Welcome to Fenix Collective
Follow us on our journey as we uplift women, girls, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and gender-non-conforming individuals experiencing and returning from incarceration. Discover the power of unity, support, and advocacy in our mission. Join us in transforming survival into thriving.
Fenix Collective is a community-rooted, peer-led organization that uplifts and equips LGBTQIA+ individuals—especially BIPOC, women, and gender-expansive people impacted by incarceration—with the healing, leadership, and advocacy tools they need to thrive. We provide holistic reentry support, foster personal and collective transformation, and build new systems of care, justice, and power through data equity, cultural healing practices, and leadership development.
Fenix Collective was founded by Jessica Summers and Alisha Johnson (Dohallow), two LGBTQIA+ women who survived incarceration and who now want to help others do the same…and more! Fenix is also joined by Ray Summers, Jessica’s partner, who brings his Indigenous experience and expertise to the organization.
Together, we create a safe space where voices are heard, and dreams are realized. Be part of a community that embraces diversity and empowers those who seek a brighter future. Your story matters, and we are here to champion it with pride.
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Jessica Summers, NCCPSS, NC Forensic Peer Support Specialist, NC Community Health Worker
CO-FOUNDER/Executive Director
Jessica Summers is one of the founders of Fenix Collective and is the CEO of Fenix Creative Services, LLC. She is a writer, editor, artist, peer support specialist, community health worker, student, researcher, advocate, and ally, wife, and mom—and she is formerly incarcerated. Jessica believes in new beginnings because she has had so any of them and knows that everyone deserves a helping hand and a fresh start. As an LGBTQIA+ person who has struggled with substance abuse and mental health challenges, she wants others to have health and healing as well as the support of a loving community…which is why Fenix Collective was born. She works every day to learn and grow not only for herself but in order to be a better peer mentor to those whom Fenix Collective serves. Jessica works with people on substance abuse and mental health recovery journeys and is committed to rebuilding this world as a more just and equitable place for all, one person at a time.
Jessica wins Quintana Last Mile Scholarship
Jessica completes the Charlotte “Expand Your Impact” Non-profit Accelerator Program
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Alisha Johnson (Dohallow)
CO-FOUNDER
Alisha Johnson (Dohallow), a testament to the power of resilience and redemption, brings her firsthand experience of reintegrating into society after incarceration to her work with the LGBTQ community. Committed to breaking barriers and fostering positive change, she advocates tirelessly for second chances. Through her nonprofit and for-profit work, she provides vital mentorship and resources structured to ensure the success of individuals transitioning from incarceration to freedom. Alisha's unwavering dedication stems from her belief in the transformative power of support and opportunity. With a profound understanding of the challenges faced by those reentering society, she is a beacon of hope, offering a path to a brighter future, one peer at a time.
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Ray Summers
Ray is the newest member of the Fenix Collective family—as Jessica’s spouse, he literally IS family! Hailing from Canada, Ray is Indigenous, of Northern Cree First Nations heritage. Ray has an incredible wealth of knowledge and skill to impart, ranging from storytelling and world-building to mediation and direct support of community members. As a person in recovery, Ray is deeply committed to helping others achieve their highest potential and to rebuilding systems from the ground up. Ray has worked in various fields of service throughout his life, including as a youth worker in First Nations community nonprofits in his native Canada.