Ayé is curious, disruptive, eccentric, and a full-bodied pleasure diviner. They currently exist within the Queer Black Magical Themme experience in southeastern Virginia being a parent, a partner, and a maker. A native of Petersburg, Va with “some college” they are skilled at moving through the world as a poor Black person. They will tell you that that is exactly what led them to Reproductive Justice.

While navigating arrogantly inequitable and care-less systems, like so many do at this very moment. They organized to call in more care and access. They co-created a mentor program for young girls called Cupcakes and Conversations, became a Certified Sustainable Urban Gardener at Va State University, and worked in urban gardens in Petersburg. After the birth of their second premature baby, it was clear that birth was yet another area where disparities and outright violence occurs. Not able to find a doula: they could afford, was Black, or within a 30-mile radius. Or any combination of the three, Ayé knew that if it was this hard for them, then it must be for others and they would become a doula.

Aye's motto is “Play your part”, a reminder that everyone’s role is necessary and important., Reproductive Justice’s framework recognizes what abolitionist Mariame Kaba says excellently “Changing everything might sound daunting, but it also means there are many places to start, infinite opportunities to collaborate, and endless imaginative interventions and experiments to create.” Ayé revels in imaginative interventions and experiments. A few ways are as an abortion and birth doula, RJ advocate, gardener, teacher, organizer, lactation consultant, herbalist, and speaker of things that need to be said. They see themselves as a collaborator and accomplice of collective liberation and decidedly unprofessional. Ayé is currently the Community and Volunteer Engagement Accomplice for Richmond Reproductive Freedom Project, Virginia’s grassroots abortion fund. They are also working with the Va Repro Equity Alliance in policy and grassroots organizing, with Planned Parenthood and Naral Va as Doula Consultant and trainer.

It is Ayé’s goal to not only support folk within these systems, but to also build networks and inter-community care systems that are safe for our bodies, our spirits, accessible, and full of joy and pleasure.