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Zuri Dale Zuri Dale is an infectious epidemiologist and public health scientist whose current scientific work places special emphasis on the epidemiology of infectious diseases. Zuri serves as the Executive Director of the Center for Transformative Health, where she leads with a vision grounded in health equity and community empowerment. With a strong background in public health and a deep commitment to addressing disparities in healthcare, Zuri has been instrumental in shaping the Center’s strategic direction and expanding its impact. Her leadership is characterized by a collaborative approach that brings together diverse stakeholders to drive innovative solutions for complex health challenges. Zuri is a member of the American Public Health Association, designated a Moderna Global Medical Expert, serves on the Moderna Advisory Board for COVID-19, and has held teaching assignments at Texas Southern and Princeton University. Zuri is also an Associate Editor of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Preventing Chronic Disease Journal. In her administrative role, Zuri supports the research infrastructure at Texas Southern University. She is instrumental in identifying research priorities, strategic direction, and new opportunities for the Center for Transformative Health and the TSU Institute for Urban Public Health and Housing Equity. Her current research work and interests focus on the clinical manifestations of long-COVID in patients recovered from COVID-19, showcasing her commitment to addressing the ongoing health crisis.

Kelly Morris is a registered Public Health Nurse with a passion for improving community well-being through comprehensive healthcare initiatives. After graduating from The University of Texas at Arlington, she spent the following 10 years gaining experience in various fields including mental health, organ transplant, infectious disease control, gastroenterology, and chronic disease management. She has since cultivated a deep understanding of public health principles, research, and evidence-based practices. Kelly is committed to serving diverse populations, addressing health disparities, and advocating for preventative care strategies to benefit her local communities. Kelly Morris has proudly served Texas Southern University since 2021, contributing to the university’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. She currently serves as Assistant Director of Clinical Programs and Workforce Initiatives within the Division of Research and Innovation, where she leads community-based health programming, workforce development initiatives, student engagement efforts, and strategic partnerships focused on improving access to health and social services. Additionally, she serves as Grant Manager for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant and part-time clinical nursing instructor for Walden University.

Vee works as the CHW for Texas Southern University’s Center for Transformative Health. As a passionate community advocate, she is deeply committed to addressing home inequality in urban areas. She owns and operates a property retention business that’s dedicated to safeguarding the homesteads of seniors and veterans, ensuring they remain secure in their homesteads. In addition, Vicky hosts a thought-provoking podcast that delves into organizing anti-gentrification tactics, and educates the community on investing in tax lien properties in their neighborhoods. She also leads local workshops on preventing title theft, and health and wellness events, empowering residents with the knowledge they need to foster a sense of ownership and sustainability.

Ashlee Young currently serves as the Mental Health Graduate Worker. Ashlee is seeking her Master's degree in Community Clinical Psychology at Texas Southern University. Ashlee’s passion and mission is to positively promote the need for Mental Health Services in underrepresented populations. Ashlee’s roles at The Center for Transformative health include Mental Health First Aid Certification Course, Mental Health Screenings, Research and Data Analysis. 

Dr. Cynthia Johnson's experiences with breast cancer at a young age ”before routine mammograms are recommended” highlight the critical importance of early detection and proactive health advocacy. As a survivor and the first of three sisters to battle breast cancer, she is deeply familiar with the profound impacts this disease can have on individuals, families, and communities.

Cynthia's personal journey has fueled her commitment to public health, particularly in addressing the social determinants of health (SDOH) that lead to disparities in breast cancer outcomes. She is dedicated to improving access to healthcare and support services, emphasizing the urgent need for early detection practices that can save lives, especially among Black women who face alarmingly high disparities in breast cancer incidence and mortality.

An active advocate for policy change and community engagement, Cynthia serves as a Susan G. Komen Advocacy Ambassador and a National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) Project LEAD Graduate. She is also a certified breast educator with Know Your Lemons and a Tigerlily Angel Advocate. In her role as Creative Director at For the Breast of Us—the first online community for women of color affected by breast cancer—Cynthia continues to break barriers and forge pathways for equitable healthcare access and education. Her work is pivotal in shaping discussions and policies that address the intersection of public health and breast cancer, making her a crucial voice in the ongoing dialogue about health disparities during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Jometra Hawkins-Sneed is often called a “community health translator” with life experience as a person who lives with Lupus. Jometra has served as a bridge between communities and policymakers, uncovering and communicating the needs of residents in underserved communities while advocating for policies that will help lift their socioeconomic status. She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of her health and racial equity consulting firm, Equity Bridge LLC ™, where she works with nonprofits, government agencies, healthcare systems, educational institutions and communities to build strategic plans that invest in the betterment of the community through equitable and healthy solutions. She has overseen key public health initiatives in Houston and surrounding areas and currently serves as the Executive Director/ Co-Chair of the African American Health Coalition. She currently serves as Assistant Presiding Officer and a Board Member for the Texas Department of State Health Services, Community Health Workers Advisory Committee.

Kerrigan Williams, MPS is a Multimedia Communications Manager with over 6 years of Public Relations and Corporate Communications experience. Kerrigan received her Master of Professional Studies in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Georgetown University and her Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Sam Houston State University. She has experience in tech communications, product communications, non-profits, entertainment public relations, crisis communications, and much more. Building brands, enhancing organizational reputation, and elevating public engagements are strengths that have magnified Kerrigan’s career portfolio of successes. As a seasoned servant professional with specialties in marketing, communications, and public relations/affairs, Kerrigan is a hands-on, vision-forward practitioner providing strategic, tactical, and operational support for organizational initiatives. With six years of community-consumer- and issues-oriented communications experience, she keenly understands the necessity for pragmatic communication strategy and informed relationship-building with an array of stakeholders. Kerrigan boasts a rich and varied background spanning both public and private sectors, with expertise in general market and multicultural/diversity and inclusion initiatives, community outreach, crisis and change management, as well as philanthropy and development. Her impressive track record stands poised to significantly enhance any strategic communications and marketing endeavors, offering seasoned leadership and decision-making acumen for diverse public engagements, storytelling, and tactical project management. Leveraging her comprehensive skill set, Kerrigan is primed to forge impactful alliances and spearhead metrics-driven campaigns, driving forward-thinking strategic administrative leadership and critical engagement. With a keen focus on measurable outcomes, she excels in guiding public policy, messaging, narrative, crisis management, brand development, and relationship cultivation, steering major initiatives and institutional achievements towards success.