For Your Health News

Makella S. Coudray, PHD, MPH Epidemiologist National Minority Quality Forum Dr. Makella S. Coudray is an infectious disease epidemiologist with the National Minority Quality Forum and a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Department of Population Health Sciences at the University of Central Florida. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, 2020) in Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology from Florida International University, a Master of Public Health (MPH, 2016) in Epidemiology and a Bachelor of Science (BSc, 2015) in Biology from St. George’s University (Grenada). Dr. Coudray hails from the beautiful twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago and has strong ties to Guyana (maternal heritage). Currently, Dr. Coudray’s work investigates sexual health disparities among marginalized populations- especially transgender women, and cisgender women of color- using a bio-behavioral lens. Specifically, she uses quantitative methods to examine the social determinants of sexual health risk factors. Additionally, her work also explores the impact of social and structural determinants of health on COVID-19 outcomes. In her role at NMQF, Dr. Coudray is tasked with ensuring participant retention for the Minority and Rural Coronavirus Insights Study (MRCIS). Latrice Landry, PhD Instructor University of Pennsylvania Dr. Latrice Landry is a translational genomicist with training in epidemiology, bioinformatics, and clinical molecular genetics. Her research focuses on the systematic integration of multiple genomic modalities into molecular diagnostics to aid in clinical decision-making. Dr. Landry’s process focuses on the use of bioinformatics pipelines as well as variant curation to incorporate genomic data in molecular diagnostics. Christina Edwards, MHA Director of Clinical Trials National Minority Quality Forum Christina Edwards began her academic career at Howard University, earning her Bachelor of Science. She later earned her Master of Health Administration from George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. Years later she ventured into academic research at Weill Cornell Medicine, managing a multisite, NIH funded, pediatric study for children with Crohn’s disease. Now serving as the Clinical Trial Director for Center for Clinical and Social Research at NMQF, she aims to increase research trial participation among underserved and underrepresented populations. Ola Akinboboye, MD, MPH, MBA, FACP, FACC, FAHA, FASNC, DABSM Medical Director Queens Heart Institute & Laurelton Heart Specialist PC Dr. Akinboboye is currently a Clinical Professor of Cardiology at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-Northwell. He completed his medical education at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan in 1984. He obtained a Master of Public Health Degree from the School of Public health at Columbia University in 1998. He also received a Master of Business Administration degree from Columbia University Business School in 2001. William A. Meyer III Ph.D, D(ABMM), MLS (ASCP) CM Medical and Technical Laboratory Consultant Quest Diagnostics Dr. Meyer is a Medical and Technical Laboratory Consultant for the entire Quest Diagnostics organization. He also has technical and consultative responsibility for the Clinical Pathology services provided in the Virology/Mycology/Molecular Biology areas for the Quest Diagnostics East Region facilities. Shantoy Hansel, MPH Research Associate National Minority Quality Forum Shantoy is a dedicated and accomplished researcher with a rich background in both laboratory sciences and public health epidemiology. Following her undergraduate studies, Shantoy immersed herself in various laboratory environments, gaining hands-on experience and honing her skills. In pursuit of deeper knowledge, she went on to obtain her Master's Degree in Public Health Epidemiology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC) in 2020.

