Advisory Board

The Black Women's Health Imperative has carefully selected advisory board members known for their expertise and ability to understand and communicate the health needs of Black women. The advisory board will provide counsel and technical support in the planning and design of national and community programs and initiatives.



CoCo Bright is a dynamic motivational and inspirational speaker in Atlanta, Ga. While hosting her radio talk show, "Journey to Wellness," Bright delivers tools, resources and helpful ideas that listeners can use in their own journey to wellness and wholeness. Today, having conquered morbid obesity, she shares her testimony and experiences with others who may be experiencing the same challenges.

Miriam J. Burnett, M.D., MPH, MDiv, is the president of Resource and Promotion of Health Alliance Inc. (R.A.P.H.A.), a health education and promotion consulting company for faith-based and community organizations who strive to assist others with achieving optimal health. A physician in private practice with a background in public health, Dr. Burnett is presently the medical director for the Coweta County Sheriff's Department and formerly the primary care director for the Coweta County Health Department. She is an ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the medical director of its Connectional Health Commission. Dr. Burnett resides in Atlanta, Ga.

Adrienne Stith Butler, Ph.D., is a program officer at the Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. Dr. Butler was one of the staff officers on the report titled "Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Healthcare." She is currently the study director for the project undertaken by the Committee on Responding to the Psychological Consequences of Terrorism. As a licensed clinical psychologist, she has served as the James Marshall Public Policy Scholar, a fellowship sponsored by the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues and the American Psychological Association.

Andrea King Collier is a free-lance journalist and a national health care advocacy consultant in Lansing, Mich. Her work in health care advocacy is informed by her own personal experiences and years of interviews with every day individuals who strive for access to quality care. She has also consulted on the project titled "Writing to Inform Health Policy," funded by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. She is a prolific writer and has written for the Chicago Tribune, the Lansing State Journal, the New York Times, Savoy, Essence, Better Homes and Gardens, the Oxford American, Black Issues in Books Review, Writer's Digest, More and other publications. She is currently a consultant to Rally Points, the community outreach arm of Last Acts, an end-of-life coalition.

Lisa Cooper, M.D., MPH, is a professor of medicine and health policy & management at the Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology & Clinical Research at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions in Baltimore, Md. She was recently named a 2007 fellow by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Dr. Cooper conducts landmark studies designed to understand and overcome racial and ethnic disparities in medical care and research. Dr. Cooper's research program focuses on patient involvement in medical decision-making and access to health care for African Americans, particularly for the treatment of common problems, such as depression and hypertension, in primary care settings. She has served on numerous national and international advisory groups, including the U.S. Surgeon General's Work Group on Race and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care. She is also the lead author of a chapter regarding patient-provider communication that is included in the Institute of Medicine's "Unequal Treatment."

Patricia Davidson, M.D., is one of fewer than 50 African American female cardiologists in the United States. She's interviewed regularly by the media on heart disease issues in women, African Americans and other ethnic populations. Dr. Davidson assisted Rep. Maxine Waters (D-California) in the preparation of an amendment to the Women's Health Research and Prevention Act. She was cited in the Congressional Record upon passage of this bill. Having served on many national boards, including the American Heart Association and the Association of Black Cardiologists, Dr. Davidson is currently in private practice in Washington, D.C.

Jemea S. Dorsey is a true advocate for women's health and empowerment. Dorsey commits herself to fulfilling her life's mission of providing safe spaces for women to gain knowledge and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and their communities. Currently serving as the chief executive officer for the Center for Black Women's Wellness (CBWW), Dorsey works to provide comprehensive wellness and health services to more than 2,000 families annually throughout the Atlanta metro area. The CBWW is an Atlanta-based, non-profit organization that provides free and low-cost services to empower Black women and their families toward physical, mental and economic wellness. Prior to joining CBWW, she served as an educational consultant in New York, and later as an evaluation consultant for the Family Connection Program in Georgia. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Wesleyan University in Connecticut, and her master's degree in urban policy from the New School for Social Research in New York.  Dorsey is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc, the National Healthy Start Association, the Atlanta Women Foundation's Destiny Fund and the Raising Women's Voices Advisory Board.

Keith C. Ferdinand, M.D., is adjunct clinical professor at the Morehouse School of Medicine, clinical professor in the cardiology division at Emory University and chief science officer of the Association of Black Cardiologists Inc. (ABC) in Atlanta, Ga. A member of the Ad Hoc Committee on Minority Populations for the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), Dr. Ferdinand also serves on the National High Blood Pressure Education Program Coordinating Committee. In 2004, he received the Louis B. Russell, Jr. Memorial Award from AHA and the Walter M. Booker Community Service Award from ABC. Dr. Ferdinand has authored two chapters, "New Approaches to the Pharmacologic Treatment of Hypertension" and "Update on the Treatment of Hypertension," of Cardiology Clinics in 1999 and 2001, respectively. He also co-authored "Medical Management of Coronary Heart Disease in Blacks" in Cardiovascular Diseases in Blacks. He was host and producer of "Health Issues 2000," a community cable talk show, and previously produced "You and Your Health," a local radio talk show in New Orleans.

