WNC Racial Equity
Mental Health Grad Fund RECIPIENTS
2026 Grad Fund REciepients - TBA soon!
2025 Grad Fund Recipients
The Full Circle Anti-Racism Committee is excited to grant our 4th WNC Racial Equity Mental Health Graduate Education Funds to Terrel "Tae" Brown and Tiarra Braggs. We are appreciative of everyone who donated to the fund this year and would like to share some information about our exceptional recipients.
Tiarra Braggs |
2025 Recipient
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A dedicated advocate for marginalized communities, Tiarra brings a powerful blend of academic excellence, lived experience, and deep empathy to her work. Her work and passion reflects her commitment to addressing disparities in mental health care amongst low-income, rural populations in Western North Carolina.
Tiarra’s approach to therapy is grounded in collaboration, empowerment, and cultural sensitivity. As a Black woman navigating the intersections of race, gender, and socioeconomic status, she understands firsthand how systemic barriers can silence voices and limit opportunities for healing.
Her work is rooted in walking alongside clients while helping them amplify their own narratives and reclaim agency in their lives.
Post-graduation, Tiarra plans to remain in Western North Carolina, focusing her practice in the Hickory/Lenoir area. Her long-term vision is to build a career that increases access to affirming, identity-conscious, mental health services for those who have historically been overlooked or excluded from care.
This award affirms Tiarra's unwavering commitment to racial equity and mental health justice. We look forward to the impact she will continue to make in the lives of individuals, families, and communities across our region.
Tiarra’s approach to therapy is grounded in collaboration, empowerment, and cultural sensitivity. As a Black woman navigating the intersections of race, gender, and socioeconomic status, she understands firsthand how systemic barriers can silence voices and limit opportunities for healing.
Her work is rooted in walking alongside clients while helping them amplify their own narratives and reclaim agency in their lives.
Post-graduation, Tiarra plans to remain in Western North Carolina, focusing her practice in the Hickory/Lenoir area. Her long-term vision is to build a career that increases access to affirming, identity-conscious, mental health services for those who have historically been overlooked or excluded from care.
This award affirms Tiarra's unwavering commitment to racial equity and mental health justice. We look forward to the impact she will continue to make in the lives of individuals, families, and communities across our region.
Terrel "Tae" Brown |
2025 Recipient
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A first-generation college graduate from UNC-Chapel Hill, Tae brings more than a decade of community service and grassroots advocacy to his clinical work. From mentoring high school students through his self-founded S.W.A.G. program, to serving as a Success Coach for adult learners, Terrell has consistently demonstrated his belief in the power of connection, education, and resilience.
Deeply shaped by his personal experiences with social isolation, racial profiling, and generational trauma, Tae is committed to building a new model of care, one that integrates emotional, mental, and physical health under one roof. Together with his best friend, currently completing a pediatric residency, Tae envisions creating a “one-stop shop” for underserved families and children, where holistic and identity-affirming care is the standard, not the exception.
His clinical interests span prenatal care, childhood development, adult mental health, and veteran services, with a special focus on pro bono work for communities that are often left behind by traditional systems of care.
Through a blend of public service, professional leadership, and lived experience, Tae is poised to make a lasting impact in Western North Carolina and beyond. His work reminds us that resilience is not only personal; it becomes collective when we are in service to others.
Deeply shaped by his personal experiences with social isolation, racial profiling, and generational trauma, Tae is committed to building a new model of care, one that integrates emotional, mental, and physical health under one roof. Together with his best friend, currently completing a pediatric residency, Tae envisions creating a “one-stop shop” for underserved families and children, where holistic and identity-affirming care is the standard, not the exception.
His clinical interests span prenatal care, childhood development, adult mental health, and veteran services, with a special focus on pro bono work for communities that are often left behind by traditional systems of care.
Through a blend of public service, professional leadership, and lived experience, Tae is poised to make a lasting impact in Western North Carolina and beyond. His work reminds us that resilience is not only personal; it becomes collective when we are in service to others.
2025 Sponsors
It is meaningful to the Full Circle Anti-Racist committee to provide support to Tiarra and Tae as they move toward actualizing their dreams. We once again thank all of the individuals who made this fund possible with their generous donations, including but not limited to the Witherby Caraballo Family and T Concepts- Miami, Biltmore Psychological Services, Drs. Susan Arnold and David Waldrep, Asheville Epworth Methodist Church, Target, Cooperriis Healing Community, and Hendersonville Community Co-op.