Accountability for health equity at the federal, state, and local policy levels is no longer an option but an imperative. In developing new healthcare policies and systems, equity must be prioritized and incorporated from the start. ⁠https://bit.ly/HealthEquityInActionGuide⁠ Moderator Brian Smedley, PhD Equity Scholar Senior Fellow at the Urban Institute Dr. Brian D. Smedley is among the inaugural class of Equity Scholars at the Urban Institute, where he will conduct research and policy analysis to address structural and institutional forms of racism that impact the health and well-being of people of color. Formerly, Dr. Smedley was Chief of Psychology in the Public Interest at the American Psychological Association (APA), where he lead APA’s efforts to apply the science and practice of psychology to the fundamental problems of human welfare and social justice. Anational thought leader in the field of health equity, Dr. Smedley got his start in Washington, D.C. as an APA Congressional Science Fellow, and subsequently served at APA as Director of Public Interest Policy. Most recently, he was co-founder and Executive Director of the National Collaborative for Health Equity (www.nationalcollaborative.org), a project that connects research, policy analysis, and communications with on-the-ground activism to advance health equity. He was also co-Director of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Leadership National Program Center. From 2008 to 2014, Dr. Smedley was Vice President and Director of the Health Policy Institute of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies in Washington, DC, a research and policy organization focused on addressing the needs of communities of color. Panelists Gary A. Puckrein, PhD President and Chief Executive Officer National Minority Quality Forum Gary A. Puckrein, PhD, is President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) — formerly the National Minority Health Month Foundation—a not-for-profit organization that he founded in 1998. NMQF addresses the critical need for strengthening preventable illness in minority populations through prevention, early detection, and control of disease complications. In April 2001, the National Minority Health Month Foundation launched National Minority Health Month in response to Healthy People 2010, the national health promotion and disease-prevention initiative. NMQF has received support from a wide variety of organizations, including federal agencies, pharmaceutical companies, payers, and trade associations. With support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, NMQF undertook the Zip Code Analysis Project, developing a comprehensive database that links vital statistics and other elements. Melissa Bishop-Murphy, J.D. Senior Director of National Government Relations and Multicultural Affairs Pfizer, Inc. Melissa Bishop-Murphy is Senior Director of National Government Relations and Multicultural Affairs at Pfizer, Inc., where she supports the company's overall federal and state government relations and public affairs strategy and advises leadership on current multicultural congressional and legislative issues and activities. In addition, Ms. Bishop-Murphy leads Pfizer's government relations activities in GA, SC, NC and Puerto Rico as well as co-leads Pfizer’s Multicultural Health Equity Collective. Prior to joining Pfizer, Ms. Bishop-Murphy was General Counsel for the Georgia Department of Medical Assistance, concentrating in the areas of Medicare and Medicaid, and served as an Attorney with the Department of Health and Human Services. Named one of Georgia's most powerful & influential women in Women Looking Ahead Magazine, Ms. Bishop-Murphy is currently on the board of the Andrew Young Center for International Affairs at Morehouse College and the Georgia Charter Schools Association.

Accountability for health equity at the federal, state, and local policy levels is no longer an option but an imperative. In developing new healthcare policies and systems, equity must be prioritized and incorporated from the start. https://bit.ly/HealthEquityInActionGuide Moderator Brian Smedley, PhD Equity Scholar Senior Fellow at the Urban Institute Dr. Brian D. Smedley is among the inaugural class of Equity Scholars at the Urban Institute, where he will conduct research and policy analysis to address structural and institutional forms of racism that impact the health and well-being of people of color. Formerly, Dr. Smedley was Chief of Psychology in the Public Interest at the American Psychological Association (APA), where he lead APA’s efforts to apply the science and practice of psychology to the fundamental problems of human welfare and social justice. Anational thought leader in the field of health equity, Dr. Smedley got his start in Washington, D.C. as an APA Congressional Science Fellow, and subsequently served at APA as Director of Public Interest Policy. Most recently, he was co-founder and Executive Director of the National Collaborative for Health Equity (www.nationalcollaborative.org), a project that connects research, policy analysis, and communications with on-the-ground activism to advance health equity. He was also co-Director of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Leadership National Program Center. From 2008 to 2014, Dr. Smedley was Vice President and Director of the Health Policy Institute of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies in Washington, DC, a research and policy organization focused on addressing the needs of communities of color. Panelists Gary A. Puckrein, PhD President and Chief Executive Officer National Minority Quality Forum Gary A. Puckrein, PhD, is President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) — formerly the National Minority Health Month Foundation—a not-for-profit organization that