Fabiola D. Gaines, R.D., L.D., is a founding partner of Hebni Nutrition Consultants Inc., an organization that developed the original "Soul Food Pyramid," a culturally-sensitive, food-guide pyramid. The co-author of four successful cookbooks is also the co-chair of the Cultural Diversity Committee for the Central Florida American Diabetes Association in Orlando, Fla., and a chief clinical dietitian for the Depugh Nursing Center in Florida. Gaines received her bachelor's degree in foods and nutrition from Florida A&M University and is a certified member of the American Dietetic Association.

Janice B. Harris, R.N., B.S.N., C.D.E, is the program director for the diabetes self-management initiative at Howard University, a position she has held since May 1996. Under her leadership, the program has received multiple recognitions from the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Mrs. Harris is also a study coordinator for clinical research and is one of the driving forces behind the creation of the diabetes treatment center at the university.

Constance Smith Hendricks, Ph.D., is a professor in the School of Nursing at Auburn University. She received her bachelor's degree in nursing and her master's degree with a focus in community health nursing, and a graduate certificate in gerontology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). In 1992, she earned a Ph.D. in clinical nursing research at Boston College where she was the first African American to complete the nursing doctoral degree at the institution. In 2007, she received the UAB Distinguished Alumna for the School of Nursing and was also selected as the 2007 Mary T. Boynton Distinguished Lecturer at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville College of Nursing.

Francis L. Hutchins Jr., M.D., an experienced gynecologic surgeon in Plymouth Meeting, Pa., is an expert in the management of uterine fibroids. His career spans both the academic and private practice of gynecology. He has pioneered the use of uterine artery embolization as a non-surgical treatment for fibroids. Hutchins has been featured, both nationally and internationally, in numerous magazines, journals and national television programs for his pioneering work. He has lectured and written on important health topics such as teen-age pregnancy and the clinical management of patients with unique needs. Dr. Hutchins is currently a consultant and lecturer on women's health and continues to write extensively on this topic.

Donna (DeeDee) Jackson is the national president of Mocha Moms Inc., a support network for mothers of color who have chosen not to work full-time outside of the home in order to devote more time to their families. A graduate of Appalachian State University, Jackson majored in Health Care Management, and minored in Psychology and Sociology. During her career, she has worked for the largest public health hospital system in Georgia (Grady), and served on the taskforce that created Georgia's first managed care health plan with access to all uninsured children. In addition, she has served as manager of the member/customer services division of Cigna Health Care. She continues to assist with legislature awareness and planning in several arenas to advocate for equal access for uninsured children across the country.

Shiriki Kumanyika, Ph.D., M.P.H., is an epidemiology professor in the department of biostatistics and epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Medicine. Kumanyika has a unique interdisciplinary background that integrates epidemiology, nutrition, aging, prevention, minority health and women's health issues. She currently serves on the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine, the National Children's Study advisory committee, the Prevention Reference Group of the International Obesity Task Force, the National Task Force on Obesity Prevention and Treatment at the National Institutes of Health as consultant to the World Health Organization's Nutrition for Health Development department.

Ngina Lythcott, MSW, Dr.PH, is the associate dean of students of Boston University School of Public Health. She has extensive health promotion and disease prevention experience in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, cancer, substance abuse, adolescent pregnancy and violence, with residents of low-income communities, using a community organization and development model. A 14-year breast cancer survivor, she is active on several national committees and holds numerous leadership positions within those affiliations.

Lucille C. Norville-Perez, M.D., is the president and CEO of the Cave Institute, former National Health Director for the Health Advocacy Department of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and past president of the National Medical Association (NMA). As NMA president, Dr. Perez endeavored to build on the organization's existing programs with new initiatives and partnerships, which included bringing the traditional healers together, clergy and physicians, embarking not only on the science of spirituality but the essence of faith-based medicine. A 1974 graduate of Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York, Dr. Perez received her medical degree from New York Medical College in 1979. She completed her pediatric residency at Long Island Jewish Medical Center and did an adolescent fellowship at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.

Saundra Maass-Robinson, M.D., is a board certified psychiatrist in private practice in Atlanta, Ga. She is also an associate clinical professor at the Morehouse School of Medicine in the psychiatry and pediatrics departments. Her outstanding accomplishments include fellowship recognition with the American Psychiatric Association (2001), president of the Georgia Psychiatric Physicians' Association (2002-2003) and recipient of the 1997 Psychiatrist of the Year Award by the Georgia Psychiatric Physicians' Association. Maass-Robinson is active in many professional and civic organizations. She's a frequent public speaker on women's health issues and the treatment of psychiatric conditions. Her most recent publications can be found in the American Journal of Health Studies.

