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 in 2025 at the organization’s national headquarters in Atlanta, enabling strong local and statewide involvement. The chapter is in the development stage and will focus on leadership development for older Black lesbians through community organizing, cultural programs, and advocacy.
Like its North Carolina counterpart, Georgia’s chapter hopes to increase visibility, community support, intergenerational engagement, leadership, and intersectional advocacy. Membership is open to Black lesbians aged 40 and above; allies can volunteer, donate, attend events, and sponsor initiatives, providing crucial resources.
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.
Nosente Uhuti
Vice-Chair
Nosente Uhuti was born and educated in Michigan. She graduated from Grand Valley State University and migrated to California in 1979. She embraced a career in Human Services, including policy development and advocacy, serving African Americans living with HIV/AIDS. Nosente later served as Commissioner on the Riverside City Commission on Aging, while evaluating cultural relevance in county Behavioral Health programs throughout the state of California. After retiring Nosente embraced a lifelong love of writing, and a gift for storytelling drew her toward theatrical forms of expression. She later served as Founder and Artistic Director of Bent Not Broken Inspired Community Players. Nosente relocated to Georgia in 2021 and is honored to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the Georgia State Chapter of ZAMI NOBLA.
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.