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Tentative Schedule

Thursday, March 19, 2026

• 7:30 am–4:00 pmColloquium Registration
• 8:00–8:00 amDeparture for Capitol Hill (Transportation Bus)The Morrow Hotel
• 8:30–8:45 amContinental Breakfast (Capitol Hill)
• 8:45–8:55 amWelcome Roger A. Mitchell Jr., M.D. - 126th President, National Medical Association
• 9:00–10:00 amAdvocacy Teams’ Huddle for Congressional Office Meetings/Debrief on TopicsAdvocacy Teams will consist of - 4 or 5 physician members per assigned congressional office
• 10:00 am–12:30 pmCongressional Office Visits
• 12:30–1:30 pmNMA Lunch Reception on Capitol Hill2044 Rayburn HOB
• 1:30–2:00 pmPhoto Session – Capitol Hill
• 2:00–2:00 pmBus Departs Capitol Hill for Capitol Hilton
• 5:00–7:00 pmMovie/Reception at Angelika Theater

Friday, March 20, 2026

• 7:00–8:00 amBreakfast and Networking w/Exhibitors
• 7:00 am–5:00 pmColloquium Registration
• 8:00–8:05 amWelcomeRoger A. Mitchell Jr., M.D., 126th President, National Medical Association
• 8:05–8:10 amIntroduction of the Keynote Speaker/KeynoteRoger A. Mitchell Jr., M.D., 126th President, National Medical Association
• 8:25–9:20 amVaccine Science, Policy, and AdvocacyModerator:
  Virginia A. Caine, M.D., 125th President, National Medical Association
  
  Suggested Panel:
  Dr. Tamara McCants
  Dr. Dial Hewlett
• 9:20–10:15 amChronic Diseases: Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Obesity/GLP1’sModerator:
  Michael Knight, M.D., Chair of the Board, National Medical Association
  
  Panel:
  Fatima Cody Stanford
  Faluso Fakorede
• 10:15–10:30 amExhibitor Break
• 10:30–11:00 amSingle Presentation: The Physician Leader
• 11:00–11:30 amFireside Chat: Environmental Justice MicroplasticsModerator:
  Roger A. Mitchell Jr., M.D., 126th President, National Medical Association
  
  Panel:
  Dr. Andrew Sanderson, Associate Dean, Health Equity at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University
• 11:30 am–12:30 pmPhysician Workforce Diversity and Medical Pathway/Pipeline Programs Moderator:
  Malcolm Woodland
  
  Suggested Speakers:
  Stephen Powell
  Cedric Heath
• 1:00–3:00 pmLunch and Mentorship Activity
• 1:30–6:30 pmBoard of Trustees Meeting
• 3:00–5:00 pmGeneral Membership Break Wellness/Exhibitor
• 6:00–8:00 pmWelcome ReceptionThe Morrow Hotel

Saturday, March 21, 2026

• 7:00–8:00 amBreakfast Networking with Exhibitors
• 7:00 am–5:00 pmColloquium Registration
• 8:00–8:05 amWelcomeBrandi Freeman, M.D., President-Elect, National Medical Association
• 8:05–8:15 amKeynote: Voting as a Social Determinant of Health
• 8:15–8:50 amVoting as a Social Determinant of HealthPanel:
  Rev. Lennox Yearwood , President & CEO, The Hip Hop Caucus
  Quentin James, President, The Collective
• 8:50–9:50 amMedicaidModerator:
  John Mathewson
  
  Panel:
  Adimika Arthur
  Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, Legislator
• 9:50–10:15 amExhibitor Break
• 10:15–11:00 amOncology & Hematology: Cancer, Sickle CellModerator:
  Cathy Marshall, M.D., M.P.H., Assistant Professor, Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  
  Panel:
  Barion Grant
  Shawn-Ta Brown
• 11:00–11:30 amThe Physician Leader
• 11:30 am–12:30 pmHealth Equity PolicyModerator:
  Roger A. Mitchell Jr., M.D., 126th President, National Medical Association
  
  Panel:
  J. Nadine Gracia
  Danielle Turnipseed
  Uche Blackstock
  Chris Pernell
• 12:30–1:30 pmWorking Lunch: Violence in AmericaModerator:
  Roger A. Mitchell Jr., M.D., 126th President, National Medical Association
  
  Panel:
  Gregory Jackson
• 1:30–2:30 pmMen’s and Women’s Health in Rural Communities/Rural Health Transformation (RHT) ProgramModerator:
  Roger A. Mitchell Jr., M.D., 126th President, National Medical Association
  
  Panel:
  Camille Clare, M.D.
  Willie Underwood, M.D.
• 1:30–3:00 pmPast President’s Council Luncheon
• 2:30–2:45 pmBreak
• 2:45–3:30 pmNutrition and Health: Plant-Based Diets vs. Inclusion of DairyModerator:
  Winston Price (Confirmed)
  
