Speaker Bios
Yaw Adoo, DBA, MPH, ID
Dr. Yaw Amponsah Adoo is a distinguished management professional with over a decade of experience in collegiate instruction, innovative social entrepreneurship, digital organizational leadership, and professional development. His research focuses on employee motivation, well-being, and the impact of organizational change, with expertise in areas such as job insecurity, work-related stressors, and workplace spirituality. As Chair of the Department of Business at Morris Brown College, Dr. Adoo has held key roles at Shorter University and the University of the Virgin Islands. In August 2024, he joined the Harvard Business Review’s Advisory Council, where he contributed valuable insights to shape management and leadership studies. His influence also extends to partnerships that foster curriculum development and cultural appreciation beyond academia.
Anupam Agarwal, MD, MPH
Anupam Agarwal, MD, FASN is Senior Vice President for Medicine and Dean, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Heersink School of Medicine, James C. Lee Jr endowed chair and Professor of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, in the Department of Medicine at UAB. He also serves as the Program Director of the NIH/NIDDK funded O’Brien Center, one of eight centers funded nationwide. Dr. Agarwal previously served as Executive Vice Dean for the Heersink School of Medicine (2014-2022), and Division Director for Nephrology (2008-2021). He served on the council of the American Society of Nephrology (2014-2022) serving as President in 2020. Dr. Agarwal has an active role in clinical medicine, teaching, research and administration. He has been a recipient of Outstanding Teaching Awards from the Department of Medicine at the University of Florida as well as at UAB. Dr. Agarwal’s research program, funded by the NIH and Department of Veterans Affairs, has provided critical insights regarding the mechanisms of acute kidney injury. His bibliography includes >200 peer-reviewed papers and >50 invited reviews/book chapters, the former appearing in journals such as the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, Journal of Clinical Investigation, JCI Insight, Journal of Exp Medicine, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal of Biological Chemistry, Circulation, Circulation Research, American Journal of Pathology as well as others. He has been recognized by multiple awards and honors including election to membership in the American Society of Clinical Investigation, Association of American Physicians, American Clinical and Climatological Association, Dean’s Excellence award for leadership, the Graduate Dean’s Excellence in Mentorship award at UAB and the Mentor of the Year award from the Southern Society for Clinical Investigation. Dr. Agarwal has been invited to speak at national and international meetings and several named lectureships at multiple institutions and has served on national and international review panels and editorial boards of prestigious journals.
Ritu Aneja, Ph.D.
Dr. Aneja comes to UAB from Georgia State University where she is a Distinguished University Professor of Cancer Biology and Director of the Molecular Basis of Disease Program. Aneja, who owns multiple patents, is also an active investigator with five current grants totaling more than $6 million. She has served on NIH, U.S. Department of Defense and other federal, state and private foundation grant review committees; published more than 150 research/review articles; and given invited talks in regional, national, as well as international settings including meetings, symposia and conferences. Aneja earned her bachelors and doctoral degrees in Chemistry from the University of Delhi, India. She then trained at Yale and subsequently at Emory in areas including internal medicine, cell and molecular biology and drug development. her postdoctoral training in various disciplines have served her well in developing a transdisciplinary perspective and helping researchers communicate in a common language. In addition to strong scientific ideas and a palpable energy for discovery, Ritu brings with her a depth of experience in high-impact research with a history of securing external funding, which is critical to our strategic growth plan. Aneja is a proven leader who is committed to bringing out the best in all around her and being an exceptional role model to the dynamic research community in the School of Health Professions. Aneja’s research laboratory focuses on understanding why breast cancer outcomes (both survival rates and treatment outcomes) differ between white and black women in the United States.
Chief Clay Bentley, BA
Chief Clay Bentley graduated with his bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Montevallo, has a Fire Science Degree from Jeff State and received his State Paramedic License from Bevill State. Chief Bentley joined the Hoover Fire Department in January 1997 after working for the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service for 5 years. He worked his way through the ranks and was appointed Fire Chief in September 2017. While serving as fire chief, he has maintained an ISO Class 1 rating and led the department to be the first department in the State of Alabama to achieve accreditation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE). As part of the accreditation process, Chief Bentley also received his Chief Fire Officer Designation through CPSE. This designation recognizes career excellence and offers strategies for continuous personal improvement. Fire Chief Bentley is married to Julie and they have three children, Brooks, Anna Bell, and Abby Ross. His motto is God, Family and Fire Department.
Kristen Boggs, MSW
Kristin has served in this role since 2015, when the chapter first began in Alabama, which serves as one of 13 sites around the country. Her background in service learning extends to previous roles in higher education, where she helped found departments focused on community engagement (The University of Alabama’s Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility; UAB’s Global and Community Leadership Honors Program and the Heersink School of Medicine’s Office of Service Learning). Throughout her career, Kristin has worked to connect academic and civic learning. She enjoys mentoring students to help them discover their strengths and apply them within the community.
Tara Bowman, BSW
Tara R. Bowman is a program manager in the Office of Community Outreach &Engagement at the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB where she manages the Community Health Advisor program. In this role, she is responsible for supervising COE community coordinators and the implementation of several cancer outreach and research programs that focus on increasing cancer screening and healthy lifestyle efforts among the underserved in urban and rural communities in Alabama. She works tirelessly with individuals to lessen and remove barriers related to cancer screenings. Prior to this role, Tara managed health initiatives for OCOE and coordinated the Jefferson County CHA program for nearly 7 years. Tara received her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Talladega College. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Nathaniel Brooks, D.Div.
Brimming with optimism and enthusiasm are just a few words that describe this servant of the highest God. Reverend Dr. Nathaniel T. Brooks is passionate about teaching, preaching, and spreading the Gospel of Christ. For several years, he has been a faithful servant and leader of several educational, community, and religious organizations that include: Editorial Board Member at the Institute of Youth Ministry (IYT) - Princeton Theological Seminary, Leadership Council Member for the ERLC - Ethics and Religious Liberties Commission - SBC, Black Theology and Leadership Institute Fellow - Princeton Theological Seminary, (CAB) Chair, at The O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center – UAB; Chair, AI READI - Equitable Atlas for Diabetes Insights, at University of California, San Diego. Dr. Brooks has done missionary work in various developing countries: Kenya, St. Croix, Haiti, Guyana, and Liberia. As an advocate for education and social change, Dr. Brooks strives to empower people to get the best education possible and to serve God diligently. Dr. Brooks is humbled to welcome beside him his two loving children Morghan Rachel Brooks and son Mason Lee Brooks as they journey through ministry together. Beyond the accolades and accomplishments, Dr. Brooks embodies what is popularly known as being “faithful.”
