, M.D.
Anita M. Malone, an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Michigan Medical School, is a dedicated educator. Her journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology, Masters in Public Health in Epidemiology, and Medical Degree from the University of Michigan, followed by a residency at Indiana University. Dr. Malone's passion for medical education is evident in her role as the co-director of the OBGYN Residency Prep Course, where she contributes to curriculum review, assessment and retooling, scheduling and coordination, student evaluation, and course instruction. As the Associate Residency Program Director, she is committed to designing a robust curriculum and ensuring the academic rigor of didactic simulation and instruction. Her research interests, which focus on the social, political, cultural, and economic circumstances that contribute to health disparities experienced by women across their life span, are an important part of her professional identity.