Kimia Bellis a two-time graduate of North Carolina Central University, earning both her B.S. and M.S. in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Juvenile Justice. Guided by a commitment to fairness and justice, she has developed strong leadership, management, and communication skills through community service and her roles as Alpha Phi Sigma National Vice President and Eta Lambda Chapter President. Her research has been recognized by the NCCU Criminal Justice Department and awarded a $2,000 scholarship. As a Graduate Assistant for the Distance Education Coordinator, she honed skills in problem-solving, time management, and communication while promoting collective efficacy. Through Alpha Phi Sigma, she expanded community involvement, and she graduated with a 4.0 GPA in 2024.
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Dr. Johnson, a practitioner-scholar recognized for graduating at the top of her class and earning the award for outstanding dissertation, focuses her research on health disparities, social justice, religion, and acculturation. She developed an award-winning culturally sensitive diagnostic protocol for Somali communities in the Twin Cities to improve provider cultural competency and reduce disparities. In 2024, she served as lead principal investigator for the Communiversity Developed and Tested Toolkit for Opioid Abuse Abatement at North Carolina Central University, a collaboration with Together for Resilient Youth and the North Carolina Collaboratory. She is also the author of “From Refuge to Doctor: A Story of Perseverance and Faith.”
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Dr. Freeman, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and educator, brings over a decade of experience in direct practice, supervision, and program development. He earned his BSW and MSW from North Carolina Central University and his DSW from Tulane University. His work centers on culturally responsive mental healthcare, with a focus on marginalized communities, such as Black same-gender-loving men. Dr. Freeman serves as lead therapist and clinical supervisor for a multidisciplinary community support team, consults with Legal Aid of North Carolina, and teaches research and evaluation as an adjunct professor at NCCU. His scholarship and workshops explore spirituality, identity, clinician wellness, and social justice, underscoring his commitment to HBCUs and his dedication to empowering communities through education and advocacy.
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Mr. Jenkins was born in Halifax, North Carolina, and is a graduate of Central Texas College with an M.S. in Divinity and World Religion. After serving in the U.S. Army, he medically retired and has since dedicated himself to 16 years of recovery and service in numerous roles supporting others. Alongside his ministry and community work, Julius also gained experience in accounting, which has strengthened his ability to manage resources and support organizations effectively. He has a deep passion for helping youth and adults, with a special focus on disadvantaged populations. An interesting fact about Julius is that he is currently writing a book about himself and his family, which is nearing completion.

Dr. Edwards is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor with over 15 years of post-graduate experience in counselor education, training, research, and community mental health practice. She contributed her expertise as part of the Opioid Abatement Team at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), advancing efforts to address the opioid crisis through research and community collaboration. Dr. Edwards is also the co-owner of Radical Love & Liberation Counseling in Raleigh, NC. She earned her PhD in Counseling and Counselor Education from North Carolina State University and her Master of Science degree from Northeastern University in Boston.
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Dr. Edgerton s a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (NC, LA, VA, MD), Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, and Certified Clinical Supervisor with over 15 years of experience in community mental health, training, and managed care. A clinician at heart, she has held executive roles in behavioral health while providing consultation, teaching, training, and supervision. Her passion for professional development has led her to create models that support accreditation, credentialing, billing, and policy practices, ensuring quality care for vulnerable populations. Dr. Edgerton earned her MSW from Fayetteville State University and her doctorate from National University.

Ms. Knapik has over 20 years of experience providing home- and community-based services to children and families, with expertise in early childhood relational health, child welfare, and early intervention. Since 2012, she has specialized in supporting neurodivergent children and their families. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) since 2017, Candace holds a BSW from the University of Central Florida and an MS in Psychology with a focus on Applied Behavior Analysis from Capella University. Ukeru Systems® certified, she uses a trauma-informed, play-based approach to create safe, collaborative spaces that foster growth and learning.

Dr. Watson is the Founder and Executive Director of Empowered Citizens and a Clinical Lecturer in the Department of Social Work at North Carolina Central University(NCCU). She has 17 years of experience in substance use and mental health, specializing in work with youth and families. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker(LCSW) and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS), Dr. Watson earned her PhD in Social Work with a specialization in Addiction from Walden University in 2024 and graduated with honors from NCCU in 2017. She now serves as Principal Investigator with the NCCU Opioid Abatement Team, advancing research and community strategies to reduce substance use and related disparities. Her passion for this work is rooted in personal experience and a deep commitment to supporting youth and communities.
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Carla Mullins is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) who earned her Master of Social Work from North Carolina State University in 2018 and has extensive experience providing individual and group therapy to youth and adults with mental health challenges, intellectual and developmental disabilities(IDD), and substance use disorders. She is passionate about helping others and creates a supportive, collaborative environment where clients feel empowered to pursue growth and healing. Carla integrates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), while drawing on a biopsychosocial, person-centered framework to address the whole person—promoting emotional well-being, strengthening relationships, and improving overall quality of life.
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Wilkins is an experienced educator and mentor with 18 years of teaching at Sallie B. Howard School of Arts and Science, where he continues to inspire and guide students. He also serves as a contracted teacher with Empowered Citizens’ Alternative Peer Group (APG), where he facilitates the College and Career Readiness Program. This program helps youth explore career pathways, develop academic and professional skills, practice resume writing and interview preparation, and build the confidence needed to pursue higher education or enter the workforce. With a strong background in teaching, leadership, and youth development, Wilkins is committed to creating supportive, structured learning environments that empower adolescents and young adults to achieve academic and personal success.

Vivian Castellanos joined Empowered Citizens in December 2024 as the organization’s Bilingual Office Assistant. In this role, she provides administrative support, client communication, translation services, and community outreach to ensure Spanish-speaking families have equitable access to services. Fluent in English and Spanish, she is skilled in scheduling, data entry, record keeping, correspondence, event coordination, and community engagement, which strengthen both daily operations and outreach efforts. Vivian is currently pursuing an Associate’s degree in Human Services with aspirations of becoming a social worker. She also serves as the Youth Leader at her church, where she mentors and guides young people in their personal and spiritual growth. Her commitment to service, organizational skills, and cultural competence make her a valued asset to Empowered Citizens and the communities she serves.
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