Our Team

Since May 2023, Shanell has served as Interim Executive Director for Rafiki Coalition for Health and Wellness. Prior to stepping into the role, she was a member of Rafiki’s Board of Directors since 2021. She has focused on improving Black/African American maternal and child health outcomes for nine years as Director of Community Engagement for the California Preterm Birth Initiative at UCSF. She is a citywide elected Trustee and past President of the City College of San Francisco Board of Trustees, and an elected member of the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee. Over the past 25 years, Shanell has served thousands of San Franciscans as an informed, passionate, and dedicated public advocate, nonprofit leader, and community organizer.  Shanell has worked tirelessly to improve all San Franciscan’s quality of life.

Shanell has worked for numerous nonprofit agencies and labor organizations dedicated to serving marginalized BIPOC communities, such as the Young Women’s Freedom Center, Youth Leadership Institute, UNITE HERE Local 2, Jobs with Justice San Francisco, and Urban Services YMCA. She is a recipient of the Jefferson Award and the San Francisco Bay Guardian Local Hero Award. She has earned a B.A. in Urban Studies from San Francisco State University and is completing an M.A. in Urban and Public Affairs and a Juris Doctorate from the University of San Francisco. She is a graduate of the Women’s Policy Institute, the Women’s Initiative for Self-Employment, and Emerge California. She has served as the Chair of the Our City, Our Home (Proposition C) Oversight Committee, on the Oversight Committee for the Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure (OCII), Ella Baker Center for Human Rights Board, the San Francisco Youth Commission, the Juvenile Justice Commission, and other commissions and boards. Shanell has worked in partnership with the board, staff, and community to strengthen Rafiki’s organizational capacity and programs.

Dr. Zeeyon Walker, Psy.D., “Dr. Z,” is a Black Psychologist with a wealth of life and professional experiences spanning more than 30 years. Historical, cultural, and environmental factors majorly impact holistic wellness in our community. Dr. Z applies her forensic training to forensic assessment, restorative justice, incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals, and recidivism prevention and advocacy. Dr. Z earned a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, an M.A. in Forensic Psychology, and a second M.A. in Clinical Psychology from The Texas School of Professional Psychology in Dallas, Texas. She completed her B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Forensics from University of Maryland, College Park.

Committed to the expansion and promotion of African centered thought and application in Psychology, Dr. Z is the Western Regional Representative for the National Association of Black Psychologists. She is a local member of the Bay Area Chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists. Dr. Z is not all work. She maintains her personal, mental, emotional, and physical balance and fortitude through travelling, healthy eating, meditation, cycling, and boxing, in addition to spending quality time with her supportive family. She is an impassioned football enthusiast. She is devoted to her family as a mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, and she loves to have meaningful involvement in community outreach efforts. She is a healer and restorer, whether in professional settings or a one-on-one conversation. Her goal is to leave any person or situation better than she found it.

Kesha Hackett is a Human Resources professional with over 25 years of experience working in various sectors. Kesha has been connected to the mission of Rafiki Coalition since the late 90s, when the organization supported loved ones of hers; some who are still with us and some who have become ancestors. She would like to fill a gap within the organization by offering HR, compliance, and organizational development expertise.

Hackett is the Vice President of the Board of Directors for PEERS-Peers Envisioning and Engaging in Recovery Services, a nonprofit organization that provides peer-based wellness programs and support services for individuals with mental health needs. She serves as the Vice President of the Board for the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources. Kesha has earned a BS in Organizational Behavior and Leadership, University of San Francisco, and an MS in Human Resources Management, Golden Gate University, and a DEI Certification, Cornell University.

Hackett enjoys travel, gardening, gourmet cooking, volunteering, and connecting with nonprofit organizations to help solve challenges

Tina Seng has a heart for the communities, has been working with not-for-profit since 2005, and continues to work with the nonprofit sector. Tina is a self-motivated individual with an in-depth accounting background for nonprofit & for-profit as the Controller, Director of Finance, and CFO of the headquarters of YNI, APIAHF, Conard House Inc., The Larkin Street Youth Services, Brilliant Corners, various private companies, and other nonprofits. Tina also works as an independent contractor with different nonprofit and private companies. She received a Bachelor of Science in business administration and accounting from California State University, Hayward. Tina’s experience gave her a deep appreciation for nonprofits seeking to improve the quality of life for the community one at a time.

Formerly a math teacher and Assistant Principal at both Frick Middle and Madison Middle School in East Oakland, Mr. Andre Aikins has managed the day-to-day operations for Alive & Free and teaches Personal Development (Based on the Alive & Free prescription) in the community. He has 20-plus years of experience with youth from all walks of life as well as those who are at–risk. He has received numerous awards that include the 2015 Man of Merit from The Delta Project, 2011 Community Service Award from the Sociology Department at Grambling State University, 2008 American Education Week Certificate of Appreciation from the Department of Education at Grambling State University along with a Certificate of Appreciation from The McCullum Youth Court for the 2006-2007 school year, to name a few. Mr. Aikins also leads workshops, presentations, and trainings, and works closely with community partners advocating for youth, formally incarcerated and promoting a healthy lifestyle throughout the Bay Area and the rest of the country. He holds a B.S. in Mathematics Education and Minor in Sociology from Grambling State University and an Administrative and Teaching Credential from the State of California.

As Director of Housing, Francis Broome oversees the day-to-day programming and operations of RCHW’s transitional housing program Brandy Moore House (BMH). Francis has managed BMH since 2011 and prior to that work, facilitated HIV-prevention, education, and CDC-DEBI programs for the Black Coalition on AIDS. He has helped to organize the SF Black LGBT Film Festival and community building programs since 2000. As a person living with HIV for the past 24 years, he shares his lived experience with clients, staff, and consultants. He is a strong proponent of racial justice, compassionate care, health equity, access, and the idea that each person is deserving of respect, dignity, and quality care. Francis started his education at Hunter College (NY) and holds Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees from California Institute of Integral Studies.