Digital Program: Policy for the People Health Equity Summit by Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

WESTIN WASHINGTON DC

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

10:00AM – 5:00PM

Presented by

Dear Esteemed Guests,

Welcome to the 2024 Policy for the People Health Equity Summit! It is with great pleasure and anticipation that I extend my warmest greetings to each of you as we gather for this momentous occasion. As President and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, it is my privilege to welcome you to this dynamic summit, where we will come together to uplift engagement and discussion around the key priorities of the Center for Policy Analysis and Research.

As we look to the future of Black life in America, we recognize the profound impact that health technologies, both present and emerging, have on our communities. The potential for innovation to improve health outcomes is vast, but so too are the pitfalls that threaten to exacerbate existing disparities. It is incumbent upon us to navigate these challenges with wisdom and resolve, ensuring that all individuals have equal access to the benefits of technological advancement.

Throughout this in-person summit, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with a diverse array of voices and perspectives, from policy experts and industry leaders to community activists and Members of the Congressional Black Caucus. Together, we will delve into critical topics such as diversity in clinical trials, cultural competence in healthcare, access and affordability, and the implications of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

I am confident that the conversations sparked by this summit will not only deepen our understanding of the issues at hand but also inspire meaningful action and collaboration. By harnessing the collective expertise and passion of our attendees, we can chart a course toward a future where health equity is not just a goal but a reality for all.

Thank you for your participation and dedication to this important work. Together, let us forge a path forward that honors the dignity and well-being of every individual and community.

With warm regards,

Nicole Austin-Hillery President and CEO, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

SPEAKERS

INTRODUCTIONS

Nicole Austin-Hillery

President & CEO, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

Rep. Terri A. Sewell

U.S. House of Representatives

Rep. Steven Horsford

U.S. House of Representatives

Wanda Hope

Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Johnson & Johnson

MODERATORS

Nicole Austin-Hillery

President & CEO, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

Okey Enyia, PhD

Health Policy Researcher, National Institutes of Health

Millicent Gorham

CEO, Alliance for Women’s Health & Prevention

Dr. Keon L. Gilbert, PhD

Professor, Saint Louis University, College for Public Health & Social Justice Fellow, The Brookings Institution

PANELISTS

Rep. Robin Kelly

U.S. House of Representatives

Rep. Steven Horsford

U.S. House of Representatives

Georges C. Benjamin, MD

Executive Director, American Public Health Association

Roslyn Young-Daniels

Ceo & Founder, Black Health Matters

Joia A. Crear-Perry, MD, FACOG Founder and President, National Birth Equity Collaborative

Ryan Brown Director, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in Clinical Trials (DEICT), Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine

Marcus Dortch, PharmD Director, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in Clinical Trials (DEICT), Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine

Courtney Christian Deputy Vice President, Policy and Research, PhRMA

CLOSING REMARKS

Mohamed Kamara Founder and CEO of InovCares Connected Comprehensive Healthcare

Kianta Key Group Senior Vice President and Head of Identity Experience, GCI Health

Bryan Baugh, MD

Global Medical Affairs Leader for HIV and Health Equity, Global Medical Affairs, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine

Sara D. Collins, MD, FACC Co-Chair, Association of Black Cardiologists Health and Public Policy Committee Medical Director, Flourish Research Bowie

Andrew Asante, PharmD Global Senior Manager, External Medical Engagements, Amgen & Amgen Black Employees Network (ABEN) Global Health Equity Lead, AMGEN

Ala Stanford MD, FACS, FAAP Founder, Black Doctors Consortium and Center for Health Equity Professor, University of Pennsylvania

Earl D. Fowlkes, Jr President/CEO of the Center for Black EquityAffairs, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine

Paul Rowe, MD, ATSF Head of North America Medical, Specialty Care, Sanofi

Donna Fisher-Lewis Senior Vice President, Resource Development, CBCF

Event Overview

The 2024 Policy for the People Health Equity Summit provides an opportunity to uplift engagement and discussion around the key priorities of the Center for Policy Analysis and Research. As we look to the future of Black life in America, the potential and pitfalls of health technologies promise to have immense impact on Black communities. During this in-person summit, attendees will hear from policy experts, industry leaders, community activists, Members of the Congressional Black Caucus, and others. Topics include diversity in clinical trials, cultural competence in healthcare, access and affordability, and artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging healthcare technologies.

Welcome Remarks:

Nicole Austin-Hillery, President & CEO, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

Rep. Terri A. Sewell, U.S. House of Representatives

Rep. Steven Horsford, U.S. House of Representatives

Wanda Hope, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Johnson & Johnson

OPENING SESSION

Opening Roundtable: ALC Policy Update

10:23 AM–11:08 AM

OVERVIEW

The CBCF Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) is the leading policy conference on issues impacting Black Americans and the global Black community. Thought leaders, legislators and concerned citizens engage on economic development, civil and social justice, public health, and education issues every September. In this opening session, speakers will provide an update on policy initiatives and progress along health equity issues that have happened since we convened in September.

