Georgia State Chapter

Georgia State Chapter Headquarters in Atlanta

Board Chair: Dr. Iris Rafi

Contact Information: irisrafi@zaminobla.org

“Without Community,
There Is No Liberation.”

Audre Lorde

ZAMI NOBLA’s Georgia State Chapter was established at the organization’s national headquarters in Atlanta, enabling strong local and statewide involvement. The chapter focuses on leadership development for older Black lesbians through speaker series, community organizing, and advocacy. Working collaboratively, members address critical concerns such as housing insecurity, healthcare inequities, and legal protections by engaging in legislative advocacy and community forums. Celebrating Black LGBTQ+ culture is another priority, with music performances, film screenings, and art showcases featuring local artists, thus amplifying visibility and pride. Signature programs include an Elder Care Initiative, Intergenerational Mentoring, Annual Health Fairs, and Creative Arts Showcases.

Like its North Carolina counterpart, Georgia’s chapter increases visibility, community support, intergenerational engagement, leadership, and intersectional advocacy as core values. Collaborations with statewide LGBTQ+ networks and lobbying efforts target Voting Rights, Anti-Discrimination Laws, and Mental Health resources. Virtual support groups and monthly in-person gatherings connect members facing isolation challenges. Membership is open to Black lesbians aged 40 and above; allies can volunteer, donate, attend events, and sponsor initiatives, providing crucial resources. Through this collective effort, ZAMI NOBLA’s Georgia State Chapter empowers older Black lesbians to thrive, fostering a strong community rooted in cultural celebration, solidarity, and inclusive support.

Dr. Iris Fawzia Rafi
Board Chair

Dr. Iris Fawzia Rafi is originally from Miami, Florida but has been a proud resident of Atlanta for more than 50 years. Iris was elected president of the Georgia State Chapter of ZAMI NOBLA at the Chapter’s inception in 2025. She earned degrees in English from Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University, and a Ph.D. in American Studies from Emory University. After more than 30 years of teaching English in Colorado Springs and across Atlanta, she retired in 2012. Post-retirement, she has contributed to Grady Senior Services and to the non-profit, Ubuntu Community Catalyst’s behavioral mental health and affordable housing teams.

Iris became active in issues affecting Black lesbian and queer women in 1990 when she founded Zami in Atlanta.She has worked with ZAMI NOBLA since 2017 and in her current position seeks to grow membership, foster community among members across Georgia, and to help create a chapter that defines and promotes the mission and goals of ZAMI NOBLA. She wants to increase membership involvement in programs and activities that support and expand the mission of ZAMI NOBLA.

Iris is a lover of books, gardening, word games, baking, and any activity involving her great nieces and nephews. Iris continues to center service, care, and justice in every part of her life and work.

Dr. Gaynell M. Simpson
Board Secretary

Dr. Gaynell M. Simpson, Ph.D., LCSW, is an Associate Professor of Human Services at Georgia Gwinnett College with extensive experience in social work education, clinical practice, research, and community service. Her professional background includes clinical social work practice in behavioral health, psychiatric, geriatric, outpatient, and community-based settings. Throughout her career, Dr. Simpson has demonstrated a strong commitment to culturally responsive social work practice, aging and caregiving research, student mentorship, community engagement, and the preparation of future human service and social work professionals.