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Uché Blackstock, MD
Keynote SpeakerDr. Blackstock is the founder and CEO of Advancing Health Equity, an emergency physician, MSNBC medical contributor and a New York Times bestselling author of Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine. She is a well-respected thought leader on bias and racism in healthcare, and Forbes has described her as "a growing voice that is bringing to light and offering solutions to unconscious bias and structural racism among healthcare organizations."
Additionally, Dr. Blackstock received recognition from Forbes magazine in 2019 as one of “10 Diversity and Inclusion Trailblazers You Need to Get Familiar With,” and in 2020, she was one of only thirty-one inaugural leaders to be awarded with an unrestricted grant for her advocacy work from the Black Voices for Black Justice Fund.
Virginia Allen, DHL, LPN, FADLN
Black AngelsBorn in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1931 and raised in Detroit Michigan until the age
of 16, Virginia convinced her parents to allow her to live on Staten Island with her
Aunt Edna who was a Registered Nurse. This pivotal decision paved the way to
Virginia’s nursing career and passion for helping, including the most vulnerable
patients in a Tuberculosis Sanitarium at Sea View Hospital in Staten Island. These
efforts resulted in Virginia being recognized as one of the Black Angels.
In the 1960s Virginia was involved with the Women’s Crisis Center in Port
Richmond, Staten Island. She then took a break from her nursing career and went back
to school to pursue a career in Labor Relations, to better serve the membership of the
unions for Local 144, the Nursing Homes, and 1199, the Healthcare workers of the
Service Employees International Union. She attended numerous schools,
including Cornell University, New York University, and the College of Staten Island.
Virginia eventually went back to nursing and still holds a current license. She retired
from Staten Island University Hospital's Operating Room.
Virginia is a lifelong community activist who has volunteered for organizations
focused on healthcare, women’s and senior citizen’s issues, education reform, culture
and youth involvement. Virginia has served on numerous boards, for example: Cultural
Crossroads in Fort Greene, Art Lab at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Staten Island
OutLOUD and the College of Staten Island Auxiliary Board providing Grants for
Education and Vocation. She is a member of the Unitarian Church of Staten Island and
has served on the Board of Trustees and on many church committees for over 40 years.
She serves on the Board of the Staten Island Ballet and on the Board of Directors of the
Frederick Douglass Memorial Park, Inc. Virginia is also a member of the NAACP, the
New York Urban League, Sandy Ground Historical Society, Lambda Kappa Mu
Sorority, Inc., Lambda Chapter, the Weeksville Society, the North Star Lions Club,
New York State Women as Historian, and the Schomburg Center for Research in
Black Culture.Virginia is one of the original members of The National Council of Negro Women
Staten Island Section. In 2001,Virginia was recognized as a Legacy Life member.
Over the last 52 years, Virginia has held nearly every position on the NCNW-SI
Executive Board and chaired nearly every committee. Her intuitiveness and leadership
skills led to the establishment of a Youth Scholarship Fund and the annual Harambee
Celebration in which leaders who selflessly give back to the community are honored.
Virginia helped to shape many of the practices the Section continues to follow today.
Virginia has received accolades from a diverse body of stakeholders including
Councilwoman Debbie Rose, the New York State Senate and Assembly, the Borough
President, the Stapleton UAME and St. Philips Baptist Church. She has been honored
with the Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority Inc. Distinguished Service Key and the Staten
Island Advances Woman of Achievement Award, Class of 2005.
In 2021 she received the New York State Nurses Association Recognition for Black
History Month, Health equity and inclusion recognition from Staten Island Women
Who March, and Recognition as a Black Angel at the unveiling of the Sea View
Murals. Virginia enjoys music, art, the theater, and traveling. She is an avid reader.
Virginia has two amazing grandsons, a beautiful great-granddaughter and 2
phenomenal great-grandsons.
Lucinda Canty, PhD, CNM, FAAN, FACNM, FADLN
- Welcome Address & Arts Ensemble
- Arts Panel: Catalyzing Power Moves: The Impact of the Arts in Social Justice
- Signature Panel: The Power Playbook: Leadership, Advocacy, & The Arts
Lucinda is a mother, nurse, midwife, researcher, nurse educator, historian, a reproductive health justice activist, artist, and poet.
Lucinda is deeply committed to improving the maternal health of Black women and other women of color. She has 27 years of experience in providing midwifery care. She exists in many lanes of nursing to address to improve health outcomes for women of color.
Her experience as a clinician, researcher, and educator fuels her desire to address racism in nursing, midwifery, and the healthcare system. The goal of Lucinda's antiracism activism is to create change in practice, education, research, and policy.
She advocates for women of color to have the resources and support they need to maintain their health and wellness.
She has presented her research at various conferences and organizations.
Andrea Dalzell, BSN, RN
Andrea is also a trailblazer in the nursing profession, as she is the first registered nurse to graduate nursing school with the use of a wheelchair in New York state. She has been a powerful voice for disability inclusion and healthcare diversity, reshaping perceptions of disability in healthcare and promoting inclusivity and representation for individuals with disabilities. Her work has inspired many and significantly impacted nursing education and training, providing students, staff, and peers with knowledge of disability. Her advocacy and activism have earned her national recognition, including the Craig H Nelson Foundation’s Visionary Award. Andrea’s dedication to nursing and her commitment to advocating for people with disabilities make her a true leader in the healthcare community.
Francesco Adefila, MSN, RN, DNP(c)
Francesco is a registered nurse specializing in mental health and emergency medicine. His longtime fascination with the mind, brain functions, and neuropharmacology inspired him to delve deeper into the effects of substances on human beings. He started his journey in 2017, working at a facility that provided flotation therapy combined with ketamine treatment for active-duty soldiers and veterans. This experience motivated him to expand his knowledge of psychedelics by earning a certification in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy from the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). Through these experiences, Francesco realized that, when used properly, substances can be a powerful tool. After several years of deepening his understanding of the therapeutic effects of psychedelics, he sought to expand his knowledge about the abuse of substances in urban communities across America. He chose a career in nursing for its unique intersection of patient advocacy and direct care. Through this experience, he gathered subjective data that led him to a crucial realization: substance misuse is not merely a matter of choice, but is largely deterministic. This profound understanding led to the creation of The Kaleidoscope Institute, an organization dedicated to producing content that promotes harm reduction and dispels myths, intending to educate society.
Chimezie Agomoh, PhD, PMHNP-BC
Chimezie Agomoh received her BSN from Curry College; her MSN from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, her Post Masters Certification in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Regis College and Ph.D. in Nursing Science at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. She has worked as a Program Director of the Adult Foster Care division of Victory Human Services where she provided leadership and mentoring of nurse consultants and care management team while developing and conducting health education training programs to the staff. She also worked as an Adjunct Faculty Member at Quincy College and Mass Bay Community College. Prior to assuming these roles, Chimezie worked in clinical areas including telemetry and respiratory units with patients on ventilators, home health care of pediatric population, as well as inpatient psychiatric unit. Her research interest area is on how to improve homecare provided to adults with mental health illness.
Dwayne Alleyne DNP, APRN, ACNP-C
Board Chair at DNPs of ColorDr. Dwayne Alleyne is a native of Brooklyn, New York. He currently resides in Columbia, SC and is a full-time Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of South Carolina College of Nursing. He received his Bachelor of Science in Physiology from Michigan State University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Adelphi University and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from the University of South Carolina. Dr. Alleyne has been in the field of nursing for over 20 years, 12 of them as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner at Prisma Health and the Columbia VA Health Care System. He is the co-founder and current Executive Director of the non profit organization Capitol Nurse Practitioner Group which is one of the largest networking NP groups in the state of South Carolina.
Maija Anderson, DNP, APRN, FNE-AP
Dr. Anderson serves as the Nursing Department Chair for the Department of Nursing at Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD. She also serves as a forensic nurse at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and University of Maryland Medical System- BWMC in Maryland. She has over 30 years of nursing experience, in the practice setting, professional nursing associations and in academia. She has secured over 12 million dollars in federal, state and foundation funding, to improve outcomes in nursing students from populations underrepresented in nursing, in support of faculty mentoring and development for nursing faculty from populations underrepresented in nursing, and to develop a model of care for victims of law enforcement violence. Her research for her first doctoral degree focused on evaluating characteristics of health care providers and how those characteristics impacted their prescribing practices of pain medication to African-Americans in the Emergency Department. Her present research interests in line with the work that she has started in working on her second doctoral degree, a PhD in Applied Sociology with a Focus on Social Justice, as well as community advocacy include evaluating and advocating for the need for implementing protocols for healthcare providers treating victims of excessive use of police force and strategies for improving educational outcomes in populations underrepresented in nursing. She recently worked to increase diversity and representation in forensic nursing leadership by serving on the IAFN Nominations Committee for three years and the Social Justice Committee for two. She continues her service by serving on the Membership Committee for the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. In her free time (smile) she spends making Nurse Cups and bracelets for her many nursing student children, hanging out with her husband, daughter, nephews and parents, and her dogs, Charlie Anderson-Connolly and Georgie Anderson.
Oriana Beaudet, DNP, RN, FAAN
Dr. Beaudet has been leading innovative change for more than 15 years through strategic, operational and change management work for nurses, nursing executives, and health systems looking to innovate across their organizations nationally. Most recently she served as Vice President of Transformation with Array Advisors, where she led strategic change management and business development for national health system clients focused on business, technology, and care delivery solutions. Dr. Beaudet completed her doctorate in nursing practice with an emphasis in Health Innovation Leadership and Design from the University of Minnesota School of Nursing.
Katie Boston-Leary, PhD, MHA, RN, NEA-BC
American Nurses AssociationKatie Boston-Leary is the Director of Nursing Programs at the American Nurses Association overseeing the Nursing Practice and Work Environment Division and Healthy Nurse Healthy Nation. She is also the Co-Lead for Project Firstline, a multi-million-dollar grant collaborative with the CDC for training on Infection Prevention and Control. Katie is also the co-chair for the DEI committee for the Healthcare Leaders Network Delaware Valley, an ACHE affiliate. She helped redesign the Nurse Leadership Institute at the University of Maryland with an embedded coaching program Katie is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland School of Nursing and the School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University. She is a board member on St. Johns University Health Programs and an editorial advisory board member with Web/MD Medscape. Katie also staffed the National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing and is also part of the National Academy of Science and Medicine’s National Plan to Address Clinician Well-Being supported by the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy. Katie also worked as an ANA representative with 4 partner organizations to organize a National Nurse Staffing Think Tank and Task Force, which published short term actionable recommendations to address the nurse staffing crisis.
She was recently identified August 2019 Health Leaders Journal as “One of Five Chief Nursing Officers Changing Healthcare”. Her most recent research was a qualitative study on nurses’ perceptions of power dynamics in the hospital setting. She is a well-known speaker nationally and internationally with many publications and podcast guest invitations. She completed her PhD at Walden University in Health Services, obtained a dual degree MBA and MHA from the University of Maryland Global Campus and her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Bowie State University in Maryland. She is a board-certified Nurse Executive and obtained a nurse executive leadership certificate from Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. She has been interviewed for stories in numerous print, online and televised media outlets namely CNBC, NY Times, Cheddar TV, HR Maximizer, Axios, Beckers and Bloomberg News. She has written and co-authored numerous articles on staffing, diversity and leadership and was recently featured on NBC’s Today Show to discuss the nurse staffing crisis that is impacting health care delivery.
Stacy Buchanan, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
Stacy B. Buchanan currently serves as Sr. Clinical Faculty with Emory University School of Nursing, and as a pediatric primary care provider in private practice. With twenty years of experience, she has educated families and promoted healthy lifestyles for all patients. In her role as clinical faculty for pediatric nurse-practitioner students, she instructs and mentors them to develop their skills as an advanced practice provider. In the clinical setting, she provides opportunities for them to model effective communication when dealing with vaccine hesitant families. Teaching them to listen attentively and recognize the unique ethnic and cultural barriers impacting vaccine decisions. It is her belief that all children should receive timely vaccinations according to the vaccine schedule.
Stacy earned her DNP from Georgia State University Byrdine F. Lewis College of Health Sciences and her MSN from Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. She is a current Sigma member and serves as a team captain for the annual local ALS United Walk. Traveling and spending time with family brings her joy.
Ahnyel Burkes, DNP, RN-BC , NEA-BC
Ahnyel Burkes, DNP, RN-BC, NEA-BC, is a faculty member of Tulane University’s Program of Nursing. Dr. Burkes is a dynamic leader in the nursing field, with a diverse portfolio spanning executive management, entrepreneurship, education, and advocacy. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Dillard University, a Master of Science in Nursing with a Healthcare Systems Management concentration from Loyola University in New Orleans, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Nurse Executive Leadership concentration from Chamberlain University. She is certified in Medical-Surgical Nursing and as an Advanced Nurse Executive. With a passion for leadership and advocacy, Dr. Jones-Burkes has held numerous leadership positions at local, statewide, and national levels throughout her career. Her dedication to driving positive change within the nursing profession is evident in her notable achievements, including spearheading Louisiana’s first comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Law in 2022 and advocating for Louisiana’s first law on Surgical Smoke Evacuation in 2023. These initiatives highlight her unwavering commitment t
Rachel Butler, MSN, FNP-BC, ACHPN, DNP (c)
Hailing from Virginia, Rachel Butler is a board-certified family nurse practitioner who is certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and graduate degree from Georgetown University. A consummate learner, she is currently pursuing her doctorate in nursing from the University of Connecticut, with an anticipated completion in December of 2024. Passionate about patient care, Rachel has been a provider for over 15 years and has practiced overseas and within several states providing care in the fields of plastic and reconstructive surgery, primary care, overseas embassy medicine and palliative care. As a palliative care provider, Rachel aims to empower her patients to maintain their autonomy, dignity, and comfort during some of their most difficult moments in life. She is currently a provider for an in-patient Palliative Care team at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, VA. When she is not working, she is feverishly studying and traveling with her husband and 2 children.
Kim Byas, PhD, MPH, FACHE
Kim Byas is the CEO of Leadership Lessons From, Inc., a non-profit focused on addressing health disparities and leadership development. He is also program director, Master of Science in Healthcare Leadership, Union Institute & University. Dr. Byas has over 40 years of experience in healthcare leadership in various settings—including federal health policy, direct patient care, public health, health insurance, strategic consulting and higher education. Dr. Byas also conducts grounded theory research on leadership; and teaches healthcare ethics to Master of Business Administration degree students at Loyola University Chicago; healthcare policy to MHA students at Rush University, Chicago; and serves on various boards of not-for-profit organizations. Dr. Byas received his doctorate in ethical and creative leadership from Union Institute & University in Cincinnati, a Master in Public Health degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wittenberg University, Springfield, Ohio. He is board certified in healthcare management as an ACHE Fellow.
Alita-Geri Carter, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC
The founder and chief consultant, Alita-Geri, has known since the age of 14 that she wanted to start a business that would contribute to the greater good of society by educating, training, and providing community members with resources to improve their communities. She is a nationally acclaimed board-certified patient advocate, nurse practitioner, author, and entrepreneur with a robust 14-year background in nursing, Alita-Geri Carter possesses a diverse and comprehensive clinical experience. Ms. Carter’s extensive background equips her with the insight and skills to navigate complex issues, engage diverse stakeholders, and drive initiatives promoting equality and accessibility for all.
Yeyin Chen, DNP-PMHNP
Yeyin (Yvonne) Chen is a dedicated and board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who graduated with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from George Washington University in May 2024. With a strong commitment to enhancing mental health care, she is set to begin her practice in an underserved area, where she aims to make a meaningful impact. Yvonne’s extensive experience includes working as a registered nurse (RN) in a psychiatric inpatient unit, where she developed her skills in managing acute mental health conditions. Her role as a nurse coordinator in a local health department, focusing on individuals with substance use disorders, has been instrumental in her advocacy for improved access to care and reducing stigma associated with mental health and addiction. Her DNP project centered on implementing the SMART discharge protocol in the psychiatric inpatient unit. It was designed to help patients better prepare for discharge and understand their disorder, treatment, and recovery process. She also secured funding for a SMART notebook, promoting nursing education and patient engagement in their treatment plan. Yvonne’s efforts reflect her commitment to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care and improving patient outcomes.
Joy Coles, DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC, MBA, CCRN
Dr. Joy Coles, DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC, MBA, CCRN is an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner currently working on the Advanced Heart Failure/Heart Transplant/Mechanical Circulatory Support team at the University of Kentucky (UK) Hospital and is a leader in the DNP Program at US World News Top Ranked HBCU Nursing School, Kentucky State University.
Dr. Coles received her first Bachelor of Science in Biomedical sciences from Wright State University in 2002 and worked in Clinical Research, contracted with Biopharma companies while acquiring her MBA. She received her second-degree BSN from the UK College of Nursing and became a lifelong UK Chellgren Honors Fellow. She worked many years as a CVICU RN before becoming an NP in Cardiology for almost a decade. She completed her post-Doctoral training in the Nursing Educator certificate program at the Johns Hopkins University and serves as a leader within the DNP Program at KYSU as subject matter expert in various courses, designing curriculum and leading the charge to grow and expand the program which graduates one of the largest cohorts of minority NPs in the Commonwealth of KY.
Dr. Coles is the current State of KY Liaison for AANP, DNPs of Color DEIAA Advocacy Committee, the Heart failure Society of America Early Career committee, Delta Psi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society for Nursing Board, and she has received numerous honors, awards including being a featured Provider in the UK Healthcare “Power of Advanced Medicine” We are Proof campaign, UK Lyman T. Johnson Torch of Excellence, UK MAGNET Nurse of the Year 2017 and she has served as an executive board member on a variety of community organizations including the American Heart Association and is a current AHA Leader of Impact to be featured in Forbes Magazine this Winter 2024. Joy also serves on the State of KY Healthcare Workforce Collaborative Advisory Board and the Ethics & Human Rights Committee for KNA. She is a native Daytonian from Ohio and has resided in Lexington, KY for the past 20 years.
Karen Danvers-Perez, DNP, MSN Ed, APRN, FNP-BC
Dr. Karen Danvers-Perez, a nurse practitioner, is a distinguished figure in the field of nursing and healthcare education. With a solid foundation in academic excellence, she earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2015 and a Master of Science in Nursing Education in 2013, both from the University of Miami. Her dedication to the nursing profession is underscored by her work as a nurse, dean of distance education nursing programs, director of nursing, and nurse educator.
Dr. Danvers-Perez embodies the essence of a multifaceted healthcare entrepreneur, merging extensive educational achievements with entrepreneurial spirit. She has consistently demonstrated leadership in nursing education, designed innovative nursing programs, and published scholarly works. She has authored several books, including her recent work, "A Nurse's Roadmap to Financial Independence: Practical Steps to Escape Financial Stress by Diversifying Your Income," and is the founder of a property management and transportation company, expanding her entrepreneurial footprint.
Her career path showcases a remarkable blend of educational excellence and entrepreneurial vigor. Her active involvement in numerous nursing organizations, coupled with awards and accolades, underscores her unwavering dedication to advancing nursing and healthcare through innovative education and entrepreneurship. As a keynote speaker, Karen Danvers-Perez offers invaluable insights, fueled by her entrepreneurial acumen, into the dynamic intersection of advanced nursing practice, nursing education, and entrepreneurship.
LaTaya De Jesus, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, DipACLM
LaTaya serves the Lord Most High by answering His call to help others. Guided by her faith, she began her healthcare journey as a combat medic in the United States Army. She earned her Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) from Florida International University and began working in emergency medicine, drawing on her military trauma care experience. Passionate about patient care, LaTaya decided to further her education, obtaining a Master of Science (MS) in nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Ohio State University. As a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), she has worked in primary care, educating her patients on how to reverse chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol through Lifestyle Medicine. She continues to practice Lifestyle Medicine in her own practice, Eden Health Restored.
LaTaya is triple board certified in family practice (FNP-BC, FNP-C) and Lifestyle Medicine (DipACLM). In her free time, she enjoys studying the Bible, spending time with her family and dog, writing, reading, sewing, playing board games, learning piano, exercising, and gardening. LaTaya’s dedication to her faith and her patients exemplifies her commitment to living a life of service.
Vernell DeWitty, PhD, MBA, RN, FADLN, FAAN
Vernell DeWitty, a transformational leader, is driven by a profound passion for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in nursing. Her journey began as the inaugural Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), where she advised the nation’s top academic nursing leaders on building consensus around a strategic approach to diversity and inclusion. Vernell's commitment to this cause is further evident in her roles as an Equity, Diversity & Inclusion senior advisor for the Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action, senior consultant for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for AACN, and CEO of Pourquois Diversity Consulting, LLC.
Vernell's distinguished career is marked by her significant leadership in nursing education, practice, and healthcare administration. She led the Robert Wood Johnson New Careers in Nursing Scholarship Program, a nine-year $44 million national collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and AACN that aimed to diversify the nursing workforce. In this capacity, she developed strategies and resources that led to the academic success of underrepresented and disadvantaged students in 130 nursing schools across 41 states and the District of Columbia. Vernell also led the design and implementation of a groundbreaking technical assistance program for 32 nursing schools funded by the Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) to increase nursing workforce diversity.
She recently conducted extensive research and published on Culture, Climate, and Belonging in nursing schools using the LAMP culture survey she created. She designed a comprehensive training program, including developing an expert consultative team for nursing schools seeking to implement holistic admissions review and related strategies to increase diversity and inclusion in student populations. She has published on mentoring, academic success, and student progression as she continues developing strategies and programs to increase nursing graduates' diversity and cultural humility.
Dr. DeWitty is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, National Black Nurses Association, National Black Nurses Association, Fellow Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing, a graduate of the Maryland Equity and Inclusion Leadership Program at the University of Maryland Shafer Policy Center, and of the Unconscious Bias Learning Lab by Cook Ross. Vernell earned her doctorate from George Mason University, MBA from Howard University, MSN from The Catholic University of America, and BSN from Dillard University. Vernell received the American Nurses Association 2014 Mary Mahoney Award for her significant contributions to advancing equal opportunities in nursing. She also received the President’s Award from the State University of New York, Downstate, for her leadership and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education in March 2020 awarded her the Individual Diversity Award. Vernell received the MEMY award from DNPs of Color (DOC) for her unwavering passion for improving the health of vulnerable populations, which is reflected in her work to achieve health equity, increase access to care, and advance workforce diversity.
Marica Derby-Davis Ph.D., RN
Dr. Marcia J. Derby-Davis has been a Registered Nurse
for over 30 years in Florida. She received her Ph.D. from
Barry University in 2010. She has taught both in the
undergraduate and graduate nursing programs.
Additionally, she has presented at national and
international nursing conferences.
On the night of December 25, 2016, Dr. Derby-Davis life
drastically changed when her 26 y/o daughter “Lucy Pink”
and her stepsister Jasmine died in an automobile crash.
The tragic experience led her on a journey of healing and
self-discovery. The journey was not an easy one, there
were many days she felt like giving up. While trying to find
meaning to her suffering “mindfulness and meditation
found her.”
The experience of loss and grief was the catalyst that led
her to become the founder of ZahariYAH Healing Body
Mind and Spirit. She believes that healing is a journey that
involves intentionality, courage, and presence. Each
person’s healing journey is different and it’s imperative that
we let go of shame and judgement and learn to embrace
self-love, forgiveness, and acceptance so that we can
experience more joy and peace in the present moment. By
sharing her story of healing, her goal is to help heal and
transform the lives of women all over the world.
Her motto: “Heal the woman heal the world"
Kimako Desvignes, MSN, RN, NE-BC
Kimako has been a nurse for 26years. She graduated with her BSN from Mount Saint Mary's University and MSN from Chamberlain College of Nursing. She is currently pursuing her DNP from the University of Texas at Arlington. Kimako currently works as an Associate Director for Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she has been an Associate Director a 63-bed Oncology, Hematology, Stem Cell Transplant, Cellular Therapy, and Hospice Unit for the last 6 years. She is passionate about providing safe, high-quality, patient-centered care. Additionally, she is passionate about coaching, mentoring, and growing her staff to find their passion, embrace it, and grow in it. It is a gift to be a nurse and more of a gift to pour into others and create a space for healing and growth.
Charmaine Duckie, NP, MSRN-BC, NEA-BC, RN
Dr. Charmaine L. Duckie, originally from Brooklyn, New York, is a seasoned nurse with 19 years of diverse healthcare experience. She holds degrees from Morrisville State University, Walden University, and Duke University, including a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a Post-doctorate Executive Leadership and Specialty training certificate.
Her career spans trauma, med/surg, home health, leadership, and informatics, where she’s excelled in workflow restructuring and finding innovative solutions to improve patient outcomes. She managed 19 anticoagulation clinics in Virginia, implementing nurse-driven protocols for 10,000 patients.
Since relocating to North Carolina, Charmaine has transformed Duke Primary Care Riverview into the area’s largest primary care practice. She’s also a consultant and the proud owner of Culturally by Popular Demand, an apparel line celebrating cultural representation.
Charmaine recently received the 2024 Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina award and the 2024 Research Mentor Award from Duke Friends of Nursing. As a mentor, entrepreneur, and community advocate, she’s a nurturing leader dedicated to helping others reach their potential. Above all, she is proud to be a devoted boy mom.
Milagros Rosado Elia, APRN, ANP-BC
Milagros R. Elia, M.A, APRN, ANP-BC, is the Program Manager of Climate and Clean Energy Advocacy at the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments (ANHE).
With a background as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Milagros' work combines understanding of the environmental impacts of climate change on population health, together with legislative advocacy efforts that support both the social and political determinates of health.
Her role as an early-stage researcher focused on patient-care and climate disasters, allows her to contribute to healthcare's growing knowledge base in this space.
Milagros is also a Fellow of the American Nurses Advocacy Institute and currently Chairs the National American Nurses Association’s Innovation Advisory Committee on Planetary and Global Health.
Robin Garrison, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CHPN
Robin Garrison APRN Is a mother of 5 living on Maui, Hawai’i . After designing computer systems for many years, then becoming a massage therapist and homebirth midwife, Robin went to nursing school at 40. She received an Associates, Bachelors, Masters in Nursing Education and FNP. Robin currently serves the houseless community as a Street Medicine NP. She dresses wounds, calls in prescriptions, coordinates with community partners, listens to stories and treats everyone with love and dignity. Robin works as an independent contractor, chooses her own days and hours and lives a life of freedom doing what she loves.
Serina Gbaba, DNP, MBA, APRN, FNP
Dr. Serina Gbaba is a Fulbright Scholar. She has BSN and DNP/FNP degrees from Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and an MBA degree from Columbia Business School. Dr. Gbaba is a high performing, highly motivated, doctoral trained advance practice healthcare professional, speaker, nurse executive, and published author on cardio-metabolic health with demonstrated success in leadership skills, and role model for nurses of color. She is an advocate for diversity of the nursing workforce and health equity in cardio-metabolic health. She was part of the team that developed and implemented diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at Meritus Health which led to increase in diversity of the nursing workforce and improved health equity in the medical system. Her expertise includes development and implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion training courses for nurse managers, nursing, and medical staff. She implemented a quality improvement project to increase diabetes self-management education referrals and participation in primary care. Dr. Gbaba has co-authored several peer-reviewed publications promoting health equity and cardio-metabolic health.
Malia Gilbert Neal
Executive Director of The Art WellMalia Gilbert Neal is a nonprofit executive and fundraiser interested in intersectionality and youth development. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Malia's professional experience has encompassed a wide range of educational focus areas, including social-emotional learning, out-of-school time enrichment, summer learning loss prevention, and career pathways for students. She currently serves as the Executive Director of ArtWell, an arts education organization that helps young people access the therapeutic, healing, and emboldening nature of art. Malia identifies as a pleasure activist, and in her spare time, she enjoys reading, singing, practicing yoga, and outdoorsy adventures. She also identifies as a mother and loves swimming and playing UNO with her 7-year old son, Leo. Malia attended DePaul University as an undergrad, and completed graduate studies at University of Delaware and University of Pennslyvania. She is excited to start Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) 200 certification in fall of 2024.
DaJanae Gresham-Ryder, DNP, MSN, RN, PHN, CMSRN
DaJanae Gresham-Ryder, a Stockton, California native, pursued nursing inspired by her grandmother's caregiving. With a B.S.N. from California State University, East Bay, she's now a Clinical Nurse III at UC Davis Medical Center and Assistant Professor at Samuel Merritt University. A military veteran, she excelled in the Nursing Leadership and Administration Graduate Program and was recognized as a 40 under 40 awardee and a Top 50 notable nurse. DaJanae focuses on quality improvement, notably reducing infections. She advocates for evidence-based care as a relief charge and UBPC member. As 1st Vice President of the Capitol City Black Nurse Association, she fights workplace oppression, organizing events like the Scholarship Gala. Her DNP project, "Cultivating Civility and Belonging Among Nurse Leaders," earned her recognition. DaJanae's vision prioritizes equitable healthcare and equal treatment for nurses of color, reflecting her dedication to humanity's future.
Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, PhD, MPH, LCSW, RN, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FADLN, FAAN
Dr. Vincent Guilamo-Ramos is Executive Director of the Institute for Policy Solutions and a tenured full professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. He is also the founding director of the Center for Latino Adolescent and Family Health (CLAFH). Dr. Guilamo-Ramos is a nurse practitioner dually licensed in adult health (ANP-BC) and psychiatric-mental health nursing (PMHNP-BC).
Widely regarded as an expert, scholar, and leader in Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and developing, evaluating, and translating family-based adolescent and young adult health interventions, Dr. Guilamo-Ramos’ research has been funded externally for two decades by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Center for Disease Control (CDC), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and various federal agencies. He has published extensively in leading scientific journals, including: The Lancet Infectious Diseases, JAMA Pediatrics, and the American Journal of Public Health. Dr. Guilamo-Ramos’ research and scholarship has led to coverage in well-known media sources such as The New York Times, NPR, and The Washington Post.
Dr. Guilamo-Ramos was a member of the ad hoc NASEM Committee on Unequal Treatment Revisited: The Current State of Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Healthcare and the NASEM Standing Committee on Reproductive Health, Equity, and Society. In addition, he serves on the Board of UnidosUS, the largest Latino civil rights organization in the United States.
Jahman Hill
- Welcome Address & Arts Ensemble
- Arts Panel: Catalyzing Power Moves: The Impact of the Arts in Social Justice
Jahman Hill is an award winning poet, playwright, and professor. In 2018, Jahman claimed the title of 3rd best slam poet in the world, and in 2019 he wrote, produced, and starred in an award-winning one-man show, Black Enough, which played off-Broadway. Jahman Hill has become a sought after poet internationally. His poetry videos have garnered millions of views online. Jahman is a professor at the University of Alabama where he received Master’s degrees in both Communication Studies and Women’s Studies. The core of Jahman's creative work centers around “The Flourish”, or the idea that Black people are infinitely possible beings.
Kechinyere (Kechi) Iheduru-Anderson, DNP, RN, CNE, CWCN
- Research Panel: Change in the Play-Writing Our Own Story
- Mini Podium: Labor of Inclusion: Unveiling Men's Journey in Prelicensure Nursing Clinical Rotations
Bio sketch: Iheduru-Anderson, Kechinyere (Kechi) DNP, RN, CNE, CWCN.
Dr. Kechi Iheduru-Anderson is a Professor and the Inaugural RN-to-BSN Nursing Program Director at Central Michigan University's College of Health Professions in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. She holds a Doctoral degree in nursing education, a master's degree in nursing leadership and healthcare administration from Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts. An Inaugural Fellow of the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing and a Fellow of the Association of Black Nurse Faculty Leadership and Public Policy Mentoring Fellowship. Her research focuses on promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, through antiracism in nursing practice, leadership, and education. Dr. Iheduru-Anderson has received several awards and recognition for the research including Sigma Nursing 2024 International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame Inductee. She is the recipient of received the 2016 ANA -Massachusetts Excellence in Nursing Education Award, and the 2021 Faculty Excellence Award for College of Health Professions, Central Michigan University, the Nightingale award for excellence in the nursing research. In 2023 Kechi also received Excellence in Academic Leadership Award from the Association of Black Nurse Faculty Inc. and Exemplary Research and Scholarship Award from Central Michigan University Diversity Office for Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mount Pleasant, MI.
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kechi-iheduru-anderson-8a9b6351/
Google scholar profile: https://scholar.google.com/iheduru-anderson
Kasheta Jackson, DNP, RN
Dr. KaSheta J. Jackson, born in Tarboro, North Carolina, currently serves as ECU Health & VP of Health Equity and Social Impact. In her role, she harnesses data to drive transformation, elevate standards, and promote community involvement across ECU Health. Her commitment aligns seamlessly with her responsibilities, enabling her active engagement in diverse projects aimed at lessening health disparities and attracting and retaining healthcare professionals. Since 2004, she has held various leadership positions spanning Patient Care Services, Quality Analytics, and Health Equity.
Sabrina Jamal-Eddine, PhD, RN
- Arts Panel: Catalyzing Power Moves: The Impact of the Arts in Social Justice
- Equity Panel: We Belong Here-Disability Advocacy in Nursing
Dr. Sabrina Ali Jamal-Eddine, PhD RN is an Arab American Disabled Registered Nurse, interdisciplinary Nurse Scientist, Disability Justice scholar, and spoken word poet. Sabrina graduated with her PhD in Nursing and Certificate in Disability Ethics from University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) where her research explored the use of critical narrative pedagogy to educate nursing students about disability, ableism, and disability justice. Sabrina is now a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Disability and Human Development at UIC where her research seeks to dismantle ableism in nursing and explore anti-colonial pedagogic strategies rooted in the lived experiences of multiply marginalized disabled people.
Theo Jones, MSN, FNP-BC
Theo Jones Sr. is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. He began his career as a registered nurse at Johns Hopkins Hospital, serving in critical care units as well as trauma operating rooms.
After obtaining his master's degree in nursing from the Chamberlain College of Nursing, he received training in pediatrics from Cross Keys Pediatrics, in addition to training in internal medicine and family practice from Mercy Medical Center.
In 2018, Theo founded Weekend Whitecoat concierge with the goal to build a personal and trusted relationship between patient and provider.
Weekend Whitecoat was born out of my frustration with the current healthcare system. While working as a Family Nurse Practitioner, both in hospitals and in private practices, things would change rapidly while faces changed even faster.
Efrat Lamandre, PhD, FNP
Dr. Efrat LaMandre, FNP, PHD is a public speaker and best-selling author with over 5 million
followers on various platforms, Dr. Efrat LaMandre, - or Dr. E as everyone calls her- is a
Medical Disruptor, disrupting and reshaping healthcare. Dr. E is a trailblazer in nurse practitioner education, spearheading EG Prep, an innovative company dedicated to equipping Nurse Practitioners students with the clinical confidence needed for excellence in primary care. In addition, Efrat owns and operates EG Healthcare, a medical practice serving over 20,000 patients across pediatric, adult, and geriatric spectrums. She also founded Hawk Scribes, a medical scribe company to help providers focus on their patients instead of her charts, and developed The Knew Method, a national functional medicine company that prioritizes getting to the root cause of medical issues rather than just treating symptoms. Efrat's influence extends to her local community as well. She serves as the Chair of the Staten Island Hospital Board of Trustees. She is also Clinical Faculty at Wagner College.
Marion Leary, PhD, MPH, RN
NursingMarion Leary, PhD, MPH, RN, is the Director of Innovation at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing. Dr. Leary is an expert in innovation methodology, studying human-centered design and design thinking in healthcare and nursing. As the Director of Innovation at Penn Nursing she works to amplify and educate nurses as leaders in health and healthcare innovation. Dr. Leary leads the national Nurse Innovation Fellowship program supported by Johnson & Johnson and powered by Penn Nursing and the Wharton School. Dr. Leary is a member of the American Nurses Association’s Innovation Advisory Committee, a member of the University Science Center’s Healthcare Innovation Advisory Committee, The Nursing Beat Advisory Board member, and a Founding member of the Society of Nurse Scientists, Innovators, Entrepreneurs and Leaders (SONSIEL). Dr. Leary is a host of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing podcast, Amplify Nursing, and the Love n’ Leary podcast and is a contributor to the American Nurses Association’s official journal and the American Nurse as part of the My Nurse Influencer’s column. In the past Dr. Leary has contributed to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Huffington Post, Generocity, and other publications.
Kwamane Liddell, JD, MHA, BSN
Kwamane Liddell, JD, MHA, BSN is the Founder and CEO of ThriveLink. Kwamane is an expert in the market and as a former Fortune 5 Director at Optum/UnitedHealth, he generated more than $125M per year in his market. Kwamane is also an experienced trauma nurse, healthcare lawyer, and hospital director. Longer Bio Kwamane Liddell, JD, MHA, BSN is a health equity visionary and former Fortune 5 business leader who has saved lives, and believes healthy food should be accessible to every sick person.
Tina Loarte-Rodriguez, DNP, RN, CPPS, CPHRM
Darreis Lucien DNP, MSN,RN,PHN
Dr. Darreis Lucien is a Professor of Nursing and Assistant Director in the Associate Degree Nursing Program at Sacramento City College. A lifelong learner, she earned her Bachelor's degree from Long Beach State University, her Master’s from the University of California, Los Angeles, and her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in 2022 from Grand Canyon University.
Dr. Lucien began her career as a staff nurse and administrator in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit before transitioning to teaching, where she shares her passion for cardiac health. Her teaching interests also include cultural humility and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her doctoral thesis focused on developing and evaluating an inpatient referral program to improve outpatient follow-up in Cardiac Rehabilitation for myocardial infarction patients.
In addition to her academic roles, Dr. Lucien serves as the 2nd Vice President of the Capitol City Black Nurses Association. She is also Co-Director and Nursing Coordinator for the Medical Team, Inc., a nonprofit that organizes healthcare clinics and empowerment conferences in Africa and Central and South America. Locally, she leads outreach and mentoring programs, including a vaccine administration initiative and a scholarship program at her church, while delivering presentations on healthcare careers and cardiovascular health to Black and Brown communities.
Rhonda Manns, MBA, BSN, RN, CCM
Recognized as one of LinkedIn's Leaders in Nursing, and “Top Voice”, Rhonda Manns is a nationally recognized nurse innovator, mentor, coach, and healthcare speaker. She is a registered nurse and certified case manager who brings awareness of empathy and design thinking to the corporate sector.
Serving on the ANA’s Innovation Advisory Committee as a Data Science and Artificial Intelligence committee member, she is a founding member, a former Board Member, and former committee Chair of SONSIEL, the Society of Nurse Scientists, Innovators, Entrepreneurs, and Leaders.
As a hackathon organizer, facilitator, and workshop designer for organizations such as UnitedHealth Care, the American Cancer Society, and MIT Hacks Racism in Medicine, she guides diverse groups of people and stealth startups to generate innovative solutions to pressing healthcare problems.
Danielle McCamey, DNP, ACNP-BC, FADLN, FCCP
President & CEO, DNPs of Color at DNPs of Color- Welcome Address & Arts Ensemble
- Signature Panel: The Power Playbook: Leadership, Advocacy, & The Arts
Dr. Danielle McCamey, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, FCCP is an expert critical care advanced practice clinician. She has nearly 20 years of nursing experience and over a decade as a board-certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Her specialties range from perianesthesia care, palliative, and critical care. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor and Assistant Dean for Strategic Relationships at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. She previously served as Chief Advanced Practice Provider of the Preanesthesia Testing Department and still practices as a Senior Advanced Practice Provider in Surgical Critical Care. Dr. McCamey is a true visionary. She is the founder, CEO, and president of DNPs of Color, Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit national organization that builds community and creates opportunities for nurses of color through networking, mentorship, and advocacy to increase diversity in doctoral studies, clinical practice, and leadership. In addition, she is the co-creator and former chair of the Doctoral Nurses Collaborative, a group that joins DNP and PhD prepared nurses throughout her current healthcare system. The Doctoral Nurses collaborative provides mentorship, scholarship, and elevation of evidence-based practice.
Kizzy McCray-Sheppard, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Dr. Kizzy McCray-Sheppard is a 3x best-selling author, minister, wellness expert transformational speaker and coach dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to achieve limitless potential. She emphasizes leading fulfilling lives through wellness and self-care.
Her nursing career took flight in 1997 as a nursing assistant, later serving as an emergency medical technician in the U.S. Air Force. She holds a B.S. in Social Psychology from Park University, a B.S. in Nursing from Georgia Southern University, an M.S. in Nursing from Chamberlain University, and a Doctorate from the University of Florida.
Dr. McCray-Sheppard's diverse experience includes roles at UF Health, Memorial Health University Medical Center, the VA Medical Center, and Community Hospice and Palliative Care. She played a pivotal role in Gainesville CLCs recognition as a 5-Star facility in 2018 and independently launched the Community Palliative Care program at HCA North Florida in 2020. Her commitment earned her the 2020 Community Hospice Superhero Service Award. She received the 2024 University of Florida’s
College of Nursing Excellence in Community Service Award.
As a community leader, Dr. McCray-Sheppard serves on the boards of Nettie Mae Berry organization, and the Manhood Youth Development Foundation PSG. She organizes health fairs and educational programs in underserved rural communities, addressing diabetes, heart disease, mental health, and more. Passionate about wellness, she founded Limitless Possibilities Now and The Limitless Self-Care T.E.A. Treat an annual event helping women overcome the “damaged vessel syndrome,” while implementing wellness and self-care practices.
Celia McIntosh, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, CCRN
- Mini Podium: Navigating CRABS: Strategies for Addressing Chaos, Resistance, Anti-Blackness, Bullying, and Silence in Board Leadership.
- Research Panel: Change in the Play-Writing Our Own Story
Celia McIntosh, DNP, RN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, SCRN, CCRN, CEN, CNRN is The Advocacy Nurse. She is a thought leader and a respected powerhouse in the community. Celia has 20 years of clinical experience as an educator, clinician, consultant, and social justice advocate in the health sector. Celia’s clinical experience includes emergency medicine, cardiac ICU/stepdown, neurology, and nonprofit leadership. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice and M.S. in Family Nursing and a post-masters in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from St. John Fisher University. Celia is a founding Rochester Black Nurses Association member and the current President. She speaks locally and nationally regarding human trafficking, depression after stroke, and Black maternal health. She is a career coach and Chief Advocacy Officer of McIntosh Advocacy and Consulting. She teaches professionals how to pause, pivot, and navigate toxic workplace culture and improve their self-efficacy to become better self-advocates.
Monica McLemore, , PhD, MPH, RN, FADLN
Dr. Monica McLemore is a tenured professor in the Child, Family, and Population Health Department and she will become the Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the School of Nursing pending approval from the Reagents. She retired from clinical work in 2019; however, currently provides flu and COVID19 vaccines. Her research is focused on reproductive justice. Her peer reviewed articles, OpEds and commentaries have been cited in six amicus briefs to the Supreme Court of the United States and three NASEM reports. She became Editor in Chief of Health Equity in 2022.
Cassandre Milien, DNP, RN
Dr. Cassandre Milien is a dedicated nurse and educator who has been a vital part of our community since 2009. With a diverse background in acute and long-term care, as well as nursing academia, she embodies a commitment to personal growth and community service. Dr. Milien earned her BSN from Barry University, followed by an MSN in Nurse Executive Leadership from Kaplan University, and a DNP from St. Thomas University. Transitioning to academia, she has spent the last ten years shaping the future of nursing through her teaching and administrative roles, demonstrating an unwavering dedication to excellence in nursing education. Her impact extends beyond the classroom; she is actively involved in health and women’s ministries at her church in Miami, Florida, where she plays a key role in planning impactful programs and events for the community. Dr. Milien believes in the holistic approach to health, emphasizing the importance of both physical and spiritual well-being. Her tireless efforts to uplift and support those in need exemplify the compassion that defines her character. Through her work and community involvement, she continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Wanda Montalvo, PhD, RN, FAAN, FADLN
Dr. Wanda Montalvo, Director of Evidence-Based and Integration Strategy at the National Association of Community Health Centers, leads national projects advancing evidence-based research and transformative care models in the safety net health care system. Currently, she leads initiatives addressing maternal mortality and supporting health centers to retain a diverse nursing workforce via the J&J Health Equity Through Nursing. She earned her PhD from Columbia University and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, a Fellow of the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing and in 2023, recognized as Nurse Researcher of the Year by the NY Chapter of the National Hispanic Nurses Association. Dr. Montalvo is a skilled multi-sector collaborator engaging diverse stakeholders and a passionate advocate for using digital media to combat health misinformation. Previously, she held leadership roles at the HRSA National Health Disparities Learning Collaborative and Columbia University School of Nursing as Executive Director for Jonas Nursing. Follow her on X @Montalvo501 and LinkedIn.
Ottamissiah Moore, BSN, RN, DNP-c
Board Member at DNPs of ColorOttamissiah (Missy) Moore is Registered Nurse, End of Life Doula and a resident of Washington D.C. Her wealth of experience and knowledge in nursing spans over 38 years. Missy has extensive experience in Long Term Care Support and services, Hospice, and Dementia Care. She provides consulting services for conference planning and trainings to include leadership, hospice and wound and dementia care. Ms. Moore provides support and education to patients, caregivers, faith communities and professionals on health-related issues.
Tiffany Morris, DNP, MS Ed, MSN, CNE
Dr. Tiffany D. Morris is the Clara Adams Ender Endowed Professor and Director of the School of Nursing at North Carolina A&T State University. She is an NLN Certified Nurse Educator with 25 years in nursing academia and has served as the Dean of Health and Public Safety at Rockingham Community College, the Assistant Dean for Faculty and Student Affairs at North Carolina A&T , and served as the Inaugural Chair for Elon University’ s Department of Nursing. Dr. Morris is committed to advancing health literary around health promotion and maintenance in the black faith community. Dr. Morris is happily married to Rev. D. JeSie Morris and has three wonderful adult children.
Alexander Murphy
- Welcome Address & Arts Ensemble
- Arts Panel: Catalyzing Power Moves: The Impact of the Arts in Social Justice
Alexander Murphy is a bi-racial, non-binary dancer and choreographer. Alexander was born and raised in Clearwater, FL, and moved to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance at the University of Florida. Alexander graduated with a B.F.A. in Dance in 2018, where their academic and choreographic focus centered on incorporating Afrocentric epistemology to liberate themselves from Eurocentric dance perspectives. As a dancer, Alexander has worked with Duane Cyrus, Trent D. Williams, Jr., Maria Gillespie, Fernando Ferraz, Christian Von Howard, and Momar Ndiaye. Alexander’s movement vocabulary draws inspiration from works and movements of contemporary African dance, American-Modern dance, and African-American movement styles from the underground LGBTQ+ ballroom scene. Alexander’s choreography comments on socio-political injustices faced by Black LGBTQ+ communities. Their choreography, “We Will Get There” and “What Kind of American?” question the existence of preventative policies related to the Black Queer experience while challenging these oppressive systems to self-reflect and implement change. Alexander has also danced with Akademy Funktion as a company member in Baltimore, MD and as a Protégé member of the Black Leaves Dance Company in Washington, DC.
Devyn Nixon
Nurse Practitioner/Nurse Educator/DNP Student at Johns Hopkins/Western Washington University/PeaceHealthDevyn Nixon, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, CVNP-BC collaborates with community and traditional health organizations to increase BIPOC representation in healthcare, educate healthcare providers on anti-racism and cross cultural engagement and change policy in my county and others surrounding.
Uzo Nwankpa, DNP, MSN-PH, RN
Dr. Uzoamaka (Uzo) Nwankpa, DNP, MSN-PH, RN, is a community health registered nurse, educator, researcher, and advocate for healing through the arts. She holds bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in nursing science. Currently, she is an assistant professor at Samuel Merritt University College of Nursing and the Founder/CEO of Wellness Promoters LLC, a consultancy dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of healthcare workers through the arts, addressing stress and burnout.
Her research interests include African Diasporic dance and wellbeing, indigenous healing practices for clinician burnout, and the use of the arts for healthcare grieving. With a focus on music and dance, she emphasizes their role in enhancing wellbeing and raising health awareness. As an Igbo woman and global citizen, Dr. Nwankpa is committed to preserving and revitalizing indigenous African healing traditions globally.
Courtney Nyange, DNP, MSN, RN, CNE
Dr. Courtney Nyange, Professor, is an academic nurse educator who specializes in nursing leadership and has a clinical background in neonatal nursing. Dr. Nyange is an international nursing scholar, a U.S. Fulbright Scholar Alumna (Tanzania, 2020-2021) and a Global Health Service Partnership (GHSP) Alumna (Tanzania, 2014-2015). Dr. Nyange is currently serving as the Executive Director of the School of Nursing at Tennessee State University and the Director of Practice for the Tennessee Nurses Association. Dr. Nyange’s scholarship interests are centered on the critical intersection of race, equity, and nursing education. As a Black academic nursing education leader, Dr. Nyange is committed to dismantling systemic barriers that impede the diversification of the nursing profession. Dr. Nyange’s scholarly agenda focuses on examining factors influencing the recruitment and retention of underrepresented nursing students and developing innovative strategies to cultivate a diverse and inclusive nursing workforce. Ultimately, Dr. Nyange aims to contribute to the creation of a healthcare system that is equitable, accessible, and responsive to the needs of diverse populations.
Joanne Patterson, DNP, PMHNP-BC
Dr. Joanne McDougal Patterson, a pioneering psychiatric nurse practitioner and nurse entrepreneur, has redefined mental health treatment in Georgia. Her innovative approach involves the establishment of the first-ever Nurse Practitioners On Wheels®, a mobile mental health clinic housed in a tiny home. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to make mental healthcare more culturally accessible. The tiny home clinic, with its warm and inviting atmosphere, provides a comfortable setting for patients, particularly women and children, to receive specialized treatment. Dr. Patterson’s unwavering commitment to mental wellness is further demonstrated through the ReLeaf Boutique, a mental wellness herbal apothecary that empowers individuals to take control of their mental health. In addition to her work with Nurse Practitioners On Wheels®, she also offers virtual visits to individuals in various states through her telepsychiatry practice, Dr. Joanne Psychiatry NP. Dr. Patterson’s extensive educational background and professional experience are a testament to her expertise in the field. A graduate of Syracuse, Emory, and Brandman University, she has over 20 years of experience as a perinatal nurse, assistant professor, and director of nursing informatics. She is also the immediate past international director of the Stork’s Nest Prenatal Education and Incentive Program for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., one of the largest service organizations in the United States. For ten years, she mobilized members alongside the March of Dimes to improve maternal morbidity and prematurity outcomes for underserved women. Dr. Patterson is not only a dedicated professional but also a loving mother to a fantastic son. She has successfully homeschooled him since the second grade, and he recently graduated this year, a testament to her commitment to both her personal and professional responsibilities.
Anthony Riley-Barrett
QAEAt the Greater New York Branch of Equitable Advisors, our mission is to provide
superior advice and service to our clients in our communities, while presenting
Equitable with the highest level of integrity. We have financial professionals who
focus on helping individuals meet a variety of financial needs, including Life
Insurance, Educational Funding, Retirement Planning, Investment Services, Estate
Planning, Qualified Plan funding, Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation, Trusted
Services and Business Continuation Plans.
Anthony attended Bloomfield College, graduating with a degree in Accounting and
Finance.
Currently, Anthony is currently one of the rising stars in the firm. Anthony is the
wealth management & tax strategy specialist on the NYC team. While successfully
assisting our clients in reaching their goals Anthony also has taken the responsibility
of training and mentoring younger advisors.
Anthony is also a proud member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. where he is on
the board community service committee and is also a graduate advisor for younger
members at his alma mater.
Roberto Roman Laporte, PhD, DNP, RN, CMSRN, EBP-C
Dr. Roberto Roman has served in healthcare for over 20 years. He has humble beginnings as an associate degree nurse from Miami Dade College. He earned his DNP from Johns Hopkins in 2018 and his PhD from the University of Miami. He holds speciality certification as a medical surgical registered nurse and is one of the first 40 people globally to be certified in the speciality area of evidenced-based practice. He currently is the Chief Innovation Officer at VitalBridge Health and Senior Vice President at International College of Health Sciences in Boynton Beach Florida. VitalBridge Health’s mission is to disrupt healthcare and provide concierge service to the uninsured, underinsured and marginalized people of South Florida. Roberto is a nurse consultant, patient advocate, and servant leader.
John Silver, PhD, RN, FINL, MBAC
Dr. Silver received his Associate degree in nursing in 1984, his BSN from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in 1998 and his Master’s Degree (Master’s Project- Proactive Media Utilization) from FAU in 2000. He earned the Public Intellectual Ph.D. in Comparative Studies (Dissertation on political empowerment) from FAU in 2010.
Dr. Silver started in healthcare in 1974. After receiving his ADN nursing degree in 1984, he worked extensively in critical care, including medical and surgical ICU’s, trauma units, burn units, and neurological ICU’s in multiple states. He spent the last 8 years of practice in emergency rooms while attaining his degrees. Academic experience includes 1.5 years at FAU and 9 years as Associate Professor at Nova Southeastern University (2006-2015). The last 10 years have been as faculty and Program Chair at a small nursing school..
Dr. Silver has presented at multidisciplinary conferences both nationally and internationally on health policy, the restructuring of healthcare systems using the Public Utility Model, and the role of nursing in that process. In 2013, he published his book on political empowerment “just a union…of nurses. Dr. Silver is an applied philosopher on health systems and political effectiveness.
Joan Smith, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
Dr. Joan E. Smith brings over 15 years of dedicated experience to the nursing profession, currently working as a nurse practitioner specializing in gastroenterology. In this role, she conducts advanced assessments, manages patients with gastrointestinal conditions, and integrates evidence- based practices and innovative strategies for enhancing GI care. Doctor Smith is deeply committed to health promotion and disease prevention, particularly within underserved communities, where she channels her passions into both formal and informal patient education initiatives. Championing health justice and equity, Doctor Smith is a tireless advocate for her patients, especially those who are marginalized or vulnerable. Her leadership in this realm has earned her recognition as an Equity Champion by the Satcher Learning Institute at Morehouse Medical School. Not content with merely addressing medical needs, she spearheaded a groundbreaking collaboration between the Black Nurses Association of Greater Washington DC and the DC food Project Pantry Program, aimed at alleviating food insecurity among children. Beyond her clinical endeavors, she recently joined Howard University College of Nursing & Allied Health Sciences as Assistant Professor. Doctor Smith actively participates in local, national, and international organizations dedicated to public service.
Janee’ Stevenson, DNP, FNP-BC
Janee’ Stevenson is a Family Nurse Practitioner in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She also holds adjunct faculty positions at Georgetown University and North Carolina Central University. With extensive experience from her work at a state women’s carceral facility, her passion is focused on improving healthcare outcomes and reducing disparities for incarcerated pregnant individuals. Janee’ earned both her BSN and MSN from Winston-Salem State University and completed her DNP at Georgetown University, where she was honored as the 2023 DNP Scholar of Distinction.
Ali R. Tayyeb, PhD, RN, NPD-BC, PHN, FAAN
- Welcome Address & Arts Ensemble
- Arts Panel: Catalyzing Power Moves: The Impact of the Arts in Social Justice
Dr. Ali R. Tayyeb is an Iranian-American and a United States Navy Veteran, having served as a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman with Naval Medical Center San Diego, 1st Marine Division, and 3rd Marine Division.
After his military service, Dr. Tayyeb pursued his career as a Registered Nurse, earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Nursing from California State University, Los Angeles and his Ph.D. from the University of San Diego. Dr. Tayyeb’s experiences in the healthcare field include combat trauma, emergency medicine, education, Human Patient Simulation, Professional Development, Leadership, Veterans Healthcare, and Policy.
Dr. Tayyeb is a Jonas Veterans Healthcare Scholar Alumni, is currently an Assistant Professor, and is the Creator, Producer, and Host of the RN-Mentor Podcast and Blog. His interests in Veterans related research include: Transition from military service, Post-Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Depression, Alcohol and Drug abuse, Pain, Suicide, Family environment, Disenfranchisement, Policy, Advocacy, Culture, Veteran Benefits & Reintegration.
Dr. Tayyeb’s research and publications on “Bad Paper” Veterans have been cited on numerous books, white papers, Schools of Law, advocacy organizations, State policies, congressional testimonies, publications, dissertations, and more.
Though Dr. Tayyeb’s research is primarily veteran centric, he is ANCC nationally board certified in Nursing Professional Development and greatly invested in professional development, role development, and pushing the boundaries of the nursing profession through diversity of people, thought, advocacy, and the arts.
Joan Tilghman, PhD, RN, CRNP, WHNP-BC, CNE
Dr. Tilghman has been in nursing academia for more than 40 years. During this time, she has established graduate nursing programs, held academic positions as a program coordinator, Chairperson Associate Dean, and Acting Dean of nursing programs, and conducted research. Dr. Tilghman holds the following degrees and credentials in nursing: Ph.D. Transcultural Nursing, from the University of Miami, a Master’s degree in Maternal Child Nursing from Northwestern State University a BSN in Nursing from North Carolina A and T State University, and national certification as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and as a nationally Certified Nurse Educator (CNE). Dr. Tilghman authored the proposal for the university’s first doctoral degrees in nursing, which admitted its first post-master students in May 2015. The pathways now include a Postmaster and an inaugural (Fall 2021) BSN to DNP degree pathway. She obtained funding for a planning grant for an HBCU Consortium to offer a dual degree Ph.D./DNP to support the priority of attracting and retaining minorities in nursing and nurse faculty careers throughout Maryland. She has secured funding for each of the degree pathways. She is the recipient of more than $13 million in federal and state funding for research and advancing graduate nursing education initiatives. Dr. Tilghman is an expert evaluator and serves as an accreditation site visitor for the Middle States Higher Commission on Education Evaluation team. She also serves on the DNP program Advisory Board for the University of Maryland. In addition, she is in partnership with The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing funded initiative, which is trans-institutional. The R3 – Renewal, Resilience, and Retention of Maryland Nurses Program aims to develop, implement, and evaluate an innovative statewide program to enhance resilience and well-being among students, academic and clinical faculty, and nurse residency educators. Dr. Tilghman has partnered with the following institutions over the past ten years to conduct research; Morgan State University Center for Health Disparities Solutions, Howard University School of Medicine, and Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. Dr. Tilghman has been recognized as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women in 2017, and 2019, and in 2023 she was recognized as a Maryland Top 100 Women Circle of Excellence recipient. She is committed to helping to advance career pathways in baccalaureate nursing programs advanced practice and allied health programs and integrating the utilization of technology into academic curriculum.
Mia Valdez
Mia Valdez is a certified nursing assistant and certified full spectrum doula. She is currently a pre nursing student at Santa Rosa Junior College. Mia is planning to complete her BSN at Sonoma State University. Her goal for the future is to become an advanced practice nurse who provides care for people who are minoritized and marginalized in health care. Mia plans to earn her DNP after completing nursing school and becoming a registered nurse.
Anna Valdez, PhD, RN, CEN, CNE, CFRN, FAEN, FAADN
- Equity Panel: We Belong Here-Disability Advocacy in Nursing
- Research Panel: Change in the Play-Writing Our Own Story
Dr. Valdez is a Professor of Nursing at Sonoma State University and the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Emergency Nursing. She is currently serving as co-chair of the ENA DEI Committee. Dr. Valdez served as a subject matter expert on the inaugural National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing and was a contributing author of the Commission’s foundational paper on racism in nursing. She is currently serving as an independent Commissioner. Dr. Valdez has presented nationally on antiracism, bias, environmental justice, health equity, and DEI. She has taught thousands of nurses and health care professionals about providing inclusive, unbiased, and equitable care. Her research and publications include emergency nursing, DEI, bias, antiracism in nursing, and health equity. Dr. Valdez was selected as one of the 20 nurse leaders advocating for health equity to follow on social media. In 2022 and 2023, she was selected as Brexi’s 30 best nurse influencers to follow on social media.
Irnise Williams, JD, RN
Irnise is a healthcare and regulatory compliance lawyer with a nursing background which gives her a deeper understanding of healthcare practices and patient care. This unique legal and nursing knowledge combination allows her to provide comprehensive legal services to healthcare providers, facilities, and organizations.
She is highly skilled in research and analysis. She can quickly and efficiently research complex healthcare issues and regulations and stay up-to-date with the latest developments and changes in healthcare law and policy.
She helps healthcare providers and organizations navigate the complex web of federal and state regulations and ensures that they are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. This may involve conducting internal audits to identify potential non-compliance, developing and implementing compliance programs and policies, and providing legal counsel on patient care, privacy, and data security issues. As a graduate of Howard University and the Howard University School of Law, Irnise is an architect of social change for her clients and her community.
Dr. Janet A Williams, MSM, CNM, FACNM
Janet A. Williams, DNP, MSM, CNM, FACNM, is a midwife with 20 years of experience in a collaborative hospital practice. She received her Master’s in Midwifery from SUNY Downstate and her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Wilkes University. She held an appointment as a clinical instructor at Columbia University for midwifery students and precepted medical students from the Albert Einstein School of Medicine.
Dr. “J” is the founder and CEO of Transitions Women’s Health LLC and is known as “The Conversation Starter.” She is a leading expert in implicit bias training in maternal health, educating healthcare professionals to recognize and address biases and systemic racism contributing to care disparities. She developed a framework entitled “B.L.A.C.K. Mothers Interrupted,” aimed at educating others on the high maternal mortality and morbidity rates among women of color. Dr. J is a published author of “Transitions 4th Trimester Journal, " a resource to support women through their postpartum journey, and “Implicit Bias: It’s OK to Change Your Mind- The Playbook.”
With her expertise and passion, Dr. J continues to make significant strides in reshaping the healthcare landscape, instilling hope that every birthing person will receive the care they deserve.