Harlem dentist and businessman Dr. Enrique A. Riggs was born on June 3, 1943, in Panama City, Panama, to Winifred and Eric Riggs. Riggs is an active member of several civic organizations and the Army Reserve.
After earning his B.A. in psychology from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, Riggs enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1968, rising to the rank of colonel in the Dental Corps. He earned his master's degree in counseling from the State University of New York at Albany in 1971, and in 1978 he received his degree in clinical dentistry from Howard University. Since 1978, Riggs has been in private practice in Harlem at an office he owns with his wife. Riggs was a co-founder in 1983 of the Small Business Stock Exchange of America, providing growing and emerging companies with expansion capital. He earned an M.B.A. in finance from Iona College in 1997 with a certificate in international business.
Since 1995, Riggs has served as a military academy liaison at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He is responsible for recruiting cadets from the New York area and minority cadets from the nation at large. Following the World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001, Riggs used his professional expertise to examine dental records and help identify victims at Ground Zero. In 2002, the U.S. Army Dental Command appointed Riggs North Atlantic Region Dental Commander in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Riggs has been active in a number of other civic and professional organizations, including the 100 Black Men, the American Association of Securities Dealers and the American Dental Association. He sits on the Boulé Foundation Board. He and his wife, Dr. Carol Morales, were married in 1983 and have one daughter, Myra Christine. Riggs lives with his family in White Plains, New York.
Lamman Rucker is an Actor, Educator, Activist and Entrepreneur who’s career platform has been used to influence, educate and ignite communities through artistic and academic innovation. Rucker currently stars in the upcoming, long-awaited threequel return of Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married Again as the beloved “Sheriff Troy”, a role he is best known for along with “Jacob Greenleaf” on OWN’s hit drama series, Greenleaf and “Will” on hit film/sitcom Meet The Browns. Rucker is maintaining a powerful small and large screen presence in films such Lifetime Television’s Christmas Everyday alongside Grammy singer Brandy, Terror Lake Drive (ALLBLK), Bad Dad Rehab (TV One), Cooking Up Christmas (OWN), The Man in 3B and Black Coffee (Netflix) ; UPtv’s Where is The Love as well as feature film Service to Man. Beyond film, his award-winning acting range has spanned Off-Broadway theater as well as television such as Black Angels Over Tuskegee, Half and Half, WEtv’s South of Hell, As The World Turns and All My Children. A passionate Activist; Rucker has relentlessly advocated for social justice, community empower ment, health and black male initiatives since his youth. He is a spokesperson for several charita ble efforts and community action initiatives including the American Heart Association, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Association of Black Cardiologists, The Black AIDS Institute, BMe Com munity, The Magic Johnson Foundation, Just Heal, Bro mental health tour and his non-profit The Black Gents; an all male ensemble of actors driven to resurrect the positive images of black males through thought-provoking high quality entertainment, youth empowerment initiatives and com munity service. A prolific speaker and moderator, Lamman has embraced the international speaking circuit for countless corporate conferences, university commencements and masterclasses; marketing campaigns and non-profit initiatives. With a master’s in education, four honorary doctorates and as a former high school teacher; Rucker especially dedicates substantive resources to youth empowerment using his teaching gift in educational capacities. He has contributed to several “edu-tain ment” movements that empower and inspire while educating and has recently contributed to best-selling book REACH: 40 Black Men Speak on Living, Leading, and Succeeding. His sensitivity for community and prowess in business, the arts, and life skills has established him as a credible voice while building a significant legacy for this generation and those to come.
Roxanne Shanté is a legendary American hip-hop pioneer, battle rap icon, and broadcaster who made history as the first solo female rapper to receive the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Emerging from New York's Queensbridge Projects,
Shanté revolutionized the genre in 1984 at just 14 years old with her explosive freestyle track "Roxanne's Revenge"—widely recognized as rap's first major diss record. As a founding member of Marley Marl’s legendary Juice Crew, she ignited the historic "Roxanne Wars" and shattered gender barriers, proving women could dominate the male-dominated battle rap arena with unmatched lyricism and fiercer competitiveness. Beyond her foundational music career, Shanté has built a multi-decade legacy as a powerful media personality, advocate, and mentor.
Core Accomplishments & Career Highlights
• Grammy History: Honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Recording Academy Special Merit Awards, cementing her status as a foundational pillar of hip-hop culture.
• Industry Trailblazer: Crowned the "Queen of Rap" by The New York Times, her fearless style paved the direct path for subsequent generations of icons like MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott, and Nicki Minaj.
• Major Industry Awards: Recipient of the NAACP Legacy Award (2023) and the Hip-Hop Grndmaster Award from the Paid in Full Foundation (2024), which honored her with a $1 million payout for her early contributions to the culture.
• Broadcasting Excellence: Won the 2024 Cynopsis Top Women In Media Award for 'Game Changing On-Air Talent'. She currently hosts the popular show "Have a Nice Day with Roxanne Shanté" on LL Cool J’s SiriusXM channel, 7 million listeners per day.
• Biopic Adaptation: Her tumultuous and inspiring life story was adapted into the critically acclaimed Netflix biopic Roxanne Roxanne (2017), co-produced by Forest Whitaker and Pharrell Williams.
• Philanthropy & Advocacy: Serves as a motivational speaker, breast cancer survivor advocate, and the co-leader of an education nonprofit dedicated to supporting and mentoring youth.
