Paulana Lamonier

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & FOUNDER

Paulana Lamonier is the founder of Black People Will Swim, a purpose-driven organization working to smash the stereotype that Black people don’t swim. 

​

Learning how to swim in 2009 at CUNY York College by her swim coaches, she built her love for swimming and teaching others how to conquer their fears of swimming. For over a decade, Paulana has been working with swim clubs, teams, and gyms sharing her love of swimming and community with her students.

​

She's also a multimedia journalist who loves telling compelling stories. She's written for Fast Company, Forbes, Complex Magazine, and interviewed the likes of Queen Latifah, Loni Love, Venus Williams, and more. 

Phe Morgan

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Phe is a brand strategist and graphic/product designer who specializes in crafting brand experiences for creative entrepreneurs, socially conscious businesses, and corporate companies in healthcare, beauty, real estate, food & beverage, entertainment, not-for-profits and more for over 7 years. She is dedicated to building scroll stopping brands that consumers will recognize, business owners will be proud of and competitors will add to their mood-board. She has worked with and designed for Red Lobster, House Of Blues, several celebrity photographers, Turkey Leg Hut and more.

Lizie Mensah

ADMINISTRATIVE/PARTNERSHIP FELLOW

Lizie Mensah is a Ghanaian- American millennial, born and raised in Bronx, NY. Raised in a Christian home, her faith in God keeps her grounded, but her cultural roots from Ghana cultivates her love for the rich African culture, and black empowerment as well. As a first-gen sophomore at St. John’s University, she pursues a double major degree in English and Communications with a minor in psychology. With this focus, she aspires to become a media journalist, presenter, and Ph.D. psychologist with the plan to advocate for mental health, whilst being a voice for others.