After graduation from Clark College in 1976, Sherri began her career as a teacher at Cedartown High School, Polk County, Georgia. During that time, she earned a Masters of Education degree in Curriculum /Supervision from the University of West Georgia. Following her stint at Cedartown High she moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and taught English for 7 years at Boyd Anderson High School. In 1986, she was called back to Polk County, GA to serve as the school district’s elementary curriculum director and, simultaneously, serve as an interim elementary principal.

In 1988, a new journey led her to various administrative positions with McGraw-Hill Publishing and McDougal-Littell Publishing Companies. Her 20 year affiliation with these textbook publishing companies bolstered her love of books and reading.

After her retirement from textbook publishing Sherri decided to go back to school to pursue a doctorate at the University of Georgia. While pursuing her degree, she continued to teach as an assistant professor at Brenau University in Gainesville, Ga., and as a literacy coach for the two middle schools in Polk County. In 2015 she was awarded a PhD in Language and Literacy. Also in 2015 Sherri embarked on her final leg of employment as a certified English teacher taking a position at Lithia Springs High School in Douglas County. In 2018, Dr. Sherri Garrett retired officially. But it did not stop there… Dr. Garrett keeps busy with the following organizations:

· Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for 50+ years;

· Board Member of Polk County Historical Society

· Book Reviewer for Ferst Readers, Inc.

· Administrator of the Elm Street High School and the Cedar Hill High School historical Facebook Groups

· Works with the Summerhill Legacy Group (Cartersville, GA) and the Black High School Reunion.

· Member of the Georgia Black History Trail Initiative.

Dr. Garrett is a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Powder Springs, Ga. and she is single with no children.

As the Center’s director, she co-developed a six-part educational curriculum for nurses and allied healthcare professionals aimed at addressing knowledge gaps related to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias affecting African Americans.  She also co-authored and facilitates an accredited training for healthcare providers and clinicians, aimed at increasing cultural competencies related to the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of dementia in African Americans among providers. 

Mrs. Price holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health and has more than 20 years of experience in public health, epidemiology, and healthcare. She has served as a member of the U.S. Army Nurse Corp and excelled in both government and non-governmental agencies, providing leadership and guidance on program management, quality improvement, and project development.  Mrs. Price has conducted hundreds of training sessions across the country with various nursing associations, healthcare organizations, and conferences.  

A dynamic and innovative thought leader, Pastor C.J. is known for delivering impactful messages at the intersection of faith, fitness, and finances—empowering individuals to pursue holistic transformation in every area of their lives. He is especially gifted in leveraging digital platforms and emerging technologies to expand the reach of the Gospel, creating engaging and relevant ministry experiences that meet people where they are.

With a passion for connection and a commitment to forward-thinking ministry, Pastor C.J. continues to develop creative strategies that inspire individuals and communities to walk in purpose, wholeness, and victory.

Answering her call to ministry, she earned both an M.Div. and Doctor of Theology from Boston University and went on to serve in diverse church contexts, concluding her congregational leadership at the historic Alfred Street Baptist Church.

Dr. Jacque has also served as adjunct faculty at the University of Chicago Divinity School and Boston University School of Theology. Her community impact includes serving as the first Executive Director of the Boston Ten Point Coalition, a nationally recognized violence-reduction initiative, and founding the Pastoral Counseling Center of Trinity Church Boston. She currently serves as President and Board Chair of National Senior Communities, the largest nonprofit portfolio of continuing-care retirement communities in the nation.

A co-founder and host of the dialogue series Courageous Conversations, Dr. Jacque has engaged leading voices across culture and faith to foster spaces of inclusion and belonging. She has also reached a wide digital audience through her devotional reflection series, A Sacred Pause, offering moments of spiritual grounding and encouragement to thousands.

Through Purpose2Platform, Maya helps aspiring authors take their books from concept to bestseller, offering coaching, project management, and marketing services. Her work has been featured on national widowhood advocacy stages like Camp Widow, she has accomplished 5 bestselling books as a solo and collaborative author, and she has written for major publications such as Parents and Bumble. Maya has also been featured on FOX, WUSA9, The CW, and CBS, sharing her message with widows worldwide.

As a coach at Finding #NextYOU, she provides transformational support for widows, helping them heal with intention, rediscover their purpose, and move forward with strength. Maya's passion lies in unlocking potential —whether for a writer or a widow—and providing them with the tools they need to thrive.

Maya can be found on Instagram as @thebouncebackwidow and reached on her website at www.mayadionne.com.

Sharvette’s unique approach, encapsulated in her trademarked framework THE PLATFORM BUILDER®, has become a beacon for small businesses seeking to amplify their brand.

Sharvette has been featured in publications such as Yahoo! Finance, AARP, Huffington Post, HOPE for Women Magazine, CBNation and Sista Sense Magazine. She has authored seven book collaborations. Since 2008, her radio show “The Sharvette Mitchell Radio Show” has produced over 770+ episodes and has been a platform for marketing insights, powerful conversations, and interviews, resonating with listeners and viewers across multiple audio and live-streaming platforms.

Currently, Cary serves as the Faith Based Program & Engagement Consultant for The Balm In Gilead, Inc. where he works diligently at the intersection of faith and public health nationally to address the burden of various diseases the impact African American communities. A highly skilled strategist and national speaker adept at leading relationship building and engagement opportunities, he has forged various faith based and public health community partnerships and coalitions. 

An ordained minister, Cary deems himself a “connector” where he focuses on the significance of outreach and engagement, establishing coalitions, collaborating, and relationship building in order to increase accessibility and sustainability to strengthen congregations and communities.

He was one of the founders of Seattle's chapter of the Black Panther Party in 1968. Only 17 at the time, he helped to shape a new world, a new place, a new country, where all people were respected, regardless of color and position in life.

Now Dixon runs his own business in Seattle and . is a diversity trainer who speaks about his experiences with the Black Panther Party. He is the author of Die Standing: From Black Panther Revolutionary to Global Diversity Consultant; a memoir that can help instruct today's social justice activists on how to organize the community based on the successful strategies of the Black Panther Party to achieve change in a continued climate of police brutality, institutional racism, and vast socioeconomic discrepancies for Black and Brown people.

Currently, she serves as an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Juergensen’s research explores Black teacher leadership in segregated and marginalized schooling contexts, the intellectual histories of Black educators in the U.S. South, and how these traditions inform contemporary improvement efforts in schools, particularly those serving historically underserved communities. For her, Black History Month lasts 365 days, as she emphasizes that Black history is not a celebratory add-on, but foundational knowledge that continues to shape educational practice, leadership, and collective possibility.

In another capacity, Erin works with the Amyloidosis Research Consortium (ARC), supporting healthcare providers and systems with education and resources that enhance understanding of all forms of amyloidosis. Together, her community advocacy and professional experience reflect a commitment to improving awareness, access, and equity across the amyloidosis landscape.