Hugo (de Oliveira) Campos
Hugo Campos is a patient advocate for patient autonomy, self-care, and the right to sovereignty over health data. With a diverse career spanning over 20 years, he combines creative talent, technical skills, and lived experience as a patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure. Hugo advocates for participatory medicine, connected health, and patient empowerment through technology. As a leader in the e-patient movement, Hugo serves on the Steering Committee of the All of Us Research Program, as Participant Partner in the NIH’s Nutrition for Precision Health study, and as Patient Engagement Co-Lead for THRIVE: Trajectories of Recovery after Intravenous Propofol vs. Inhaled Volatile Anesthesia, a PCORI-funded multicenter, pragmatic, comparative effectiveness randomized controlled trial. Additionally, he serves on the Strategic Advisory Board of the UCSF/UC Berkeley Joint Program in Computational Precision Health (CPH). In 2015, Hugo was named a White House Champion of Change for Precision Medicine by President Barack Obama for his advocacy work. He is a vocal advocate for patient data rights and has spoken at TEDx and other notable events, sharing his story and expertise with a wider audience. Hugo lives in Oakland, California, with his husband, his elderly father, and Memphis the cat.
Amber Clark-Brown, MD
Amber N. Clark-Brown, MD, is a Board-Certified Physician specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R). After graduating residency, she worked as an Assistant Professor in the Department of PM&R at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). There, she diagnosed and treated individuals with strokes, neuromuscular disease and spine and musculoskeletal disease/injury with the goal of restoring function, independence and quality of life. Dr. Clark-Brown also served as Consult Director and began her research career with an overarching focus on healthcare systems; science and the intersection of disabilities and healthcare disparities. In December of 2022, Dr. Clark-Brown transitioned from UAB and now works for the Alabama Department of Public Health as a Medical Officer in the Bureaus of Health Provider Standards, Home and Community Services; and Health Equity. She remains grateful and excited for this new opportunity operate in her God given gifts as a physician priest and healer on a larger platform and thereby help many more people live higher qualities of life and achieve freedom in their health.
Robin DeMonia, BA
Robin DeMonia is executive vice president of Direct Communications. Prior to joining the public relations firm in 2012, she worked for 25 years as a journalist in Alabama, most of that time at The Birmingham News, where she led a series of editorials on capital punishment that was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. She was a member of the 2005 class of Leadership Birmingham and has served in a number of nonprofit leadership roles, including boards at the Forge Breast Cancer Survivorship Center, the Alabama Disabilities Leadership Coalition and the state chapters of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, American Lung Association, and Epilepsy Foundation. She serves on the board of visitors for the University of Alabama College of Communication and Information Sciences, formerly served on the Women’s Health Steering Committee for the Alabama Department of Public Health, and previously served as treasurer of the state chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. She graduated from the University of Alabama and lives in Birmingham.
Chinara Dosse, MA
Chinara is a native of Mobile, Alabama. She was raised in the Maysville Community. She is a product of the magnet school sectors of Mobile. Chinara completed John L. Leflore High School in 2003 with Advanced Honors, graduated in the top 25. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education in May 2010 and Master of Arts in Health Education in May 2012, from University of Alabama at Birmingham. She started her career at UAB in 2014 as an Oncology Patient Navigator in the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center where she was also enrolled as a Geriatric Scholar in 2017 with the UAB Interprofessional Geriatric scholars Program. She is also trained in Clinical Research through the UAB Center of Clinical and Transitional Science. Chinara currently works as a Clinical Research Coordinator at the UAB Alzheimer’s Disease Center and UAB Caregiver and Bereavement Support Services. Her passion is giving back to the community by empowering patients to take control and improve their quality of life at UAB. She is an active Member of Junior League of Birmingham, where she has served in many leadership roles over the last 8 years, currently as the Vice President of the Volunteer Council. Not only is she an employee of UAB, she is very active within the UAB community serving on the steering committees of UAB Minority Mentoring Circle and UAB Young Professionals, as well as the co-facilitator of the UAB B.E.L.I.E.V.E (Black Employees Leading in Excellence, vision, & Education) Employee Resources Group. She also serve as the Vice President of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Black Alumni Network. She is always willing to lend a helping hand, whether it’s assisting with fashion shows, fundraisers, or just giving advice on any situation. Chinara considers herself a helper to all people by empowering all ages of people to think positive in all situations, to love God and others, and all always remember that nothing is impossible.
Marie-Carmelle Elie, MD, PhD
Dr. Marie-Carmelle Elie is an Endowed Professor and Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, making her the first Black woman to be named a full professor and permanent chair of an academic emergency medicine department at a major American medical school. She has previously served as faculty at the University of Florida College of Medicine and Rutgers University of Medicine and Dentistry where she held leadership roles in the clinical missions of Emergency Medicine, Critical Care and Palliative Medicine. She completed her emergency medicine residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center and went on to complete a Critical Care and Trauma fellowship at the R. Adam Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland. Triple board-certified in emergency medicine, critical care and hospice and palliative medicine, Dr. Elie made contributions in critical care initiatives by collaborating with internal and outlying community stakeholders, spearheading sepsis quality with a novel alert system in North Central Florida. She also developed her passion for palliative care by helping to start palliative inpatient services at UF Health and serving as the Chief Medical Officer for Haven Hospice, one of the largest hospice organizations in North Florida. A clinical trialist and former research director, she spearheaded the growth of a multimillion dollar research portfolio obtaining funding in the areas of acute respiratory distress, sepsis and palliative care. Dr. Elie was elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 2022.
Cardwell Feagin, DSc, MBA
Cardwell joined VIVA Health, Inc. in 2006 and has served as Chief Operating Officer since 2008. Cardwell manages the Operations group which includes Claims, Customer Service, Health Services and Care Management, Facilities, and Information Systems. VIVA Health, an affiliate of the UAB Health System, is the largest HMO in Alabama and also provides third party administrative service for employers in the state. VIVA serves almost 600,000 Alabamians. Since 2006 VIVA has grown from $250M in revenue to $1B. Prior to joining VIVA, Cardwell worked for DST Health Solutions, a company that provides software and operational support for health plans nationally. Cardwell has over 27 years of experience in managing health care operations. He has developed and implemented many Information Technology (IT) projects. These projects have transformed a completely manual health care environment to a completely automated “paperless” operation. Additional projects include to plan and oversee the relocation of VIVA to the former downtown Regions building on 5th Avenue and 20th Street North. Cardwell and his team created the first Care Management department at VIVA in 2008, which has grown from 3 employees to over 200 employees and represents the largest Care Management team in the state of Alabama. Cardwell and his team launched the Medicaid Health Homes and then the revised Medicaid program called Alabama Coordinated Health Networks. These programs provide care management for almost 400,000 of Alabama’s most vulnerable citizens. In 2021, Cardwell completed his doctorate in Health Administration and published his dissertation on Interdisciplinary Care Team Care Management in the journal Medical Care Research Review. The publication was one of the first in the pier reviewed literature to show with regression analysis that care management is sustainable and more than pays for the cost of the staff. The study showed a 220% return on investment for the care management program. Cardwell has completed the requirements to be named a Project Management Professional by the Project Management Institute. Cardwell received his MBA with a concentration in Management Information Systems from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) with honors from Beta Gamma Sigma in August, 1998. He graduated Cum Laude and Senior Honors Scholar from Auburn University with a BS in Psychology in 1996. He has served on the board of directors of the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham the largest Kiwanis club in the nation. He has chaired the American Heart Association Board for Birmingham. Cardwell is a graduate of Leadership Birmingham Class of 2015. Cardwell and his wife, Elizabeth, have a son, Will, who is 21 and a daughter, Mary Carlon, who is 16. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his family. His interests include golf, skiing, scuba diving, sailing, and fishing.