Sandra Bookman is co-anchor of Eyewitness News at Noon and WABC Public Affairs show, Here and Now.
The veteran journalist joined Eyewitness News in 1998 as a reporter and shortly after was named as a weekend anchor of Eyewitness News. Previously, she worked at WSB-TV in Atlanta, another dominant ABC affiliate, where she worked for nine years and served as the weekend anchor.
Prior to WSB-TV, she worked as a weekend anchor at both WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina and KFDM-TV in Beaumont, Texas.
Sandra served as an Olympic Reporter for seven years. She was the only local TV reporter to cover the games from before Atlanta won the bid, until the Olympic bombing in 1996. Sandra covered the '92 games in Barcelona, Spain as well.
She has also reported internationally, including a series of reports from South Africa following the release of Nelson Mandela from a South African prison in 1990.
Sandra has been honored with nine local Emmys including statues for her Olympic coverage and reporting in the aftermath of the fatal Valuejet Airlines crash in the Everglades.
She graduated from the University of Texas with a B.A. in Journalism.
Elijah Westbrook is a three-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and morning news reporter for CBS News New York, where he serves as one of the station’s leading transportation and breaking news reporters.
Born and raised in Harlem, Elijah is a proud product of the community and considers it both an honor and a responsibility to tell stories that impact the lives of New Yorkers.
As a reporter for CBS News New York, Elijah has become a trusted voice for viewers across the Tri-State Area. He joined CBS News New York in January 2022, returning home to report in the city that inspired his love for journalism. A graduate of Quinnipiac University, he began his career at “CBS Mornings” before moving into local television news. His reporting career has taken him from Rochester, New York, where he covered major weather events, politics, and high-profile court cases, to Baltimore, Maryland, where he exposed government corruption, covered historic social justice movements, and earned his first Emmy Award for live reporting during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests.
Despite reporting across some of the nation’s largest media markets, Harlem remains at the center of Elijah’s story. He is deeply committed to giving back to the neighborhood that raised him and is passionate about supporting initiatives that promote health equity, education, economic opportunity, and community empowerment.
Today, Elijah continues to wake up before most of New York, bringing viewers the stories that matter most from the first breaking news alerts of the morning to the transportation issues that shape how millions of people move throughout the region. He is honored to be part of Harlem Week and to celebrate the strength, resilience, and future of the community he proudly calls home.
Dr. Michael H. Forde, DrPH, MSPH is a public health expert, storyteller, and nationally recognized leader in health equity. For more than a decade, he has worked at the intersection of strategy, culture, and data - advancing initiatives that reduce disparities, strengthen community trust, and expand access to care. Drawing on his experience leading statewide initiatives, Dr. Forde advances programs that improve outcomes for patient populations and historically marginalized communities. His work integrates evidence-based practice, policy insight, and cultural understanding to ensure that equity isn’t a specialty - it’s a standard. Dr. Forde's impact extends beyond institutions. A Gates Millennium Scholar, Webby Honoree, 2-time Communicator Award Winner, 3-time Telly Award Winner, and 3-time 40 Under 40 recipient, he brings national recognition to every room he enters. Through digital storytelling, he has built a growing community of over 500,000 followers and millions of views across all platforms - using his signature tagline, “Healing starts with knowing,” to uncover the untold stories of Black health and medicine. His content connects historical truths to modern realities, bridging scholarship and social media to make public health accessible, personal, and powerful. Dr. Forde has been featured by TV networks, online platforms, and has collaborated with cultural and professional organizations. His work continues to shape conversations on health justice, cultural competence, and the power of narrative in achieving systemic change. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Southern Adventist University, a Master of Science in Public Health from Campbell University, and a Doctor of Public Health from The George Washington University. Known for his insight and authenticity, Dr. Forde has been invited to speak at numerous national conferences and cultural events. He believes that data, compassion, and accountability are the foundation of lasting change - and that healing begins when truth is told.
DaShaun Johnson, also known as THE GURU OF ABS in the fitness industry, is a native of Decatur, Ga who passion for fitness began 11 years ago when he landed a job at LA fitness in Atlanta, GA. It was then that he realized he was destined be a group fitness instructor and personal trainer who would change people’s lives for the better through fitness and nutrition. After much hard work and dedication, he was presented with his first big opportunity to be a sponsored Nike Training Club (NTC) instructor.
Today, DaShaun focuses on his new all-natural dietary supplement line and tours the country offering innovative Body Sculpting programs that has helped transform the physiques of people all over the world. His body sculpting programs include a seated exercise program designed specifically for senior citizens titled Senior Body Sculpting which has been featured on local and national news stations such as Fox 5 Atlanta News and CNN Headline News (HLN). DaShaun also offers a 360 Body Sculpting for anyone desiring to focus on strength training and weight loss and his latest innovative creation, Sculpt-In-42 Body Sculpting Online Training Program that will feature instructional, LIVE classes & workouts.
Recognized as one of the BEST abdominal specialists in the fitness industry, DaShaun continues to be a pillar of positive change in the fitness community, motivating his clients to be the very BEST versions of themselves while following his lead.
Audra Pitter is a registered nurse and Rare Kidney Disease Educator with Travere Therapeutics.
With over 20 years of experience in nursing and healthcare education, she is deeply committed to raising awareness about rare kidney diseases, especially FSGS—a condition that disproportionately affects the Black community.
At the heart of Audra’s work is a passion for meeting people where they are—helping patients and caregivers better understand their diagnosis, ask the right questions, and feel more confident navigating their care.