Born in the heart of the south, this Lincolnville native always shares a special love for South Carolina. Dr. Seele received her Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science from Clark Atlanta University in 1976 & 1979, respectively, later receiving her Doctor of Humane Letters from the College of New Rochelle, NY, in 2007.

As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health & faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions. Time Magazine 100, who named Dr. Seele One of the Most Influential Persons in the World in 2006; Essence Magazine, in its 35 Anniversary issue, named Dr. P one of the 35 Most Beautiful and Remarkable Women In The World. Clark Atlanta University honored Dr. Seele with the 2008 Pathway of Excellence Award, citing her as one of its most outstanding graduates of all time. In May 2010, Dr. Seele was selected as 21 Leaders of the 21st Century of Women E-News in New York City.

Dr. Seele is well known for her extraordinary vision and ability to create national and global partnerships among leaders of various cultures and religious doctrines in the areas of health. As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health & faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions.

She has worked with three US presidential administrations on issues of health in the United States and abroad. Dr. Seele was an invited guest of former President and First Lady Laura Bush for the State of the Union Address representing a symbol of President Bush’s commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS in the world. In 2010, Dr. Seele was invited to participate in the Fortune TIME CNN Global Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, along with President William “Bill” Clinton and a host of international leaders and Fortune 100 chief executive officers to focus on challenges and solutions in the developing world.

October 2017, His Eminence, Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, bestowed the Pierre Toussaint Medallion upon Dr. Seele.

Publishing her first book Stand Up to Stigma! How to Reject Fear & Shame in 2017. Dr. Seele is an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Bishop Robbins is a strong believer in equipping the believer to embrace the truth of who they are in Christ. They are to influence the world around them by having signs and wonders following them. The life of the believer should be such an example, of who Christ is, that those perishing are drawn to Christ by the life they live.

Along with his wife, Bishop Robbins founded and is currently the Senior Pastor of Life In Christ Ministries in Chester, Pennsylvania.

Patient advocacy is her birth right. She believe the greatest gift one can provide is the gift of a servant, especially to those with vulnerabilities in our community regardless of their diagnosis, neighborhood one resides in or any other health disparity reason.

Born in the heart of the south, this Lincolnville native always shares a special love for South Carolina. Dr. Seele received her Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science from Clark Atlanta University in 1976 & 1979, respectively, later receiving her Doctor of Humane Letters from the College of New Rochelle, NY, in 2007.

As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health & faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions. Time Magazine 100, who named Dr. Seele One of the Most Influential Persons in the World in 2006; Essence Magazine, in its 35 Anniversary issue, named Dr. P one of the 35 Most Beautiful and Remarkable Women In The World. Clark Atlanta University honored Dr. Seele with the 2008 Pathway of Excellence Award, citing her as one of its most outstanding graduates of all time. In May 2010, Dr. Seele was selected as 21 Leaders of the 21st Century of Women E-News in New York City.

Dr. Seele is well known for her extraordinary vision and ability to create national and global partnerships among leaders of various cultures and religious doctrines in the areas of health. As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health & faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions.

She has worked with three US presidential administrations on issues of health in the United States and abroad. Dr. Seele was an invited guest of former President and First Lady Laura Bush for the State of the Union Address representing a symbol of President Bush’s commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS in the world. In 2010, Dr. Seele was invited to participate in the Fortune TIME CNN Global Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, along with President William “Bill” Clinton and a host of international leaders and Fortune 100 chief executive officers to focus on challenges and solutions in the developing world.

October 2017, His Eminence, Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, bestowed the Pierre Toussaint Medallion upon Dr. Seele.

Publishing her first book Stand Up to Stigma! How to Reject Fear & Shame in 2017. Dr. Seele is an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Her experience includes leading process improvements that deliver measurable results—most notably, playing a key role in launching the iconic Redbox video 'robot,' which transformed video rental through automation and logistics innovation. This experience reinforced her belief in the power of technology to enhance customer experience while improving business performance.

Building on this expertise, she designed Livalytics. Livalytics reflects her commitment to data-driven optimization, empowering organizations to support healthier, more productive teams while maximizing their return on investment.

With a distinguished career spanning communications, marketing, business development, branding, sales, donor engagement, media relations and event management, Tanya has built a reputation for delivering innovative solutions that amplify impact and achieve measurable success.

Committed to addressing mental health disparities in Black and Hispanic communities, Tanya launched the SoundMinds Mental Health Awareness & Solutions Conference on July 15, 2021. Held annually during Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, this advocacy initiative brings critical conversations to the forefront and provides actionable solutions for individuals, families and communities.

Tanya Simmons Reid, a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, continues to inspire, advocate and elevate businesses and communities. In all things, she is a Kingdom representative who is a wife and mother of four.

Currently, Cary is a Program & Strategic Development Consultant for The Balm In Gilead, Inc., where he works diligently at the intersection of faith and public health nationally to address the burden of various diseases that impact African American communities. A highly skilled strategist and national speaker adept at leading relationship building and engagement opportunities, he has forged various faith-based and public health community partnerships and coalitions. With a sincere passion to empower black men, Cary founded Black Men’s Wholeness, an initiative designed to engage black men in conversations focused on areas that reassure wholeness, such as trauma, emotional and mental health, and fatherlessness.

An ordained minister, Cary deems himself a “connector” where he focuses on the significance of outreach and engagement, establishing coalitions, collaborating, and relationship building in order to increase accessibility and sustainability to strengthen congregations and communities.

For the past 28 years, I have been assisting clients in creating a space that attracts more abundance, love, and happiness in their lives. My expertise includes transforming cluttered rooms into functional and creative spaces, organizing the personal and professional spaces of executives, and downsizing offices.

As a speaker, I have presented at the Philadelphia Home Show and conducted workshops at the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers’ Annual Conference. In 2020, I gave a webinar for a corporate client in New York that was attended by over 600 people.

I have also hosted and produced the weekly podcast “Got Clutter? Get Organized with Janet” for over a decade, which has received over 1,000,000 downloads and was ranked the Number 2 Organizing Podcast. The show covers a variety of topics, including how to get organized before getting married, how to be an organized pet owner, and how to organize your pantry for better health.

In addition to my speaking and podcasting experiences, I have appeared in two episodes of HGTV’s “Mission: Organization” and was featured on “The Rachael Ray Show” as “The Clutter Free Queen.” My work has also been featured in various publications and I have been a guest on several podcasts.

I am excited to be your partner on your journey towards living an organized life.

In 2020, Craig found Ascue Capital to explore and formalize the family-rooted model of entrepreneurship he witnessed growing up. Ascue Capital operates at the intersection of community wealth-building and cultural legacy, examining how Gullah Geechee communities created capital through Church, School, Home, and Business.