2024 Grad Fund Recipients
The Full Circle Anti-Racism Committee is excited to grant our 3rd WNC Racial Equity Mental Health Graduate Education Funds to Nafeesha Harrison and Michael Braun. We are appreciative of everyone who donated to the fund this year and would like to share some information about our exceptional recipients.
Nafeesha Harrison |
2024 Recipient
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With over 27 years of experience, Nafeesah has supported individuals and families impacted by mental health, substance use, and behavioral health disorders. Now serving as the Inclusive Connection Healing Coordinator at Buncombe County's Equity and Human Rights Office, she focuses on raising awareness around the opioid crisis and mental health in BIPOC communities.
As a certified yoga instructor, Nafeesah integrates yoga and meditation into therapy, offering holistic tools to improve mental wellbeing. Committed to expanding psychoeducation and resources, she empowers individuals and families to manage their mental health and pursue healing.
As a certified yoga instructor, Nafeesah integrates yoga and meditation into therapy, offering holistic tools to improve mental wellbeing. Committed to expanding psychoeducation and resources, she empowers individuals and families to manage their mental health and pursue healing.
Micheal Braun |
2024 Recipient
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Michael is a veteran and graduate student in the Counseling Program at Appalachian State University who is passionate about bridging gaps in mental health care for underserved communities. Based on his experiences as a first-generation American and person of color, Michael focuses on supporting veterans, first responders, and people of color.
Michael’s long-term goal is to create a private practice that offers affordable, inclusive care while reducing the stigma around mental health in underserved communities. Through his advocacy and mentorship, Michael is committed to building safe, empowering spaces where all clients feel seen, heard, and supported.
Michael’s long-term goal is to create a private practice that offers affordable, inclusive care while reducing the stigma around mental health in underserved communities. Through his advocacy and mentorship, Michael is committed to building safe, empowering spaces where all clients feel seen, heard, and supported.
2024 Sponsors
It is meaningful to the Full Circle Anti-Racist committee to provide support to Nafeesha and Michael as they move toward actualizing their dreams. We once again thank all of the individuals who made this fund possible with their generous donations, including but not limited to Biltmore Psychological Services, Target, Drs. Susan Arnold and David Waldrep, the Witherby Caraballo Family, and Garrie B Thompson III, PhD, PA
2023 Grad Fund Recipients
The Full Circle Anti-Racism Committee is excited to grant our second WNC Racial Equity Mental Health Graduate Education Funds to Dianna Lester and Sandrine Ingabire. We are appreciative of everyone who donated to the fund this year and would like to share some information about our exceptional recipients.
Dianna Lester |
2023 Recipient
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Dianna Lester is a graduate student in the M.A.Ed. in School Counseling Program at Western Carolina University. Ms. Lester is also the proud mother of two sons and is working full time. After putting her dream of being a school counselor on hold to take care of her two sons, Ms. Lester is now in her second year of graduate school.
In her application, Ms. Lester stated, “The community needs more counselors/therapists, and it’s essential for everyone to have access and also to see others who look like them and can relate to them.” She elaborated on the need more diversity in the mental health field. She stated, “From generation to generation in African American communities, we were taught that what goes on in the house stays in the place. If you saw a therapist, you were considered crazy. Someone has to break the chain so the cycle doesn’t continue.
Ms. Lester shared in her application that she grew up in a traumatic environment that included drug use and violence such as drive by shootings. She lost her mother at age nine and indicated that her life fell apart that point. She shared, “It wasn’t until the second semester of my freshman year in high school that I got the support I needed. My school counselor was amazing; she listened to me, didn’t judge me, and supported me daily. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren't for her. My passion for school counseling stems from her and my boys. I want to be that counselor who shows up for all my students and supports them in any way I can, no matter what they bring to my office. Being accepted into the counseling program and being the only black African American female in most classes has opened a new chapter in my life. It doesn’t stop here; there are many more chapters to write in the book of my life, and mental health is a top priority in all the chapters.”
In her application, Ms. Lester stated, “The community needs more counselors/therapists, and it’s essential for everyone to have access and also to see others who look like them and can relate to them.” She elaborated on the need more diversity in the mental health field. She stated, “From generation to generation in African American communities, we were taught that what goes on in the house stays in the place. If you saw a therapist, you were considered crazy. Someone has to break the chain so the cycle doesn’t continue.