She believes that education, paired with community connection, can truly be life changing.
Fun fact: Audra is also a two-time Emmy Award winner, reflecting her love of storytelling and meaningful connection.
Sue has a background in nursing and has worked in the healthcare industry for 22 years, with the last 12 years spent as a patient educator and pharmaceutical liaison. Her experiences have provided her with a broader perspective on the great need for disease education. She was inspired to become an Alnylam Patient Education Liaison (PEL) when she learned that she could help educate patients and their families and raise awareness of ATTR amyloidosis.
PELs are employees of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. They are not acting as healthcare providers and are not part of your healthcare team. PELs do not provide medical care or advice. All diagnosis and treatment decisions should be made by you and your doctor.
Paul currently lives in Colorado, where he moved sight unseen decades ago to pursue higher education. He met his lovely wife at college, and they have two children who are now all grown up and have flown the nest. As a pastor, Paul is passionate about helping others and being someone people can depend on. He approaches everything life throws at him with a positive attitude, and he sees his diagnosis of hereditary ATTR amyloidosis as something that gives him purpose. Paul feels it is his duty to share his experiences in the hopes that his journey can help someone else through theirs. He’s here to share his story, offering hope and encouragement to others living with this disease.
Samantha is a Senior Field Medical Director on the Thoracic Oncology team at Pfizer. A pharmacist by training, she supports clinical trial research for lung and head and neck cancers and provides medical education to physicians, nurses, and pharmacists who care for patients with lung cancer in New York and Northern New Jersey.
Yadira Garcia is a trained Natural-foods Chef and certified Integrative Health Coach of Dominican descent, raised in the South Bronx, NYC. She channels her culinary and community-driven expertise as a Chef, Educator, Activist, Speaker and business owner through her platform, Happy Healthy Latina, INC., addressing ancestral food preservation, food sovereignty, nutrition education, and health inequities in New York City. She is also currently the Director of Programs and Innovation at Corbin Hill Food Project. With almost a decade of experience, Yadira has collaborated with a wide range of clients, including community-based organizations, nonprofits, private universities, NYC public schools, urban farms, and corporations. Her work focuses on culturally relevant cooking, nutrition education, food justice, curriculum development, workforce program creation and a culturally conscious product line.
Recognized in 2018 as one of Hunter Food Policy Center’s “Top 40 Under 40” in food justice, she serves on the NYC Nutrition Exchange Board at Columbia University’s Teachers College and was a key member of NYC’s first nutrition education coalition, helping pass significant legislation on food equity and nutrition in public schools. She has been invited to speak at prestigious institutions such as NYU, Columbia University, Ithaca College, University of Albany, and more, where she shares her passion for heritage-based cooking and access to local food. In 2020, she became a partner and Head Chef & Product Developer at Loisa, a Caribbean spice company, where she launched her signature blends—A sofrito line,, organic Adobo, and Sazon. These award winning marinades are now available nationwide through major retailers like Whole Foods , Wegmans, Sprouts and Target.
Her vibrant personality and delicious recipes have been featured on national platforms like The Dr. Oz Show, The Chew, NBC, the Today Show, Refinery29, Martha Stewart, The New York Times, and more. Online, she hosts Healthy Cocina, a show produced by Zoe Saldana for Tastemade and Buzzfeed, showcasing plant-based cooking for picky eaters with millions of views. Her latest show, Naturally Yadi, aired on Discovery Digital and Food Network in 2022, where she teaches viewers how to cook with local, seasonal produce sourced from urban farms. Chef Yadira continues to drive socially conscious, mission-aligned initiatives that promote food access, sovereignty, and social justice that are deeply rooted in cultural pride and history.
Marko Nobles is an experienced professional in the fields of radio, public relations, marketing, event production and entertainment. A self-described “Child of HARLEM WEEK,” he has been involved in the festival for over 40 years – beginning as a summer youth worker, as an intern, then working in public relations, serving as director of public relations, executive director, board member, and most recently, chairman of the board of directors.
Nobles also owns and operates internet radio station RhythmAndSoulRadio.com, which for almost 20 years has been a home to independent music and independent artists.
Winston Majette is the Executive Director & Board Member of The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce (GHCC), and HARLEM WEEK, Inc.
GHCC is the oldest continuous business/civic organization in Upper Manhattan. Their primary focus is on improving business/economic development, revitalization, and quality of life issues in the Upper Manhattan area with specific emphasis on the needs of the business, educational, cultural, tourism, civic and sectors professional.
HARLEM WEEK, Inc. is a 52-year old festival featuring arts, cultural, music events. Majette has served as senior coordinator for the NYC Economic Development Conference, NYC Senior Citizens Day, 2-Day NYC Children’s Festival, NYC Health Fair, sports events including the New York Road Runners Track & Field Clinics, John McEnroe Youth & Family Tennis Clinics and more. He has also served, for the past 15 years, as the Senior Coordinator of the Higher Education Fair & Expo during the HARLEM WEEK FESTIVAL.
Prior to GHCC, Majette spent 4 years at the Children’s Aid Society. He served as Director of the Taft Learning Center, following tenures as program director - where he created day, after-school and evening programs in computer technology, arts, English, history and writing for ages 7 years old to Adult – and technology teacher, where he created programs in computer technology for ages 7 years old to Adult.
Always passionate about service, and advocating for his community, Majette spent ten years as a Manhattan Community Board 9 member, where he was the chairperson of the youth, education and libraries committee.