Craig resides in the historic Ten Mile community of Awendaw, SC, where family, faith, and legacy are central. He has been married for 26 years to Tanya Ascue, and together they are raising a family of three daughters and one beloved granddaughter, ages 18, 22, 26, and 5. The family loves to travel, spend time together, and experience great times that enhance the ties that bind them.

Currently, she serves as the Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs and an Associate Professor of Teacher Education at Albany State University.   Pogue received her PhD from Emory University in Educational Studies.  As a proud HBCU graduate and administrator, her research interests include Black Educational History and Philosophy, Black Literacy Traditions, and Community-School Engagement.  Tiffany believes that through a critical exploration and examination of history, scholars and activists can collaboratively craft a narrative of hope, and plans for, the improvement of society. Her current work examines the role of Black women’s literacy in the practices of Black spirituality, Black educational activism, and HBCU First Year Experience programming. 

She is a mother, a creative, a former athlete and mental health advocate.

Below is a link to her thesis statement:

https://open.clemson.edu/all_theses/4473/

He is the CEO and Clinical Director of L.E.V.E.L.S Mental Health Services LLC providing therapeutic support, behavior management, and skill building to individuals who struggle with mental health and substance abuse disorders.

Michael S. Fitts recent retiree, served as assistant dean for user access and diversity at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB Libraries). He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2011 at age 38. In 2001 he became the first African American faculty member of the Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences and later went on to become both the first African American assistant director and assistant dean. In 2015, Michael was appointed to the UAB/Lakeshore Research Collaborative — an organization whose primary goal is to promote the health and wellness of people with disabilities. In addition to his nearly 30-year career with UAB, he actively serves as an advocate for the education of those with early-onset Parkinson’s by being an example of living successfully and productively with the disease. Since 2018, Michael has served on the Board of Directors for the Parkinson Association of Alabama, contributing to outreach across the state. Additionally, he actively contributes to the Michael J. Fox Foundation Patient Council and serve as a Research Advocate for the Parkinson’s Foundation, supporting research and patient engagement.

Dr. Reversa Joseph began her journey into medicine with a passion for solving problems and seeking answers, which naturally led me to neuroscience. However, witnessing my father, a Vietnam veteran, struggle with Parkinson’s disease (PD) became the pivotal moment that directed her toward Neurology and ultimately specializing in Movement Disorders. This deeply personal experience profoundly shaped her life and her family’s.

One unforgettable experience was transitioning her practice from an academic institution to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to address the unmet needs of veterans with movement disorders. Driven by her father’s condition, this shift was both uplifting and challenging. This significant transition was driven by a clear unmet need and her desire to serve our veterans, honoring my father’s condition and his service to our country.

At the VA, Dr. Joseph developed and leads a Movement Disorders Clinic, directing a Multidisciplinary Care Team to provide comprehensive, integrative care to veterans with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders. This endeavor has been deeply fulfilling and reinforced her commitment to serving vulnerable populations and improving healthcare access.

Dr. Joseph’s involvement with the Parkinson's Foundation began in 2018 as a board member for the Great Lakes Chapter. Throughout the years, she has supported the Foundation by giving various presentations on topics such as PD 101, Women and Parkinson's Disease, and Integrative Therapies and PD. She also participates in Moving Day with her team, Vets on the Move.

Dr. Joseph is particularly proud of our efforts to mitigate health inequities in people living with Parkinson’s through targeted and tailored training in research advocacy. One of her

most rewarding contributions has been to help develop a novel Learning Institute using culturally responsive pedagogy to train African Americans living with Parkinson’s and their care partners to collaborate with researchers and scientists as primary partners in the drug development process.

Additionally, Dr. Joseph has given national lectures for the Parkinson’s Foundation to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and the Black community, addressing issues such as late and misdiagnosis, treatment and overall care. Dr. Joseph works to provide a framework on how to mitigate these disparities. She has also participated in various podcasts to raise awareness that Parkinson’s also affects African Americans. Her volunteer work is driven by a desire to make a tangible difference, to support an organization that supports so many, and to contribute to t

Rev. Dr. Mia serves as the Faith Project Manager at the Compass Faith Coordinating Center at Wake Forest University. She has committed her virtues, values, and ethics to providing compassionate, non-judgmental, spiritual and emotional ministry regardless of (one’s) religious affiliation.

In an attempt to create work life balance, Mia enjoys meditative walking, archery, traveling, art gallery hopping, discovering beautiful gemstones, and exploring the sweet elixir of life.

A uterine cancer survivor since 2019, she founded Uterine Care Collaborative in 2024 to educate Black women on uterine health conditions, improve access to resources, and amplify the voices and stories of women affected by fibroids, endometriosis, uterine cancer and PCOS.

Her passion for fostering community also led to the spontaneous creation of Bloom RVA in January 2025, a space for Black women in Richmond to connect and thrive. In just three months, Bloom RVA has grown to 500 members, hosting low-cost events that bring women together and foster meaningful connections. Through her work in public health and grassroots organizing, she is committed to creating spaces where Black women feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Dr. Pernessa C. Seele, Founder and CEO of The Balm In Gilead, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, is a phenomenal trailblazer. Dr. Seele is celebrating over 37 years of providing vision and leadership in areas of technical support to strengthen the capacity of faith institutions in the United States and Africa to eradicate health disparities by promoting health education and services within their local communities.

Born in the heart of the south, this Lincolnville native always share a special love for South Carolina. Dr. Seele received her Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science from Clark Atlanta University in 1976 & 1979, respectively, later receiving her Doctor of Humane Letters from the College of New Rochelle, NY, in 2007.

As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health & faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions. Time Magazine 100, who named Dr.Seele One of the Most Influential Persons in the World in 2006; Essence Magazine, in its 35 Anniversary issue, named Dr. P one of the 35 Most Beautiful and Remarkable Women In The World. Clark Atlanta University honored Dr. Seele with the 2008 Pathway of Excellence Award, citing her as one of its most outstanding graduates of all time. In May 2010, Dr. Seele was selected as 21 Leaders of the 21st Century of Women E-News in New York City.

Dr. Seele is well-known for her extraordinary vision and ability to create national and global partnerships among leaders of various cultures and religious doctrines in the areas of health. As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health & faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions.

Dr. Seele is the recipient of numerous citations and honors, including being featured on the cover of Time Magazine 100, who named Dr.Seele One of the Most Influential Persons in the World in 2006; Essence Magazine, in its 35 Anniversary issue, named Dr. P one of the 35 Most Beautiful and Remarkable Women In The World. Clark Atlanta University honored Dr. Seele with the 2008 Pathway of Excellence Award, citing her as one of its most outstanding graduates of all time. In May 2010, Dr. Seele was selected as 21 Leaders of the 21st Century of Women E-News in New York City.

