Our History

A Collective Source Where Awareness Meets Transformation

Since our founding in 2021, The Well Collective has touched the lives of more than 5,400 community members each year across Central Virginia. We’ve:

  • Built spaces where individuals from diverse backgrounds can connect, learn, and grow together

  • Delivered mindfulness education programs and camps to 1,800 Richmond youth

  • Empowered over 150 community leaders, educators, small business owners, mental health professionals, and wellness providers

  • Celebrated 300 graduates of our leadership development programs

  • Brought more than 1,100 residents together through community-driven historical and cultural conversations that strengthen understanding and belonging

OUR VALUES

  • HEALING

    Embracing practices that restore well-being for both individuals and communities

  • JUSTICE

    Ensuring accessibility and equity in wellness resources and economic opportunities

  • CULTURE & CONNECTION

    Fostering connection and belonging through culture building and shared experiences

  • EDUCATION

    Providing transformative learning that empowers individuals, organizations, and communities

  • HUMANITY

    Honoring the dignity and potential of every person

FOUNDING BELIEF

Sustainable Change Begins with How We Live, Learn and Connect

The Well Collective was created from a belief that well-being is shaped by more than individual choices. It is influenced by our histories, relationships, environments, access to resources, and opportunities to thrive.

Our work brings people together through education, restorative practices, leadership development, civic engagement, and shared experiences that strengthen individual and collective well-being.

We are creating new possibilities for how people live well—individually and together.

The Meaning Behind Our Symbol

Inspired by WOFORO DUA PA A, a powerful Adinkra symbol meaning “when you climb a good tree,” we embrace the truth that good work always deserves support. This symbol embodies cooperation, encouragement, and collective responsibility.

At The Well Collective, this teaching guides us. When we work together for justice, healing, and well-being, the community rises to support us—and we rise to support the community.

Our Vision and Goal

The Well Collective envisions a world where holistic well-being is a universal right. Our mission is to transform shared well-being by creating opportunities for people to flourish, individually and collectively.

Through healing-centered education, restorative leadership development, and social engagement, we bring people and partners together to learn, connect, and create change.

We believe transformation happens collectively. By connecting people, resources, and ideas, we are helping shape a more just and equitable future where everyone has the opportunity to live well.

Meet the Team

  • Ashley Williams

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • Kiran Bhagat

    COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR

  • Briana Jarrett

    EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATION

Board of Directors

  • Tammy Jackson

    BOARD CHAIR

  • Floyd Miller

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Dontrese Brown

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Kelli Lemon

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Kim Macleod

    BOARD MEMBER

The Well: A Place to Learn, Connect + Thrive.

Our headquarters is more than a building. It is a well: a gathering place for learning, connection, and possibility.

Here, people, leaders, artists, educators, and partners come together to exchange ideas, share resources, build relationships, and imagine what is possible.

It is a place to gather, learn, create, and lead—where individual and collective well-being can flourish.

View Our Programs