Ed Fields, MBA, IOM
Known as a diplomat, creative risk taker and inspirational leader, Ed Fields has a breadth of leadership experience as an executive in the public and private sector. A transplant from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Ed received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Alabama State University and earned his Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Alabama’s prestigious Manderson School of Business. He has also received his Institute of Management (IOM) nonprofit management certification from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Ed has served as a thought leader for community-led and corporate-driven organizations, including his role as founder, executive, civic leader, and producer. Ed Fields currently serves as Senior Advisor and Chief Strategist for the City of Birmingham Mayor’s Office. In his role, Ed is responsible for strategic planning, public-private partnerships, and strategic communication on behalf of Mayor Randall Woodfin. Previously, Ed co-founded and led Relax, It’s Handled, a nationally recognized, award-winning association and event management company. Ed has also served in key leadership roles in major institutions such as the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce and Alabama Media Group, Alabama’s largest news media organization with publications such as AL.com, Birmingham magazine, and The Birmingham News. Ed serves on the board of directors for Leadership Birmingham and serves as chairman for Culverhouse African American Alumni Network at The University of Alabama. He is a member of the Alabama State University Jefferson/Shelby County Alumni Association and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Ed is a graduate of Leadership Birmingham, Leadership Alabama and the Bloomberg-Harvard City Leadership Initiative as well as the Harvard Business School Young American Leadership Program. Ed has received numerous awards and accolades, including national recognition from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and INROADS, Inc. Ed enjoys hiking, writing, and bowling for recreation. He resides in Birmingham, Alabama with his wife, Shyla, and their two sons, August and Xander. Blog: honestlyed.medium.com
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Mona Fouad, MD, PhD
Mona Fouad, M.D., MPH is Professor of Medicine, Director of the Division of Preventive Medicine, Edward E. Partridge, M.D., Endowed Chair for Cancer Disparity Research, and Senior Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion in the Heersink School of Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Fouad is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and is recognized nationally as a leader in health disparities research. She served as a member of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Advisory Council on Minority Health and Health Disparities from 2008-2012. Also. Dr. Fouad was selected as the UAB 2018 Distinguished Faculty Lecturer for advancing the frontiers of science and outstanding contributions to education, research and public service. Dr. Fouad obtained her MD from Alexandria University School of Medicine in Alexandria, Egypt, and her MPH from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health. Dr. Fouad has contributed to the science of health disparities through major studies to identify variability in cancer care and outcomes based on race, gender, age, and social determinants of health. She has developed nationally emulated models in recruitment and retention of minorities in clinical trials and innovative community-based approaches to reducing racial disparities in breast and cervical cancer, and chronic diseases prevention and control. Further, Dr. Fouad understands the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare and health research. To that end, she has led several research education, mentoring, and training efforts aimed at increasing diversity, promoting a diverse workforce, and health equity.
Abigail Franks, BA
Abigail Franks graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a B.A in Political Science and Peace, Justice, and Ecology and was a 2019 Rhodes Finalist for the University of Oxford. She is especially passionate about transforming the South into a sustainable and resilient region through advocating for and, eventually, crafting climate mitigation and adaptation policies. Abigail’s interests include nonviolent social movements, environmental policy, community-based leadership, clean energy, and grassroots climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. Previously, she has worked for the nonprofits People’s Justice Council and Black Warrior Riverkeeper, and in college she founded and led the organization WEARE (We Envision Alabamian Renewable Energy). In her free time, Abigail enjoys listening to podcasts, exercising (whether it be dancing, yoga, or running), and cuddling with her dog: Ginny.
T. Charles Fry
T. Charles Fry, Jr. has had a distinguished career in both legal and risk management roles within the healthcare sector. As the Chief Risk Officer at UAB Medicine, he oversees risk management strategies and ensures compliance with healthcare regulations. In addition to this role, he serves as the Vice President & Secretary at the University of Alabama Health Services Foundation, P.C., contributing to the governance and legal oversight of the organization. Before his current positions, Charles Fry served as General Counsel at the University of Alabama Health Services Foundation, P.C., where he provided legal advice and managed legal affairs. His legal career began at Johnston Barton Proctor & Rose LLP, where he practiced law for nearly 14 years, gaining extensive experience in various legal fields. Additionally, he has been an active member of the Birmingham Bar Association, holding various leadership positions, including President-Elect. His extensive background and leadership in both legal and healthcare risk management make him a valuable asset to UAB Medicine and the University of Alabama Health Services Foundation, P.C.
Juandalynn Givan, JD
State Representative Givan of House District 60 was re-elected to serve a 4th term in the Alabama House of Representatives in the 2022 general election. Juandalynn Givan received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Miles College and her Doctorate of Juris Prudence from the Miles School of Law. She is the Owner of Givan & Associates Law Firm and That Girl Inc. Most recently she expanded her practice to include governmental relations and program management consulting services. She is a mentor and public speaker and is no stranger to public service. Upon graduating from Miles, she became a Political Appointee serving as an Administrative Cabinet Member to Birmingham’s first African American Mayor Dr. Richard Arrington Jr., where she was responsible for Capital Projects and Development in the City Center. She also served as HOPE VI Coordinator for the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District HOPE VI Revitalization Projects at Metropolitan Gardens and Tuxedo Court. Rep. Givan, also provided political commentary and analysis for the Birmingham View Television which aired on WABM My/68. Representative Givan practices law and works in the community to improve the quality of life for all citizens fighting for civil justice and equality. She is recognized as a leader in the community by the NAACP, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Omicron Omega Chapter, Tri-County Chapter of the Links Incorporated, Museum of Urban Arts Board Member and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) where she served as the inaugural 2010 For the Love of Learning Masked Gala Chair. 2010 Freshman Legislator of the Year, 2014 Legislator of the year, 2014 NAACP Woman of the Year, SCLC Woman of the Year for Social Justice, Professional Woman of the Year by the NAACP and received the Margaret Tucker Humanitarian of the Year Award. Givan was also named 2015 Legislator of the Year for the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, 2017 Legislator of the Year by the Alabama Hospitality Association, elected to the Executive Committee of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators(NBCSL), 2nd Vice-President, for the National Organization for Black Elected Legislative Women (NOBEL), Parliamentarian for NOBEL 2015-2017, Outstanding Legislative Leader Domestic Violence Council, Outstanding Leader Smithfield Estates Neighborhood, Humanitarian of the Year Daniel Payne Middle School Parent Teacher Association, Honorary Chair NAACP 50 year Civil Rights Commemoration Chair, and she was elected National President of the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women (NOBEL) 2021. Representative Givan is the daughter of the late Leroy and Patricia Givan.