She has worked with three US presidential administrations on issues of health in the United States and abroad. Dr. Seele was an invited guest of former President and First Lady Laura Bush for the State of the Union Address representing a symbol of President Bush’s commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS in the world. In 2010, Dr. Seele was invited to participate in the Fortune TIME CNN Global Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, along with President William “Bill” Clinton and a host of international leaders and Fortune 100 chief executive officers to focus on challenges and solutions in the developing world.

October 2017, His Eminence, Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, bestowed the Pierre Toussaint Medallion upon Dr. Seele.

Publishing her first book Stand Up to Stigma! How to Reject Fear & Shame in 2017. Dr. Seele is an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Tania is a board-certified pediatric hematology, oncology, and bone marrow transplant specialist with deep experience in clinical research and drug development. She has extensive research experience in oncology, hematology, gene therapy and stem cell transplantation, receiving NIH grants for her translational research in gene therapy and regenerative medicine.

Most recently, Tania served as Head of Global Medical Oncology and was the sponsor of the Global R&D Inclusion Diversity Council at GSK. Prior to GSK, Tania worked for IPSEN as Vice President, Head of Oncology and Rare Disease Global Drug Development.

She is energized by revolutionizing the experience and outcomes for people with cancer, and has worked closely with the US FDA, Congress, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) to improve the diversity of enrollment in oncology clinical trials and elderly programs.

"I'm passionate about partnering to create programs that treat the person - not just the disease. Producing groundbreaking solutions that can change the trajectory of serious diseases and help write the next chapter of patient-driven science is what motivates me every day."

Tania received her medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She has a long-standing affiliation with the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York Presbyterian/Columbia University where she completed her residency and hematology/oncology fellowship with an academic research appointment in heme and bone marrow transplant.

Currently, Tania serves on the ASCO Membership Advisory Committee and is a Board Member of Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs (ACMA).

Her leadership has been crucial in preserving the cultural practices, heritage sites, and natural resources of Gullah Geechee communities across the Southeast. Smalls has also contributed her expertise in history, art and culture to the Penn Center, International African American Museum, and the National Park Service. 

Her dedication to community advocacy has earned her numerous accolades, including the Black History USA Community Advocate Award, recognition as one of the 12 Black Leaders to Know in South Carolina, and the 2024 Governor’s Award in Humanities. She has been named a Leo Twiggs Arts Diversity Leadership Scholar, a Riley Fellow, and one of the 50 Most Influential Leaders in Charleston. In 2022, she was awarded The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding volunteer service.

Dr. Pernessa C. Seele, Founder and CEO of The Balm In Gilead, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, is a phenomenal trailblazer. Dr. Seele is celebrating over 37 years of providing vision and leadership in areas of technical support to strengthen the capacity of faith institutions in the United States and Africa to eradicate health disparities by promoting health education and services within their local communities.

Born in the heart of the south, this Lincolnville native always share a special love for South Carolina. Dr. Seele received her Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science from Clark Atlanta University in 1976 & 1979, respectively, later receiving her Doctor of Humane Letters from the College of New Rochelle, NY, in 2007.

As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health & faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions. Time Magazine 100, who named Dr.Seele One of the Most Influential Persons in the World in 2006; Essence Magazine, in its 35 Anniversary issue, named Dr. P one of the 35 Most Beautiful and Remarkable Women In The World. Clark Atlanta University honored Dr. Seele with the 2008 Pathway of Excellence Award, citing her as one of its most outstanding graduates of all time. In May 2010, Dr. Seele was selected as 21 Leaders of the 21st Century of Women E-News in New York City.

Dr. Seele is well-known for her extraordinary vision and ability to create national and global partnerships among leaders of various cultures and religious doctrines in the areas of health. As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health & faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions.

Dr. Seele is the recipient of numerous citations and honors, including being featured on the cover of Time Magazine 100, who named Dr.Seele One of the Most Influential Persons in the World in 2006; Essence Magazine, in its 35 Anniversary issue, named Dr. P one of the 35 Most Beautiful and Remarkable Women In The World. Clark Atlanta University honored Dr. Seele with the 2008 Pathway of Excellence Award, citing her as one of its most outstanding graduates of all time. In May 2010, Dr. Seele was selected as 21 Leaders of the 21st Century of Women E-News in New York City.

She has worked with three US presidential administrations on issues of health in the United States and abroad. Dr. Seele was an invited guest of former President and First Lady Laura Bush for the State of the Union Address representing a symbol of President Bush’s commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS in the world. In 2010, Dr. Seele was invited to participate in the Fortune TIME CNN Global Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, along with President William “Bill” Clinton and a host of international leaders and Fortune 100 chief executive officers to focus on challenges and solutions in the developing world.

October 2017, His Eminence, Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, bestowed the Pierre Toussaint Medallion upon Dr. Seele.

Publishing her first book Stand Up to Stigma! How to Reject Fear & Shame in 2017. Dr. Seele is an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Born in the heart of the south, this Lincolnville native always share a special love for South Carolina. Dr. Seele received her Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science from Clark Atlanta University in 1976 & 1979, respectively, later receiving her Doctor of Humane Letters from the College of New Rochelle, NY, in 2007.

As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health & faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions. Time Magazine 100, who named Dr.Seele One of the Most Influential Persons in the World in 2006; Essence Magazine, in its 35 Anniversary issue, named Dr. P one of the 35 Most Beautiful and Remarkable Women In The World. Clark Atlanta University honored Dr. Seele with the 2008 Pathway of Excellence Award, citing her as one of its most outstanding graduates of all time. In May 2010, Dr. Seele was selected as 21 Leaders of the 21st Century of Women E-News in New York City.

Dr. Seele is well-known for her extraordinary vision and ability to create national and global partnerships among leaders of various cultures and religious doctrines in the areas of health. As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health & faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions.

Dr. Seele is the recipient of numerous citations and honors, including being featured on the cover of Time Magazine 100, who named Dr.Seele One of the Most Influential Persons in the World in 2006; Essence Magazine, in its 35 Anniversary issue, named Dr. P one of the 35 Most Beautiful and Remarkable Women In The World. Clark Atlanta University honored Dr. Seele with the 2008 Pathway of Excellence Award, citing her as one of its most outstanding graduates of all time. In May 2010, Dr. Seele was selected as 21 Leaders of the 21st Century of Women E-News in New York City.

She has worked with three US presidential administrations on issues of health in the United States and abroad. Dr. Seele was an invited guest of former President and First Lady Laura Bush for the State of the Union Address representing a symbol of President Bush’s commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS in the world. In 2010, Dr. Seele was invited to participate in the Fortune TIME CNN Global Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, along with President William “Bill” Clinton and a host of international leaders and Fortune 100 chief executive officers to focus on challenges and solutions in the developing world.

October 2017, His Eminence, Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, bestowed the Pierre Toussaint Medallion upon Dr. Seele.