he founded in 1998. NMQF addresses the critical need for strengthening preventable illness in minority populations through prevention, early detection, and control of disease complications. In April 2001, the National Minority Health Month Foundation launched National Minority Health Month in response to Healthy People 2010, the national health promotion and disease-prevention initiative. NMQF has received support from a wide variety of organizations, including federal agencies, pharmaceutical companies, payers, and trade associations. With support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, NMQF undertook the Zip Code Analysis Project, developing a comprehensive database that links vital statistics and other elements. Melissa Bishop-Murphy, J.D. Senior Director of National Government Relations and Multicultural Affairs Pfizer, Inc. Melissa Bishop-Murphy is Senior Director of National Government Relations and Multicultural Affairs at Pfizer, Inc., where she supports the company's overall federal and state government relations and public affairs strategy and advises leadership on current multicultural congressional and legislative issues and activities. In addition, Ms. Bishop-Murphy leads Pfizer's government relations activities in GA, SC, NC and Puerto Rico as well as co-leads Pfizer’s Multicultural Health Equity Collective. Prior to joining Pfizer, Ms. Bishop-Murphy was General Counsel for the Georgia Department of Medical Assistance, concentrating in the areas of Medicare and Medicaid, and served as an Attorney with the Department of Health and Human Services. Named one of Georgia's most powerful and influential women in Women Looking Ahead Magazine, Ms. Bishop-Murphy is currently on the board of the Andrew Young Center for International Affairs at Morehouse College and the Georgia Charter Schools Association.

Join us for a candid discussion on how vaccines can lead to healthier outcomes for people living with diabetes. Our panelists will discuss the value of vaccines in communities of color, which vaccines are most effective in living well for those with diabetes, and how our community partners and advocacy organizations are a catalyst to promoting the value of vaccination. Moderator Anna Norton, MS President, Center for Sustainable Health Care Quality & Equity, National Minority Quality Forum Anna Norton has worked in the non-profit sector for 25 years as an advocate, fundraiser, speaker, and leader. She has been featured in an assortment of health-related magazines and books, including Balancing Pregnancy with Pre-Existing Diabetes, A Woman's Guide to Diabetes: A Path to Wellness and Diabetic Living. Anna graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida and Master of Science in Education at Florida International University. Panelists Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, BCACP, CDCES, FADCES, FCCP Endocrinology Clinical Pharmacy Specialist Cleveland Clinic Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, BCACP, CDCES, FADCES, FCCP is an Endocrinology Clinical Pharmacy Specialist. She serves as the Co-Director of Endocrine Disorders in Pregnancy and the Director of Education and Training in Diabetes Technology at the Cleveland Clinic Endocrinology and Metabolism Institute. Dr. Isaacs earned her bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Doctor of Pharmacy Degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) and completed a pharmacy practice residency at the Philadelphia Veterans Affairs. Dr. Isaacs holds board certifications in pharmacotherapy, ambulatory care, and advanced diabetes management. She served on the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Professional Practice Committee from 2020-2023, the committee that updates the ADA Standards of Care. She is a National Board Member of the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES). Tasha Berry-Lewis Health Ministry Director New Spiritual Light Missionary Baptist Church Tasha R. Berry-Lewis is a Health Advocate based in the Chicagoland area. She brings a wealth of experience from her previous role in the federal government, where she specialized in Human Resources, focusing on Labor and Employee Relations, Benefits, Training, and Payroll. Tasha is also a distinguished 20-year military veteran, serving during the Gulf War in Dharan, Saudi Arabia. Since 2021, Tasha has been a part of the National Minority Quality Forum - Faith Health Alliance, where she has been providing educational services to churches in the Chicagoland area on various health-related topics, including influenza, and COVID-19 vaccines. Kristian Hurley Senior Vice President of Programs, Advocacy and Health Equity, Beyond Type 1 Kristian Hurley is the Senior Vice President of Programs, Advocacy, and Health Equity at Beyond Type 1, a global nonprofit that helps people living with diabetes to stay alive and thrive. She is an experienced leader with a history of tripling health impact and revenue by inspiring transformative change in communities through building coalitions to increase health equity. Dr. Enrique Caballero, MD Endocrinologist/Investigator, Division of Endocrinology Diabetes and Hypertension, Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital Dr. Caballero is an Endocrinologist, Clinical Investigator and Educator. He is the Faculty Director of International Innovation Programs and Faculty Director of Diabetes Education in the Office for External Education at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Caballero founded the Latino Diabetes Initiative at the Joslin Diabetes Center and the Diabetes Program within the Spanish Clinic at the Brigham and Women's Hospital, both affiliated with Harvard Medical School. He is currently Associate Scientist in the Division of Global Health Equity at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.

Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive form of cancer with high rates of recurrence. Despite incredible strides made to lower breast cancer mortality in the U.S., the risk of death for women diagnosed with TNBC is far greater than for those diagnosed other types of breast cancer. Significant progress has been made in the fight against TNBC, but there is much more work to be done to improve outcomes for all women diagnosed with TNBC. This interactive discussion with leaders in the breast cancer community aims to raise awareness on inequities surrounding early diagnosis and survival of Black, Hispanic/Latina, and young women affected by TNBC and the importance of continued research and development to bring more treatment options to TNBC patients. Panelists Ricki Fairley, TNBC survivor CEO of TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance #Whenwetrial Movement, Founder and Co-Host Ricki is an award-winning, marketing veteran that has transformed her strategic acumen into breast cancer advocacy. Ricki co-founded and serves as CEO of TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance to address Black Breast Cancer as a unique and special disease state. Ricki founded and serves as co-host for “The Doctor Is In,” a weekly live breast cancer advocacy web series on the BlackDoctor.org Facebook page that reaches over 3 million viewers. She is a founding member of #BlackDataMatters.

Elizabeth Valencia, MD JD, FCLM Consultant Breast Imaging & Intervention, Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic Rochester American Medical Association-Minority Affairs Section, Chair of Engagement Dr. Valencia is a medical expert in Breast Cancer Imaging and Intervention at Mayo Clinic Rochester. She is a passionate breast cancer and community advocate, and former Enterprise Associate Dean of Diversity Equity and Inclusion for Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine Arizona, Florida, Minnesota campuses. Dr. Valencia serves on the Board of Governors for the American College of Legal Medicine and Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, serves as the American Medical Association’s Minority Affairs Section-Chair of Engagement, Women for Wellness Equity and Leadership Scholar, and National Hispanic Medical Association Leadership Scholar, and Student National Medical Association (SNMA) Hall of Fame faculty and community advocate. Vivian Jolley Bea, M.D., FACS Section Chief of Breast Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery New York - Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital Vivian Jolley Bea, MD, has been appointed Section Chief of Breast Surgical Oncology in the Department of Surgery for New York- Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. Dr. Bea received her masters degree in biology from Drexel University and her medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine. She completed her training in general surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina and a fellowship in breast surgical oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Melissa Davis, PhD Director of the Institute of Translational Genomic Medicine Morehouse School of Medicine Dr. Davis serves as Scientific Director of the International Center for the Study of Breast Cancer Subtypes (ICSBCS), (Interim) Director of Health Equity for the Englander Institute of Precision Medicine and Associate Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology in the Department of Surgery and at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, NY. She is also a Cancer Ethnicity Scholar, co leading the PolyEthnic-1000 project at New York Genome Center. Catherine Lai, PharmD Executive Director, Clinical Development Gilead Sciences Catherine Lai, PharmD is the Executive Director of Clinical Research in Oncology responsible for overseeing TNBC research at Gilead Sciences. Her current work primarily focuses on the development of medicines in the treatment of Breast Cancer with the goal of bringing meaningful improvements for all those impacted by the disease.