  Panel:
  David Bowman
  Milton Mills
  Oluwakemi Adeola
  Katherine Manuel
• 3:30–4:30 pmRegulating Artificial Intelligence in HealthcareModerator:
  Edmondo Robinson
  
  Panel:
  Martin Burks
  Charles Deshazer
  Leah Perry
• 4:30–4:45 pmSummary/NMA’s Call to Action
• 5:00–6:30 pmCorporate Circle Roundtable(Invite Only)
• 7:30–9:30 pmGary C. Dennis, M.D. 25th Annual Health Policy Awards DinnerMistress of Ceremonies
  Leslie Foster

Sunday, March 22, 2026

• 7:30–8:45 amBreakfast Workshop on Resolution Writing
• 8:30–9:00 amBreakfast
• 9:00 am–1:00 pmInterim Meeting of the House of Delegates

Participating Speakers

• Oluwakemi Adeola, Ph.D., R.D., L.D.N., IFMCP

  Oluwakemi (Kemi) Adeola is a nutrition and dietetics expert, dedicated educator, and researcher committed to advancing clinical nutrition, public health, and health equity. She currently serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at Howard University, where she plays a pivotal role in teaching, precepting, research, and mentorship. With over a decade of experience in the field, Kemi has made significant contributions to clinical nutrition, food security, and health disparities. She earned her Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences from Howard University, a Master’s in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of the District of Columbia, and a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and a Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN), she brings a wealth of expertise in medical nutrition therapy, functional nutrition, and evidence-based dietary interventions. Kemi’s research centers on the intersection of clinical and public health nutrition, health disparities, and culturally responsive dietary strategies to improve outcomes among underserved and high-risk populations.

  Her current project, Nourishing Futures, uses mixed methods to explore how nutrition behaviors and health risks affect academic and health outcomes among college students, informing sustainable, equity-driven approaches to improving healthy eating habits and chronic disease prevention. Beyond research, Kemi has played a key leadership role in fostering dialogue on health equity. For four consecutive years, she successfully led the planning and execution of Howard University’s Health Disparities Symposium, a widely attended event that brought together national experts to address pressing issues in health disparities, social determinants of health, and nutrition equity. Her strategic vision and organizational expertise were instrumental in securing funding, coordinating speakers, and ensuring impactful discussions that have influenced both academic and policy-driven conversations on these topics. Kemi’s dedication to education is evident in her role as an instructor and mentor. Passionate about student success, she actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students, guiding them in research, professional development, and leadership within the field of dietetics. In addition to her academic work, Kemi is also engaged in professional consulting and has collaborated with organizations such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

• Adimika Meadows Arthur, M.P.H.

  Healthcare executive with significant leadership commitment to serving vulnerable populations. I am a visionary and strategic business thinker who partners with colleagues, teams and businesses to create and drive value, optimize performance and inspire high-growth companies to serve those most in need.

  Trained as a clinical epidemiologist, turned successful health care administrator with a proven record of developing innovative strategies to improve the delivery and quality of health services, increase access to care, and stabilize struggling organizations. Dynamic thought leader with progressive experience providing insight in the fields of public health care.

  Adept at analyzing existing health care operations and implementing necessary strategies and formal business practices to strengthen the safety-net.

  Board member, advocate for women’s leadership and clearinghouse for connecting people and process. Affectionately known as “Madame Medicaid” for being able to turn any conversation into one about the health program that serves more than 79 Million people nationwide.

  Specialties include healthcare cost containment, revenue cycle enhancement, budget and leadership development. Particular expertise in outpatient services, patient and employee satisfaction.

• David Bowman, M.D., DipABLM

  David Bowman, M.D., DipABLM, FACLM is a physician, double board certified in lifestyle medicine and pediatrics. The Indianapolis native attended Howard University (chemical engineering) for undergrad and Indiana University for medical school. After residency at Children’s National in DC, the initial part of his career focused on global health and HIV, and he worked in Botswana, Uganda, Nigeria and Haiti. After his own health transformation using lifestyle medicine and his faith, he has been passionate and innovative in empowering health care providers, patients, churches, and the general public about the power of applying the pillars of lifestyle medicine in their lives. Dr. Bowman is the Assistant Dean of Student Health and Wellness and the Director of the Spiritual Health and Wellness Center at Howard University College of Medicine. He served a term on the Board of Directors of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) 2021-24 and is the co-chair of the Health Equity Achieved by Lifestyle (HEAL) Initiative with ACLM. He is one of the first 5 Blacks to achieve the status of Fellow in ACLM.

• Shawn-Ta Brown, Pharm.D.

  Dr. Shawn-Ta Brown, Pharm.D. is a clinical oncology pharmacist, medical affairs fellow, educator, and national thought leader dedicated to advancing equitable, patient-centered cancer care. She currently serves as a Post-Doctoral Fellow in U.S. Medical Affairs Oncology at Howard University College of Pharmacy, where she is also an Adjunct Professor, contributing to the education and mentorship of future pharmacists.

