Broquelynn (brook-lyn) Shepard, M.S., is a native of Columbus, Ohio. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Alabama State University in 2018. She later earned her Master of Science in Community Psychology from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in 2020. Presently, she is a counseling psychology doctoral student and works as a chief research officer on the AYA Research Team, leading and assisting projects highlighting Black families' racial socialization processes using qualitative (phenomenological inquiry and thematic analysis) approaches. Her research and clinical work center on the experiences of Black and Brown girls, women, and femmes as it relates to racial and social identity development/exploration, systemic concerns, trauma, and relationships.