This conversation is focused on healthy aging, especially the importance of vaccination. Moderator Harry S. Strothers III, MD, MMM Professor and Chair, Department of Family Medicine Mercer University School of Medicine, Chief Family Health Center Atrium Health Navient Harry S. Strothers III, MD, MMM, CAQ-G FAAFP became Chairman and Professor of the Department of Family Medicine at Mercer University School of Medicine and Chief of Family of Atrium Health Navient Health Family Medicine in March 2016. Dr. Strothers received his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1982 and stayed for residency training in Family Medicine. He is board certified in Family Medicine and has a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Geriatrics. Dr. Strothers also earned a Masters in Medical Management (MMM) from the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine and American College of Physician Executives in 2000. Dr. Strothers started practice at a rural National Health Service Corps site in South Carolina. Panelists Dr. Iyabode (Yabo) Beysolow, MD, MPH YB Consultants, LLC. Dr. Beysolow, founder and owner of YB Consultants, LLC, is a respected public health professional with extensive experience and expertise in the area of immunizations: recommendations, implementation and delivery, strategic communications; a public speaker with a reputation for a clear, engaging, and informative communication style; and a highly skilled physician leader with extensive clinical, management, strategic planning, and collaboration-building experience. Dr. Beysolow is a board-certified pediatrician with over 20 years of experience in private practice and urgent care settings and ownership and management of a pediatric practice. Dr. Beysolow currently serves on the Boards of various national organizations, including the Quality Improvement Education Advisory Group of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Minority Quality Forum's (NMQF - SHC) Advisory Board. Laura Lee Hall, Ph.D. President, Center for Sustainable Health Care Quality and Equity National Minority Quality Forum Dr. Laura Lee Hall brings 20 years plus of executive experience leading health advocacy, research, education, and quality improvement efforts. Dr. Hall founded the Center for Sustainable Health Care Quality and Equity (SHC) in 2016 as part of the National Minority Quality Forum to help translate data, geomaps, and educational efforts into improved health in underserved communities, through provider and community education and practice improvement. SHC has launched national initiatives in flu and COVID vaccination, diabetes, heart failure, and cancer screenings, working with FQHCs, other clinics, pharmacists, churches, and other community leaders. Fredie Spry Certified Community Health Worker, HAIR Wellness Warrior Owner of The Shop Spa Fred Spry is a distinguished master barber and the proud proprietor of The Shop Spa, situated in Hyattsville, Maryland. With a passion for both grooming and community well-being, Fred engages his clientele in essential conversations regarding preventive healthcare. As a Certified Community Health Worker and a founding member of Health Advocates In-Reach and Research (HAIR), he tirelessly champions education and awareness to better serve both his clients and the wider community. Regina Robinson, RN, BSN, MSN, MEd Obtained Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Cincinnati & Master of Science in Nursing & Education from Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio. She retired from Cincinnati Veteran Affairs Medical Center, 2014, after 25 years of service to veterans. She is a member of the Ohio Nurses Association & Sigma Theta Tau & stays abreast of current trends in nursing. She is a member of Legacy Pointe Church & active with the leadership team, coordinator of the health & wellness ministry, & a representative for Legacy Pointe with the National Minority Quality Health Forum.

We have yet to reach a consensus on the intellectual foundation of the health equity movement as it tries to replace the legacy system.

