Sovern is an intersectional 
​community center, 
located in LA’s West Adams district, focused on supporting Black and Indigenous women​ and gender non-binary people.

We offer subsidized creative and wellness programming that empowers, heals and eliminates barriers - 
resulting in healthier humans with stronger
professional and economic opportunities.

Image of two hands uplifting a green palm leaf against a red background.

​We are committed to amplifying Black and Indigenous voices through our platform including BIWOC artists, makers and practitioners who lead our core programming. 

Everything we do supports our community's mental health and well-being. We provide free and donation based offerings that provide nourishment and connection.

In addition to our group programming, we feature rotating art exhibitions, host seasonal markets and support emerging wellness practitioners who offer 1:1 services in our healing suite.

Image of Erlinda Carter, one of Sovern's co-founders, embracing community sound healer Shanee Fin against a soft yellowish beige background.

OUR WORLD IS SOFT, SAFE 
​& FULL OF POWER.

Image of two brown hands holding and embracing each other against a red background.

Here..

•We are all equal, yet we prioritize those marginalized in the outside world. 

•We celebrate our differences.

•Creative and wellness practices are for everyone. 

•We've removed barriers so you can be yourself and present.
 
•Our leadership is non-hierarchical 
​
•We value menstruating bodies  

STAFF

Nicole Shostak-Sabourian
​Co-founder, Artistic Director​

With a B.A. from Cornell University in Art History, Nicole is passionate about building intersectional art and healing spaces that center decoloniality and she learns every day how to be a better ally in supporting Sovern's growth. After years of observing gross inequities and cultural appropriation across the fields of art and wellness as well as the barriers to access and inclusivity in for-profit models, she sought to build Sovern as a non-profit model solution. 

Cinthya Silverstein
​Cultural Programs Director

​A photographer with a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of California Los Angeles, she is a natural observer, documenting the world around her by making images. Her work focuses on the power of visual narrative and addressing constructed ideas around space and identity. Her most current work focuses on addressing the visuality of birth, focusing on how birth photography can augment agency and liberation that can empower Black and Brown birthing bodies and impact maternal health outcomes.

Maia Ramirez-Beaver
Operations Assistant

Maia Ramirez-Beaver, born in 1998 in Los Angeles, California, is a versatile artist whose work reflects a profound connection to her roots and an unwavering commitment to sustainability. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts with a specialized emphasis in painting and a minor in sustainability, forging a unique blend of artistic expression and environmental consciousness.
"Sovern is a beautiful and diverse family and community, a place of creativity and safety. Being a team member at 
Sovern has been such an educational and fulfilling experience."

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Christina Tajalli
Board President
Senior Business Affairs Executive, Range Media Partners
​
As Senior Business Affairs Executive, at Range Media Partners, Christina Tajalli negotiates and drafts above-the-line and license agreements. She is a member of FEME (Female Executives in Media & Entertainment) and its diversity committee.  Christina came across Sovern as a community member in the pursuit of healing justice - seeking a place to grieve personal loss and to practice meaningful self-care. Sovern has taught her that the practice of wellness is a multifaceted endeavor - chief among them being surrounding yourself with other women of color who validate your lived experiences, empathize with your suffering and celebrate your joy and glory.

Rena Braud
Board Member
Realtor, Compass and RenaRealEstate
​
​With over thirty years of experience and expertise, Rena is one of Los Angeles' most trusted and top producing Realtors and Real Estate Strategists. Born and raised in South LA, Rena comes from a lineage of Real Estate Investors and legacy Realtors. Rena is passionate and skilled at bringing Californians' dreams of homeownership to life. Rena is grateful to be a part of Sovern's community and its mission of helping women heal through arts, movement and wellness. This kind of dedication is indeed incredibly important, as it recognizes the holistic nature of healing and well-being, empowers creativity and self discovery and inspires positive changes in a safe and non-judgmental space.

Erlinda Carter
​Sovern Co-founder, Birthworker

​​Erlinda was raised and currently resides in South LA. She has extensive experience in customer service management and is a full spectrum birthworker and passionate community advocate. She stepped out on faith and trust to lead Sovern inspired by watching others in her community create powerful spaces for folks of color with a desire to apply her skillset and perspectives to build a hub for BIWOC+ wellbeing.

Whitney Davis-Houston, J.D.
Board Member
Attorney at Law, WHD Firm
​
Whitney was raised in South LA and is passionate about giving back to the community. Well-versed in all areas of business law and civil litigation, Whitney's legal practice specializes in real estate and entertainment law. Her passion for justice for clients extends to her nonprofit work. As Board President for A New Way of Life, Whitney works on behalf of the organization in whatever capacity is needed to ensure the success of women recently freed from incarceration. Whitney is also a mother of two sons who are her greatest source of pride.

 

BJ Davis
Board Member
Strategic Operational Executive
​
BJ Davis is an accomplished strategic and operational executive with a remarkable track record of over
20 years in progressive leadership roles.  BJ was introduced to Sovern and its co-founders by her sister, K’era Morgan, a mixed-media painter whose work has been shown at Sovern. She is drawn to Sovern’s mission and the ever-present powerful, safe, and welcoming energy. She is excited about the opportunity to collaborate and lend her talents to
supporting Sovern’s mission.