Dr. LaShawnda Lindsay, Founding President
Dr. Lindsay is the Founder of Ananse Cultural Alliance (ACA), an organization committed to empowering Black communities through culturally grounded education, creative expression, and healing-centered programming. Through initiatives such as the Sankofa Learning Circle, ANANSE Creators, and the upcoming Creative Healing Lab, she is building spaces where individuals can engage in meaningful reflection, embodied healing, and collective growth.
She is also the founder of The Crafty PhD, a creative brand that blends artistry and cultural storytelling through handcrafted designs. Through this work, she explores making as a form of expression, identity, and connection—extending her belief that healing and creativity are deeply intertwined.
In addition to her creative and community work, Dr. Lindsay serves as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Director, where she supports individuals, families, and communities in navigating anxiety, depression, and intergenerational trauma. Her work centers the belief that healing is not about fixing what is broken, but re-membering what has always been whole.
Dr. Lindsay is also an experienced educator and researcher, having taught and mentored students at the collegiate level and secured over $1.5 million in grant funding to support programs focused on Black youth, identity development, and equity in education.
At the core of her work is a simple but powerful commitment:
To create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and rooted enough to grow.
Dr. LaShawnda Lindsay is an educator, licensed professional counselor, and cultural practitioner dedicated to creating spaces where Black communities can learn, heal, and reconnect across generations.
With over 20 years of experience in education and mental health, Dr. Lindsay brings a unique integration of psychology, cultural knowledge, and creative expression to her work. Her approach is grounded in African-centered frameworks, emphasizing connection, identity, and the restoration of what has been disrupted across generations.