Join us to discuss ways to improve or even replace the system for the best healthcare outcomes. We will also put in context the operating consensus that informs how health is apportioned. Speakers Gary A. Puckrein, PhD President and Chief Executive Officer National Minority Quality Forum Gary A. Puckrein, PhD, is President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) — formerly the National Minority Health Month Foundation—a not-for-profit organization that he founded in 1998. NMQF addresses the critical need for strengthening preventable illness in minority populations through prevention, early detection, and control of disease complications. In April 2001, the National Minority Health Month Foundation launched National Minority Health Month in response to Healthy People 2010, the national health promotion and disease-prevention initiative. NMQF has received support from a wide variety of organizations, including federal agencies, pharmaceutical companies, payers, and trade associations. With support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, NMQF undertook the Zip Code Analysis Project, developing a comprehensive database that links vital statistics and otherelements—including demographic, environmental, claims, prescription, laboratory, hospital, andclinic data—in a centralized data warehouse, organized around zip codes. The Zip Code Analysis Project has enabled NMQF to develop the Health Assessment Tool, which measures and forecasts health status in small geographic areas, evaluates the impact of specific interventions, monitors changes in health outcomes, and undertakes risk assessments (health-care utilization and its financial implications). NMQF uses the Health Assessment Tool to stratify communities by geographic and health-status referents and to provide the health-disparities movement with a common set of indicators to measure and report on progress toward the elimination of disparities in health care and health status. Dr. Puckrein has received many awards and honors, including being named a visiting scholar and fellow at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History and a visiting fellow at Princeton University. He was publisher of American Visions, the country’s leading African American art and cultural magazine, which he launched during his tenure at the Smithsonian Institution and Rutgers University. Dr. Puckrein also created and launched Minority Health Today, which served the needs of clinicians practicing in minority communities. Mia Keeys, MA, DrPH(c) Director of Federal Affairs Hologic, Inc. Mia R. Keeys is the Director of Federal Affairs at Hologic, Inc. She's formerly the Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Robin L. Kelly, and also previously served as the Director of Health Equity Policy & Advocacy with the American Medical Association, after serving as the Policy Director of Congresswoman Robin Kelly's (D-IL) Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Health Braintrust, the premier health policy arm of the CBC. In April 2017, The National Minority Quality Forum recognized Mia as a 40 Under 40 Leader in Minority Health. The Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences features Mia's children's book on health equity-titled Cole Blue, Full of Valor-in their national archives, "Visualizing Health Equity." Mia has been a Kaiser Family Foundation Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholar; a Fellow for the City of Philadelphia in the Deputy Mayor's Office for Health and Opportunity; and an HIV/AIDS researcher in South Africa. Mia was also a U.S. Fulbright Fellow to Indonesia, where she lived and worked in various teaching, public health service and research capacities for three years, while simultaneously learning the national language, Bahasa Indonesian.

Clinical trials can provide patients with early access to cutting-edge medicines under close medical supervision, yet the majority still do not reflect the increased diversity and complexity of the U.S. and global populations. Join us for an engaging discussion on the latest efforts to disrupt the traditional approach to clinical research and build capacity in communities that are historically underserved to ensure greater equity in access to care. Moderator Christina Edwards, MHA Director, Clinical Trials Center for Clinical and Social Research, National Minority Quality Forum Christina Edwards began her academic career at Howard University, earning her Bachelor of Science. She later earned her Master of Health Administration from George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. A research coordinator position at an NYC research clinic would offset her career into the clinical research field. Years later she ventured into academic research at Weill Cornell Medicine, managing a multisite, NIH funded, pediatric study for children with Crohn’s disease. She later transitioned to the New York –Presbyterian Health System coordinating industry sponsored clinical trials for the Department of Medicine- Pulmonary and Critical Care, now serving as the Clinical Trial Director for Center for Clinical and Social Research at NMQF. Panelists Salvatore Alesci, MD, PhD SVP, Clinical & Social Research Institute National Minority Quality Forum Dr. Alesci is a physician-scientist and healthcare executive with over two decades of working experience spanning multiple leadership roles in the government research and biopharmaceutical sectors. His expertise in R&D strategy and translational medicine have been applied to multiple therapy areas and drug pipelines. Dr. Alesci is uniquely