Community Advisory
Board (CAB)
Join Our Community Advisory Board (CAB)!
Thank you for your interest in the RISE Lab Community Advisory Board!
Our Community Advisory Board (CAB) offers input on research projects and studies conducted by Dr. Tonia Poteat and her staff.
The goal of our research is to improve the health and well-being of LGBTQ people. and to improve access to the things that people need to lead healthy, comfortable lives. Most of our studies address issues affecting transgender and nonbinary people.
If you are interested in taking part in the CAB, please fill out the following interest form below, keeping in mind that if you join the CAB you would be expected to adhere to our community guidelines which include:
Attend
Attend monthly meetings
Participate
Participate in discussions about research for LGBTQ people with specific knowledge on issues affecting transgender and/or nonbinary people
Share Experiences
Draw upon lived or work experience to provide feedback on how it would feel to participate in our research studies and give feedback on how to interpret and share our research findings
Collaborate
Collaborate in a respectful and kind way and to be a kind and collaborative colleague to other CAB members.
CAB members are paid for their time. We also offer professional development opportunities and Q&A sessions with experts in a variety of fields, like medicine, finances, and legal issues to help support your personal and professional goals.
If this sounds like a good fit, please fill out the survey.
Meet Our CAB
Reesie Cooper is a North Carolinian, who resides in Wilson, N.C. She has been working in the field of HIV/AIDS, for 16 years. She indeed loves helping people find ways to cope with life after HIV. She started as an Outreach person, and then started counseling, which she truly loved, then moved to become a Health Educator, which then required her to work closely with people that may be practicing more risky behaviors.
Bertie Gardner is a community advocate, educator, and nonprofit leader dedicated to creating affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults in North Texas. As a key organizer with LGBTQ SAVES and a campus leader at Texas Wesleyan University, Bertie develops programs and events that center safety, belonging, and empowerment. Their work bridges education, community partnerships, and advocacy to ensure young people feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
Fredd Harris is a certified Community Health worker, Integrated – Forensic Peer Support Specialist. He has a Associate degree in Human Services and runs, Homeless Faith, a non-profit organization and Community CDC since 2017. At this time, he is also pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology.
Shaniece Symone Smith is graduating senior at Liberty University earning a Human Services degree. She is passionate about LGBTQ+ advocacy and client-centered care, married, and a proud transgender woman committed to meaningful social impact.
Jada Speight is an LGBTQ+ Advocate dedicated to supporting individuals who are currently incarcerated or transitioning back into community after release. She is working toward opening a transitional home for transgender individuals that fosters safety, empowerment, and access to the tools needed to build a stable and fulfilling life.