Padmore John serves as the Assistant Commissioner of Bureau of Harlem Neighborhood Health, having served as the Acting Assistant Commissioner since April 2021, and has been the Harlem Bureau since 2016. He first started at the Health Department in 2008 as a grants manager, becoming a Sr. Manager of grants and contracts, for the Hospital Emergency Preparedness Program, supporting the preparedness, response and recovery of NYC healthcare institutions to man-made or natural emergency. He has a long history of involvement with local community initiatives, community boards, and community-based organizations.
Padmore has been instrumental in supporting place-based and community-informed processes, both during the COVID-19 pandemic and before. His passion for East and Central Harlem is evident in the work he does with Health Department teams and community partners. He is a 30-year resident of Harlem and lives with his wife Beejhy Barhany, chef and owner of Tsion Café, their 2 kids - Alem and Berhan, and dog Lucy.
Maurice D. Hinson, MD is the Founder & Executive Director of MediRootz Medical Group, a telehealth based primary care practice specializing in providing equitable access to high value primary care. Dr. Hinson received his BA in Neuroscience from Johns Hopkins University, his Medical Degree from Drexel University College of Medicine, and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at NewYork Presbyterian Weill Cornell. Dr. Hinson is also Founder & Advisor of the Black and Latino Men in Medicine, a network of students, trainees, faculty, and hospital administrators created to combat the precipitous decline of Black and Hispanic male physicians.
Dr. Hinson is the recipient of numerous research awards, the 2015 Excellence in Public award by the U.S. Public Health Task Force, 2020 Drexel University 40 under 40, and was recently inducted as a Fellow in the New York Academy of Medicine. His most recent academic interests involve the clinical application of cannabis for the prevention and management of chronic disorders like obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, anxiety, depression, and dementia.
Joan R. is a long-term multiple myeloma patient and advocate whose story reflects resilience, perspective, and the realities of living with relapsed disease. Having experienced multiple relapses, she brings an authentic voice to conversations about treatment decision-making, self-advocacy, and the day-to-day experience of navigating life with multiple myeloma.
Living with non-secretory multiple myeloma, Joan often emphasizes the importance of listening to patients beyond laboratory results, noting, “My myeloma doesn’t secrete M-protein, so there’s nothing to see in my blood or urine.” Her perspective reinforces the value of recognizing patient-reported symptoms and lived experience throughout the disease journey.
Joan is known for her thoughtful outlook and memorable reflections, including, “Everybody’s smoldering until they’re not,” when describing the transition from smoldering to active disease, and “I’ve been down this road many times,” when speaking about relapse. Her personal philosophy is to “live in the middle: not too happy, not too sad,” while intentionally seeking joy and “the blessing in every day.”
Joan has partnered with Bristol Myers Squibb on multiple patient engagement initiatives, including participating in an ABECMA-focused patient interview exploring her treatment journey and experience with advanced therapy. She also served as a featured patient speaker during the May 2026 CELMoD sales training panel, Understanding Multiple Myeloma Through the Patient Journey, where she shared insights alongside another patient advocate on diagnosis, relapse, treatment decisions, support systems, and life beyond treatment. Her experiences also contributed to moderator guides, speaker preparation materials, and photo-based storytelling designed to bring the patient experience to life for internal audiences.
Looking ahead, Joan is well positioned to contribute to future educational and storytelling initiatives focused on relapse resilience, non-secretory multiple myeloma, advanced therapies such as CAR T-cell therapy and bispecific treatments, caregiver support, and the broader patient community experience. Through her honesty, warmth, and commitment to helping others, Joan reminds audiences that living with multiple myeloma is defined not only by treatment milestones but also by the meaningful "in-between" moments that shape patients, families, caregivers, and care decisions over time.
Dr. Chinonso Akano is a seasoned Medical Affairs professional with more than 21 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry across both large and emerging pharmaceutical companies. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Laboratory Medicine and Chemistry from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from Temple University, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Pharmacoeconomics and Health Outcomes Research through Novartis/Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy.
Throughout his career, Chinonso has supported multiple therapeutic areas and successfully contributed to numerous product launches while serving in both headquarters and field-based roles. Known for building strong cross-functional partnerships and fostering collaborative, high-performing teams, he brings a patient-centered approach to advancing medical and scientific initiatives. Prior to joining argenx, he served as Principal Medical Scientist (MSL) at Gilead Sciences, supporting inflammatory diseases and virology across the Southeastern United States. He also previously held Medical Affairs roles at Eli Lilly, supporting both Rheumatology and Dermatology within Immunology.
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Chinonso is passionate about patient advocacy, community service and serves as the founder of The Akano Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on cultural awareness, education, medical missions, and supporting underserved communities. He also enjoys music and dancing, sports, travel, and spending time with his family.
Junelle Speller, MBA, is Chief Strategy Officer of the GlomCon Foundation, where she leads organizational strategy, research development, and global partnerships to advance care and outcomes for patients with glomerular and rare kidney diseases. She brings more than 25 years of experience across healthcare policy, business strategy, research infrastructure, and nonprofit leadership.
Prior to GlomCon, Ms. Speller served as Senior Vice President of Health Care Strategy at NORC at the University of Chicago and as Vice President of Research at the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, where she directed national rare disease registry initiatives. Her career also includes leadership roles in management consulting, health technology, and healthcare policy, including nearly 15 years at the American Academy of Pediatrics.