poised to lead NMQF's efforts in fostering innovative research to promote health equity. Dr. Alesci received his M.D. (cum laude) and a Ph.D. in Experimental Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences from University of Messina, School of Medicine (Italy). After his post-graduate training, Dr. Alesci spent almost a decade conducting cutting-edge basic and translational research on the interplay between the neuroendocrine and immune systems at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Alesci left the NIH to join the biopharmaceutical industry in 2006, serving in a number of Translational Medicine leadership roles at Wyeth, Pfizer and Merck. and leading efforts to “de-risk” several drug candidates as they progressed through the pipeline. More recently, Dr. Alesci has served as Chief Scientist and Strategy Officer and Chair of the Scientific Advisory Council at Beyond Celiac. Lloryn Hubbard Director, Patient Diversity PPD Clinical Research, Thermo Fisher Scientific Lloryn Hubbard is an accomplished clinical operations professional and leader in ensuring diverse populations are represented in clinical research. As head of Patient Diversity at PPD, Lloryn has strategic oversight over the company’s clinical trial health equity efforts and leads a team of specialists focused on optimizing drug development for patient diversity. Prior to PPD, she was a project lead for Health Equity and Population Science at Genentech where she led impactful efforts to address disparities in medicine, including spearheading the development of a portfolio of solutions to embed inclusive research across the drug development life cycle. Foster Rockwell Director, Enterprise Learning PPD Clinical Research, Thermo Fisher Scientific Foster Rockwell is a talent development professional with over 25 years of experience creating and directing adult learning programs that improve organizational performance. He is the program manager for PPD’s SiteCoach training for research naïve sites and he provides oversight for PPD’s SiteCoach Patient Diversity in Clinical Trials training program.

This webinar is focused on educating community leaders, partners, clinicians and the general public about updates on adult vaccine coverage and cost for the insured and uninsured as well as working with pharmacies and local health departments. Moderator Chinonso Ukachukwu, MPH Director, Quality Improvement & Equity National Minority Quality Forum, Center for Sustainable Health Care Quality and Equity Chinnie is a passionate Public Health Specialist with over 10 years of progressive leadership experience in healthcare. She comes with a proven track record of accomplishments in health education, health promotion, growth strategy and high- level partnership creation. In addition to a Masters of Public Health degree from Southern New Hampshire University, she has over half a decade of results- oriented practical experiences working with statewide and national agencies to implement evidence-based practices grounded in quality improvement principles across different populations in Washington DC. She is currently the Director, Quality Improvement and Equity at the National Minority Quality Forum’s Center for Sustainable Health Care Quality and Equity (SHC). In her role, she ensures the engagement and implementation of education projects for clinical teams and community leaders to address health disparities in diverse and underserved populations among other duties. Panelists Charley John, PhD Senior Director Healthcare Policy and Strategy, Walgreens Charley John serves as Senior Director of Healthcare Policy and Strategy for the Walgreen Company. He has been with Walgreens for 25 years, 10 of them as a pharmacist. He attended the University of Florida where he completed his doctorate of pharmacy. He started his career in South Florida as a pharmacy intern and had stints in Cincinnati, and the Washington, D.C. metro area. At these stops, he has served in a pharmacist and in an operations leadership capacity. Dr. John has worked to improve equitable access to healthcare through pharmacy by championing the role pharmacists play with medication counseling, adherence, disease state management, and immunizations. He was the recipient of the National Minority Quality Forum’s 40 Under 40 Leader in Health Award. He has worked in the community collaborating with several organizations to increase awareness of health topics such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and infectious disease care and bringing resources to the underserved through screenings, medications, and consultations. During the pandemic, he has worked closely with both the Administration and Federal Agencies on the COVID testing, vaccine, and therapeutics distribution and administration effort, contributing to the operational, public health, and policy planning. Phyllis Arthur Senior Vice President, Infectious Diseases and Emerging Science Policy Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) Phyllis Arthur is Senior Vice President for Infectious Diseases and Emerging Science Policy at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO). In this role Ms. Arthur is responsible for working with member companies in vaccines, antimicrobial resistance and biodefense on policy, legislative and regulatory issues. Prior to joining BIO, she worked in numerous marketing and sales positions for Merck & Co Inc in their Vaccine Division. Over her 16-year career at Merck, Ms. Arthur launched several exciting new vaccines in the United States and internationally, including the first HPV vaccine, GARDASIL.