Francesca Gross, MS
Francesca’s passion for Alabama’s natural systems and people, creativity, communication skills, and dedication to education and developing young conservationists is clear in her life story. She is an environmental scientist with an eclectic background. She holds degrees in agriculture science specializing in natural resources and environmental engineering science specializing in systems ecology. She earned a certification in vocational agriculture and natural channel design. She managed and taught in the Urban Environmental Studies Program at Birmingham-Southern College and led the Five Mile Creek Greenway Partnership, which resulted in the core project for the Red Rock Trail System. She partnered with front-line communities in Ensley, Woodlawn, and North Titusville. Developing and nurturing partnerships across government, nonprofits, businesses, and neighborhoods has been the key to her success.
Kenny R. Hampton, D
Kenny R. Hampton is the President of the African American Male Wellness Agency (AAMWA). This organization is dedicated to the holistic support of African American men and their families, focusing on initiatives like free health screenings and mental health support12. Hampton is passionate about improving the lives of Black men through various programs, including the “Real Men, Real Talk” initiative, which provides safe spaces for men to discuss mental health issues.
Claudia M. Hardy, MPA
Claudia Hardy is the Director for Community & Research Relations in the Office of Community Outreach & Engagement (OCOE) and an Associate Scientist for Cancer Control & Population Sciences at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). In addition, she has a faculty appointment as an Instructor in the Heersink School of Medicine in the Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology. Prior to the reorganizational change in early 2022, Ms. Hardy served as the Director for the Office of COE within the cancer center for 23 years. Ms. Hardy has 30 years of experience as a senior level administrator, consultant, and strategist in health disparities initiatives and community engagement. She provides strategic planning and guidance to researchers, clinicians and others conducting community engagement, community outreach and research programs in medically underserved minority communities around cancer prevention/detection and capacity-building. Ms. Hardy has utilized a Community Health Advisors (CHA) model in much of her work, training over 2000 CHAs across the country targeting breast, cervical, lung, colon, and prostate cancers. Additionally, her work has taken her internationally to Zambia, utilizing a Community Health Workers model to increase cervical cancer screening. She has vast knowledge in program development and minorities in clinical trials. In addition, she has extensive experience serving on non-profits board of directors, advisory boards, leadership development and volunteer training. Her work has fostered collaborations with local, state, national and international organizations. Ms. Hardy holds a BA in Communication Arts specializing in Public Relations and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) specializing in organizational management and behavior from UAB.
David Hicks, DO, MPH, FAAFP
Dr. David Hicks is a board-certified family medicine physician and serves as Health Officer at the Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH). At JCDH he served as Deputy Health Officer, Incident Commander for JCDH’s COVID-19 response efforts, and was Medical Director of Adult Health & Family Planning. Before working at the health department, Dr. Hicks oversaw five clinic locations as Chief Medical Officer at Birmingham Health Care. He also has provided medical care in various settings, including urgent care clinics, correctional facilities, and an academic health system. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, a member of Alabama’s Rural Medical Service Awards Advisory Board, and former Chairman of Alabama’s STD Medical Advisory Council. Dr. Hicks is a Leadership Birmingham graduate, Freshwater Land Trust Red Rock Committee member, Kiwanis Club of Birmingham member, and UAB School of Public Health’s Community Engagement Council associate. He is a recipient of the NAACP Metro Birmingham Branch’s Community Trailblazer Award and the Medical Association of the State of Alabama’s William Henry Sanders Award. Dr. Hicks earned a Master of Public Health degree in Behavioral and Community Health Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health and was a National Institutes of Health Fogarty MIRT Program research trainee at the National University of Science and Technology in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. He later earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his Family Medicine residency at Christiana Care Health System where he also served as Chief Resident.
Syed Qasim Hussaini, MD, MS
Dr. Hussaini is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology & Oncology and a health systems researcher at the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB. His clinical focus is gastrointestinal cancers. His research focuses on health systems, law, and policy. Specifically, his current work examines disparities in financial/economic instability, the neighborhood and social context, and how state and federal policy could be effectively utilized to improve care access and delivery. Dr. Hussaini's team frequently uses large database cancer and financial registries, and geographic information systems (GIS) in building robust cohort linkages across these studies. He recently received a Young Investigator Award from American Society of Clinical Oncology for his work on contemporary mortgage discrimination and cancer outcomes, and has previously several Society Merit Awards for his work exploring legal hardship, historical redlining, rural-urban divide, biosimilar spending, and value-based payment programs.
Myeisha Hutchinson, BA
Myeisha is a Birmingham native and lifelong resident of the Woodlawn Community. She is a former thirteen-year employee of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. After UAB, Myeisha served as the Outreach Manager for U.S. Congresswoman Terri Sewell of Alabama’s 7th Congressional District, she managed district outreach and engagement helping to shape specific policy needs. She is currently the Chief of Staff for Birmingham City Council President, Dr. Darrell O’Quinn of Birmingham’s District Five. She is also a part-time Executive Recruiter for The Chalker Group, a female lead recruiting firm bringing top talent to Birmingham. Myeisha is the President and Founder of MDH Strategies, LLC, a consulting firm focused on creating holistic and equitable community-centered strategies for organizations. She serves on several boards and advisory committees to include Woodlawn United, One Place Family Justice Center, Jefferson County Memorial Project, and YWCA of Central Alabama. She is the former President of the Woodlawn Community and Vice-President of the City of Birmingham’s Citizen’s Advisory Board. Professionally, she is a member of Alabama Women Leading Government. Civically, she is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is a graduate of Talladega College earning a BA in English, and she was elected by her peers during her senior year to serve as Miss Talladega College. Her training in community organizing has come from a wide range of local and national organizations fellowships and continuing education opportunities. She has completed numerous continuing training workshops and leadership development programs such as Leadership Birmingham, Alabama Leadership Initiative of Leadership Alabama, and the Highlander Center’s Greensboro Justice Fund Fellowship. She continues to be a featured speaker, facilitator, and panelist for numerous local and national organizations.
Joshua J. Joseph, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.H.A.