A two-time kidney transplant recipient, Ms. Speller is an active advocate for patient centered research and has presented at major international conferences, including KDIGO.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Yale University and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
Dr. Margaret B. Collins is the Medical Director, Global Medical Affairs Nephrology for Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated. She is a board-certified nephrologist and hypertension specialist who received her training at the UNC School of Medicine in Chapel Hill (BS 1992, MD 1996, Internal Medicine 1999, Nephrology & Hypertension 2001).
Early years in private practice nephrology compelled her to focus on strategies to prevent kidney failure. To that end, she established and ran a clinic dedicated to resistant hypertension for 16 years (2006-2022).
Troubled by the excessive burden of kidney disease falling on African Americans, she joined the effort to shed light on APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD) with Vertex Pharmaceuticals in early 2023. This under-recognized genetic disease is responsible for a significant proportion of kidney failure in people of African ancestry, including those previously diagnosed with “hypertensive” kidney disease.
Dr. Collins hopes to see a day when both kidney disease and health disparities are things of the past.
Padmore John serves as the Assistant Commissioner of Bureau of Harlem Neighborhood Health, having served as the Acting Assistant Commissioner since April 2021, and has been the Harlem Bureau since 2016. He first started at the Health Department in 2008 as a grants manager, becoming a Sr. Manager of grants and contracts, for the Hospital Emergency Preparedness Program, supporting the preparedness, response and recovery of NYC healthcare institutions to man-made or natural emergency. He has a long history of involvement with local community initiatives, community boards, and community-based organizations.
Padmore has been instrumental in supporting place-based and community-informed processes, both during the COVID-19 pandemic and before. His passion for East and Central Harlem is evident in the work he does with Health Department teams and community partners. He is a 30-year resident of Harlem and lives with his wife Beejhy Barhany, chef and owner of Tsion Café, their 2 kids - Alem and Berhan, and dog Lucy.
Dr. Patricia Saint Cyr-Hager is Chief Operations Officer of The Daniel’s Network (dba Black Health Matters), where she leads organizational strategy, operations, and execution to expand access to equitable, community-centered health solutions. In this role, she oversees operational infrastructure, strategic partnerships with clients, and program integration, ensuring initiatives are delivered efficiently, sustainably, and with measurable impact across the patient and community journey. A seasoned pharmaceutical executive and advocacy leader, Dr. Saint Cyr-Hager brings more than 20 years of experience driving complex healthcare and life sciences operations across hematology, oncology, cell therapy, and cardiovascular disease. Her background includes accelerating global clinical trial execution, leading oncology advocacy integrations following biotech acquisitions, managing joint venture advocacy and policy strategies for cardiovascular brands, and strengthening cross-sector collaboration among researchers, scientific societies, and patient organizations. She is recognized for building high-performing teams and translating mission-driven vision into operational excellence. Patricia is committed to helping young professionals and promoting community health through public service. She co-founded OneWe Reach (formerly WOCIP®) in 2015 and served on its advisory council until 2025. She sits on the Board of Trustees at Arcadia University and was recently appointed to the Board of Cancer Support Community, where she will support cancer-related initiatives. Patricia lives at the New Jersey shore with her husband and enjoys family gatherings, travel, live concerts, and running.
Dr. Raji Ayinla currently serves as the Interim Chief Medical Officer and Chair of Graduate Medical Education at Harlem Hospital Center.
Dr. Ayinla joined Harlem Hospital Center in 2010 as an Attending Physician and Program Director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program. In 2013, he was appointed Chief of the Division of Pulmonary Medicine, and in 2017, he became Chair of the Department of Medicine.
Prior to joining Harlem Hospital, Dr. Ayinla spent 14 years at North General Hospital, where he held several leadership positions, including President of the Medical Staff, Director of the Intensive Care Unit, Chief of the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Director of Graduate Medical Education, Institutional Representative for the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), and Interim Chair of the Department of Medicine.
Dr. Ayinla earned his medical degree from Gdańsk Medical University in Poland. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine and fellowship training in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Cabrini Medical Center.
He is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at both the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. A dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Ayinla has received numerous teaching honors, including the Fellows Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Pulmonary Fellowship Program and the Excellence in Teaching Award from the Institute for Medical Education at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Throughout his career, Dr. Ayinla has been recognized for his leadership in clinical care, graduate medical education, and physician development, with a longstanding commitment to advancing excellence in patient care and medical training.
Rosa Nouvini, MD is a breast medical oncologist at MSK and Medical Director of the MSK Ralph Lauren Center (RLC) and Mobile Health Unit. She began her career as a hematologist/oncologist at RLC, where she provided cancer care for patients living in Harlem and surrounding neighborhoods. Her career has focused on improving the quality of and access to cancer care for underserved communities.
During her time at RLC, Dr. Nouvini worked with colleagues to improve clinic workflows, including reducing delays in obtaining Oncotype results, and collaborated on establishing on-site clinical trials. She also worked with colleagues, including Dr. Kevin Liou, to develop an acupuncture program that provided treatment for RLC patients. Her work has focused on bringing services closer to patients, improving adherence, and reducing barriers to care. She has also provided community presentations on cancer screening and treatment.
In her current role as Medical Director of RLC and the Mobile Health Unit, Dr. Nouvini leads screening and cancer prevention initiatives with her team. RLC currently offers screening services for breast, cervical, colon, prostate, and lung cancers regardless of insurance status.