Abby Bownas Coalition Manager, Adult Vaccine Coalition Abby Bownas is a Partner and Coalition manager extraordinaire who is currently running the Adult Vaccine Access Coalition (adultvaccinesnow.org). She has subject matter expert in vaccine policy, diabetes-related policy issues, and preventive health. Additionally, Abby has a broad reach in the patient advocacy world, strong understanding of nutrition, housing policy and community development.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a potentially deadly virus that tragically causes an estimated 100 to 300 deaths each year among children younger than age 5. Children from families with low-income status, children of color and children with compromised immune systems are at particular risk. Join us for a discussion about the recent progress in making mAbs available for the upcoming RSV season and next steps that are needed to ensure that all children are covered. Moderator Adjoa Kyerematen, MS Vice President of Public Affairs & Communications National Minority Quality Forum Adjoa Kyerematen is Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications at the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF), the leading research national nonprofit focused on health equity and advancing minority health. Adjoa co-chairs the Cancer Stage Shifting Initiative, NMQF’s initiative aligned with President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot 2.0 program, and leads strategic campaigns that shape policy, execute community interventions, and drives awareness to advance cancer equity. Adjoa was named to PRWeek’s 40 under 40 top PR Professionals and a Capitol Hill/federal government agency veteran, Adjoa is a strategic communications expert with an award-winning record and health equity expertise. Prior to this, Adjoa worked at CMS’ Center for Innovation (CMMI) as a Senior Advisor in the center’s leadership office where she crafted messaging, advised on communication efforts and stakeholder engagement among payers, pharmaceutical companies, health systems and other federal agencies. She currently serves on the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Advisory Panel on Clinical Effectiveness and Decision Science (CEDS) which analyzes critical knowledge gaps in health communication particularly in vulnerable communities. Panelists Erin E. Jones, JD Director, Legislative and Strategy Counsel March of Dimes Office of Government Affairs Erin Jones currently serves as the Director, Legislative and Strategy Counsel within March of Dimes Office of Government Affairs. Erin has been with the organization for 17 years. With more than 28 years of experience in health care, behavioral health, advocacy, and public policy, Erin has held various positions within March of Dimes and as Interim Director of Behavioral Health at Eastern CT Health Network, Medicaid Outreach and Advocacy Director for MAXIMUS and the State of Connecticut, Counselor and Case Manager at Easter Seals of Connecticut. Erin earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Saint Joseph’s College, her Master’s degree of science in Clinical and Counseling Psychology at Central Connecticut State University and Juris Doctorate at Yale University School of Law. William V. La Via, M.D., FAAP Medical Director, Medical Affairs, RSV Prevention Sanofi I completed pediatric residency training as well as pediatric infectious diseases fellowship training at the University of California, Irvine medical center and the affiliated Miller Children’s Hospital in Long Beach, CA. After training I spent 14 years in practice mostly in academic infectious diseases but 3 years were spent in private practice. In 2005 I moved to Medical affairs at MedImmune, which became a specialty division of AstraZeneca after its acquisition. I supported their infectious disease biologic portfolio, vaccines and respiratory biologics. During the pandemic, I transitioned to work at Karius, a pioneer in the detection of microbial cell-free DNA (mcfDNA) for serious, deep-seated infections, as a medical director in Medical Affairs. I have been interested in RSV since first conducting a clinical study during residency and am passionate about finding a solution to mitigate the impact on infants and young children each winter season. This led me to Sanofi where I joined Medical Affairs to work as a medical director focused on RSV disease prevention in 2020.