Ms. Lester shared in her application that she grew up in a traumatic environment that included drug use and violence such as drive by shootings. She lost her mother at age nine and indicated that her life fell apart that point. She shared, “It wasn’t until the second semester of my freshman year in high school that I got the support I needed. My school counselor was amazing; she listened to me, didn’t judge me, and supported me daily. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren't for her. My passion for school counseling stems from her and my boys. I want to be that counselor who shows up for all my students and supports them in any way I can, no matter what they bring to my office. Being accepted into the counseling program and being the only black African American female in most classes has opened a new chapter in my life. It doesn’t stop here; there are many more chapters to write in the book of my life, and mental health is a top priority in all the chapters.”
Sabine Ingabire |
2023 Recipient
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Sandrine Ingabire is going into her second year of graduate school in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Appalachian State University. She recently started her practicum and is excited about continuing her learning journey outside of class, under supervision. She has been involved in her campus NAMI Chapter, is passionate about mental health advocacy, and has received special recognition for being a leader in her community. Currently, she serves as a Resident director for one of the halls on her campus.
In her application for the WNC Racial Equity MH Graduate School Assistance Fund, Ms. Ingabire wrote the following:
“I am passionate about serving children and young adults in general, especially minorities. As a black woman, I am always shocked when I search for mental health providers in my area and can't find anyone less than an hour and a half away who is black. I’d like to provide more mental health services to minority and immigrant populations.” Ms. Ingabire speaks 5 foreign languages and stated, “I see my multilingual and overall communication skills as being vital to my work with clients from different backgrounds in the future.”
She is particularly interested in focusing on trauma and addiction issues as well as incorporating expressive arts in a way that honors and incorporates different cultural backgrounds.
In her application for the WNC Racial Equity MH Graduate School Assistance Fund, Ms. Ingabire wrote the following:
“I am passionate about serving children and young adults in general, especially minorities. As a black woman, I am always shocked when I search for mental health providers in my area and can't find anyone less than an hour and a half away who is black. I’d like to provide more mental health services to minority and immigrant populations.” Ms. Ingabire speaks 5 foreign languages and stated, “I see my multilingual and overall communication skills as being vital to my work with clients from different backgrounds in the future.”
She is particularly interested in focusing on trauma and addiction issues as well as incorporating expressive arts in a way that honors and incorporates different cultural backgrounds.
2023 Sponsors
It is meaningful to the Full Circle Anti-Racist committee to provide support to Dianna Lester and Sandrine Ingabire as they move toward actualizing their dreams. We once again thank all of the individuals who made this fund possible with their generous donations, including but not limited to the following: Biltmore Psychological Services, Target, and CooperRiis.
1st Annual WNC Racial Equity Mental Health Grad Fund Recipient
Khabonina Beresford |
2022 Recipient
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Ms. Beresford will earn her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Western Carolina University in May 2023. She will graduate with minors in Psychology, Sociology, and Women's Gender and Sexualities Studies. Ms. Beresford shared that she has been highly influenced by her South African roots as well as living in very different cultural environments in the United States. Ms. Beresford beautifully exemplifies a deep appreciation for serving her community as illustrated by these statements made on her application -
“In South Africa, we use the word ubuntu. It means, 'I am because we are.' My existence, my passion, and my knowledge are from communities. When I am striving to engage and hold space for healing in a community, I am living in my truth.”
Ms. Beresford hopes to one day create a community focused practice in Western North Carolina that provides holistic services to individuals and communities regarding spiritual health, mental health, and social justice healing. She also has a strong commitment to serving those with addiction issues and is in the process of earning her licensure as a Clinical Addictions Specialist and Clinical Social Worker. Ms. Beresford stated, “My dream is to help people living within the margins of society feel heard and seen.”
“In South Africa, we use the word ubuntu. It means, 'I am because we are.' My existence, my passion, and my knowledge are from communities. When I am striving to engage and hold space for healing in a community, I am living in my truth.”
Ms. Beresford hopes to one day create a community focused practice in Western North Carolina that provides holistic services to individuals and communities regarding spiritual health, mental health, and social justice healing. She also has a strong commitment to serving those with addiction issues and is in the process of earning her licensure as a Clinical Addictions Specialist and Clinical Social Worker. Ms. Beresford stated, “My dream is to help people living within the margins of society feel heard and seen.”