Dr. Nouvini also serves as Site Director of Jamaica Hospital Cancer Center (JHMC), where she oversees the development of the cancer program. She works across departments and disciplines to support the delivery of standard-of-care cancer treatment, timely care, efficient clinic workflows, and quality improvement measures. She has also developed a multidisciplinary clinic model that allows patients to see multiple providers on-site and on the same day.
For several years, Dr. Nouvini was a member of MSK’s Junior Faculty Council and served as Chair during her final year. In this role, she led initiatives focused on early-career faculty development, including information sessions on MSK resources, research opportunities, and career development. She also established a planning committee for MSK’s Health Equity Conference in 2023 and continues to serve as course director.
Since 2025, Dr. Nouvini has been a member of the NCCN Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines Committee, where she provides a breast medical oncology perspective from a health equity lens. For her work in health equity, she has received the 2023 Healthcare Heroes Award from Schneps Media and the United Hospital Fund’s 2024 Excellence in Health Care Award for Quality Improvement Champions.
Adrelia Cabiness Allen is Executive Director of Clinical Trial Patient Representation, Merck Research Laboratories. In this role, Adrelia leads a team of experts focused on enrolling patients from underrepresented groups into clinical trials. The team engages with patients and clinical research communities to educate and raise awareness of the need to recruit people from all racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, cultural backgrounds and lifestyles – which is essential to advancing knowledge about the safety and efficacy of treatments for all people.
Adrelia has held positions of increasing responsibility within Merck’s clinical research organization. She holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Florida A&M University. She is a registered Pharmacist and a certified Project Management Professional. Her team was recently awarded the top honor by Citeline for exceptional initiative in promoting representation and inclusion of underrepresented populations within a clinical trial or drug development program. She is also a recipient of the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association Rising Star award for her leading efforts to increase representation in clinical trials.
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Rosa Nouvini, MD is a breast medical oncologist at MSK and Medical Director of the MSK Ralph Lauren Center (RLC) and Mobile Health Unit. She began her career as a hematologist/oncologist at RLC, where she provided cancer care for patients living in Harlem and surrounding neighborhoods. Her career has focused on improving the quality of and access to cancer care for underserved communities.
During her time at RLC, Dr. Nouvini worked with colleagues to improve clinic workflows, including reducing delays in obtaining Oncotype results, and collaborated on establishing on-site clinical trials. She also worked with colleagues, including Dr. Kevin Liou, to develop an acupuncture program that provided treatment for RLC patients. Her work has focused on bringing services closer to patients, improving adherence, and reducing barriers to care. She has also provided community presentations on cancer screening and treatment.
In her current role as Medical Director of RLC and the Mobile Health Unit, Dr. Nouvini leads screening and cancer prevention initiatives with her team. RLC currently offers screening services for breast, cervical, colon, prostate, and lung cancers regardless of insurance status.
Dr. Nouvini also serves as Site Director of Jamaica Hospital Cancer Center (JHMC), where she oversees the development of the cancer program. She works across departments and disciplines to support the delivery of standard-of-care cancer treatment, timely care, efficient clinic workflows, and quality improvement measures. She has also developed a multidisciplinary clinic model that allows patients to see multiple providers on-site and on the same day.
For several years, Dr. Nouvini was a member of MSK’s Junior Faculty Council and served as Chair during her final year. In this role, she led initiatives focused on early-career faculty development, including information sessions on MSK resources, research opportunities, and career development. She also established a planning committee for MSK’s Health Equity Conference in 2023 and continues to serve as course director.
Since 2025, Dr. Nouvini has been a member of the NCCN Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines Committee, where she provides a breast medical oncology perspective from a health equity lens. For her work in health equity, she has received the 2023 Healthcare Heroes Award from Schneps Media and the United Hospital Fund’s 2024 Excellence in Health Care Award for Quality Improvement Champions.
With a strong foundation in mixed-method research and public health intervention, Norma Gonzalez has dedicated her career to advancing food sovereignty and health equity in partnership with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. Her early research at Stanford University examined Mexican Immigrant/American parental perceptions of higher education, leading to a community-based project and the establishment of the Juntos Superamos Grant. After graduation, she implemented women’s health programs in San Antonio, strengthening cross-sector collaboration and addressing systemic gaps in engagement.
Currently, Gonzalez serves as Director of Research and Narrative at Corbin Hill Food Project, where she leads research and evaluation efforts as Primary Investigator. Her work includes Food as Medicine (FAM) studies with Lehman College and Rewire Health and the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) project with the Black Farmer Ecosystem, a collective of BIPOC-led organizations supporting Black farmers in the Northeast. She also co-led two USDA NIFA FAM grants totaling $1M, supporting over 280 families with produce deliveries and nutrition education in partnership with Bronx Health REACH, Fortune Society, Harlem Wellness Center, and Philip Randolph Houses.
Gonzalez also developed and facilitated the Community Council, ensuring program design reflects the voices of those most impacted, and plays a key role in organizational leadership by hiring and co-managing diverse staff. As a published researcher, she authored Food as medicine through the lenses of Food Access, Justice, and Sovereignty in the Journal of Current Opinions in Pediatrics and co-authored How Ownership-Based ‘Food Is Medicine’ Initiatives Can Advance Structural Change (2026) and A Recipe for Successful Food as Medicine Programs: Food Plus People in Health Affairs (2024).
