Dr. Jillian (Jay) Watts-Abdul Rashid

Dr. Jay Watts-Abdul Rashid (She/Her), is a Muslimah Sexologist hailing from Appalachia, has spent more than 14 years in the field of cultural studies and more than a decade in mental/sexual health and wellness. Informed by her rural roots and intersectional identity, she has aided in the support of hundreds of client from various backgrounds, more than 28 school districts, 30 higher educational institutions, 12 corporate settings, 42 non-profits, and more than 60,000 touch points of development at local and national conferences as a keynote and esteemed facilitator/speaker. Dr. Jay has a Bachelor's degree from the University of Louisville in Social Studies Education; a Master's from Eastern Kentucky University in Human Services; a Master's from Kent State University in Cultural Foundations of Education; and a PhD from Walden University in Human Services: Mental Health (Sexuality Studies). She is board certified as a clinical sexologist through the American Board of Sexology, pending certification as a Sex Counselor through AASECT, and is a current board member for the American Board of Sexology. She has worked as a clinical sexologist for the Washington Wellness Institute, Maven Clinic, The Center for Empowered Sexual Wellness, and has consulted for state and federal projects, non-profits, and corporations. She specializes in not only sex counseling/coaching but policy development, Halal sexual health, education, HIV prevention, STD/STI education, shame-alleviation practices for those living with HIV and AIDS, and curriculum design. She is CADTP Licensed as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor: Registrant. Furthermore, Jay has several esteemed publications including her dissertation research "Appropriated Racial Oppression as a Moderator of Sexual Satisfaction of Black Women". In addition, she has presented at international, national, state, local, medical hospitals, and university settings. Dr. Jay has merged her previous two businesses (The Center for Empowered Sexual Wellness & DiversiFirm Group) to form a non-profit, The Jilan Center, that specializes in The "4" Cores of Healing Justice: Sexual Wellness, Racial Healing, Recovery, and Community Power-Building. This organization will also be the home of the current The Inclusive Sexologist Program and expanded certification options for sexologists (new and seasoned). In 2025, Dr. Jay will release a sex tech app to support sexual health and wellness that embodies her foundation in justice, dignity, and belonging. She is excited to venture into a new area within sexuality and welcomes those who want to join her in their journey. Although her focus is Islamic sexual health, she welcomes all and has a great network of providers who can provide expanded support.