Founding Board Members
Advisory Board Members
Board Members
Desiree Leach
Ph.D.
Dr. Desiree Leach is a graduate of Coastal Carolina University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Dr. Leach has prior industry experience, working in research and development following her undergraduate education. She matriculated at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine to obtain her doctoral degree in Biomedical Sciences, with an emphasis in cell and molecular biology.
Upon graduation, Dr. Leach began her post-doctoral fellowship at Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University. Her work focused on developing therapeutics for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
During her fellowship, Dr. Leach actively participated in Northwestern’s diversity initiatives. Thereafter, she co-founded the Color of Medicine non-profit organization, which was established to promote the inclusion of underserved and underrepresented groups in STEM and medicine. Desiree is also an adjunct professor at City Colleges of Chicago. Dr. Leach is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. In her free time, she enjoys fitness, traveling, and mentoring.
Brooke Williams
M.S., D.O.
Dr. Williams is a dedicated Hospitalist Internist, working tirelessly in the hospital setting in North Carolina. Her commitment to accurate diagnoses, effective treatments, and compassionate patient care sets her apart as a leading medical professional in her field. As an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Campbell University School Of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Williams plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of medical professionals. She educates medical students about various conditions, treatment protocols, and the art of successful patient interaction.
Driven by a vision of diversity and inclusion in the medical field, Dr. Williams co-founded the non-profit organization Color of Medicine in 2018 along with Dr. Desiree Leach. This initiative aims to increase representation of underrepresented minorities in both STEM and Medicine, empowering young talents to pursue their dreams.
A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Dr. Williams actively serves her community, dedicating her time and skills to uplift and empower those around her. Beyond her professional commitments, Dr. Williams enjoys content creation and connects with her followers on social media, offering insights into how a doctor can embrace a fulfilling life beyond “the scope.” Through her diverse endeavors, Dr. Williams exemplifies how passion, dedication, and compassion can create positive change, making a lasting impact on both the medical profession and the community she serves.
Jennifer Adrissi
M.D.
Jennifer Adrissi graduated from the University of Maryland College Park in 2012 where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology and Neurobiology. Her passion for advocacy started during her years as a Terp where she was president of UMD’s chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and served on the University and Honors College student advisory committees.
She used her positions to begin mentoring programs and diversity initiatives that continue at the university today. After matriculating at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, she continued to advocate for the recruitment and support of underrepresented students and trainees during her term as chapter president of the Student National Medical Association.
After graduating in 2016, Jennifer continued at Northwestern as part of the adult neurology residency program and also serves as current president of the STRIVE program, a mentoring program between underrepresented minority (URM) medical students and residents/fellows at Northwestern aimed to increase academic success, retention, and support for URM students. In addition to her clinical work and research in neurology, she also contributes to research in public health, medical education, and global health including work in Uganda, South Africa, and Zambia. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, painting, and trying different restaurants in Chicago.
Alexandria Card
M.D.
Alexandria Card, a North Carolina native and a spring 2017 Duke University graduate, began her Pediatric residency at the University of North Carolina (UNC) in July 2021. She is in the primary care track, which will allow her to develop the necessary skills to become a well-rounded primary care physician who puts advocacy at the forefront.
Alex has always shown interest in community service and mentorship. While at Duke University, she served as President of the Iota Mu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; founded the Black Women’s Union (BWU); and served as a member of Future Is Now (FIN), an organization mentoring Black and Latina middle schoolers in the Durham area.
While in medical school, Alex served as both the Chicago Medical Student Council representative and MAPS liaison for the UICOM Chapter of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA). She was also able to conduct two research studies that placed a spotlight on social determinants of health. She was also able to conduct two research studies that placed a spotlight on social determinants of health. One project assessed pediatric residents’ viewpoints and knowledge surrounding screening pediatric patients for gang exposure. Another research project assessed the effects of COVID-19 on pediatric families at the University of Illinois Health clinic through a variety of questionnaires. This work during medical school culminated in Alex being inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS), an organization that recognizes medical students, residents, and physicians who have shown a passion for service and excellence in clinical care.
While in residency, Alex plans to continue her interest in mentorship and community service through a variety of opportunities at UNC. Alex remains very passionate about uplifting children and making a point to mentor those that come behind her. She only hopes to expand upon these passions through the Color of Medicine. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, trying out new restaurants, and watching sporting events.
Advisory Board Members
Faithful Osawe
M.D.
Faithful Osawe obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in medical sciences, at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. Proceeding to obtain a medical degree at Spartan Health Sciences University, with the first 2 years of Pre-clinical (Basic medical sciences) in Vieux Fort in St Lucia. During this time, she was actively involved as the President of the Student Government medical association (SGMA) during her fourth semester. Her clinical rotations for the next 2 years were done at Wyckoff Hospital, New York, USA and hospitals in South Africa, including Tygerberg Hospital at the University of Stellenbosch, Steve Biko Academic Hospital with the University of Pretoria and University of Capetown in South Africa.