Publishing her first book Stand Up to Stigma! How to Reject Fear & Shame in 2017. Dr. Seele is an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

As the Center’s director, she co-developed a six-part educational curriculum for nurses and allied healthcare professionals aimed at addressing knowledge gaps related to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias affecting African Americans. She also co-authored and facilitates an accredited training for healthcare providers and clinicians; aimed at increasing cultural competencies related to the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of dementia in African Americans among providers.

Price holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Public Health and has more than 20 years of experience in public health, epidemiology, and healthcare. She has served as a member of the U.S. Army Nurse Corp and excelled in both government and non-governmental agencies providing leadership and guidance on program management, quality improvement, and project development. Price has conducted hundreds of training sessions across the country with various nursing associations, healthcare organizations and conferences.

The DL Handy Foundation provides supportive outreach services and vital resources to those in need in the Northeast Georgia and surrounding metro Atlanta area through community service, programming, scholarships and fundraising initiatives.

Yolanda is the Owner, President and CEO of Credential America, Inc. Credential America is a nationally recognized Credentials  Verification Organization that assist healthcare facilities with their credentialing and enrollment needs.  She is currently a member of the Medical Staff State Associations of Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York and her home state of Virginia and the National Association.

Yolanda is a co-founder and member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Richmond Metropolitan Chapter.  She serves on the Diaconate Ministry of First Baptist Church of South Richmond. Yolanda enjoys spending time with her daughter and business partner (Leah), family and friends.  She also enjoys international travel and listening to jazz. She loves to share her entrepreneurial faith journey.

She has worked with three US presidential administrations on issues of health in the United States and abroad. Dr. Seele was an invited guest of former President and First Lady Laura Bush for the State of the Union Address representing a symbol of President Bush’s commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS in the world. In 2010, Dr. Seele was invited to participate in the Fortune TIME CNN Global Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, along with President William “Bill” Clinton and a host of international leaders and Fortune 100 chief executive officers to focus on challenges and solutions in the developing world.

Aside from his pastoral leadership role, Rev. Smith is the Coordinator of Community Pastoral Outreach for the LifeBridge Health System, Department of Population in Baltimore, and leads LifeBridge Health in all of its faith-based community relations and initiatives.

Rev. Smith holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication Studies from Morgan State University (Baltimore, Maryland) and a Master of Divinity Degree from Duke University Divinity School (Durham, North Carolina). He also studied at Shaw University Divinity School, Raleigh, North Carolina. Rev. Smith is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry Degree with a focus on faith and health from Lancaster Theological Seminary, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Rev. Smith was licensed to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in 1999 and ordained into the Gospel ministry in 2003, through the combined efforts of St. Paul Baptist Church, Baltimore, Maryland and Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Apex, North Carolina. He has held position (s) and active involvement with the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, Inc., New Hope Missionary Baptist Association, and the United Baptist Missionary Convention and Auxiliaries of the State of Maryland, Inc., where he now serves as the first elected Executive Secretary.

He is a hands-on father to his son, Dillon-Seth Anthony Smith.

Raised in Mobile, AL, her roots are now planted in Tuscaloosa, AL. As a product of teenage parents, life wasn’t handed to her on a silver platter, and she is immensely grateful for the amazing support system she has built and the opportunities she seized that led her to the place she is today. 

She is the Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Central West Alabama where she has the opportunity to collaborate with key community partners, elected officials and serve as the face of the community in Central-West Alabama to be a help to people in times of need and ensure communities are ready to respond to disaster. 

Prior to joining the Red Cross, Washington spent fifteen years at the University of Alabama’s Brewer-Porch Children’s Center. During her tenure, Washington authored several classes related to mental health, trained staff, provided therapy and case management for the adolescent program, served on several committees, as well as oversaw the entire training department for fifteen years of service to the University of Alabama’s Brewer-Porch Children’s Center. Most recently, she served as the Director of Student Development within the division of Student Affairs at Stillman College where she specialized in trauma, crisis intervention, conflictresolution and anger management. Washington brings her diverse background and relationships to help build communities that are more resilient.

Washington, a mental health professional for more than twenty years, received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from the University of Alabama and her Master of Science in Continuing Education in Counseling/Psychology from the University of West Alabama.

As an ordained elder, Washington serves in ministry, alongside her husband and pastor, Overseer Freddie L. Washington. Together, they have two daughters, Jasmin Tyri and Nailah Grace. She is well-recognized throughout the community and serves diligently as the Chaplain of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Benjamin Barnes YMCA women’s council as well as a dedicated member of the Eta Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Tomalisa is a doctoral candidate now at the University of Alabama, pursing her EdD in Higher Education Administration.

Embracing but not negating her Pentecostal roots, Ayo joined the Baptist church for spiritual growth, formation and educational experience in 2008. It was at the historic Gravel Hill Baptist Church, where Dr. Ayo became the youngest and 2nd ordained female minister in its history. In 2016, Dr. Ayo became the Associate Pastor of Congregational Care. An advocate for women, youth and young adults, Dr. Ayo is a popular preacher with a powerful voice and agent of change for the Body of Christ.

Educated in the Henrico County School system and committed to education, Dr. Ayo attended the University of Maryland Eastern Shore; where she was an honor student. She earned a Master of Divinity degree from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University; a Masters in Science Degree in Patient Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University and the Doctor of Ministry Degree at United Theological Seminary where her doctoral cohort and focus group was 21st Century Congregational Development & New Faith Communities.

 Dr. Ayo has served in a bi-vocational role along with her ministerial duties. She has a demonstrated history of working in multi-faceted roles in diverse populations of the community; including funeral homes, cemeteries, hospitals, churches, assisted living communities, hospice and crisis-stabilization facilities. Her love for the underserved, grieving and brokenhearted makes her no stranger to the Death-Care Industry with over 18 years’ experience. Dr. Ayo is a Virginia Licensed Cemeterian, committed to providing excellent care to families while assisting with cemetery arrangements both Pre-Need and At-Need. Because of her rich skillset and professional relationships, Dr. Ayo is a sought-after consultant, working at several historic funeral homes and managing cemeteries in both the Richmond and Tidewater areas. Dr. Ayo is the CEO of Life Vault & Memorials, a company where she provides quality memorial options and services for both traditional and cremation. Further, she is a trained chaplain experienced in Patient Counseling and Pastoral Care. Currently, she is employed with an Organ Procurement Organization in their Transplant Services Division advocating for organ, tissue and eye donation; as well as a Spiritual Support Coordinator for Children of the Kings Daughters in Norfolk VA.

 Dr. Ayo is active in her community, receiving many honors and recognitions in her lifetime. Dr. Ayo is honored to be a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and a faithful sister in the Order of the Eastern Star. She is humbled by her spiritual gift of “humor” and the prophetic mandate for ministry that God has placed on her life which is a divine call and passion for the healing of the broken-spirited. She is passionate about her purpose, which is to laugh, love, lead and labor and is unashamed to use her life as a teaching lesson to encourage, educate and empower to those she encounters.