  Dr. Brown has extensive clinical experience across academic medical centers and community oncology practices, with expertise spanning solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, including breast, lung, GU, and GYN cancers, CAR-T therapy, transplantation, and investigational therapeutics. Her work centers on optimizing evidence-based oncology treatment, improving patient understanding of comple Xmedical information, and supporting shared decision-making that prioritizes both survival and quality of life.

  In addition to her clinical and academic roles, Dr. Brown serves on the leadership team of the National Pharmaceutical Association (NPhA) as Co-Chair of the Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Committee, where she is actively engaged in policy advocacy, workforce development, and initiatives focused on health equity and access to care for underserved communities. Dr. Brown is a frequent national speaker and has delivered ACPE-accredited continuing education and invited presentations at regional and national conferences. Her professional passion lies at the intersection of clinical excellence, education, and advocacy—translating science into compassionate, accessible care and advancing systems that better serve both patients and healthcare professionals.

• Camille A. Clare, M.D., M.P.H., C.P.E.

  Camille A. Clare, M.D., M.P.H., C.P.E., FACOG is a board-certfied obstetrician and gynecologist. She received her medical degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, and completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at the State University of New York at Buffalo. She obtained a Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management at New York Medical College. In 2012, Dr. Clare received the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics Excellence in Teaching award. In May 2018, Dr. Clare was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, Iota Chapter, New York, New York Medical College as a Faculty member. From 2021–2025, Dr. Clare served as Chair and Tenured Professor at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Downstate Health Sciences University (DHSU) College of Medicine and Professor of Health Policy and Management of DHSU School of Public Health. She has also previously served as Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion at New York Medical College from 2016–2020. She most recently served as Vice Chair, Faculty Mentorship and Community Engagement and Outreach at Montefiore Medical Center, and is Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women’s Health at Albert Einstein College of Medicine

  Dr. Clare has received numerous awards for teaching of medical students and residents in her academic career. Her clinical research interests include perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and health inequities, particularly in breastfeeding, maternal mortality and morbidity, community and public health, and health care advocacy. Dr. Clare is a medical educator, and clinician-researcher/scientist.

  Dr. Clare is an active member of the National Medical Association (NMA), and has served in leadership roles on the local, regional and national levels. Her past roles in the NMA include Region 1 Trustee, NMA Obstetrics and Gynecology Section Chair, and Finance Chair of the NMA Board of Trustees. Dr. Clare has received the National Medical Association Scroll of Merit award in 2016, which is the highest honor that the NMA bestows. She also received the NMA Region 1 Service award in 2012, and the National Medical Association Obstetrics and Gynecology Section Award for Best Practices in Breastfeeding in 2017.

  Dr. Clare is an active member of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), serving in leadership roles on the section, district, and national levels, and on several national committees. She was recognized as an ACOG Mentor of the Year in 2017, and received Distinguished Service award on behalf of ACOG District 2 in 2021. Dr. Clare is currently ACOG President Elect of ACOG and will be installed as President in May 2026 as the first Black woman president as a milestone for the 75th anniversary of ACOG this year.

• Charles DeShazer, M.D.

  Charles DeShazer, M.D.,  is a nationally recognized physician executive and healthcare innovator with more than 25 years of leadership across payer, provider, integrated delivery, and technology organizations.

  He most recently served as Chief Quality and Health Advocacy Officer at Cigna, where he led enterprise strategy across quality, patient experience, health equity, and population health—embedding AI and digital measurement into clinical and operational workflows to drive measurable impact.

  Previously, he was Global Director of Clinical Systems at Google Health, leading clinical strategy for AI-enabled care tools, and served as Chief Medical Officer at Highmark, overseeing clinical strategy and medical management for an $18 billion integrated system.

  Today, as Managing Partner of Nuvanta Consulting Group, he advises healthcare and medtech leaders on AI strategy, responsible governance, and enterprise transformation—helping organizations turn AI from promise into performance.

  Board-certified in Internal Medicine, Dr. DeShazer brings the rare combination of clinical credibility, C-suite execution, and deep technology fluency.

• Foluso A. Fakorede, M.D.

  Dr. Foluso A. Fakorede is the Chief Executive Officer at Cardiovascular Solutions of Central Mississippi. Originally from Nigeria, he immigrated to the United States during his teenage years. Dr. Fakorede earned his medical degree from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and completed his internal medicine residency at NewYork-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Hospital. He went on to complete fellowship training in cardiology, interventional cardiology, and endovascular intervention at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, New Jersey.

  Since relocating to the Mississippi Delta in 2015, Dr. Fakorede has been unwavering in his mission to provide timely, high-quality cardiovascular care and educate communities to reduce preventable amputations. His work led to an 88% reduction in amputation rates over four years, a feat recognized in CathLab Digest. He is a nationally recognized leader in raising awareness about Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and the amputation epidemic, particularly in underserved and rural communities.