Jenna Rice grew up learning about the connections between food, community and story, spending a lot of time in her family's 121 year old market in New Haven, CT. Currently, she focuses on building and maintaining farmer relationships, and leading equitable procurement work at the Corbin Hill Food Project, across the organization’s Farm Share, Farm Stand, wholesale, and Food as Medicine programs. She brings over a decade of experience in procurement and food systems, including work in new product innovation, institutional procurement, and values-aligned supply chain development.
Jenna works closely with small- to mid-sized growers to support fair compensation, guaranteed sales, and consistent distribution. She has helped build infrastructure connecting BIPOC and QTBIPOC farms in the Hudson Valley to community-based markets in Harlem, with an intentional focus on centering historically marginalized growers. In collaboration with regional partners, she co-creates procurement routes and distribution strategies that expand market access and support long-term farm sustainability. She is committed to advancing a sovereign food system.
Jenna holds an MA in Food Studies, was recognized as a 2025 40 Under 40: Rising Stars in NYC Food Policy by the Hunter College Food Policy Center, and is a member of the NYC Food Policy Alliance.
Maurice D. Hinson, MD is the Founder & Executive Director of MediRootz Medical Group, a telehealth based primary care practice specializing in providing equitable access to high value primary care. Dr. Hinson received his BA in Neuroscience from Johns Hopkins University, his Medical Degree from Drexel University College of Medicine, and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at NewYork Presbyterian Weill Cornell. Dr. Hinson is also Founder & Advisor of the Black and Latino Men in Medicine, a network of students, trainees, faculty, and hospital administrators created to combat the precipitous decline of Black and Hispanic male physicians.
Dr. Hinson is the recipient of numerous research awards, the 2015 Excellence in Public award by the U.S. Public Health Task Force, 2020 Drexel University 40 under 40, and was recently inducted as a Fellow in the New York Academy of Medicine. His most recent academic interests involve the clinical application of cannabis for the prevention and management of chronic disorders like obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, anxiety, depression, and dementia.
Shanelle Gabriel is a poet, singer, multicultural education consultant, and lupus patient advocate from Brooklyn, NY. Known for featuring on HBO's Def Poetry Jam, she has shared her talent on countless global stages (from Lincoln Center to the Vatican) and has crafted artistic messaging for brands and companies including Pandora, NFL Draft, BET and Hershey among others. Diagnosed with lupus in 2004, Shanelle has spoken alongside the President of the NIH, featured on the Lifetime Network, and in USA Today on the importance of diversity in clinical trials. She is a member of the Lupus Voices Council (the patient advisory board of the Lupus Accelerating Breakthroughs Consortium with the FDA), and has lectured at hospitals and biopharma companies on patient engagement and diversity needs in healthcare. With 19 years in nonprofit and educational leadership, Shanelle holds a Masters in Education from Columbia University Teachers College and facilitates arts-based trainings on improving multicultural competency for educational settings and corporations. She is also the mother to three music and poetry-centered albums, which are available on all streaming platforms.
Stephanie Stennett is an Associate Director, Global Trial Lead at Bristol Myers Squibb where she manages early- and late-phase immuno-oncology and hematology clinical trials. Since joining BMS in March 2022, Stephanie has led complex global trials across multiple regions, serving as the single point of accountability for operational delivery.
In addition to her core clinical operations role, Stephanie supports enterprise-wide initiatives to advance clinical trial education, health equity, and community engagement. In this role, she leads BMS’s collaboration with the Center for Information & Study of Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP) and sits on the advisory board for the organization. She is passionate about advancing patient-centered research through thoughtful strategy, clear communication, and meaningful external collaboration.
Stephanie has over 18 years of experience across pharmaceutical, medical device, and academic research settings. She holds a Master of Public Health in Health Management and Policy from Georgia State University.
Barry is a man of faith, volunteer, patient advocate, lived experience expert, retired risk management professional, and lung cancer survivor dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by cancer. Drawing upon his personal journey and professional background, he works to strengthen collaboration among patients, healthcare providers, researchers, scientists, and industry leaders to ensure that the patient voice is recognized as an essential component of healthcare, research, and innovation.
He is a member of Faces of Faith, a photo gallery featuring more than 100 individuals who share how faith, science, and medicine have provided hope, encouragement, and strength throughout their cancer journeys.
As a respected patient advocate, Barry serves on the Advisory Committee for the Partners in Clinical Research Conference, where he helps develop conference programming, coordinates educational tracks and breakout sessions, serves as a Track Chair, has previously co-hosted the conference, and meets one-on-one with pharmaceutical and healthcare professionals to provide patient-centered perspectives on clinical trial participation. He also serves in a similar advisory role for the annual DPHARM Conference.
His commitment to advancing patient engagement includes participation in Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI)-funded initiatives focused on defining dignity and respect from the patient perspective and helping establish qualifications for patients serving as research partners.
Barry collaborated with Ariadne Labs and the CRICO/Risk Management Foundation to develop the Developing and Implementing an Ambulatory Safety Net guide, which was presented at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement in 2023. This work supports healthcare organizations in improving patient safety and reducing gaps in ambulatory care.
As a Community Ambassador for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Barry volunteers to advance patient engagement and supports research focused on improving access to National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers by addressing disparities in outcomes related to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and gender identity across the cancer care continuum.
He also serves on the Board of Directors for LUNGevity, where he helps advance the organization's mission to fund innovative lung cancer research, provide education, and support patients and families impacted by lung cancer.
Committed to lifelong learning and effective patient partnership, Barry completed the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy's The PATIENTS Program in 2025 and graduated with honors from The Professor's Academy, further enhancing his ability to contribute as a research partner and patient advocate.
Dr. Jai S. Perumal is a neurologist specializing in multiple sclerosis and serves as the Director of Clinical Operations at the Weill Cornell MS Center, as well as the Director of the MS Service at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens. She has a strong interest in understanding and addressing multiple sclerosis in Black patients, with a focus on optimizing treatment and management strategies.
Dr. Perumal has published extensively on this topic and remains committed to advancing equitable MS care through research, clinical leadership, and patient advocacy.
Arnette S. is a single mother of two and a substance use counselor who has dedicated her career to helping others navigate trauma, recovery, and hope. As a Multiple Sclerosis patient advocate, Arnette encourages people to recognize their resilience and focus on the possibilities that exist beyond life's most difficult moments.
In 2019, her life changed unexpectedly. After experiencing symptoms that felt like she was having a stroke, Arnette dropped her daughter off at Head Start before going to the emergency room. She had paralysis on the left side of her face, and after two scans, an emergency physician informed her that she had Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Arnette was left alone in the emergency room to process this life-changing diagnosis that she never saw coming.
Although no one in her family has MS, she was fortunate to have a close friend living with the disease. That phone call became the beginning of a support system that reminded her she was not alone and that life with MS could still be meaningful and fulfilling.
Living with MS has given Arnette a new perspective on strength, vulnerability, and perseverance. While there are moments when she is reminded of her diagnosis, she made a conscious decision not to let MS define who she is. Instead, it has strengthened her appreciation for every day she remains active, mobile, and able to serve others.
Today, Arnette continues to live life to the fullest while balancing motherhood, her professional commitment to helping others heal, and her own journey with MS. She is honored to share her story in the hope that it encourages others to embrace resilience, seek support, and remember that a diagnosis does not determine the limits of a person's life or potential.
Columbus Gaskins is a graduate of The City College of New York. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology 2001. In 2012 he received his Recovery Coach certification from New York State Office of Addiction Services and Support. He has worked for several community-based organizations including Exponents Inc where he was a Program Manager for supportive service for people living with HIV/AIDS. Mr. Gaskins also worked Housing Works where he worked as a care manager. He provided services for people living with chronic illnesses. In his position as a Public Health Educator for the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit. Mr. Gaskins engaged New York City residents by providing information on health insurance and access to medical care. He also provided information about other New York City services, and he referred clients to these needed services such as the New York City rent Freeze Program. In addition, Mr. Gaskins conducted presentations to city agencies on health insurance and access to medical care. He currently is a Community Health Worker for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene where he conducts Asthma 101 presentations and community engagement.
Mr. Gaskins is a community board member of the Columbia University Research Unit. He has been on the community advisory board for over 20 years.
For more than 20 years, Sandy Marie has navigated life with myositis, transforming her personal health journey into a mission of advocacy, education, and empowerment. After receiving her diagnosis at a time when resources and support for myositis patients were limited, she embarked on a determined quest to heal, recover, and help others facing similar challenges. Today, she serves as a dedicated Myositis ambassador, using her lived experience to raise awareness, provide encouragement, and connect patients with valuable resources. Her passion for accessibility also extends to her work as a travel advisor, where she specializes in creating inclusive travel experiences that allow individuals of all abilities to explore the world with confidence and dignity.
A sought-after patient advocate and speaker, Sandy has shared her insights at health conferences, patient-focused events, and industry forums, bringing the patient perspective to conversations that shape healthcare delivery, research, and accessibility. She has collaborated with leading healthcare organizations contributing her expertise and lived experience to initiatives focused on improving outcomes, advancing patient engagement, and ensuring that the voices of those living with rare and chronic diseases are heard.
Sandy brings a wealth of professional experience from her work with respected nonprofit organizations, including Columbia University and Lighthouse International. The knowledge and leadership skills gained through those roles have provided a strong foundation for her entrepreneurial pursuits in consulting, advocacy, and accessible travel.
Through every aspect of her work, Sandy remains committed to helping others overcome barriers, embrace possibilities, and live fuller, more empowered lives.
Erion M. is a community leader, advocate, and speaker who draws on his personal healthcare journey to empower others to become active partners in their care. After two years of seeking answers and advocating for himself within the healthcare system, Erion was diagnosed with Scleroderma, a chronic auto-immune disease that changed his life forever. He went on to develop a passion for helping others navigate medical and insurance barriers.
Today, Erion serves as the Executive Director of a nonprofit focused on racial equity-informed mediation and restorative justice. He facilitates two Scleroderma support groups; one focused on BIPOC individuals and the other exclusively for men. He also serves as Chair of his county's Disability Services Advisory Council.
Despite living with a chronic illness, Erion remains active in pursuits in different sports and activities, reflecting the resilience and determination that define his approach to life.
At the Black Health Summit & Expo, Erion shares his story to encourage individuals and families—particularly within Black communities—to trust themselves, advocate for their needs, and take an active role in their healthcare.
Robert is Joan Rodriguez’s devoted care partner and husband. They have been together for more than 10 years and are committed to giving back to others through marriage counseling in their church while cherishing time with their family. As Joan’s primary caregiver, Spike has learned to navigate the language and realities of Multiple Myeloma and participates in a monthly caregiver support group that he considers “his tribe.” A natural nurturer, he brings unconditional love, strength, and humor to every stage of the journey. Through the highs and lows of this disease, their friendship and marriage have only grown stronger as they face MM together.