Alongside his counseling practice, Dr. G is actively involved in education, conducting workshops and seminars on mental health awareness and self-care. He is a vocal advocate for promoting health and wellness initiatives within communities, aiming to foster a culture of resilience and positivity. He holds a deep commitment to helping others thrive mentally, emotionally, and physically, believing in the transformative power of compassionate support and personal growth.

Marvell was passionate about improving the health outcomes of Black gay and queer men in Memphis, that’s why he started his advocacy work by co-leading an HIV ministry at Christ Missionary Baptist Church, being an HIV tester and EIS at Christ Community Health Services, and volunteering on community task forces. Not long after, he answered a higher call to leadership by founding his own organization: The Red Door Foundation (2010). Marvell was recognized as the only Black gay man living with HIV to found and lead an organization for HIV awareness and engagement at the time in Shelby County. Doubling down on his commitment to community, he started the Saving Ourselves Symposium (2013), a one-of-a-kind conference in the South for the Black LGBTQ community to address health, wellness, and social injustices.

One of Marvell’s biggest thrills was expanding his impact to a national scale by joining the Young Black Gay Men’s Advocacy Coalition Policy and Advocacy Summit as co-chair of the Organizing Committee (2014); the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF) as an HIV Fellow (2015) and AIDS United as a Senior Program Manager of the Southern HIV Impact Fund (2018). He is known as a people-minded strategist: He established a leadership pipeline in the HIV movement by co-creating the HIV 360 Fellowship Program at the HRCF and improved grantmaking efforts and philanthropic funding sources within AIDS United to support organizations in the South working at the intersection of HIV and social justice.

Marvell is a former board member for Hope House (Memphis, 2022-2023), an advisory board member for Wake Forest University School of Divinity, and a founding member for the HIV Racial Justice Network. In September 2023, Marvell was sworn in as a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS during the 78th Full Council meeting.

His published written works on HIV research and injustices can be found in the Journal of Health and Disparities Research and Practice, Rhetoric of Health and Medicine, TheBody.Com, and more. Marvell’s work unapologetically centers the lives, the culture and the resilience of Black folks. When Marvell isn’t on the ground engaged in HIV advocacy and education, he’s experiencing joy: grooving to the sounds of Fantasia, J.Cole, 6LACK, and JeRonelle or enjoying buttermilk pancakes with crispy edgesat any time of the day.

Her passion to counsel people into their life’s fulfillment found its way into her professional career as a Human Resources Professional. In 2012 she began serving as a Career Counselor to both students and seasoned professionals, meeting with dozens of adults weekly to assist them in developing a plan and reaching optimal success in their careers.

Currently, Cary is a Program & Strategic Development Consultant for The Balm In Gilead, Inc. where he works diligently at the intersection of faith and public health nationally to address the burden of various diseases the impact African American communities.   A highly skilled strategist and national speaker adept at leading relationship building and engagement opportunities, he has forged various faith based and public health community partnerships and coalitions. With a sincere passion to empower black men, Cary founded Black Men’s Wholeness, an initiative designed to engage black men in conversations focused on areas that reassures wholeness such as trauma, emotional and mental health, and fatherlessness.

An ordained minister, Cary deems himself a “connector” where he focuses on the significance of outreach and engagement, establishing coalitions, collaborating, and relationship building in order to increase accessibility and sustainability to strengthen congregations and communities. 

Since his PD diagnosis, Phil and his wife, Julia (who first met in the 1st grade & have been married for 36 years), have become active advocates for others living with PD and their care partners. In 2017, they moved from metro Atlanta to Hilton Head, and immediately joined the local Rock Steady Boxing program, an intensive boxing/exercise program that has proven to slow the progression of  Parkinson’s Disease, which is  incurable.

They began to look throughout the South Carolina Lowcountry and didn’t really see other Black people who said that they had PD. That started their journey to become PD advocates, helping others with PD and their care partners to learn more about PD and how to live a better life with the disease. 

Phil has served four years on the Parkinson’s Foundation People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council. Julia is currently on the Advisory Board for the Foundation’s Carolina Chapter, and chairs their local PD Support & PD Care Partner Support groups. Together they have participated as panelists and speakers in a number of PD symposiums, co-chaired multiple Parkinson’s Foundation Moving Day Fundraisers, and participated in several pharmaceutical focus groups/patient panels. 

Today, they are active with the Special Interest Group – Black Diaspora steering committee working to drive development of solutions to mitigate health disparities in the Black Community with a focus on issues of the Black PD Community.

Evelyn Stevens, MPH, is the Senior Director of Community Engagement at the Parkinson's Foundation since September 2022. Prior to this role, Evelyn held positions as Clinical Research Project Manager, Clinical Research Coordinator III, and Clinical Research Coordinator II at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in the Division of Hematology and Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center. Before that, Evelyn worked as a Health Educator and Clinical Research Coordinator at Penn Medicine's Raymond and Ruth Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine in the Abramson Cancer Center. Evelyn holds a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Temple University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: Bio-Psychosocial Health from Lincoln University.

A widely sought lecturer and media spokesperson, Dr. Hendricks’ appearances include CNN, MSNBC, CBS, Fox News, Fox Business News, the Discovery Channel, PBS, BBC, NHK Japan Television and the Bloomberg Network. He has provided running event commentary for National Public Radio, MSNBC, and the al-Jazeera and Aspire international television networks. Dr. Hendricks has served in the Religion and Foreign Policy Working Group at the U. S. Department of State under Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton and John Kerry; was a member of the Faith Advisory Council of the Democratic National Committee, for whom he delivered the closing benediction at the 2008 Democratic Convention; served on the National Religious Leaders Advisory Committee of the 2008 Democratic Presidential campaign. He is a Distinguished Senior Fellow at The Democracy Collaborative in Washington, DC; has been an Affiliated Scholar at the Center for American Progress; was a Senior Fellow at The Opportunity Agenda social justice communications think tank; is on the Advisory Board of the Institute of Christian Socialism; and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI). Dr. Hendricks has been a frequent contributor to the Huffington Post and Salon.com, a former editorial advisor to the award-winning Tikkun magazine, and a contributing editor to The Encyclopedia of Politics and Religion. The Dictionary of Biblical Interpretation has called his work “the boldest post-colonial writing ever seen in Western biblical studies.”

Hendricks’ award-winning book, The Politics of Jesus: Rediscovering the True Revolutionary Nature of Jesus’ Teachings and How They Have Been Corrupted (Doubleday, 2006), was declared “essential reading for Americans” by the Washington Post. Social commentator Michael Eric Dyson proclaimed it “an instant classic” that “immediately thrusts Hendricks into the front ranks of American religious thinkers.” The Politics of Jesus was the featured subject of the 90-minute C-SPAN special hosted by the Center for American Progress, “Class, Politics and Christianity.” The tenth anniversary of its publication was acknowledged at a major 2016 panel at the American Academy of Religion at its annual convention in San Antonio, TX. Governor Howard Dean, former chair of the Democratic National Committee, has called his book, The Universe Bends Toward Justice: Radical Reflections on the Bible, the Church and the Body Politic(Orbis, 2011), a “tour de force.”