Moderator:

Nicole Austin-Hillery, President & CEO, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

Panelists:

Rep. Robin Kelly, U.S. House of Representatives

Rep. Steven Horsford, U.S. House of Representatives

Georges C. Benjamin, MD, Executive Director, American Public Health Association

Roslyn Young-Daniels, President & Founder, Black Health Matters

Joia A. Crear-Perry, MD, FACOG, Founder and President, National Birth Equity Collaborative

SESSION 1

Empowering Black Voices: Diversifying Clinical Trials Through New Technologies

11:28 AM–12:25 PM

SESSION OVERVIEW

Diversity in clinical health trials remains a significant issue, particularly when it comes to the inclusion of Black Americans. Black Americans continue to be severely underrepresented in clinical trials, while white Americans are consistently overrepresented; a recent study from the Food and Drug Administration on new drug trials in the U.S. in 2020 showed that 75% of participants were white, while only 8% were Black. While historical racist and unethical practices like experimentation on enslaved Black women, the Tuskegee syphilis project, and the use of Henrietta Lacks’ DNA certainly impact Black American’s willingness to participate in clinical trials, the bigger issues remain ongoing discrimination against and largescale exclusion of Black people and other racially marginalized groups. During this conversation, panelists will explore the unique challenges and opportunities for Black Americans in clinical trials, with a particular focus on the impacts of new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) on their inclusion in future studies. The discussion will touch on topics like data representation and bias mitigation, improving clinical trial recruitment and design, and ethical considerations for the use of AI.

Moderator:

Okey Enyia, PhD, Health Policy Researcher, National Institutes of Health

Panelists:

Ryan Brown, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Clinical Trials, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine

Marcus Dortch, PharmD, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Clinical Trials, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine

Courtney Christian, Deputy Vice President, Policy and Research, PhRMA

Kianta Key, Group Senior Vice President and Head of Identity Experience, GCI Health

LUNCH AND HEALTH FAIR

12:30 PM–1:45 PM EST

SESSION 2

Cultivating Equitable Care: Cultural Competence and Cardiovascular Health in Black Communities

2:00 PM–2:50 PM

SESSION OVERVIEW

Cultural competence encompasses the ability of healthcare providers to understand, respect, and effectively respond to the diverse cultural needs and preferences of their patients. During this panel, participants will discuss the critical role of cultural competence in promoting equitable and inclusive healthcare experiences for Black individuals, focusing specifically on cardiovascular health, a key issue for Black communities. We will examine how cultural factors, including historical legacies, socioeconomic disparities, and systemic racism, influence health outcomes and shape interactions within the healthcare system. The discussion will also spotlight the indispensable role of community organizations and trusted messengers within Black communities, showcasing innovative approaches to overcoming barriers and promoting awareness of key health issues. From addressing implicit biases to fostering cross-cultural communication and building trust, the session will highlight best practices for creating culturally responsive healthcare environments that prioritize the needs and preferences of Black patients.

Moderator:

Millicent Gorham, Health Policy Researcher, National Institutes of Health

Panelists:

Bryan Baugh, MD, Global Medical Affairs Leader, HIV and Health Equity, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine

Sara D. Collins, MD, FACC, Co-Chair, Association of Black Cardiologists

Health and Public Policy CommitteeMedical Director, Flourish Research Bowie

Andrew Asante, PharmD, Global Senior Manager, External Medical Engagements, Amgen & Amgen Black Employees Network (ABEN) Global Health Equity Lead, AMGEN

SESSION 3

Breaking Barriers in Healthcare: Advancing Access and Affordability for the Black Community

3:10 PM–4:00 PM

SESSION OVERVIEW

Despite advancements in medicine and healthcare policies as well as technology-based healthcare solutions, persistent disparities continue to hinder equitable access to quality care for Black individuals across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black adults are 20% more likely than white adults to report not being able to see a doctor in the past year due to cost, despite similar rates of health insurance coverage. From structural inequities to historical legacies of discrimination, this session will delve into the root causes of healthcare disparities and shed light on the unique barriers faced by Black individuals in accessing essential medical services, particularly in light of newer healthcare technologies. This session will dissect the systemic challenges that impede access to healthcare services and exacerbate financial burdens within the Black community. Further, it will offer insights into interventions, community-driven initiatives, and policy solutions that help bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to telemedicine, health monitoring devices, and other technologydriven healthcare solutions.

Moderator:

Keon L. Gilbert, PhD, Professor, Saint Louis University, College for Public Health & Social Justice Fellow, The Brookings Institution

Panelists:

Ala Stanford MD, FACS, FAAP, Founder, Black Doctors Consortium and Center for Health Equity Professor, University of Pennsylvania

Earl D. Fowlkes, Jr. President/CEO of the Center for Black Equity

Paul Rowe, MD, ATSF, Head of North America Medical, Specialty Care, Sanofi

CLOSING KEYNOTE

Advancing Health Equity to Empower Black Women

4:20 PM–4:50 PM

SESSION OVERVIEW

This closing keynote session will highlight the unique health challenges faced by Black communities and explore how technology can be leveraged to address these disparities.

Keynote Speaker: Mohamed Kamara, Founder and CEO of InovCares Connected Comprehensive Healthcare

Leadership

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus of the 118th Congress

In order of seniority

Delegate

Eleanor Holmes

Norton (DC)

Representative Maxine Waters (CA)

Representative Sanford D. Bishop (GA)

ASSISTANT

DEMOCRATIC LEADER

Representative James E. Clyburn (SC)

Representative Bobby Scott (VA)

Representative Bennie G. Thompson (MS)

Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (TX)

Representative Danny K. Davis (IL)

Representative Gregory D. Meeks (NY)

Representative Barbara Lee (CA)

Representative David Scott (GA)

Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO)

Representative Al Green (TX)

Representative Gwen Moore (WI)

1ST VICE CHAIR

Representative Yvette D. Clarke (NY)

Representative Hank Johnson (GA)

Representative André Carson (IN)

Representative Terri A. Sewell (AL)

Representative Frederica S. Wilson (FL)

Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ)

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus of the 118th Congress

In order of seniority

Representative Joyce Beatty (OH)

DEMOCRATIC LEADER

Representative Hakeem Jeffries (NY)

Representative Marc Veasey (TX)

Representative Robin Kelly (IL)

Senator Cory Booker (NJ)

Representative Alma Adams (NC)

Delegate

Stacey E. Plaskett (VI)

Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ)

Representative Dwight Evans (PA)

Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE)

Representative Anthony Brown (MD)

CHAIR

Representative Steven Horsford (NV)

Representative Colin Allred (TX)

Representative Jahana Hayes (CT)

SECRETARY

Representative Lucy McBath (GA)

Representative Joe Neguse (CO)

Representative Ilhan Omar (MN)

Representative Ayanna Pressley (MA)

Representative Lauren Underwood (IL)

Representative Kweisi Mfume (MD)

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus of the 118th Congress

In order of seniority

Representative Nikema Williams (GA)

Representative Cori Bush (MO)

Representative Jamaal Bowman (NY)

Representative Ritchie Torres (NY)

WHIP

Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA)

Senator Raphael Warnock (GA)

2ND VICE CHAIR

Representative Troy Carter (LA)

Representative Shontel Brown (OH)

Representative Sheila Cherfilus McCormick (FL)

Representative Jasmine Crockett(TX)

Representative Don Davis (NC)

Representative Valerie Foushee (NC)

Representative Maxwell Frost (FL)

Representative Glenn Ivey (MD)

Representative Jonathan Jackson (IL)

Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA)

Representative Summer Lee (PA)

Representative Emilia Strong Sykes (OH)

Representative Jeniffer McClellan (VA)

Representative Laphonza Butler (CA)

Representative Gabe Amo

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Board of Directors

CHAIR

Rep. Terri A. Sewell

U.S. House of Representatives

VICE CHAIR

Chaka T. Burgess Nation Strategies

SECRETARY

Alethia Jackson Walgreens Boots Alliance

TREASURER

Markus Green

Rep. Troy Carter

U.S. House of Representatives

LaDavia Drane

Amazon

Noni Ellison Tractor Supply Company

Pamela Everhart Fidelity Investments

Pamela G. Alexander KKR Isaac Fordjour Walgreens

Rep. Joyce Beatty

U.S. House of Representatives

Tellis Bethel

Toyota Motor North America

Quita Highsmith, MBA Genentech

Felicia Hale The Coca-Cola Company

Courtney Billington Johnson & Johnson

Natalie Brunson-Wheeler State Farm Insurance Companies

Dale Burnett BIG Equirt Investors LLC

Fred Humphries

Microsoft

Rep. Glenn Ivey

U.S. House of Representatives

Broderick Johnson

Comcast Corporation

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Board of Directors

Rep. Robin Kelly

U.S. House of Representatives

Marcus Sebastian Mason The Madison Group

Rep. Lucy McBath

U.S. House of Representatives

Rep. Stacey E. Plaskett

U.S. House of Representatives

Nichole Francis Reynolds, Esq. ServiceNow

Martin Rodgers Accenture

CBC CHAIRPERSON

Rep. Steven Horsford

U.S. House of Representatives

CBC SPOUSES

CHAIRPERSON

Rev. William Coleman

DIRECTOR EMERITUS

Former Congressman Kendrick Meek

Dontai Smalls UPS Lisa Osborne Ross

Jesse Tyson

The National Black MBA Association, Past President

Rep. Frederica S. Wilson

U.S. House of Representatives

Rondu Vincent Bristol Myers Squibb

DIRECTOR EMERITUS

Former Congressman Cedric Richmond

CAC CHAIRPERSON

John Mason Altria

Ex Officio

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

Corporate Advisory Council

CHAIRPERSON

John Mason

Altria

Sanders L. Adu

Wells Fargo

LaKeitha Anderson

Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber & Schreck

Kevin J. Armstrong

Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Keenan Austin Reed

Alpine Group

Rontel Batie

Batie Consulting

Benjamin Branch

Tristan R. Breaux

Tyson Foods

Zoe Cadore

Calpine

Kwame Canty

Edison Electric Institute

Patrick Edmond CSX Corporation

Chachavious English Ford Motor Company

Fenimore Fisher Aramark Corporation

Heather Foster Lyft Inc.

Karis T. Gutter Corteva Agriscience

Phil A. Hancock

Norfolk Southern

Ashley Hayes

Charter Communications

Edward W. Hill ViacomCBS (Paramount)

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

Corporate Advisory Council

Cory C. Horton Taft Advisors

Mervyn L. Jones II

MLJ Strategies

Francesca Jordan Dell Technologies

Jackie Kelly, Jr.

FedEx Corporation

Adrienne Marks

Visa

Chris Randle

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

BIOS

Andrew Asante, Pharm D

Andrew holds a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and Leadership Professional Certificate from the University of Florida, College of Pharmacy. At Amgen, Andrew serves as the Senior Manager, Global External Medical Engagements. In addition to his responsibilities, Andrew’s strong commitment to service, leadership and diversity is evident through his leadership within the Amgen Black Employee Network (ABEN) Global Leadership Team as the Health Equity Initiative Lead, and also within the R&D DI&B organization, where he serves as a Champion. Andrew and his family reside in Maryland. He enjoys playing soccer, reading, and inspirational podcasts.

Nicole Austin-Hillery

Nicole Austin-Hillery is the President and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. Prior to her start with the foundation Ms. Austin-Hillery was the Executive Director of the US Program at Human Rights Watch. In this role, Ms. Austin-Hillery led Human Rights Watch’s efforts to end violations in abusive systems within the United States. Her work focuses on addressing and combatting systemic racism, improving the U.S. immigration system, tackling rights problems within the domestic criminal justice system and advocating for policies to address poverty and inequality informed by international human rights standards. Prior to joining Human Rights Watch, Ms. Austin-Hillery was the first Director and Counsel of The Brennan Center’s Washington, D.C. office which she opened in March 2008. At the Brennan Center, she oversaw the growth and development of the Center’s advocacy and policy development work in Washington and served as its chief representative before Congress and the Executive Branch.

Bryan Baugh, MD

Dr. Bryan P. Baugh joined Johnson & Johnson in 2007 as the Associate Medical Director for HIV. In his current role as the Global Medical Affairs Leader for HIV and Health Equity in Global Medical Affairs, his primary responsibilities include supporting the research and development and medical affairs strategies for the marketed HIV therapeutics and Global Medical Affairs Health Equity Strategies. Prior to joining J&J, Dr. Baugh practiced in Washington, DC and was the Director of HIV Services and Staff Physician at the Whitman Walker Clinic.

Dr. Baugh’s areas of expertise include HIV, extensive experience in drug development, medical affairs, publications, pharmaceutical medicine and health equity. In addition, Dr. Baugh is passionate about eradicating health disparities, health equity and implementing strategies to enroll underrepresented populations in clinical studies.

BIOS

Dr. Baugh earned his BS in Chemistry from Howard University, his medical degree from the Medical College of Ohio and trained in Internal Medicine at the Washington Hospital Center. He serves on several Boards of Trustees including The National Medical Fellowships and The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.

Georges C. Benjamin, MD

Georges C. Benjamin, MD, is a well-known health policy leader, practitioner and administrator. He currently serves as the executive director of the American Public Health Association, the nation’s oldest and largest organization of public health professionals. He is also a former secretary of Health for the state of Maryland. Dr. Benjamin is a graduate of the Illinois Institute of Technology and the University Of Illinois College Of Medicine. He is board-certified in internal medicine, a Master of the American College of Physicians, a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, a fellow emeritus of the American College of Emergency Physicians, and a member of the National Academy of Medicine. He serves on several nonprofit boards such as Research!America, the Environmental Defense Fund and Ceres. He is a former member of the National Infrastructure Advisory Council, a council that advises the President on how best to assure the security of the nation’s critical infrastructure.

Ryan Brown

Ryan Brown boasts over 15 years of clinical development industry expertise, currently the Regional Vice President of Sales - Trial Landscape at H1, a pioneering health tech firm integrating AI and SDoH to enhance clinical trial efficacy and inclusivity. Her rich background encompasses Health Care Technology, Decentralized Clinical Trials, and Contract Research Organizations. At notable CROs like ICON-PRA Health Sciences, PPD, and Worldwide Clinical Trials, Ryan excelled in clinical operations, global business development, and commercial leadership. She led a sales team generating $1.5B in RFP volume and facilitated $350M+ in net new business. Beyond her professional endeavors, Ryan is a respected speaker at industry events such as SCRS Diversity Site Solutions Summit and PharmaVoice Women of the Week. She’s contributed to clinical industry task forces including Yale’s CRRIT Advisory Board and ACRO. Ryan holds a bachelor’s in chemistry from Kentucky State University, a Master’s in Public Administration with a Healthcare Administration & Finance Concentration from the University of Kentucky, and certifications in Diversity from Cornell University and Vanderbilt.

Courtney Christian

Courtney Christian, MPA is a Deputy Vice President of Policy and Research at PhRMA and leader of PhRMA’s Equity Initiative, driving a pioneering plan to invest in communities of color in three key pillars: enhancing clinical trial diversity, developing research and policies that advance health equity, and building a diverse industry talent pipeline. She also focuses on statebased reforms impacting health insurance, prescription drug coverage in public health programs. Prior to joining PhRMA, Courtney worked at the Black Women’s Health Imperative as Director of Policy and Advocacy, and on Capitol Hill for several years in a series of roles, culminating as Legislative Director for Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL). Courtney is a Florida State football fan (and alum), aspiring chef, and mom to an energetic second grader.

Sara D. Collins, MD, FACC

Dr. Collins is an Interventional Cardiologist at Chesapeake Cardiac Care in Bowie, Maryland. Alongside her clinical practice, she serves as the Medical Director for Flourish Research Bowie, a clinical research site specializing in cardiometabolic trials.

Dr. Collins earned her undergraduate degree from Brown University and her medical degree from Meharry Medical College. She completed her Internal Medicine training at the University of Maryland Medical Center, followed by Cardiology fellowship at Georgetown University/Medstar Washington Hospital Center, and Interventional Cardiology training at Medstar Washington Hospital Center.

With a career marked by numerous publications in peer-reviewed medical journals, Dr. Collins’s research focus centers on addressing gender and racial disparities within cardiovascular disease, reflecting her commitment to promoting equity and inclusivity in healthcare. Her current work at Flourish Research Bowie is centered around racial and ethnic minority underrepresentation in clinical trials.

In addition to her research endeavors, Dr. Collins co-chairs the Association of Black Cardiologists’ Health and Public Policy Committee, working to shape healthcare policies and initiatives that benefit underserved populations.

Beyond her clinical and research roles, Dr. Collins lends her expertise as a consultant for healthcare startups, guiding them in business and product development strategies.

BIOS

Joia A. Crear-Perry, MD, FACOG

Dr. Crear-Perry is a physician, policy expert, thought leader, and advocate for transformational justice who identifies and challenges racism as a root cause of health inequities. She is a highly sought-after trainer and speaker who has been featured in national and international publications, including Essence and Ms. magazines. She has addressed the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to urge a human rights framework to improve maternal mortality. Previously, she served as the Executive Director of the Birthing Project USA, Director of Women’s and Children’s Services at Jefferson Community Health Care Centers, and Director of Clinical Services for the New Orleans Health Department. A proud recipient of the Congressional Black Caucus Healthcare Heroes award, Dr. Crear-Perry currently serves on the Board of Trustees for Community Catalyst, TapRoot Earth, and the UCSF Preterm Birth Initiative. Dr. Crear-Perry completed her medical degree at Louisiana State University and her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the Tulane University School of Medicine. She was also recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecol.

Marcus Dortch, PharmD

Dr. Marcus Dortch is the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Clinical Trials at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. With a focus on enhancing diversity and inclusion within clinical studies, he collaborates on initiatives to ensure trial populations reflect real-world demographics, particularly those from underrepresented groups. Dr. Dortch holds a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and brings extensive experience in critical care medicine and outcomesbased research. Recognized as a fellow of the American College of Critical Care Medicine, he has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications and holds an adjunct assistant professorship at his alma mater. In previous roles, Dr. Dortch oversaw clinical pharmacy services for a national network of hospitals and served as a Senior Medical Science Liaison in infectious diseases/ vaccines. Passionate about addressing health disparities, he has championed DEI-focused strategies and has engaged with opinion leaders and healthcare providers to tackle vaccine hesitancy.

Okey Enyia, PhD

Dr. Okey K. Enyia is the Founder & CEO of Enyia Strategies, LLC, a health policy consulting firm specializing in advising, research support, policy analysis, project management, and legislative strategy. Additionally, he contributes as a health policy researcher for the National Institutes of Health All of Us program. Formerly a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Health Policy Fellow, Dr.

Enyia worked across diverse issue areas, including health, education, foreign policy, civil rights, and advocacy for three members of Congress. He merges scholarship, activism, and policy-making to mobilize communities for social change, emphasizing strategic foresight, innovative solutions, collaborative leadership, and analytical precision.

Donna Fisher-Lewis

Donna Fisher-Lewis is the Senior Vice President overseeing Resource Development and the Leadership Institute at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF). She provides strategic leadership for fundraising efforts around CBCF initiatives; sets direction and goals for planned giving programs; and oversees fundraising development and expansion, and portfolio management of current and prospective donors. Additionally, she manages the Leadership Institute’s budget, funding partnerships and department operations. With more than 25 years of experience in major gift development, annual fund management, corporate sponsorship, grant writing, program development and planned giving, Mrs. Fisher-Lewis’ background includes roles at nonprofits that focus on the arts, education, human services, housing, and the community.

Prior to joining CBCF in 2014, she was the senior development director at Rebuilding Together, a national housing organization, where she facilitated a cultural shift for individual giving over a two-year period, making it a viable revenue stream for general operating support. The shift incrementally increased individual giving revenue by 75 percent. Prior to her tenure at Rebuilding Together, Mrs. Fisher-Lewis worked in three different community foundations in Michigan and Maryland, developing and implementing comprehensive development campaigns, facilitating planned giving, matching donor philanthropic interest and grant distribution, and building endowment funds. Throughout her career, she has presented at various fundraising conferences, seminars, and webinars on grant writing, board engagement in fund development, and individual giving.

Mrs. Fisher-Lewis earned a Masters of Public Administration with an emphasis in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan; and a bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders (Speech-Language Pathology) from Towson University in Towson, Maryland. She completed additional study at the Indiana School of Philanthropy of Indiana University for annual fund development and marketing for development; and honed her planned giving skills at Harvard University at the John Brown Institute for Planned Giving. Mrs. Fisher-Lewis is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and a proud member of Baltimore Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. A native Washingtonian, she lives in Baltimore with her husband and son Jordan.

BIOS

Earl D. Fowlkes, Jr.

Earl Fowlkes serves as the President/CEO of the Center for Black Equity, Inc. (formerly the International Federation of Black Pride -IFBP). He founded the IFBP in 1999 ago as a coalition of organizers in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and South Africa formed to promote a multinational network of Black LGBTQ Pride and community-based organizations. There are over fifty plus Black Pride events with over 450,000 attendees each year. Earl is set to retire from this position July 31, 2024.

Prior to working at the Center For Black Equity, Earl previously served fifteen years as the Executive Director of the DC Comprehensive AIDS Resources and Education Consortium (DC CARE Consortium) and Damien Ministries, organizations that provided services to Person Living With HIV/AIDS in Washington, DC.

Earl has worked on health, political and LGBTQ issues in many communities for over thirty years. Earl currently serves as Chair or member on eight non-profit Boards of Directors and Advisory Boards. He served four years as Chair of the Washington, DC Commission on Human Rights.

Keon L. Gilbert, PhD

Keon L. Gilbert is a fellow in the Governance Studies program at The Brookings Institution. He is an associate professor in the Departme ant of Behavioral Science & Health Education at the College for Public Health and Social Justice at Saint Louis University and a co-founding director of the Institute for Healing Justice and Equity, a center focused on eliminating disparities in health caused by systemic oppression. Prior to joining Saint Louis University, Dr. Gilbert completed his doctoral studies at the University of Pittsburgh and was a W.K. Kellogg Foundation Health Scholar at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research portfolio includes mixed methods approaches to answer research questions regarding the intersections of race, class, gender, and place. His work has also involved understanding the role of social and health care policies on health outcomes; access and use of health care and social services; understanding the role of place on the development of Black males; the role of racial equity tools to influence local and county policy change; and understanding how the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to shape health behaviors.

Millicent Gorham

Millicent Gorham was named the inaugural CEO of the Alliance for Women’s Health and Prevention (AWHP) in March 2023, having been involved with AHWP as the Chair of its Board of Directors since its creation in October 2022. She is also the former Executive Director of the National Black Nurses Association, Inc., which represents 308,000 African American nurses in the United States. Millicent was appointed to that position in October 1995 and held it for over 25 years. In that role, she oversaw administrative, fund development, advocacy, communications, marketing, conference planning, and program implementation, with a staff of five and a budget of $2.4 million. She is a Trustee of Simmons University in Boston.

Wanda Hope

Wanda Bryant Hope is the Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer for Johnson & Johnson. In this role, Wanda is responsible for advancing the company’s global diversity, equity & inclusion strategy to drive innovation and business growth. Wanda and her global DEI team work with leaders across J&J to embed DEI into business strategies.

Wanda is an accomplished business executive with experience in P&L management, marketing, sales, operations and enterprise performance management systems, commercial analytics & operations, strategic alliance management and human resources. During her career at Johnson & Johnson, Wanda has held various senior business leadership positions, including Vice President, Sales & Marketing; Vice President, Commercial Analytics, Development & Operations; and Vice President, Global Performance & Development.

She has consistently demonstrated an ability to drive growth and profitability, translate insights to action, and develop and execute global change management strategies. She is a passionate mentor helping to develop people to innovate and perform at their best. She also serves as a trusted advisor to the Chairman and CEO and the Executive Committee and is a member of the Human Resources Executive Committee.

Wanda serves on the World Economic Forum’s Steering Committee for Partnering for Racial Justice in Business and its Global Future Council on Equity & Social Justice. She has also been a member of several non-profit boards, including Penn State Smeal College of Business Board of Visitors, the National Sales Network National Board, and the State Theatre New Jersey Board of Trustees.

Her passion and performance have been recognized with several awards, such as the Most Powerful Women in Corporate Diversity by Black Enterprise

BIOS

Magazine, American Needs You Honoree, Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association’s Rising Star Award, Auburn Lives of Commitment Award, YWCA Tribute to Women in Industry Award and the National Sales Network Community Service Award.

Wanda received her Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from Penn State University. Her alma mater recognized Wanda as a Penn State Alumni Fellow—the most prestigious award given by the Alumni Association—the Penn State Smeal Diversity Award and selected her as Penn State’s 2020 Fall Commencement Speaker.

Wanda and her husband Bobby are the proud parents of Tyler, their 17-yearold son, and reside in New Jersey.

Rep. Steven Horsford

Representative Horsford is a proven champion for Nevada’s working families. In the 118th Congress, he is committed to crushing the coronavirus, getting Nevada’s economy back on track, and restoring public faith in American institutions.

Rep. Horsford understands the challenges many families in Nevada’s Fourth face each and everyday.He fights for responsible gun control and background checks. He lost his father when he was 19 and empathizes with those who have experienced the pain of losing a loved one to gun violence. His work has focused on ending the school to prison pipeline and provide the safety net children and families need to succeed. He has worked to strengthen children, families and communities because these are priorities for so many Nevadans.

For more than a decade, Rep. Horsford led the Culinary Training Academy, the largest job training program in Nevada, helping thousands of workers find quality careers in the hospitality industry. An unique partnership between labor and business, the Culinary Training Academy under Rep. Horsford’s leadership placed over 80 percent of graduates into good paying jobs and completed a multi-million capital construction campaign.

Rep. Horsford made history as Nevada’s first African-American State Senate Majority Leader and he delivered. He passed the “Clean Energy Jobs Initiative” and positioned Nevada as a leader in renewable energy. When Nevada’s economy was devastated during the recession, Rep. Horsford worked across party lines to solve the worst budget crisis in state history.

While previously representing Nevadans in our nation’s capital, Rep. Horsford worked to ensure veterans, seniors citizens, and all Nevadans received the benefits they deserved, authored and passed the Nevada Lands Bill to create jobs across the state, and fought to protect a woman’s right to make her own healthcare decisions.

Most recently a small business owner, in partnership with Intel, Horsford worked to bring the first of its kind workforce development program for youth and young adults to North Las Vegas. He helped to launch a food recovery program with Three Square and major employers like MGM Resorts to address food insecurity among needy children, families and seniors.He brings a principled focus on job creation, community development and skills development to Congress. Born and raised in Las Vegas to an immigrant mother, Rep. Horsford has worked hard to raise and nurture his three children.

Mohamed Kamara

Mohamed is the founder and CEO of InovCares. He was inspired to develop InovCares following the tragic loss of both his sister and his aunt to pregnancy hemorrhage & preeclampsia. He is also an Adjunct Professor for NYU Master of Healthcare Administration program where he teaches Finance and Entrepreneurship. Previously, Mohamed was the Director of Operations for the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs. During his time at the center, he supported 150 minority-led businesses from idea to growth stage and headed the center’s nonprofit financial statement preparation, budgeting, billing, and receivables, building operations, and maintenance. Mohamed has served as Entrepreneur-in-Residence for Goodie Nation - a nonprofit supporting 350 impact-driven founders with connections, access to capital, and customers. He also held positions as Chief Financial Officer for Wellness Healthcare Clinic - a comprehensive behavioral health and addiction medicine clinic supporting underserved patients impacted by opioids. He has been featured by Forbes, Google, Google Play, Android, Axios, Washington Post, Politico, Protocol, Medscape Education, Becker’s Healthcare, and many others.

Robin Kelly

Congresswoman Robin Kelly has dedicated her career to public service as an advocate for Illinois families. Since being elected to serve the 2nd Congressional District in 2013, she has worked to expand economic opportunity, community wellness, and public safety across the state, championing numerous initiatives to generate job growth, reduce health disparities, and end gun violence.

Congresswoman Kelly is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee (the main policy-writing body of the House) and serves on the Health, Communications and Technology, and Innovation, Data, and Commerce subcommittees. Her Energy and Commerce work is focused on expanding access to healthcare, consumer protection for American families, and economic development.

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She is also a member of the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, which sets the policy direction of the Democratic Caucus.

A staunch champion of common sense gun reforms and responsible community policing, Representative Kelly is a Co-Chair of the Congressional Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce and is the author of The 2014 Kelly Report on Gun Violence in America, the first-ever Congressional analysis of the nation’s gun violence epidemic that offers a blueprint for ending the crisis.

Committed to improving the health and wellness of vulnerable communities across the country, the Congresswoman serves as Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, and Co-Chairs the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls. She also Co-Chairs the House Democratic Policy Group and House Tech Accountability Caucus.

Prior to her election to Congress, Kelly was a member of the Illinois House of Representatives, served as Chief Administrative Officer of Cook County (the second largest county in the United States) and was Chief of Staff to Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias - becoming the first African American woman to serve as Chief of Staff to an elected constitutional statewide officeholder.

The daughter of a small business owner and postal worker, Congresswoman Kelly moved to Illinois to attend Bradley University in Peoria, where she earned her B.A. in psychology and an M.A. in counseling. She later received a Ph.D. in political science from Northern Illinois University. She lives in Matteson with her husband, Dr. Nathaniel Horn, and has two adult children, Kelly and Ryan.

Kianta Key

Kianta Key sits at the intersection of data, digital and health equity, creating communications campaigns for healthcare clients to advance preventive testing, clinical trial participation and treatment adherence. As the creator of the Identity Experience (IX) methodology, Kianta spearheads audience strategy at GCI Health, a WPP global communications agency. Her digital-first approach has benefited clients across the healthcare spectrum, including major pharmaceutical companies, non-governmental associations and nonprofit organizations. In 2023, she created “Layered: A Report on the Perceptions of Clinical Trials Among Black Women,” to dispel misconceptions about Black women’s likelihood to participate in health research. She champions diversity, serving on the Marcus Graham Project board and as a co-lead for the People of Culture Employee Resource Group at GCI Health. Her work has garnered industry recognition, including a SABRE award for the Best Use of Digital Marketing, PRWeek Women to Watch honoree, an ADCOLOR finalist for Innovator of the Year, and named one of the 35 Inspirational Black Women in Marketing by LinkedIn.

Paul Rowe, MD, ATSF

Dr. Rowe boasts over 20 years of expertise in pharmaceutical research and medical affairs, specializing in respiratory, dermatology, gastroenterology, rhinology, and cardiovascular medicine. With a track record of NDA approvals for multiple innovative therapies, he’s led global projects from phase II to IV trials. Dr. Rowe has authored 260+ publications, positioning him as an authority in healthcare innovation. His leadership extends to national and international societies, including his role as Vice Chair of the ATS. As a soughtafter speaker, he champions international medical research collaboration. Dr. Rowe’s commitment to patient-centricity and health equity is evident in his role as a leader in building diverse medical teams. Currently, Dr. Rowe heads North America Medical, Specialty Care at Sanofi addressing unmet needs in specialties from Rare Blood Disorders to Immunology. His academic background includes degrees from Harvard and the University of Rochester School of Medicine, with certifications from the London School of Economics and Villanova University.

Rep. Terri A. Sewell

Congresswoman Terri Sewell is in her sixth term representing Alabama’s 7th Congressional District. She is one of the first women elected to Congress from Alabama in her own right and is the first black woman to ever serve in the Alabama Congressional delegation. Congresswoman Sewell sits on the exclusive House Ways and Means Committee and brings to the committee her more than 15 years of experience as a securities and public finance attorney. Currently, in the 117th Congress, she serves as a member of the House Ways & Means Committee where she sits on three subcommittees: the Subcommittee on Health; the Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures; and the Subcommittee on Social Security. In her short time in Congress, Sewell has held several leadership positions including Freshman Class President in the 112th Congress. In the 117th Congress, she was selected by the Democratic Whip James Clyburn to serve as a Chief Deputy Whip, and sits on the prestigious Steering and Policy Committee, which sets the policy direction of the Democratic Caucus. Congresswoman Sewell is a member of the Congressional Black Caucus where she is Co-Chair of the Voting Rights Task Force. She is a member of the New Democrat Coalition; Co-Chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus; Vice-Chair of the Congressional HBCU Caucus; and Co-Chair of the Rural Caucus.

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Dr. Ala Stanford

Dr. Ala Stanford is a pediatric surgeon, founder of the Black Doctors Consortium and R.E.A.L. Concierge Medicine, a national leader in health equity, a health care policy advisor, and former regional director of the US Department of Health and Human Services of the mid-Atlantic. A practicing physician for over twenty years, Dr. Stanford is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery in both pediatric and adult general surgery, and she serves as a medical and health correspondent for national media outlets. Dr. Stanford gained international recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic using the infrastructure of her pediatric surgery practice to create a grassroots organization focused on education, testing, contact tracing, and vaccination in communities devoid of access to care and resources. She subsequently opened a multidisciplinary ambulatory care center in one of the lowest life expectancy neighborhoods in Philadelphia, where she continues to care for people. Dr. Stanford has received many awards and honors, including being named a Top 10 CNN Hero, one of Fortune Magazine’s “World’s 50 Greatest Leaders,” and one of Forbes’s Most Influential Women.

Roslyn Young-Daniels

Roslyn Young-Daniels is the visionary force of Black Health Matters (BHM), a preeminent online health promotion platform, dedicated to improving the health literacy of patients and caregivers. She serves as the CEO and is the founder.

Her brainchild, BHM, was launched in 2012, a year before the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement and in response to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Daniels seeks to “radicalize” her audiences about Black health because the color of one’s skin determines quality of life and mortality in this society.

In 2023, BHM hosted more than 37 webinars, in-person educational and screening programs. The Black Health Matters Summits are the largest public health forums in the nation and are rooted in Black communities. In 2023, the Summits convened with 3.3K participants that benefited from more than 20 types of screenings. These programs were anchored by more than 118 community partners and held in four markets. All BHM programs are free and open to the public.