Cherokeesun Goodson is a dedicated and mission-driven professional committed to advancing equity and opportunity in underserved communities across the globe. With a strong foundation in applied psychology and public health, Cherokeesun brings a dynamic blend of research, administrative leadership, international experience, and strategic coordination to her work in the nonprofit sector.

Currently serving as a Program Administrative Assistant at Shared Interest, Cherokeesun supports the implementation of economic empowerment initiatives that have helped unlock capital for historically marginalized communities in Southern Africa. She plays a vital role in board governance processes, talent recruitment, and information system management, while partnering with senior leadership on youth engagement strategies and organizational development.

 

Cherokeesun’s global perspective is shaped by extensive travel and a transformative period living in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she worked with grassroots organizations to address systemic inequities. At In My Shoes, she led efforts to collect and distribute sports equipment to underserved youth, encouraging physical wellbeing and community engagement. Through Baby Cakes, she organized drives to provide children’s clothing, formula, and other essential items to vulnerable orphanages, while coordinating celebratory events to uplift and affirm the dignity of the children served.

 

Following her international service, Cherokeesun continued her impact in the U.S. as a Research Assistant at the Homeplace Research Collective, contributing to mental health studies focused on the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. She conducted literature reviews, data analysis, and helped develop advocacy communications aimed at improving access to care.

 

While at St. John’s University, she co-founded the Student Health & Wellness Committee, where she led initiatives focused on student mental health, safety, and emotional well-being. She also held leadership positions in the Black Student Union and Student Government, where she championed funding equity, built campus partnerships, and advanced student-led advocacy efforts.

 

Cherokeesun holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology with a minor in Public Health from New York University. Her core strengths include program development, data analysis, cross-cultural engagement, and stakeholder communications. Whether working locally or internationally, she remains deeply committed to amplifying underrepresented voices and creating sustainable, community-driven solutions.