A former Wall Street investment executive and past president of Payne Theological Seminary, the oldest African American theological seminary in the United States, he is currently a Visiting Scholar at Columbia University in the Department of Religion and the Department of African American and African Diasporic Studies; a Visiting Professor at Union Theological Seminary; and Emeritus Professor of Biblical Interpretation at New York Theological Seminary. An Ordained Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Hendricks holds the Master of Divinity with academic honors from Princeton Theological Seminary, and both the M.A. and Ph.D. in Religions of Late Antiquity from Princeton University.     

Black Girls RUN! has helped shift the consciousness of culture for over 250,000 African American women, encouraging them to adopt a healthy, active lifestyle through running, movement and community. It has also transformed the running community and aided in the diversification and increased participation in the sport of endurance distance running. Alexander has received national and international notoriety since the start of her tenure including partnerships with Saucony, Ford, Facebook, Brooks Running, REI, Fleet Feet and media coverage on NBC News, Good Morning America, ESSENCE, The O (Oprah Winfrey) Magazine and Ebony Magazine.

A native of Norfolk, Va., Mrs. Alexander received her Communications degree from George Mason University and her Master’s degree in Strategic Public Relations from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is also a graduate of the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business Nonprofit Executive Leadership program and a Certified Run Coach.

She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Spring 2007) and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). She serves a variety of community boards and has completed numerous half marathons, 10Ks and 5Ks and two marathons. She has been recognized by iPower Richmond 30 under 30, George Mason University Black Alumni’s 40 Under 40 and the Rising Star Award by PRSA Richmond.

Jay Ell and her husband Christopher are the proud parents of 4-year-old, Chris, Jr. and 2 year old daughter, Jaycee. They are also proud pup parents to an 8-year-old black Lab, named Luna.

This week's guest, Dr Joseph Mikhael MD, MEd, FRCPC, FACP,  leads the M-Power project in the African American community for the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF). Dr. Mikhael is a Professor in the Applied Cancer Research and Drug Discovery Division at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), an affiliate of City of Hope Cancer Center. He is the Chief Medical Officer of the IMF and Director of Myeloma research at the HonorHealth Research Institute. 

Dr Mikhael specializes clinically in plasma cell disorders, namely multiple myeloma, amyloidosis, and Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia. He is the PI of many clinical trials, primarily in relapsed multiple myeloma, and his other clinical research interests include pharmaco-economics, communication skills, and media relations. Dr. Mikhael also serves as the Treasurer on the executive board of the American Society of Hematology. 

Dr Mikhael has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles in these fields, and lectures internationally on a regular basis.  He is also the chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council at TGen.  Dr. Mikhael is heavily involved in training future researchers, and mentors junior faculty worldwide.  He also spends nearly 20% of his time in the third world developing collaborations in myeloma and finding ways to enhance access to novel treatment agents.

Our Multiple Myeloma Spotlight is sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb.

Marvell was passionate about improving the health outcomes of Black gay and queer men in Memphis, that’s why he started his advocacy work by co-leading an HIV ministry at Christ Missionary Baptist Church, being an HIV tester and EIS at Christ Community Health Services, and volunteering on community task forces. Not long after, he answered a higher call to leadership by founding his own organization: The Red Door Foundation (2010). Marvell was recognized as the only Black gay man living with HIV to found and lead an organization for HIV awareness and engagement at the time in Shelby County. Doubling down on his commitment to community, he started the Saving Ourselves Symposium (2013), a one-of-a-kind conference in the South for the Black LGBTQ community to address health, wellness, and social injustices.

One of Marvell’s biggest thrills was expanding his impact to a national scale by joining the Young Black Gay Men’s Advocacy Coalition Policy and Advocacy Summit as co-chair of the Organizing Committee (2014); the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF) as an HIV Fellow (2015) and AIDS United as a Senior Program Manager of the Southern HIV Impact Fund (2018). He is known as a people-minded strategist: He established a leadership pipeline in the HIV movement by co-creating the HIV 360 Fellowship Program at the HRCF and improved grantmaking efforts and philanthropic funding sources within AIDS United to support organizations in the South working at the intersection of HIV and social justice.

Marvell is a former board member for Hope House (Memphis, 2022-2023), an advisory board member for Wake Forest University School of Divinity, and a founding member for the HIV Racial Justice Network. In September 2023, Marvell was sworn in as a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS during the 78th Full Council meeting.

His published written works on HIV research and injustices can be found in the Journal of Health and Disparities Research and Practice, Rhetoric of Health and Medicine, TheBody.Com, and more. Marvell’s work unapologetically centers the lives, the culture and the resilience of Black folks. When Marvell isn’t on the ground engaged in HIV advocacy and education, he’s experiencing joy: grooving to the sounds of Fantasia, J.Cole, 6LACK, and JeRonelle or enjoying buttermilk pancakes with crispy edgesat any time of the day.

Pastor Gerard Duncan is the senior pastor of Prayers By Faith Family Ministries in Gainesville, Florida.  He works closely with faith leaders to increase awareness of health and wellness within their churches and the communities they serve.  Additionally, Pastor Duncan is  the CEO of Community Partners and Engagement Consultants, and the executive director of the Pleasant Street Social Justice and Cultural Arts Center.

Paston Duncan is a member of Florida’s Statewide Faith and Community Advisory Council within the Executive Office of the Governor, and he participates in the Alachua County Christian Pastors Association, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice's Faith and Community Network, the Santa Fe College Community Advisory Board and the Gainesville Thrives.  He travels extensively both nationally and internationally speaking on topics on health equity, health disparities and mental wellness.

Jude Ngang is Executive Director, Representation in Clinical Research (RISE) at Amgen. He leads the RISE team dedicated to improving proportional representation in clinical trials in alignment with Amgen's Environmental & Social Governance imperatives, health equity narratives, and ethical research commitments. 

Prior to taking the lead role for Amgen’s RISE team, Jude was Team Lead in Oncology Early Clinical Development Operations, with experience in developing targeted therapies for lung cancer and other solid tumors. During his tenure in this role, Jude received an Amgen 'Innovation Trail Blazer' award for his leadership in the design and execution of the clinical operations strategy for the LUMAKRAS (for lungcancer) first in human study that contributed to the acceleration of the program. He was also a post-doctoral fellow in translational medicine at the Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research and served as AdjunctAssistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice at MCPHS University in Boston. Jude has been with Amgen for over 6 years and has held leadership roles for the Amgen Black Employee Network (ABEN). He specializes in clinical sciences & innovation, with a focus on patient recruitment/retention and representativeparticipation in clinical trials across multiple therapeutic areas. Jude is also a pharmacist by training with aPharmD from Roseman University of Health Sciences.