Randall C. Morgan, Jr., M.D., MBA, is the executive director of the W. Montague Cobb/National Medical Association (NMA) Health Institute, serving as the 95th President of NMA from 1996-1997. He founded The Orthopedic Centers of Northwestern Indiana and served as its president from 1990 to 1996. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and the American Board of Managed Care Medicine. The recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award for National Service and the Joseph Pitts Award for Community Service from the Gary Branch of the NAACP, received his medical degree from orthopedic surgery at Northwestern University. He currently practices orthopedic surgery in Sarasota, Fla.

Susan Newman, DDiv, is an ordained minister, community advocate, teacher and an author. Her 30 year professional career has centered on her personal faith. Currently, she is the director of the Balm in Gilead's Washington, D.C. office. She most recently served the District of Columbia Government as the senior advisor to the mayor for religious affairs, and is an adjunct minister of the Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ in Washington, D.C. Dr. Newman is an inspirational, motivating and humorous speaker whose soul-stirring, thought-provoking insights on healthy relationships from a spiritual perspective have garnered nationwide attention and acclaim. Hailed by Ebony magazine as one of the top Black women preachers in America, Dr. Newman has moved audiences throughout the United States, Switzerland and Ghana to hallelujahs and social action. She has been called "down-to-earth," "powerful," "life-changing" and "a reality check for the church."

Lisa Oldham, M.D., is an instructor and adjunct attending in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital in Chicago, Ill. Oldham is a regular columnist of the Black Women's Health Imperative's "Ask the Expert" section and gives insight and medical expertise on women's health and reproductive health issues.

Winston Price, M.D., is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He has held numerous leadership positions within the National Medical Association, culminating in his role as the 105th president. As President, his focus, in addition to addressing health disparities, has been to promote greater use of computer technology to improve health education and health outcomes. Dr. Price has received numerous awards, including the Grace James Award, and a Congressional Award for Outstanding Community Service. He has also been named one of the Best Doctors in America. Dr. Price has taken a special interest in serving the needs of abused women and children through a variety of professional activities. He also has lectured widely throughout the U.S. and Caribbean on such issues as domestic violence and child abuse, health information technology, immunizations and health disparities. Dr. Price resides in New York.

Maya Rockeymoore, Ph.D., is president and CEO of Global Policy Solutions, a consulting firm located in Washington, D.C., that has a social change mission. Rockeymoore's interest areas include health, social insurance, income security, education, women's issues and youth civic participation. Formerly a vice president at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), Rockeymoore has also served as chief of staff to Congressman Charles Rangel and as professional staff on the House Ways and Means Committee. Rockeymoore is the author of "The Political Action Handbook: A How to Guide for the Hip-Hop Generation," and as co-editor of "Strengthening Community: Social Insurance in a Diverse America." She is also a member of the National Academy of Social Insurance and an adjunct professor at American University's Women and Politics Institute.

Barbara Louise Shaw, Ph.D., is the general president of the Women's Home and Overseas Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church where she presides over 800,000 women on five continents. She was educated in the public schools in Baltimore, Md., and she also attended Morgan State University, Notre Dame College, and undertook graduate studies at The Johns Hopkins University. Professionally, she has served as a teacher in the Baltimore City Public School System, a producer with Maryland Public Television and as a prison administrator with the State of Maryland, where she retired after 30 years of service. 

Denese Shervington, M.D., MPH, the director of psychiatry at Harlem Hospital Center, is an expert in women's mental and reproductive health. Dr. Shervington came to Harlem Hospital Center from Meharry Medical College where she was chairperson and associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences. The self-help author and novelist has written two books: "Soul Quest: A Healing Journal for women of the African Diaspora," which integrates Western medicine and Eastern philosophy to help women reduce stress and heal. "Three Women" is an engrossing tale about three friends trying to help women reduce stress and heal.

Roniece Weaver, M.S., R.D., L.D., is the executive director and a founding partner of Hebni Nutrition Consultants, Inc., a non-profit organization in Orlando, Fla., that's dedicated to health and nutrition education for communities of color. She is co-chair of the Cultural Diversity Committee for the Central Florida American Diabetes Association in Orlando, Fla. The co-author of the "The New Soul Food Cookbook for People with Diabetes," "Slim Down Sister," "Month of Meals" and most recently "The Family Style Soul Food Diabetes Cookbook" was awarded her bachelor's degree in food science and human nutrition from the University of Florida and her master's degree in health care administration.