  In 2024, Dr. Fakorede was the subject of the award-winning documentary Bloodlines, Mississippi, produced by Grain Media in collaboration with Nobel Outreach. The film was selected by the Nobel Prize Foundation for its Fighting Disease – Three Stories From the Fields of Medicine exhibition. The documentary highlights Dr. Fakorede’s groundbreaking work to combat diabetes-related amputations in the Mississippi Delta’s underserved African-American communities through prevention, education, and access to care. “His efforts reflect the Nobel tradition of turning scientific breakthroughs into lifesaving action and align with the exhibition’s broader themes of health equity, medical innovation, and the fight against systemic disparities worldwide. ” The documentary will be screened at prestigious film festivals including DeadCenter, BlackStar, DOC NYC, and BronzeLens.

  Dr. Fakorede’s leadership has influenced national policy as well. He was instrumental in introducing the bipartisan Amputation Reduction and Compassion (ARC) Act, which led to the creation of the inaugural Congressional PAD Caucus. In May 2024, the state of Illinois became the first in the nation to pass legislation modeled after the ARC Act, requiring insurance companies to cover PAD screening for at-risk individuals. “This legislation ensures we meet patients where they are – with the tools to diagnose PAD early and intervene before lives and limbs are lost, ” Dr. Fakorede said. “Illinois is setting a precedent that every state should follow. Early detection not only saves limbs and lives – it also reduces the financial burden on our health care system by preventing costly surgeries, hospitalizations, and long-term disability care. ” Dr. Fakorede serves on the Board of Directors for the Amputee Coalition and holds leadership roles in several national medical societies. He is the PAD Initiative Chair for the Association of Black Cardiologists and has contributed to influential bodies such as the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), the American Heart Association PAD National Action Plan, the Society of Interventional Radiology, and the ACC/AHA PAD guideline peer review committee. He also co-authored the “Closing the Gaps in Amputation” research census.

  His groundbreaking work has been recognized with the American Heart Association’s 2023 Louis B. Russell Award, the Association of Black Cardiologists’ 2024 Public Policy Award, and inclusion in the 2024 STAT News STATUS List, which honors the most impactful leaders in health, medicine, and science.Dr. Fakorede’s efforts have been widely covered by national media, including CBS News, NBC Nightly News, BET News, Reader’s Digest, Men’s Health Magazine, and ProPublica’s award-winning exposé “The Black American Amputation Epidemic.” He also appeared in Walgreens’ YouTube series “In Our Words: Saving Limbs and Lives.” At the state level, Dr. Fakorede has served as Vice Chairman of the Mississippi State Medical Association’s Minority Affairs Section and as District 1 Representative on the MSMA Council on Legislation. He advises the Mississippi Alliance for Cardiovascular Health and the Mississippi Department of Health’s Diabetes Advisory Council, working tirelessly to transform public health policy and outcomes across Mississippi and beyond.

• Barion L. Grant

  Barion L. Grant is a senior advisor, executive producer, and strategist with more than two decades of experience leading narrative strategy, content development, and cross platform campaigns at the intersection of media, advocacy, and public affairs.

  As Founder and Principal of GAP Strategy Group, Barion advises private sector companies, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations on audience first narrative strategy and data informed creative direction. His work integrates research, messaging, content development, and distribution to advance organizational goals and deliver measurable outcomes.

  Barion has served in senior creative and executive leadership roles across film, television, and digital media. He is the co-founder of theGrio, launched as a video first digital news platform serving Black audiences nationwide. The company generated more than $5 million annually in sponsored editorial partnerships and was later acquired by NBC News. His leadership spans advertiser relations, integrated sales, and large scale content operations.

  As an executive producer and creative director, Barion has overseen award winning and nationally distributed projects including the Oscar nominated documentary Tupac Resurrection and the MSNBC licensed documentary Meeting David Wilson.

  His creative work spans short form digital content, live events, television series, and feature length documentaries. His portfolio includes work for Paramount, MTV, BET, VH1, NBC News, and major advocacy organizations. These projects have produced culturally relevant content that has shaped national conversations on equity, policy, and civic engagement.

  In political and advocacy spaces, Barion has led multimillion dollar paid and earned media campaigns, guided cross functional teams, and built creative frameworks that connect research, messaging, and production.

  In 2024, he served as a Master Series for Distinguished Leaders Fellow, leading research on Black male voting patterns for the U.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys. That work informed national messaging strategy and the production of more than 20 culturally relevant television and digital ads during the 2024 presidential election cycle.

  Barion’s work is grounded in inclusive leadership, rigorous analysis, and the belief that effective storytelling is both culturally resonant and built to perform.

• Dial Hewlett, Jr., M.D.

  Dial Hewlett, Jr., is a native of Cleveland, Ohio. He was recruited to attend the University of Wisconsin on a track scholarship and went on to receive an MD from that University in 1976. He completed an internal medicine residency at Harlem Hospital Center – Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons in New York City. He then served for an additional year as Chief Medical Resident at Harlem Hospital Center. Following internal Medicine training at Harlem Hospital, Dr. Hewlett completed a two-year clinical and research fellowship in Infectious Diseases at Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein Affiliated Hospitals in the Bronx, New York.

  Following post-graduate medical training, Dr. Hewlett was appointed to be Chief of the Infectious Disease Division at Lincoln Medical & Mental Health Center in the Bronx, New York and Assistant Professor of Medicine with NY Medical College Valhalla, NY. He subsequently became an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine and served for a total of nine years at Lincoln prior to joining the pharmaceutical industry at the end of 1996.

  During his 23 year career in the Pharmaceutical industry with Pfizer Inc. Dr. Hewlett simultaneously served on the voluntary medical staffs as an Infectious Disease consultant at Lawrence Hospital Bronxville, New York (now NY Presbyterian Westchester), and Calvary Hospital in the Bronx, NY

  Following retirement from the pharmaceutical Industry in 2019, Dr. Hewlett served as Medical Director for the Westchester County Department of Health Clinics  . Between March, 2020 and June, 2023, he supported the Health Department activities aimed at COVID education / prevention including the COVID mass vaccination initiatives for adults and children.

  Between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2023, Dr Hewlett served as Principal Investigator for a 3.7 million dollar grant from the U.S.  Health and Human Services aimed at improving Health Literacy in the underserved areas of Westchester County which were heavily impacted by the COVID pandemic.

  Dr. Hewlett is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, The Infectious Disease Society of America and the New York Academy of Medicine. He is chair of the National Medical Association Task force on the COVID Vaccines and Therapeutics,

  In September, 2021, Dr. Hewlett received an Infectious Disease Society of America Citation Award which commemorated exemplary contributions to the Infectious Disease Society of America during the COVID pandemic.

  In February, 2022 Dr. Hewlett received the Dr. Valiere Alcena Award for his contributions in the field of Health & Human Services to the People of Westchester County New York.

  Dr. Hewlett has been married to Janice Marie Chance-Hewlett BSN RN for 44 years. They have four adult children and 7 grandchildren.

• Katherine Manuel, Ph.D., R.D., L.D.N., E.I.M.

  Katherine Manuel is a Registered Dietitian, Director of the Coordinated Program in Dietetics, and Interim Chair of the Department of Nutritional Sciences at Howard University, in Washington, DC. She received her undergraduate degree in Nutritional Sciences: Dietetics Concentration from Howard University and board certification as a Registered Dietitian from the Commission on Dietetic Registration. She also holds a Master’s and Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences from Howard University, a Master’s in Applied Exercise Science: Exercise Physiology concentration from Concordia Chicago University, and a Graduate Certificate in Exercise Prescription from the University of Connecticut. She has completed Certificates of Training in Adult Weight Management and Obesity in Adults awarded by the Commission on Dietetic Registration and has earned the Exercise is Medicine (EIM) credential from the American College of Sport Medicine.

  As a Clinical Dietitian, Dr. Manuel’s early career was spent in acute-care hospitals in the District of Columbia managing nutrition care across several medical and surgical specialties. She later served as Clinical Nutrition Manager with Sodexo in the Department of Nutrition and Food Services where she managed a team of dietitians and food services workers at Howard University Hospital. Dr. Manuel has also served in other aspects of the field including Clinical Instructor in the Dietetics Program at Howard University, as well as nutrition faculty at the University of the District of Columbia, and adjunct kinesiology faculty at the University of Connecticut. Her current work involves leading the charge for training the next generation of nutrition and dietetics professionals at Howard University, while maintaining clinical practice in weight management.

  Dr. Manuel’s commitment to education earned her the 2018 Outstanding Faculty Award from the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Howard University, and the 2020 Outstanding Dietetic Educator Award from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Her distinguished service to the field of Dietetics also earned her fellowship in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Noteworthy areas of service to the field include her role as a program reviewer with the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), and contributions to two practice groups within the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, namely, Policy Ambassador with the Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group, and Chair Elect, Nominating Committee of the Dietitians in Functional and Integrative Medicine Practice Group.

  Dr. Manuel’s research focus is obesity with ongoing work that explores key opportunities for optimizing physicians’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the management of obesity, as well as exercise as adjunct therapy to bariatric surgery. Dr. Manuel has been cited in print media and recognized for her media presence on radio and local television segments. Her professional affiliations include the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and the American College of Sports Medicine.

• Tamara McCants, Pharm.D.