Joshua J. Joseph, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.H.A. is an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine with Tenure and the Endowed Professor for Research in Internal Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (OSUWMC). He is Co-Chair of the OSUWMC Healthy Communities Obesity and Nutrition Steering Committee and Medical Director of The OSUWMC Healthy Community Center. Dr. Joseph’s National Institutes of Health, American Heart Association, Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and United States Department of Defense funded research focuses on advancing prevention and treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular disease through a health equity lens with 4 pillars: 1) Examining the role of stress hormones in Cardiometabolic Disease; 2) Health System to Community Innovations; 3) Community-Based Participatory Research; and 4) Quality Improvement Science. Clinically, Dr. Joseph treats patients with diabetes and cardiovascular disease at a community-based clinic. Nationally, he is chair of the Endocrine Society Clinical Affairs Core Committee, Chair-Elect of the American Heart Association Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health Diabetes committee and President-Elect of the Central Ohio American Heart Association Board. He has been recognized for his science, community engagement and clinical impact with several awards including election to Alpha Omega Alpha, National Minority Quality Forum 40 under 40, and the American Society for Clinical Investigation.
Andre Lessears, Sr., MBA
Andre Lessears Sr., is the Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer for UAB Health System, where he leads a strategy that fosters Inclusive Leadership to create a health system where patients and caregivers have a sense of belonging, dignity and respect. Prior to joining UAB, Andre served as the Director for the Office of Diversity & Inclusion for Cleveland Clinic Akron General, where he led strategic initiatives that enables Cleveland Clinic Akron General caregivers to deliver care that is not only world class, but culturally competent. With his leadership Cleveland Clinic Akron General was designated as an Autism Friendly Hospital by the Autism Society. In his career, Andre has helped design a number practices and programs that have been recognized by the National League of Cities, DiversityInc., the Association of ERGs and Councils and Black Pages Magazine. Andre has led panels and/or keynotes at numerous organizations and conferences including Ohio NAACP Conference, Ohio Diversity and Leadership Conference, Black Male Summit, Urban League Young Professionals and Civic Leadership Institute. Andre was recently named one of the Top 100 Chief Diversity Officers by the National Diversity Council. A skilled trainer and facilitator, Andre has been recognized for his work facilitating critical conversations on intercultural communication, unconscious bias, building inclusive teams and developing effective Diversity and Inclusion recruitment and retention strategies. For his work Andre has been recognized by the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials and recognized as a Rising Star by the Tri-State Business Times. Andre holds a Bachelor’s degree from Walsh University (History) and he received his MBA in Organizational Development from the University of Dubuque. Andre also holds a Certified Diversity and Inclusion Professional designation from the Cornell University School of International Labor Relations (ILR). He is also a Qualified Administer (QA) for the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI).
Arletha Lizana, PhD, MPH, MBA
Arletha D. Lizana (Livingston) PhD, MPH, MBA is Associate Vice President, Health Innovation & Strategy; Principal Investigator for the Innovation Learning Laboratory for Population Health; and Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at Morehouse School of Medicine. Dr. Lizana is a healthcare innovation strategist. The Innovation Learning Laboratory for Population Health is a community-centered learning laboratory established to design and implement demonstration projects (including translational studies) that generate innovative technology-driven healthcare models and fuel teaching & learning for institutional and population health improvement. The Innovation Learning Lab connects community & clinic through technology for healthcare improvement. Dr. Lizana has 25+ years of experience in project management, health improvement, innovation strategy, research, curriculum design, training, technical assistance and evaluation at the international, federal, state and local levels. She has worked on various capacity-building projects for The National Institutes of Health, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMS), The National Democratic Institute, the Department of Energy and the Centers for Disease Control. She serves on the Board of Directors for several Community-Based organizations and has done extensive field work in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Her life’s work includes an emphasis on assisting community-based organizations, promoting community empowerment, commitment to social innovation, respect for cultural diversity and devotion to systems change and policy change as vehicles to promote health, prevent disease and address systemic societal problems.
Ada Markaki, PhD, RN, PHCNS-BC, FAAN
Ada Markaki is professor at UAB School of Nursing and Co-Director of the PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for International Nursing. She is an advanced practice nurse in public/community health with a medical anthropologist’s perspective of global health. As a health systems’ researcher, Dr. Markaki studies nursing contributions to primary health care, with a focus on capacity building, collaborative practice, interprofessional teaching, and compassionate care. An accomplished educator, Markaki has extensively mentored nursing/medical/public health students, and professional nurses across the globe. A Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing and member of the Global Health Expert Panel, Markaki raises awareness for the United Nations’ 2030 sustainable development agenda. Within the Americas region, Markaki chairs the Pan American Nursing and Midwifery Collaborating Centres network. In this capacity, she advocates for health equity through healthcare workforce development with a focus on low-resource settings.
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Mark Meade, PhD
Dr. Mark Meade is an Associate Professor in the Environmental Health Sciences department at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Public Health. He holds a PhD in Biology from UAB and has a diverse academic background, including positions such as Department Chair at Miami Dade College and Professor at Jacksonville State University. His research focuses on the ecological impacts of climate change, bioremediation, and invasive species ecology². Dr. Meade is also dedicated to environmental education and extension, aiming to improve public health and safety through his work.
Jilisa Milton, JD, MSW
Jilisa is an Alabama-based attorney and social worker with a breadth of experience in community organizing and social movements. She has been a leader in major social justice initiatives and organizations demanding transformative change on a local, regional, and national level. She became one of the founders of Black Lives Matter Birmingham Chapter, namely as a survivor of police violence. She has supported the development of many grassroots organizations and coalitions such as Yellowhammer Fund, S.W.E.E.T Alabama, People’s Budget Birmingham, and more. She’s currently the Vice-President of the board of National Lawyers Guild. Jilisa’s background in law and policy includes work including immigration law, family law, heirs property, disability justice, and state-level policy advocacy around state budget and tax, and racial justice. Her connection to and passion for environmental justice stems from her commitment to intersectionality and justice, and her identity as native Birminhamian with a family history of workers in Birmingham’s steel industry.
Yamilé Molina, MS, MPH, PhD
Dr. Molina is an Associate Professor in the Division of Community Health Sciences in the School of Public Health, an Associate Director for Community Engaged Research for the Mile Square Health Center, one of the oldest FQHCs and one of the few affiliated with an academic medical center, and the Associate Director for Community Outreach & Engagement at the University of Illinois Cancer Center. Inequities in cancer have been the primary focus of Dr. Molina's efforts as a researcher, administrative leader, and community advocate, with a focus on racial/ethnic minorities, rural residents, and LGBTQ communities. Their work leverages an asset-based perspective to address adverse social determinants of health and barriers to care, including costs and transportation, through enriched community-clinical partnerships.