Michelle is a certified group exercise instructor with the American Council on Exercise® and personal trainer via the American Council on Exercise and Applied Academy of Personal Training Education®. She also holds kickboxing,  Zumba® and Silver Sneakers® instructor certifications. She is also a Balm In Gilead Lifestyle Coach.

Currently residing in Atlanta, GA, Michelle is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  She is a former board member of the Georgia Diabetes Coalition, Urban League of Rochester, NY, Wilson Commencement Park and the National Sales Network – New Jersey/New York Chapter.  Michelle also co-founded the “Girls Mentoring Program” to reach students in the Lakeview community on Long Island, New York.​

Foundations For Living is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating Transformational Moments through Inspiration and Education that will empower Low to Moderate Income families and all clients to envision, discover, implement and achieve personal/professional goals.

Foundations For Living focuses in four areas of service: Mental Health; Career Development, Domestic Violence, and HIV Prevention.

Pamela D. Price currently serves as the Deputy Director for The Balm In Gilead, managing the health programs and policy initiatives of the organization.  

Mrs. Price holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health and has more than 20 years of experience in public health, epidemiology, and healthcare. She has served as a member of the U.S. Army Nurse Corp and excelled in leadership at government and non-government agencies in the areas of program management, quality improvement, and project development.  

Sara is on the Board of Marinus Pharmaceuticals, a company developing innovative therapeutics to treat rare seizure disorders and of Decibel Therapeutics, who are developing regenerative and gene therapy strategies to restore hearing and balance. She is a host and member of the Board of Hospitality Homes, a non-profit organization that provides free/low-cost housing for patients/families who seek medical care in Boston. She is also on the Board of Biomedical Science Careers Program (BSCP), a non-profit organization that aims to increase the representation of underrepresented minority and disadvantaged individuals in all facets of science and medicine. 

Please note that the website "clinical trials.gov" was inadvertently referred to as "clintrials.gov" in this episode. Please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov to find out more information about clinical trials being conducted in the United States.

For more information about hATTR amyloidosis, and to request to speak with an Alnylam PEL who can answer questions you may have about hATTR amyloidosis, please visit www.hATTRbridge.com.

Content sponsored and provided by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. TTR-USA-00279

Valerie Graham 

Valerie is a Patient Education Liaison (PEL) at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. In her role, she is responsible for educating individuals and their families about hATTR amyloidosis – a rare, inherited condition. PELs are employees of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. They do not act as healthcare providers and should not be considered part of your healthcare team.

Cece

Cece’s journey with hATTR amyloidosis began when she started to experience symptoms attributed to carpal tunnel syndrome at 55 years old. As time passed and she began to experience additional, unexplained symptoms, including shortness of breath, peripheral neuropathy and leg swelling, she was determined to find the cause. After years of searching for answers, she was eventually diagnosed with hATTR amyloidosis. Today, Cece is focused on educating the community about this inherited condition and encouraging others to advocate for their health and never give up.  

Dr. Radhakrishnan is Group SVP and Chief Medical Officer, responsible for the Worldwide Medical function since rejoining Biogen in January 2020. Previously, from 2016-2019, Dr. Radhakrishnan was Senior Vice President and Global Head of the Medical, Primary Care Business Unit at Sanofi, a global biopharmaceutical company focused on human health. At Sanofi, she led the medical strategy and operations for the diabetes and cardiovascular products and development programs. Prior to this, she held several leadership roles at: Bioverativ Inc. from 2016-2018, Biogen for the first time from 2013-2016, Bristol Myers Squibb from 2009-2013, United Health Group from 2006-2008, and Cephalon from 2005-2006. Dr. Radhakrishnan has extensive experience in overseeing the external scientific engagement strategy with academic institutions, top and emerging key opinion leaders, patient advocacy groups, payers and regulators. She received her M.D. in internal medicine with honors from the People’s Friendship University in Moscow, Russia in 1995, as well as a master's degree in Russian language. She is also a certified Russian language instructor and interpreter. 

Through their conversation, they share their unique struggles with self-care while acknowledging the power of knowing the connectedness of God as the source of all life, which dwells within each of us.

About Our Guest:
An Intuitive Reiki Master, Sacred Shaman Priestess and Spiritual / Wellness Coach, Julia Jovone operates Julia Jovone Studio in New York City, which offers full- service Reiki sessions, energy healing, and spiritual life coaching to clients globally.  She represents an underrepresented number of black women pioneering the practice of healing across the globe. Julia teaches that as humans, we must take care of the inside of our bodies in order for the outside to glow. Julia is also an Emmy Award Winning Makeup Artist.

Sanya Simmons is a mother, author, voice actor, and Reiki Master. She is passionate about the social issues affecting our sons, and believes that we must do everything within our power to set them up for success. You can purchase her book wherever books are sold.

Dr. Ansong is a pediatric cardiologist and Medical Director, Outpatient Cardiology, at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. 

Dr. Bond is a women's heart health and preventive cardiologist at Dignity Health in Arizona. For resources and to learn more about this issue, visit https://wearethefaces.abcardio.org/social-media-toolkit/#infographics 

Mr. Chavis has won numerous accolades for his work as a community leader, educator and all-around change maker.

 Dr. Chukumerije is board certified in Cardiology, Echo, Nuclear and Vascular medicine.  Sports and exercise cardiology is a special focus.  He is team physician and a consultant to the NBA, NHL and MLS.  He was interviewed on The Talk regarding Damar Hamlin amid much speculation of the cause(s) of his cardiac arrest.  CAD as well as HCM came through as possibilities in this educational segment.

Imam Dr. Al-Hajj Talib ‘Abdur-Rashid has been the religious and spiritual leader (Imam) of The Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood Inc. since November 1989. Founded in 1967, the mosque , which is located in Harlem, New York City, is the 56-year-old lineal descendant of the Muslim Mosque Inc.  established by the late El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (Malcolm X) in 1964. 

Rev. Brown is the Senior Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Plainfield, NJ. Dr. Brown loves God, God’s Church, and God’s people. She counts it an honor and a privilege to serve.

Although life can seem to be a never-ending journey of hardships, Dr. P. and Rev. Aquarius Gilmer emphasize the necessity of reconnecting with something larger than oneself when practicing self-care. This helps you clarify what it means to you and inspires you to reconsider how you use it in your own life.

To conclude, Dr. P. and Rev. Aquarius Gilmer discuss male self-care and the necessity of men being able to voice their needs. Self-care is frequently an outlet for reflection and assessment. Through this segment they stress the importance of males understanding their specific requirements and recognizing what techniques of self-care have a beneficial effect on their well-being.

This week on Dr. P on the Pod, Dr. P sits down with Dementia Education Master Trainer Tina Thomas to discuss caregiving in Black families and what we can do to raise awareness around dementia in African American and faith communities.

Content sponsored and provided by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals.