Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D.

Dr. Alma S. Adams was elected to her sixth full term representing the 12th Congressional District of North Carolina on November 5, 2024. After winning a special election in November 2014, Congresswoman Adams was sworn in immediately as the 100th woman elected to the 113th Congress.

Representative Adams serves on the Committee on Education & Workforce and the House Committee on Agriculture. She is Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development and also serves on the Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture. Among her legislative accomplishments are the FUTURE Act, providing $255 million annually for Minority-Serving Institutions, and a $50 million R&D grant program for HBCUs and MSIs in the 2023 budget.

She co-founded and co-chairs both the Black Maternal Health Caucus and the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. Through her work, she has advanced initiatives improving maternal health outcomes, education, and funding for historically Black colleges and universities.

A lifelong educator, Dr. Adams taught Art at Bennett College for 40 years, where she led civic participation drives and inspired young leaders. She served ten terms in the North Carolina House, nine years on the Greensboro City Council, and was the first African American woman elected to the Greensboro City School Board.

Congresswoman Adams holds degrees from North Carolina A&T State University and earned her Ph.D. in Art Education and Multicultural Education from The Ohio State University. She is the proud mother of two children, four grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.

Alonzo Mourning

Basketball legend and Hall-of-Famer Alonzo Mourning is known for his tenacity and never-give-up attitude. At the height of his professional basketball career, he was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a genetic kidney disease that he later learned was a form of APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD).

Despite excellent medical care, Alonzo’s kidney function continued to decline. Within three years, he needed a kidney transplant to survive. Two decades since his transplant, Alonzo is healthy and is an active kidney health advocate.

Alonzo has partnered with Vertex Pharmaceuticals as a paid spokesperson to help raise awareness of AMKD through Power Forward Together, an initiative to empower others to take charge of their kidney health, know their family history of kidney disease, and see a doctor regularly.

You can learn more about the campaign at www.PowerForwardTogether.com.

Brian Engelhardt, MD, MSCI

Dr. Brian Engelhardt began his role as the Multiple Myeloma Medical Engagement Lead in July 2024. In this capacity, he leads peer-to-peer scientific engagement with national thought leaders, medical societies, and patient advocacy groups, and supports the multiple myeloma portfolio through research collaboration and scientific strategy.

He works to identify evolving care paradigms, develop collaborative research alliances with Global Drug Development, and create disease area–focused medical plans aimed at improving patient outcomes.

Prior to his current position, Dr. Engelhardt served as Senior Clinical Trial Physician within BMS Global Drug Development, focusing on multiple myeloma CELMoD assets. Earlier, he was an Associate Professor of Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and a Staff Physician at the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System.

Dr. Engelhardt earned his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University, completed his internal medicine residency at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and his hematology/oncology fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. His research focused on immune-mediated complications following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, including post-transplant diabetes mellitus, supported by the NIH/NHLBI.

DaShaun Johnson – AKA The Guru of Abs

DaShaun Johnson, also known as THE GURU OF ABS in the fitness industry, is a native of Decatur, Georgia whose passion for fitness began 11 years ago when he landed a job at LA Fitness in Atlanta. It was then that he realized he was destined to be a group fitness instructor and personal trainer dedicated to transforming people’s lives through fitness and nutrition. After much hard work and dedication, he was presented with his first big opportunity—to become a sponsored Nike Training Club (NTC) instructor.

Today, DaShaun focuses on his all-natural dietary supplement line and tours the country offering innovative Body Sculpting programs that have transformed the physiques of people worldwide. His programs include Senior Body Sculpting, designed for senior citizens and featured on Fox 5 Atlanta News and CNN Headline News (HLN); 360 Body Sculpting for strength training and weight loss; and his latest innovation, the Sculpt-In-42 Body Sculpting Online Training Program, featuring live, instructional workouts.

Recognized as one of the best abdominal specialists in the fitness industry, DaShaun continues to be a pillar of positive change—motivating his clients to become the very best versions of themselves while following his lead.

Natisha Lance – Reporter, Weekend Anchor – WBTV

Natisha Lance comes to Charlotte after nearly two decades in Atlanta where she worked at HLN (formerly CNN Headline News) for 11 years. During her tenure there, she was a booker, field producer, senior producer and reporter. She made regular appearances on Morning Express with Robin Meade, The Daily Share, Jane Velez Mitchell and Nancy Grace. She was also a fill in anchor on Weekend Express and for CNN Student News. She covered the Charleston Church shooting, the deaths of Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston, Hurricane Harvey and court cases such as the Kyle Rittenhouse trial, Johnny Depp defamation trial, the Ahmaud Arbery death trial, Casey Anthony and Dr. Conrad Murray.

Natisha grew up the daughter of a news junkie. However, she unexpectedly fell in love with journalism during an internship at ABC’s Good Morning America. After graduating from Spelman College with a degree in English and a minor in Drama, Natisha got her start in TV news in Atlanta. She later moved to New York to attend Columbia Graduate School of Journalism.

Natisha’s work has been highlighted in documentaries such as “I Love You, Now Die: The Commonwealth V. Michelle Carter” and The BMF documentary.

Natisha transitioned to local news for an opportunity to anchor and report on stories impacting her community in her adopted hometown of Atlanta. She helped lead coverage of the 2018 Governor’s race, which earned an Emmy for her station.

Education is important to Natisha and her family. They started the Lance Family Foundation in 2006 as a way to provide college scholarships to minority students from their high school in Wayzata, Minnesota. They have awarded 20 scholarships to date.

Natisha is a wife and a mother to a toddler son. She stepped away from news after he was born to focus on raising him. She calls it the most rewarding year of her life.

Natisha and her husband, Brian, are excited to call Charlotte their new home. They look forward to exploring the many hiking trails in and around the area, new restaurants and finding new playgrounds with their kiddo. In her spare time she loves practicing yoga, baking and being with her family.

If you see Natisha around town, say hi and share your best Charlotte recommendations.

Mariana Broussard

Mariana Broussard is a passionate leader in patient advocacy, currently serving as Associate Director, Global Patient Advocacy for Multiple Myeloma at Bristol Myers Squibb. With a foundation in pre-med and American ethnic studies, Mariana’s career has been dedicated to amplifying the voices of underserved patient populations and advancing health equity. Since joining BMS in 2017, she has led and contributed to numerous initiatives—including cultural competency training, Black History Month and Juneteenth programming, and co-captaining the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night and BIG Climb events.

Her recent Tour of Duty with Global Patient Advocacy Myeloid deepened her commitment to eliminating barriers to care and partnering with trusted community organizations. Mariana’s leadership is also demonstrated through her involvement in the BOLD WA Chapter, regional field ambassador roles, and participation in the Sales Leadership Society Leadership Connections Program. She is known for her adaptability, empathy, and scientific curiosity—qualities that fuel her mission to drive innovative solutions for diverse patient communities.

Outside of work, Mariana enjoys spending time with her family near Seattle, participating in Ironman Triathlons, and supporting local health equity initiatives. Her values—mental fortitude, excellence, grit, and inclusion—guide her mission to keep the patient voice at the center of oncology advocacy.

OLYMPIA D

After a short stint in Tampa, Florida, Olympia D. returns to the Queen City resuming her role as the Assistant Program Director and Midday Personality for WOSF-FM 105.3 RnB. Each day, from 10am until 3pm on 105.3 RnB, she looks forward to catching up with her listeners just like old friends—picking up exactly where they left off. Her goal is to put a smile on everyone’s face while helping you to forget the worries of the world. Olympia will give you the latest ENJ (Entertainment News Juice), breaking news, and her unique twist on the world we live in with her quick wit and an identifiable laugh!

Olympia loves working with the community. This is evident in her passion for real estate, another avenue in which she helps homebuyers and sellers achieve their dreams. As the mother of Brilliance, a bright young lady in training, Olympia seeks to provide the same inspiration she gives to her daughter. Olympia’s priority is to inform, educate, and motivate women of all ages to be wealthy and healthy.

ROBERT PUGH

Robert Pugh is a passionate patient advocate and long-term multiple myeloma survivor, living with the condition since his diagnosis in January 2014. His journey—marked by resilience, faith, and a deep commitment to community—has made him a powerful voice in the oncology space. After undergoing chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, Robert has continued treatment with therapies such as Revlimid and Pomalyst, all while maintaining his role as a mentor and motivator to others navigating similar paths.

A key contributor to the BMS Patient Ambassador Program, Robert has shared his story across diverse platforms—from educational workshops and protocol feedback sessions to Lexiconversation trainings and live speaking engagements. His insights have helped shape more empathetic clinical trial designs and patient communication strategies, ensuring that the patient voice remains central to innovation.

Robert’s impact was especially evident during Global Patient Week 2025, where he served as a featured panelist in the CELMoD Agents session alongside Dr. Joseph Mikhael. His reflections on treatment evolution, emotional resilience, and the importance of patient-centered care resonated deeply with attendees. He also participated in strategic planning sessions and networking events, reinforcing his role as a trusted partner in advocacy.

Beyond his advocacy work, Robert is a father of four, a former pastor, entrepreneur, and medical device professional. He resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, and continues to inspire others through his authenticity, warmth, and unwavering dedication to improving the patient experience.

Black Health Matters Fall 2025 Health Summit & Expo

I'm excited to share that Black Health Matters is returning to The Queen City for our Fall 2025 Health Summit & Expo on Saturday, November 15th!

This inspiring hybrid event—offering both in-person and virtual participation—will once again bring together leading healthcare providers, community leaders, wellness experts, and advocates. Together, we’re empowering patients, caregivers, and families with the tools and knowledge to thrive.

Join us for a celebration of community, resilience, and health equity featuring expert-led health and wellness sessions, exhibits from local and national partners, free health screenings (in-person only), complimentary breakfast and lunch (in-person only), and opportunities to connect, learn, and be inspired.

With uncertainty around healthcare policies, particularly for seniors facing possible Medicare and Medicaid cuts, preventative care has never been more important. The more we know, the better we can advocate for ourselves and our loved ones.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this empowering day—whether you attend in person or virtually. Together, we can continue to make a lasting impact, because #BlackHealthStartsHere, and it continues with you. REGISTRATION IS FREE, so let today be your first step toward a healthier tomorrow — because #BlackHealthMatters.

Shelley Gerson

Shelley Gerson is an Associate Director of US Patient Advocacy at argenx, leading the advocacy efforts tied to argenx research for alternative treatments for people living with rare autoimmune diseases.

Shelley joined argenx in 2021 after working in patient advocacy in rare bleeding disorders at Sanofi, Bioverativ, and Biogen. Prior to working in the biotech industry, she was a biology teacher and a licensed therapist with a small practice supporting people living with chronic illness.

Stacy Johnson, M.D.

Dr. Stacy Johnson is a nephrologist and a medical director of clinical development at Vertex Pharmaceuticals in Boston, Massachusetts.

Prior to joining Vertex, Dr. Johnson practiced nephrology in Memphis, Tennessee and was a faculty member of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. She has over 10 years of experience providing medical care to people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Timon Kyle Durrett

A native of Chicago, versatile actor, artist and author Timon Kyle Durrett attended Alcorn State University where he made his mark, both in his studies and on the men’s basketball team. Soon after graduating Cum Laude, the former collegiate athlete and scholar moved to Los Angeles where he honed his craft and pursued his dream of being an actor.

After paying his dues in independent productions, Timon began landing larger roles on shows such as Girlfriends, Eve, CSI: NY, Heroes, The Ghost Whisperer, and Castle, among others. He also earned rave reviews in his stage debut in the national tour of Tyler Perry’s hit play The Marriage Counselor before playing the recurring role of the controversial Quinn Davis in VH1’s Hirst-ever scripted series, Single Ladies.

Recently, Timon played the role of retired football star, Dom Clayton, in the long-awaited reimagining of Cheaper By the Dozen on Disney+; as Davis West, the philandering husband and father fans love to hate on OWN’s hit series Queen Sugar; as conflicted husband Luvell Burton on ALLBLK’s series Stuck With You; and as Vaughn Taylor, a man dealing with the aftermath of his wife’s infertility in the BET+ feature The Final Say.

Timon currently stars as the charismatic but calculated criminal defense attorney Bill Hamilton on Beyond the Gates; the first Black daytime soap opera in thirty-five years airing on CBS and Paramount+.

Kim Y. Burney, BSN, RN, MSNed, OCN

Kim Yvette Burney, BSN, RN, MSNed, OCN has been an oncology nurse for over 37 years. She obtained a Baccalaureate degree in nursing from Tuskegee University in 1988 and started her career in oncology in Los Angeles, CA. She moved to Atlanta in 1991 and continued to work in oncology at Crawford Long Hospital and worked there until the year 2000 when she began working in the outpatient setting for Georgia Cancer Specialists (GCS). Kim worked there for 12 years and held several positions including infusion nurse, clinic manager and regional supervisor. In 2012, she accepted a position as manager of clinical oncology at Emory, Saint Joseph’s in Atlanta, GA. She has cared for patients with several types of malignancies throughout her career.

Kim is currently employed by Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine as an Oncology Clinical Educator focusing on Multiple Myeloma. Her years of experience in oncology has afforded her opportunities to speak in several different arenas including on radio stations, for churches, during lunch-n-learns at businesses, and during community events. She is the medical information director of KHRYSALIS Empowerment, Inc, a non-profit organization focusing on mental health, education, mentoring, support, and other services for the unhoused, domestic violence victims, at-risk youth, veterans, and other marginalized people in the community. 

Kim believes that the first and most important step in overcoming anything is education about the very thing that we are attempting to overcome. This is what drives her to provide education to the community as often as possible. “Our people perish for a lack of knowledge” Hosea 4:6.

Jaspal Singh, MD MHA MHS FCCP FCCM FAASM

Dr. Jaspal Singh serves as Professor of Internal Medicine and Associate Dean for Faculty Development at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. He is nationally recognized as a physician leader and innovator, with a distinguished commitment to advancing artificial intelligence (AI), team-based care, and healthcare innovation. Dr. Singh combines technical expertise with a human-centered leadership approach that benefits both patients and multidisciplinary teams. He has contributed extensively to leading journals, including CHEST, Critical Care Medicine, American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, JAMA Internal Medicine, Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, Journal of Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology, Telemedicine and e-Health, Respirology. Dr. Singh has been invited to speak by respected organizations such as the American College of Chest Physicians, American Thoracic Society, Society of Critical Care Medicine, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and Becker’s Healthcare, as well as for consulting for prominent industry leaders including Johnson and Johnsonä, Intuitive Surgicalä, Cernerä, and Medtronicä. His work and perspectives have been featured by media outlets such as Medscape, MedPage Today, CNN, Spectrum News, and various NBC, CBS, and Fox News affiliates. Among his honors are the Teal Acorn Physician of the Year at Atrium Health, Equity of Care Physician Award from the Greater Charlotte Executive Healthcare Group, Charlotte Top Doctor recognition, the Presidential Service Citation from the Society of Critical Care Medicine, and the Distinguished Educator Award presented by CHEST. Dr. Singh earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois, completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Rochester, and pursued a fellowship in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine along with a Masters in Health Sciences at Duke University. Additionally, he holds a Masters in Healthcare Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Suzette Hayes, DNP, AGPCNP-BC

With 19 years of nursing experience, Suzette Hayes has worked across critical care, clinical research, and patient education. Her background includes Surgical ICU nursing at a Level I trauma center and research in cardiovascular, neurological, endocrinology, and oncology studies. As an Adult-Gerontology Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner, she is passionate about advancing patient education and improving outcomes in rare and chronic disease management.

Perla Nunes, BS

Perla Nunes is a Community Outreach and Bilingual Clinical Research Dedicated, Engaged & Impactful Thought Leader. Originally from Ecuador, Ms. Nunes brings over 30 years of research experience spanning drug discovery, community engagement, and clinical trial diversity. She began her career at Hoffmann-LaRoche in Nutley, NJ, contributing to drug discovery research, then advanced oncology and immunology studies at the Cannon Research Center, Atrium Health in Charlotte, NC. At Duke University’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), she played a pivotal role from 2009 to 2020, leading initiatives in outreach, recruitment, and retention to increase representation of diverse populations in clinical research.

Building on these strengths, Ms. Nunes now consults with organizations dedicated to advancing health equity and inclusion in clinical research. She partners with healthcare, academic, and nonprofit groups to develop tailored outreach strategies, educational programs, and training for Community Health Workers, always with a focus on engaging underrepresented communities. Her consulting work draws on her nonprofit leadership experience as Director of Outreach at Greater Gift and her prior roles developing culturally responsive programs across the research spectrum.

Ms. Nunes is committed to empowering communities and organizations to foster trust, broaden access, and create lasting changes in clinical research participation.

Nicol Brandon, MPA, CCRP, CCRC, ACRP-PM

Nicol Brandon is a results-driven healthcare leader with nearly two decades of experience in clinical research. She currently serves as Lead Clinical Research Manager at GE Healthcare, where she oversees global research strategy for the maternal and infant care device portfolio. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management with a healthcare focus and a Master’s in Public Administration. Her expertise spans strategic planning, cross-functional team leadership, and execution of complex clinical trials across multiple therapeutic areas including neurology, urology, cardiology, and maternal-infant care.

Nicol has held research leadership roles at Atrium Health and Carolina Urology Partners, consistently driving innovation, operational excellence, and revenue growth. She is certified in clinical research and project management and has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications and national research initiatives.

A passionate advocate for research integrity and collaboration, Nicol has served as President of the ACRP Charlotte Chapter and is actively involved in SOCRA and Toastmasters. Her leadership is grounded in humility, curiosity, and a commitment to improving patient outcomes through evidence-based research.

Joanne Nicholls, EdD

Dr. Joanne Nicholls is a licensed neuropsychologist and neuroscientist and clinical research leader dedicated to advancing health equity and improving outcomes across cancer care, behavioral health, and community well-being. A proud graduate of Columbia University, Dr. Nicholls earned her Ed.D. in Neuroscience, where her research explored the intersections of brain, behavior, and health disparities in underserved populations.

With a multidisciplinary background spanning behavioral research, oncology, and public health, Dr. Nicholls has led transformative studies on the biological and social determinants of health. Her work has extended into community-based research on gun violence prevention, bridging neuroscience and social impact to inform evidence-based interventions.

Currently serving as Director of Oncology Clinical Trials at Novant Health, Dr. Nicholls oversees the execution of cutting-edge cancer studies aimed at expanding access to innovative therapies. She is deeply committed to fostering diversity in clinical research and mentoring the next generation of scientists and clinicians.

Driven by both scientific rigor and social responsibility, Dr. Nicholls continues to champion research that not only advances medicine but also uplifts communities most affected by health inequities.

Nubia Whitaker

Nubia Whitaker is a Clinical Trial Health Equity leader at Moderna. She partners with community groups and clinics to make clinical trials easier to understand and easier to access. Her work centers on education, trust-building, and practical support so more people— especially those often left out —can make an informed choice about whether participating in a trial is right for them. She holds a BA from Wellesley College and an MBA from Simmons University."