Karen Musgrove PhD, MEd, LPC
Karen Musgrove is a licensed professional counselor with over 24 years of experience in the field of HIV and currently serves as CEO of Birmingham AIDS Outreach (BAO), Magic City Acceptance Academy, Magic City Acceptance Center, and the Magic City Wellness Center. The mission of Birmingham AIDS Outreach (BAO) is to enhance the quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS, at-risk, affected individuals, and the LGBTQ community through outreach, age-appropriate prevention education, and supportive services. In 2025, BAO will open the Magic City Wellness Center at Hanover, an in-paitient residential mental health facility focusing on eating disorders and other related mental health conditions. At the University of Alabama, Birmingham, Karen is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work, Honors College, and an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the School of Public Health. Karen has been published with 6 research works with 17 citations with research centered on HIV retention in care, and LGBTQ health and health disparities. Karen graduated in 2020 from the UAB School of Public Health with a dissertation research topic, “Exploring the Physical and Mental Health Disparities in the Transgender Male Community in a Southern Community-Based Medical LGBTQ Organization” to bring attention to the transgender medical and mental health needs. Honors include: University of Montevallo, Counseling Alumni of the Year, 2024; Nonprofit Leader of the Year 2023, nominee; Who’s Who in Nonprofits 2023, Birmingham Business Journal, 2023.
Timiya S. Nolan, Ph.D., A.P.R.N.-C.N.P., A.N.P.-B.C.
Dr. Timiya S. Nolan is an Associate Professor in the Division of Preventive Medicine and Associate Director of Community Outreach and Engagement the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. She earned a BSN, MSN and PhD at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing, and she completed postdoctoral training at The Ohio State University College of Nursing. As a nurse scientist, Dr. Nolan studies issues in self-management and prevention of chronic conditions (i.e., breast cancer and cardiovascular disease). Her community-based research program is looking at ways to improve quality of life and health among individuals from underrepresented, underserved. Dr. Nolan is the co-organizer of The Ohio State University’s Health Equity through Diversity Conference. Her work has been supported by the National Cancer Institute, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen and others. Dr. Nolan’s long-term goal is to build healthy communities through academic community partnerships and research that center on and support marginalized communities in their pursuits of wellness.
Soledad O’Brien
Soledad O’Brien is an award-winning documentarian, journalist, speaker, author, philanthropist, and founder of Soledad O’Brien Productions, a media production company dedicated to telling empowering and authentic stories on a range of social issues. She anchors and produces "Matter of Fact with Soledad O'Brien," a Hearst political magazine program seen in 95% of the country. She was inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame in May 2023. Soledad has a national impact through her podcasts, social media, speeches, and books, including her critically acclaimed memoir “The Next Big Story” and her 1.3 million followers on X. She gave Congressional testimony on media disinformation. She has anchored shows and specials on CNN, MSNBC, Nat Geo, BET, ABC, and CBS, co-anchored NBC’s Weekend Today, and reported for PBS NewsHour and HBO Real Sports. Her most recent projects include her top-rated IHeart podcast “Who Killed JFK '' with Rob Reiner and her documentary “The End of Affirmative Action" which streamed on CBS, Paramount +, and YouTube. She is Executive Producer of the Peabody-Award-winning documentary, “The Rebellious Life of Rosa Parks” which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and streams on Peacock, and the multi-part series “Black and Missing”, which won the Independent Spirit and NAACP awards and streams on HBO. Soledad O’ Brien Productions has also produced documentaries for Discovery Plus, CNN, BET, PBS, and others. She also works with major foundations, like the Ford Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to produce impactful documentaries on topics like hunger, race, and education. O’Brien’s work has been recognized with four Emmy awards, three times with the George Foster Peabody Award, four times with the Gracie Award, which honors women in media, twice with Cine Awards for her work in documentary films,, twice with Telly Awards and with an Alfred I. DuPont Award. She runs the PowHerful foundation with her husband which has helped dozens of young women get to and through college and connects thousands of others with assistance through regional mentoring conferences.
Ijeoma Nnodim Opara MD, FAAP, FAIM
Dr. Ijeoma Nnodim Opara is a double-board certified physician scientist activist and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Wayne State University School of Medicine and Wayne Health. Her mission in life is to dismantle white supremacist delusion by eliminating antiBlack racism in medicine, healthcare, and public health while centering and celebrating Black brilliance, abundance, and joy. She is an NIH-funded health equity implementation researcher and the founding director of the “Health Equity and Justice in Medicine” (HEJiM) initiative, co-founding director of Wayne State University Global Health Alliance, and co-created the Global Urban Health & Equity curriculum. She is an internationally renowned award winning educator, scholar, and thought leader in antiracism and antioppression, decolonization, and Black liberation and focuses on the joy, abundance, and brilliance of Blackness. She is a member of the White House Office of Public Engagement Healthcare Leaders in Minority Health where she advises on antiracism, health justice, and health equity, Racism and Health section editor for Global Public Health PLOS One journal, and member of the National Health Equity Collective. She is a leader in the Michigan State Medical Society Taskforce on Health Equity, the Governor’s Roundtable on Reproductive Justice, the state of Michigan Pharmacy & Therapeutics committee, and a community health influencer for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. As CEO and founder of OparaSpeaks, she inspires and equips individuals and organizations with the tools to transform their systems into antiracist, just, equitable, and nurturing environments where Black brilliance thrives. She founded and directs the Opara Equity, Justice, & Joy lab and mentors hundreds of trainees, youth, and community members in community-based and -led implementation action research. She is also co-chair of the Detroit End Race Based Medicine Taskforce, Canada-US coalition to End Race Correction in Healthcare, and The North American Conference to End Race Based Medicine. She is a renowned speaker, consultant, coach, & facilitator and hosts an online think tank: Antiracism in Action Roundtable #AIART, a interdisciplinary community of Black leadership to eliminate antiBlackness from medicine & healthcare, and public health.
Juny Simpson, BS
Juny Simpson is a proven diversity, equity and inclusion leader at the local, regional and national level, passionate about population health issues and access to healthcare for all patients. An accomplished leader with over 20 years industry experience. Juny’s efforts are focused on building and catalyzing a sustainable model to address healthcare disparities in marginalized communities embedding early disease detection & education. Juny serves as an ambassador for Genentech with her external diversity recruitment efforts and is the current Head of Health Equity for all customer facing teams, tasked with the operationalization of Genentech's Commercial Health Equity Strategy. Her work includes serving as the immediate past Southwest Region Corporate Relations President for Healthcare Businesswomen Association, Chair of African Americans in Biotechnology, (a Genentech employee resource group) and the D&I Steering Committee where she sits on the Advancing Inclusive Research team.