Not only was the vast clinical pathologies and experiences acquired during this time in the 2 countries advantageous, but she was able to gain valuable experiences with involvement in different reputable associations. Amongst these were the TB/HIV care association in Capetown, South Africa (THCA) which is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting TB and HIV sufferers, advocating for social justice and promotion of health, empowering communities in marginalized populations. Sunfield center for intellectually disabled adults and western cape association for persons with disabilities (APD), focusing on training individuals with disability towards their own independence and integration into society on an equal basis with others. After graduating with medical degree (MD), spent 14 months in Nigeria for training in tropical medicine, becoming a registered professional with the Nigerian medical association (NMA) and Medical and Dental council of Nigeria (MDCN) after passing the board exam, proceeding with internship at Central Hospital in Benin, Nigeria subsequently. Took a leadership program with the Christian Connections for International Health (CCIH) in Nigeria, joining forces with Doctors without borders and medical missionaries visiting Africa. Focus was given to providing lifesaving health aid in emergency situations, raising awareness and fund-raising to provide financial aid. She witnessed so many eye-opening experiences that was life changing during this time. Subsequently pursued internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating and becoming Internal medicine board (ABIM) certified, worked as Faculty and Hospitalist with Northwestern Medicine. Currently work full-time with St Franciscan Health, in Olympia fields as a teaching Hospital/ Internal Medicine attending, actively involved in the Internal Medicine residency and mentorship program. Dr Osawe is the medical Director of the Health-Best Foundation, a Non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health care of men, women and children in Benin, Nigeria. Also actively involved in a mentorship program assisting Foreign medical graduates (FMGs) struggling with obtaining residency spots in strengthening their portfolios to improve success rates. In her free time, she enjoys vacation time with family.
Verlon Johnson
M.P.A.
Verlon Johnson is the Senior Vice-President of Corporate Strategy at CNSI, a Rockville, Maryland-based health IT solutions firm. She has over two decades of experience working in the health care policy and administration arena. A nationally recognized expert in Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Verlon has a track record in helping public health care programs improve their outcomes.
Prior to joining CNSI, Verlon was an Associate Partner/Vice-President at IBM Watson Health where she provided strategic direction for innovation in Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance through financing, payment incentives, quality, and value-based care design consulting. Verlon and her team had the honor of providing support and assistance to the federal government as they strived to help their states and providers respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Working closely with leadership within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Verlon led her team in developing much needed and timely external and internal resources including those focused on telehealth and telework.
Verlon also held numerous leadership positions during her time in federal service including serving as the Associate Consortium Administrator for Medicaid & CHIP within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). In this role, she oversaw the regulatory and policy implementation of the Medicaid and CHIP programs in each of CMS’ ten Regional Offices covering all states and territories. Verlon completed stints as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Regional Director where she led regional efforts to combat the opioid epidemic and the Deputy Director for Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) where she focused on topics such as the Zika virus, the Flint water crisis, and other national issues impacting state Medicaid delivery systems. Her executive leadership on national efforts directly impacted over 70 million individuals enrolled in the Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program.
Verlon earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University and a Master of Public Administration with an emphasis on Health Care Policy and Administration from Texas Tech University. She is also a Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management Executive Scholar and the recipient of many honors including the IBM Exceptional Account Director, the IBM Watson Health Lady Boss Award, and the JKF Federal Employee of the Year Award.
Kimberly Middleton
M.D.
Dr. Kimberly Middleton is a board certified Family Medicine Physician. She received her medical degree at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago and completed her residency at the University of Illinois Department of Family Medicine. Dr. Middleton was fellowship trained in Maternal and Child Health at West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park, Illinois. There, she managed high risk pregnancies and deliveries and provided care for newborns and children who were at risk for poor outcomes. While at West Suburban Hospital, she served as a residency and fellowship program instructor in the field of Women’s and Children’s health.
To further make an impact in medicine, Dr. Middleton underwent fellowship training at the American Academy of Anti-aging and Regenerative Medicine where she focused on prevention of age-related diseases. In her practice, she uses both a traditional and natural approach in her treatments. She is co-author of the book, The Unstoppable Woman’s Guide to Emotional Well Being, where she discusses the effects of nutrient depletion.
Since she is extremely passionate about closing the gap in health disparities for minorities, she has particularly focused on practicing in areas of the underserved. She is also a member of the steering committee for Diversity and Inclusion at Vein Clinics of America.
Later, Dr. Middleton transitioned her career and underwent extensive training in phlebology, the
diagnosis and treatment of varicose vein disease and related disorders. She currently
provides vascular treatments at Vein Clinics of America, where she specializes in
ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy and endovenous thermal ablation.
Dr. Middleton is an active member of the America Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine and has served as an Associate Clinical Professor at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic. She lectures regularly on topics related to wellness, nutrition, supplements, nutrient depletion, menopause, disease prevention, and venous disease.