  Tamara McCants, Pharm.D., is a nationally recognized advocate for health equity and a champion for expanding the role of pharmacists in improving outcomes for underserved communities. She currently serves as President of the National Pharmaceutical Association (NPhA), a national organization committed to advancing Black and other underrepresented pharmacy professionals and addressing disparities in healthcare.

  Raised in Brooklyn, New York, Dr. McCants earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Florida A&M University. She is a Medical Science Liaison with Abbott Diabetes Care and brings nearly 25 years of experience across diverse pharmacy practice settings, including managed care, ambulatory care, operations and management, and academia. Throughout her career, she has led and executed millions of dollars in grant-funded initiatives focused on reducing disparities in HIV/AIDS, diabetes, immunizations, and mental health.

  A respected leader within the profession, Dr. McCants has held numerous leadership roles, including Chair of the District of Columbia Board of Pharmacy, and in 2008 received the prestigious Bowl of Hygeia Award, one of pharmacy’s highest honors. She currently serves on the boards of Community Education Group (President) and Homes for Hope, remains actively engaged with the FAMU Alumni Association, and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Rho Mu Omega Chapter. Dr. McCants is the devoted mother of two sons, whom she raises with her life partner.

• Chris T. Pernell, M.D., M.P.H.

  Dr. Chris T. Pernell is a dynamic physician leader and social change agent. In her practice, she focuses on health justice, community-based advocacy, and population-wide health promotion and disease prevention. A celebrated visionary and apostle of public health, Dr. Chris serves as the Director of the NAACP Center for Health Equity. The Center is charged with driving equitable health outcomes and transforming healthcare systems while valuing the whole person. Prior to joining the nation’s oldest and most venerable civil rights organization, she launched The Esther Group, a public health consulting and health equity strategy firm. As founder of The Esther Group, she lives the mandate to dare a future where organizations, communities and systems can innovate for a better world and humanity.

  Previously, she served as the first Chief Strategic Integration and Health Equity Officer at University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey. Dr. Pernell oversaw a portfolio which included Population Health, Strategic Planning, Community Affairs, and the Human Experience. Her office was responsible for leading health equity strategy development and integrating diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism initiatives across all system operations.

  Prior to joining University Hospital, she led the 1199SEIU/League Labor Management Initiatives (LMI) Workplace and Community Health Program. Working with 1199SEIU leaders and frontline workers-the nation’s largest healthcare union-and executive partners across NYC healthcare institutions, her efforts centered on workplace health strategies, worker empowerment, health equity, and health system transformation.

  Dr. Chris is a charismatic and leading voice in preventive medicine and public health. Singled out both for her business acumen and public health expertise, her list of honors include: ROI-NJ Top 150 Business Leaders; The Greenleaf Center Hall of Fame Servant-Leader; The New Jersey Public Health Association Dr. Ezra Mundy Hunt Award for distinctive leadership in the field; an NJBiz Best 50 Women in Business Award; a ROI-NJ Women in Business Influencer; The American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM) Ron Davis Special Recognition Award; an NJBiz Public Health Hero Award; and the NAACP NJ State Conference 100 Black People Who Changed the World Honoree.

  Dr. Pernell has spearheaded issues such as criminal justice reform, care for justice-impacted populations, evidence-based wellness programs, civic health, and high-quality education. Known for her community work in the Greater Newark, New Jersey area, she serves on the Essex County Civilian Task Force as a medical expert. On Juneteenth 2023, she was tapped to join the New Jersey Reparations Council as a member of their health equity committee. Dr. Pernell is a frequent contributor across television, radio, and print media leveraging her lived experiences and insights as a public health physician and health equity champion. She regularly speaks at professional symposia and social forums and advises community, state, regional, and national leaders on health equity, racial justice, population health, community wellbeing, and faith-based initiatives.

  Dr. Chris graduated cum laude from Princeton University before attending Duke University School of Medicine. She received her Master of Public Health from the Columbia Mailman School of Public Health and completed the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health General Preventive Medicine Residency. Dr. Pernell is a fellow and Regent-at-Large for the American College of Preventive Medicine. She holds an appointment as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Previously, she taught as an adjunct associate professor at the NYU College of Global Public Health. She labors as a faith leader in a groundbreaking assembly, BET HaSHEM YHWH Worldwide Ministries, and travels domestically and overseas helping to transform lives through love, truth, creativity, and inspiration.

   

• Leah N. C. Perry

  Ms. Leah N. C. Perry is a distinguished legal professional with over 20 years of experience in artificial intelligence (AI), privacy, cybersecurity, technology regulation, and international trade law. Her career bridges public service, private industry leadership, and academia—making her a leading authority in AI governance, privacy, information security, and product development legal matters.

  In her current capacity as Vice President of Legal – Chief Privacy Officer, and Global Head of Public Policy & AI Governance at Box, Inc., Ms. Perry oversees four global critical legal and compliance functions for the company, which proudly serves over 70% of Fortune 500 companies, along with numerous foreign and domestic government entities worldwide. Her responsibilities cover the full range of privacy and information security laws, and related product review matters thereby ensuring the company complies with changing global regulations. In addition, she successfully manages foreign and domestic public policy issues, and incident response, as well as supporting government procurement and multimillion dollar mergers and acquisitions initiatives.

  Ms. Perry’s most notable achievement includes the creation, implementation, and management of Box’s comprehensive AI Governance Program. This initiative directly supported the successful product launch of Box AI, demonstrating her ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into actionable business strategies. She regularly briefs the Board of Directors on AI governance, public policy, regulatory and privacy matters—highlighting her strategic importance within the organization’s leadership structure. In addition, Ms. Perry successfully led the development and launch of several of Box’s product offerings, such as Box Shield, Box Sign, AI Agents, and Metadata Extraction initiatives, amongst others. She also supported the business and engineering team in its shift to GCP.

  Before joining Box, Ms. Perry held senior privacy, information security, and regulatory legal roles at major tech and financial services firms, including Meta (formerly Facebook), Change Healthcare, and S&P Global (formerly McGraw Hill Financial). While in these roles, she led privacy legal and privacy compliance departments at each respective company, as well as led product launches such as Meta’s Portal, Messenger Kids, Dating App, and Marketplace, as well as incident response and leading complex multibillion-dollar mergers and acquisitions. In each respective role, she also navigated major regulatory investigations and compliance with US and foreign governments privacy and information security laws, and related consent decrees/settlement agreements.

  Earlier in her career she served for over nine years in both chambers of the U.S. Congress, namely as Chief Investigative Counsel for the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and Chief Oversight Counsel for the House Committee on Oversight & Government Reform. She also worked as Legislative Counsel for the late Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, which grounded her deep understanding of legislative and investigative processes.

  Prior to her work with the U.S. Congress, Ms. Perry was a professor at Morgan State University and International Policy Commentator on WEAA 88.5 FM located in Baltimore, Maryland, as well as a Business Development Analyst, and Product Development Manager at Interbrand in New York (a subsidiary of Omnicom).

  Ms. Perry’s scholarship has been featured internationally—in publications such as Information Security Magazine, Informatique News (France), Vanguard, Modern Counsel—and various speaking engagements across international and domestic organization, such as the 2025 keynote speaker on AI and healthcare before the International Health Partnership and Global Health Innovation Cen

• Stephen Powell

  Stephen Powell is a nationally respected leader in mentoring and youth development, widely recognized for his expertise in building healing-centered, culturally grounded support systems for young people and the adults who guide them. As Chief Programs and Partnerships Officer for the National CARES Mentoring Movement, he oversees the organization’s affiliate network, program strategy, partnership development, and national technical assistance initiatives. His work helps ensure that communities across the country have access to high-quality group mentoring models rooted in care, culture, and collective well-being.

  With more than two decades of experience, Stephen has been a driving force in the mentoring field, advancing innovative approaches that strengthen families and neighborhoods worldwide. Before joining CARES, he served as Executive Director of Mentoring USA, where he expanded the organization’s reach and deepened its impact.

  Stephen’s leadership and lifelong commitment to service earned him recognition from the Obama Administration as a White House Champion of Change: Following in the Footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., honoring his contributions to communities nationwide.

  Stephen is a proud alumnus of Howard University, and the Institute of Nonprofit Management at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business. He is a dedicated member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Born in Newark and raised in East Orange, he now lives in Montclair, New Jersey, with his wife Marlaina and their daughters, Sinclair and Simone.

• Andrew K. Sanderson II, M.D., M.P.H.

  Andrew K. Sanderson II, M.D., M.P.H., FASGE is a board-certified Gastroenterologist with 18 years of clinical experience. Dr. Sanderson currently serves as Associate Dean for Health Equity at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.

  Prior to this role, he was the Chief Medical Officer for the Water Environment Federation (WEF) where he led efforts to develop and deploy health operational and safety protocols on behalf of more than 35,000 skilled North American water treatment professionals.

  Dr. Sanderson also served as the senior medical officer with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health, and as Division Chief of Gastroenterology, associate program director and associate professor at Howard University Hospital and College of Medicine. He continues to serve as an adjunct professor for Howard University’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program.

  Andrew is a proud graduate of Morehouse College and Howard University College of Medicine. He earned his MPH from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health where he was also a Commonwealth Fund Fellow in Health Policy Leadership.

• Fatima Cody Stanford, M.D., M.P.H., M.P.A., M.B.A.

  Dr. Stanford is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics who practices and teaches at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)/ Harvard Medical School (HMS) as one of the first fellowship-trained obesity medicine physicians worldwide. She is among the most highly cited obesity medicine physician-scientists, with over 275 peer-reviewed publications. Stanford has conducted 1200 media interviews, including with the New York Times, USA Today, Time, U.S. News & World Report, Glamour, and NPR. In 2023, Stanford appeared on 60 Minutes with Lesley Stahl, stating that obesity is a chronic disease and that there is physician bias against those with excess weight. In an interview with Deborah Roberts on addressing weight stigma, Dr. Stanford advocates eliminating bias towards those with higher weights. Oprah Winfrey interviewed Dr. Stanford as an obesity expert for her “The Life You Want Class: The State of the Weight” on Oprah Daily. In this interview, she teaches about the science of obesity as a chronic disease. In an interview with Sanjay Gupta for his CNN Chasing Life podcast, she coined the term “street corner medicine” to refer to the assumption that people judge people based on their size– they assume that heavier people are unhealthy and leaner people are healthy without investigating whether this is factual by evaluating metabolic health parameters such as blood pressure, cholesterol, liver function tests, blood sugar, etc.

  Dr. Stanford received her B.S. and M.P.H. from Emory University as an MLK Scholar, her M.D. from the Medical College of Georgia School of Medicine as a Stoney Scholar, her MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government as a Zuckerman Fellow in the Harvard Center for Public Leadership and her executive M.B.A. as a merit-based scholarship recipient from the Quantic School of Business and Technology. She completed her Obesity Medicine & Nutrition Fellowship at MGH/HMS after completing her internal medicine and pediatrics residency at the University of South Carolina. She has served as a health communications fellow at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and as a behavioral sciences intern at the American Cancer Society. Upon completing her M.P.H., she received the Gold Congressional Award, the highest honor Congress bestows upon America’s youth.

  Dr. Stanford has completed a medicine and media internship at the Discovery Channel. An American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation Leadership Award recipient in 2005 and an AMA Paul Ambrose Award for national leadership among resident physicians in 2009, she was selected for the AMA Inspirational Physician Award in 2015. The American College of Physicians (ACP) selected her as the 2013 Joseph E. Johnson Leadership Award recipient, and the Massachusetts ACP selected her for the Young Leadership Award in 2015. She is the 2017 recipient of the HMS Amos Diversity Award and the Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS) Award for Women’s Health. In 2019, she was selected as the Suffolk District Community Clinician of the Year for the Reducing Health Disparities Award for MMS.

  She was chosen for The Obesity Society Clinician of the Year in 2020. In 2021, she was awarded the MMS Grant Rodkey Award for her dedication to medical students and the AMA Dr. Edmond and Rima Cabbabe Dedication to the Profession Award, which recognizes a physician who demonstrates active and productive improvement to the profession of medicine through community service, advocacy, leadership, teaching, or philanthropy. She is the 2021 Recipient of the Emory Rollins School of Public Health Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2022, the National Academy of Medicine selected her as a Scholar in Diagnostic Excellence. She was named to the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA). The National Medical Association selected her for the Meritorious Award, which recognizes a physician with national and international achievement and prominence for exceptional work in medical service, medical research, and academic medicine.

• Willie Underwood III, M.D., M.Sc., M.P.H.

  Willie Underwood Ill, M.D., M.Sc., M.P.H., is a board-certified urologist with more than 25 years of urologic surgery experience, including more than 15 years focused on robotic urologic surgery. He was voted president-elect of the American Medical Association in June 2025

  An expert in health care disparities and health care policy, Dr. Underwood was first elected to the AMA Board of Trustees in June 2019 and later as its chair in June 2023. He is a TEDx speaker and active presenter whose appearances include grand rounds, webinars, and TV and radio interviews. He has served on several national and regional health care policy committees, including as a board member of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western and Northeastern New York and the Board of Commissioners of the Joint Commission.

  He has also served as a board member and medical advisor to the Love Canal Medical Fund Inc., as a past president of the Erie County Medical Society of New York, as a member of the AMA and National Medical Association Commission to End Health Care Disparities, and as a member of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Urology Residency Review Committee. Dr. Underwood has also chaired the AMA Council on Legislation, the Erie County Medical Society Legislative Affairs Committee, and the Medical Society of the State of New York Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Committee.

  Raised in Gary, Ind., Dr. Underwood earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Morehouse College, and his Doctor of Medicine and Master of Science in anatomy and cellular biology degrees from the State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, N.Y. He received his general surgery and urologic surgery training at the University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Conn.

  After his residency, he became the fifth urologist admitted into the prestigious Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholars Program, which he completed in 2002 at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. While in Ann Arbor, he also earned a Master of Public Health degree in health management and policy from University of Michigan, School of Public Health in 2004.

  In addition to co-authoring more than 120 peer- reviewed publications, book chapters and published abstracts, he has received millions in research funding from the National Institute of Health and holds patents in the U.S. and Japan for co-developing a biomarker for prostate cancer. He is the co-founder of KAPS Biotechnology LLC, which is currently conducting a larger validation study of its new and novel prostate cancer biomarker.