La'Tanya Scott, BS
La'Tanya Scott became Education Director of the Cahaba River Society in 2022, having previously served as the Environmental Science Educator since 2014. Through the Shane Hulsey CLEAN Environmental Education Program, she led hands-on environmental programs both in classrooms and out in the field. A passionate and skilled outdoor educator, La'Tanya has greatly expanded the Society's outreach, especially to urban schools and youth of color. Her deep connection to the Cahaba River, combined with her expertise and enthusiasm, has helped thousands of students understand its significance and beauty. As Co-Chair of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee, she has been instrumental in shaping discussions around water equity issues and helping develop the Society's EDI Statement of Intent. La'Tanya holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Miles College, where she nurtured her passion for the outdoors and environmental stewardship. Her dedication to inspiring others to appreciate and care for nature stems from a family tradition of outdoor engagement. In addition to her leadership within the Cahaba River Society, La'Tanya plays an active role in organizations such as the Young Professional River Defenders of the Alabama Rivers Alliance. The Young Professionals of the Cahaba River Society, where she serves as a staff liaison. She has been invited as a keynote speaker at notable events like the Color the Crag Climbing Festival and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management's Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference. She is a part of Green Leadership trust and also serves on the boards of Healthy Gulf, GASP, EEAA, and SWEET AL.
Barry Sleckman, MD, PhD
Barry Paul Sleckman, MD, PhD, is the Director of the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Sleckman is a world-renowned researcher who focuses on understanding how DNA double strand breaks are generated and repaired — a topic important for cancer and immune system development and function. Sleckman moved to UAB on Jan. 6, 2020, from Weill Cornell Medicine, where he most recently served as an associate director of the Meyer Cancer Center. Sleckman completed his MD and PhD in immunology at Harvard Medical School. He then completed his residency in internal medicine and fellowship in infectious diseases at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. After completing his postdoctoral training in molecular immunology in the laboratory of Dr. Frederick Alt at Boston Children’s Hospital, Sleckman started his own laboratory in 1998 as an assistant professor in the Department of Pathology and Immunology at the Washington University School of Medicine. Sleckman has held positions as a professor of pathology and laboratory medicine and a professor of microbiology and immunology, and he also served as an associate director of the Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University for 10 years prior to moving to Weill Cornell Medicine.
Del Smith, PhD
Dr. Del Smith is passionate about using business principles to address health inequities that have long plagued communities of color. He is the co-founder and CEO of Acclinate, a company on a mission to improve health equity through inclusive research. Before co-founding Acclinate, Del served as dean of a business school at an HBCU. His career spans nearly 30 years in healthcare, IT, government, and higher education. Del earned his PhD In Management from the University of Alabama. His research has appeared in outlets such as the Journal of Business Research, the Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship, and the Journal of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
Raque’l Smith, BS
Pinktopps Incorporate is a 501(C)(3) community nonprofit organization that was formed in 2014. I am Raque’l Smith, a graduate of Tuskegee University, with a Bachelor’s in Business Sales & Marketing. I am a young breast cancer survivor that is dedicated to helping other women win the fight against breast cancer. Pinktopps assists women who are breast cancer survivors and their families throughout the Jefferson, Shelby and Walker counties, with breast cancer awareness and education to “at risk” women living in these communities. Our mission: Is to operate a nonprofit focusing on Awareness, Wellness & Supportive Services for young breast cancer survivors and co-survivors. We offer overall breast health education and advocacy awareness. To include supportive services for families and caregivers by providing educational materials and support. Pinktopps Resource & Wellness Center is located 1931 3rd Avenue North, Suite A; Bessemer, Alabama, where we facilitate these different programs. Over the years: Pinktopps has had successful experience with such programs like our Financial Assistance Program, a program where we offer assistance with young survivors' rental, utility or medical bills. This is designed to help relieve a little financial burden during their treatment. Pinktopps has a Zumbathons, where survivors and families are encouraged to exercise, gather health information from healthcare partners and network and communicate with other survivors. Pinktopps Pink Strokes, quarterly event at the Pinktopps Resource & Wellness Center where survivors & family members paint on canvas and relax in a group setting. Another program is Our “Mommy & Me Tea”, which is a free health seminar for survivors and co-survivors, which is designed to educate mothers and daughters. Pinktopps has invited Medical and University specialists to discuss breast cancer awareness and providing breast awareness education to daughters of breast cancer survivors, sisters and mothers and other topics related to breast health. Pinktopps highlighted this year our “Get you Sexy Back Program”, which is a great program for Survivors & Co-survivors to connect on getting back to life after breast cancer. This program consists of sexual health education, body imaging, beauty & health care products such as make-up, wigs, hair extensions, lashes & etc.). These things are essential to women feeling beautiful and after cancer come beauty challenges and this program helps them navigate these challenges. Pinktopps network and partner with many organizations around the community to help spread our mission and with your ongoing support we continue to grow the mission to more communities. Objectives: Pinktopps objective is to introduce innovative programming that provides help and inspiring hope to those affected by breast cancer, through education, supportive services and referrals. We have developed collaborative partnerships with targeted foundations such as: The University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center, AIDS Alabama, Auburn University Gene Machine, Forge, Brenda Brown Bosom Buddies, Sister Survivors, Cancer Awareness Network for children and other community organizations to build cooperatives that work together to enhance a better living for women living with breast cancer and their caregivers.
Jasmine D. Souers, BS
Jasmine Souers, a resilient young breast cancer survivor, advocates passionately for hope, health, and healing for all. Leveraging her personal experience and marketing expertise, Jasmine has spearheaded national initiatives to educate and empower women of color affected by breast cancer. Today, Jasmine is the founding President and CEO of The Missing Pink Breast Cancer Alliance and Editor of More Life Magazine. Her mission is to harness the power of community and collaboration to improve the lives of all people of color affected by breast cancer. This includes creating shared resources, encouraging knowledge exchanges, and facilitating collaborations to reduce duplicated efforts and maximize resources.
Rachel Stokes, DrPH, MPH, REHS
Dr. Rachel Stokes, DrPH, MPH, REHS, is a Project Coordinator II at the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). She joined NEHA in January 20241. Dr. Stokes holds a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) and a Master of Public Health (MPH), and she is a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS). Her role involves coordinating various projects aimed at improving environmental health standards and practices.
Ridhima Tagoria, MBBS, MBA
Ridhima serves as the Medical Affairs Executive Director for Genentech where she leads the Alabama and Georgia teams. She has over 15 years of healthcare experience across clinical medicine, corporate strategy, business development, analytics, marketing, managed care and sales. Ridhima has held various leadership roles in her 12 years at Genentech and contributed towards bringing over 10 innovative treatments to patients with cancer and neurological diseases. Prior to joining Genentech, she was an ER physician and subsequently worked as a management consultant advising biotech companies on corporate and brand strategy. Ridhima holds a Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery from the University of Delhi and an MBA from the University of Michigan.
Hayley Thompson, PhD
Hayley S. Thompson, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Oncology at Wayne State University (WSU) School of Medicine and the inaugural Associate Center Director for Community Outreach and Engagement at Karmanos Cancer Institute (KCI), an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. In this role, she established KCI’s Office of Cancer Health Equity and Community Engagement (OCHECE) and serves as its founding faculty supervisor. She is also founding director of the emerging WSU Center for Health Equity and Community Knowledge in Urban Populations (CHECK-UP), part of CVS Health’s Community Equity Alliance. She is a clinical psychologist whose research addresses racial and ethnic disparities in cancer care and outcomes. Her primary focus is community-based research, including investigations of cancer survivorship. She has received funding as a Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator from the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Patient-Centered Outcomes and Research Institute, and other agencies and foundations. She is currently a co-principal investigator on the NCI-funded African American Resilience in Surviving Cancer (ARISE) Study. Her research also addresses sociocultural assessment in diverse populations. She led the development of the Group-Based Medical Mistrust Scale (GBMMS), widely used in health disparities research, administered in over 120 published, peer-reviewed studies. She currently directs Michigan Cancer HealthLink, a community-academic partnership to build research capacity in diverse communities within Karmanos Cancer Institute’s 46-county catchment area with 90+ community members involved in contributing to Karmanos’ research agenda statewide. Within CHECK-UP, she oversees the Detroit Community Health Equity Alliance, a coalition of 25+ community-based organization that is part of the CVS Health Community Equity Alliance; the Community Health Scholars Program, designed to support metro Detroit residents in building and applying research skills; the Faith Community Research Network, a local collaborative of African American faith-based organizations; and an annual Community-Engaged Research Symposium.
Joanice Thompson, BS
Joanice Thompson is the visionary Founder and President of Alabama Communities Together (ACT), a consulting firm dedicated to forging strong partnerships aimed at closing the health disparities gap within underserved communities. Under her leadership, ACT strives to build a scalable model that can be applied across the United States, ensuring equitable access to healthcare and resources for all. As a seasoned Community Engagement & Collaboration Consultant and a realtor, Ms. Thompson drives ACT with a mission to empower Alabama’s communities by fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders. By promoting open dialogue, building “Affective Trust”, and encouraging collective action, ACT works with organizations to identify critical issues, prioritize solutions, and implement sustainable, community-driven strategies. Through her work, Ms. Thompson is helping to reshape the landscape of public health and community engagement, creating a blueprint for lasting change and healthier futures. With over 35 years of dedicated service, Joanice Thompson has cultivated an exceptional career in designing, organizing, and driving community participation in preventive health programs. She is renowned for her expertise in leading initiatives that foster strong community involvement, while her meticulous approach to planning ensures that the voices of local citizens are integrated into every stage of program development. Ms. Thompson’s leadership was instrumental in establishing the first-ever UAB Recruitment and Retention Shared Facility, where her innovative strategies resulted in the successful engagement of minority communities in over 100 clinical trials. Her efforts not only helped meet—but often exceeded—minority recruitment goals, breaking new ground in addressing health disparities and ensuring more inclusive representation in clinical research. Ms. Thompson’s proven track record showcases her unique ability to bridge gaps between communities and healthcare, making her an invaluable leader in the movement toward health equity. Ms. Thompson has cultivated a strong network across Alabama and beyond, establishing Community Advisory Boards and securing support from agencies, corporations, and local governments. Her work has impacted numerous coalitions and committees, including the Alabama Governor’s Black Belt Action Committee, Serving with the Alabama Conference of Black Mayors, Mayor Woodfin’s Transition Team, and multiple Building Healthy Communities Coalitions. She continues to make significant contributions as a consultant for NOWINCLUDED, powered by Acclinate, an innovative company dedicated to Empowering Communities to Take Actions for Better Health. In addition to her professional roles, Ms. Thompson remains actively involved in her community through leadership positions with Bush Hills Connections Inc., Living Stones Golden Age Ministry, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., and the National Council of Negro Women. Ms. Thompson is committed to helping communities develop sustainable, resident-driven partnerships that address health disparities and promote self-sufficiency. Her personal motto, “Working Together We Can Make A Difference,” reflects her dedication to community empowerment. Goal: Moving People from Dependency to Self-Sufficiency. Personal Life: Ms. Thompson was married to the late Attorney Henry Thompson and is the proud mother of three sons and five grandchildren. She is a member of LivingStone Temple Church.
Ruth-Alma Turkson-Ocran, PhD, MPH, RN, CRNP, FNP-BC, CNE
Dr. Ruth-Alma Turkson-Ocran is research faculty at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Instructor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts, and adjunct faculty at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. She is a nurse practitioner by training and received her PhD and postdoctoral fellowship at the Johns Hopkins Schools of Nursing and Medicine respectively. Dr. Turkson-Ocran’s research interests are centered around cardiometabolic health, particularly lifestyle interventions to prevent and manage hypertension and diabetes, social determinants of health, community-engaged research, health disparities and immigrant health, especially among persons of African descent. Dr. Turkson-Ocran’s current research is focused on hypertension prevention, hypertension phenotypes, food insecurity, and nutrition-related behaviors and their associated comorbidities and complications. She is currently a co-investigator in a study funded by the American Heart Association’s Health Equity Research Network which is examining the effect of a virtual dietitian-assisted home grocery delivery intervention compared to self-directed shopping focused on foods consistent with the DASH eating plan on blood pressure among Black persons in Healthy Food Priority Areas in the Boston-area. She has published more than 60 papers in peer-reviewed journals, is a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of the American Heart Association, and a member of the American Nurses Association, American Heart Association, and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
Angela Williams, BA
In 2001, while working at BellSouth, Angela volunteered and was trained as a Community Health Adviser (CHA) for a UAB initiative called the Deep South Network for Cancer Control. Her decision to become a CHA was driven by the loss of family members to cancer. Angela’s parents died a week apart from two different types of cancer, and ten years later, her oldest sister died from a third type of cancer. After a successful career at BellSouth, Angela joined UAB and still serves as a UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center Community Health Adviser. Angela has served in numerous Program Coordinator roles under the leadership of UAB’s Minority Health and Health Equity Research Center (MHERC), including as a Cancer Patient Navigator, Research Navigator, Focus Group Moderator, and Internal/External Community Advisory Board Member. Her most recent accomplishment as a MHERC Program Coordinator is helping lead the early program development, design, implementation, training, and recruitment for a community health worker program named COaCH (Collaborative Outreach and Community Health). She also serves as the Lead Community Health Coach, overseeing trained sub-contracted community health workers who educate, promote, and engage the community at various events, such as following the footsteps of the mobile market, and distributing flyers on health topics ranging from chronic diseases to healthy eating. Angela is grateful for the loving support she has received from a diverse array of people and programs over her lifetime. That special love has carried her from being a child living in Fairfield, Alabama public housing to currently serving as a Commissioner on the Fairfield Housing Authority Board. She loves dancing, celebrating, and engaging, and has had the opportunity to speak in congregational, corporate, and community settings. Angela is known and appreciated for her love of her faith, family, friends, and her five wonderful grandchildren.