Sierra is a native of Memphis, TN. She graduated from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in May of 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Health Education with a Concentration in Community and Public Health and a Minor in Biology. In August of 2022 she obtained her Master of Public Health (MPH) from MTSU. With 8 years of experience in HIV and STI prevention and treatment, her work began in 2016 at the Tennessee Department of Health before transitioning to Vanderbilt University Medical Center-Southeast AIDS Education and Training Center (SE AETC). As an Associate Program Manager, she implemented the Southeast Practice Transformation Expansion Project (SEPTEP) managing to successfully train and provide technical assistance to 16 health centers in high-risk areas from the Southeast-Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. This work is published in HRSA’s 2019 Ryan White HIV/AIDS Biennial Report. In addition, she participated as a committee member on the Ending the Epidemic Nashville Community Education & Stigma committee. Switching gears, Sierra moved on to become the Community Health Improvement Plan and Community Health Assessment Coordinator for Nashville, TN at the Metro Nashville/Davidson County Public Health Department where she then was promoted by the director of the health department to carry out the work for Ending the HIV Epidemic Nashville. Most recently, Sierra served as Capacity Building Associate at Southern AIDS Coalition (SAC) and is presently Community Outreach Manager in Infectious Diseases at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s HIV Prevention and Treatment Program. She is honored and delighted to bring her passion for public health, skill, and knowledge to University of Memphis – School of Public Health. She values hearing the voice of the community because it is, “Not about us without us!”, being an advocate, and identifying determinants of health that create barriers. Finally, she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., enjoys serving and giving back to her alma mater, Southwind High School, and her hobbies include kickboxing and traveling.

Veverly M. Edwards teaches a variety of subjects in the Department of English. Creative Writing and African American Literature are her passions. She’s also a graphic artist, mostly self-taught. She’s participated in art exhibitions with Beale Street Art Crawl, Arkwings, and Crosstown Arts.

Fedoria Rugless, PhD is a research assistant professor for the College of Health Sciences and serves as the director of research for Church Health beginning in November 2018. Prior to joining University of Memphis, her research interests have spanned from exposure effects and neuromotor performance, to patient centered outcomes, HIV surveillance, and cancer research. She has presented her research in various publications, and at many conferences nationally and internationally. Dr. Rugless also has a passion for education and has served as adjunct faculty at various institutions within the region. She is also a certified clinical research professional through the Society of Clinical Research Associates. She is very enthusiastic about this role as it embodies both of her passions and areas of service in both the healthcare and research arenas. This dual position was developed from the President's office in collaboration with Church Health leadership, with the vision of developing a nationally recognized collaborative research program between the University of Memphis and Church Health. In this role, Dr. Rugless works as a liaison between University of Memphis investigators and Church Health, with the goal of building a strong collaborative research network that enhances the community-based clinical work being done at Church Health, while providing University faculty with the opportunity to conduct research within a model healthcare organization. Dr. Rugless is very enthusiastic about this role as it embodies both of her passions and areas of service in both the healthcare and research arenas. Ultimately, she has a desire to reduce healthcare disparities within underserved populations, and for all to obtain holistic health and wellness.

Queen Keskessa is a highly sought-after speaker, renowned for her captivating storytelling, particularly on topics related to her personal immigrant experience. As a dynamic individual, she has been an active member of Toastmasters since 2010, affiliated with the thriving Brain Builders and BLVD Toastmasters groups in Memphis, TN. Throughout the challenges of the pandemic, Queen expanded her Toastmasters experience by joining the prestigious Wall Street group in NYC. She also virtually connected with Toastmasters communities in the UK, France, and Canada, further showcasing her commitment to global engagement and diverse perspectives. In addition to her Toastmasters involvement, Queen dons multiple hats as the City of Memphis Mayor's Community Outreach and Multicultural Affairs Manager. Her multifaceted roles include being a licensed Real Estate Agent, a skilled Massage Therapist, and a Belly Dancing Teacher. Queen's ability to seamlessly navigate various professional pursuits underscores her versatility and dedication to holistic personal growth. Furthermore, Queen is celebrated as an award-winning storyteller and a distinguished Toastmaster, bringing a wealth of experience and insights to her audiences. Her achievements extend to the literary realm, where she is a published author, earning accolades for her captivating children's book, "Nubian Mermaid Adventures.“ Balancing her professional endeavors, Queen is a devoted married mom of two teenagers and takes pride in being a loving chihuahua owner. Her rich and multifaceted life reflects a deep-seated commitment to personal growth, community engagement, and the expression of creativity in all aspects of her journey.

Melissa is currently working as a Principal at FedEx Corporation on the Enterprise Quality Leadership team. In this role, she owns the strategic program management of the Quality Driven Management program enabling its adoption across the enterprise. Throughout her tenure in this role, she was responsible for the successful planning and execution of communication and promotional campaigns, management of the Enterprise-wide Quality reward and recognition program and providing thought-leadership on modern applications of Quality and Continuous Improvement practices in daily and project work including Design Thinking tools and methodology. Melissa earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Tennessee and a Master in Business Administration with concentrations in Strategic Management and Innovation from the University of Illinois.

Lt. Col Ashley C. Williams (ret) served as the Chief, Air National Guard Public Health and Prevention Branch, Air National Guard Readiness Center, Joint Base Andrews. Lt Col Williams was responsible for providing leadership and direction to ANG-wide public health and health-based prevention programs and initiatives including strategic planning and policy. A native Memphian, Ashley enlisted in the United States Air Force on February 25, 1986 as an Environmental Health Technician. After completing basic military training and technical school in July 1986, he was stationed at RAF Upper Heyford, England from Aug 1986 to Aug 1988. His second duty assignment was Travis Air Force Base, CA from Aug 1988 to Feb 1990. He enlisted in the Tennessee Air National Guard in March 1990 as an Environmental Health Technician. He received an Associates in Environmental Medicine from the Community College of the Air Force in 1996 and his Bachelor of Science from the University of Memphis in 2003. He received a Master of Public Health from the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in 2008. After 20 years enlisted service and achieving the rank of Master Sergeant, he was commissioned in 2006 by direct appointment. He completed the Public Health Officer’s Course at the School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks City Base, TX in 2008 and was appointed Chief, Public Health for the 164th Medical Group. Ashley founded Occupational Safety Consultants in 1993 and has provided CPR/First Aid training and Occupational Safety & Health Administration training topics to various companies throughout the Tri State area.

Cicely Odom is a native Memphian and Memphis City School Alum, attending the city’s first charter school. After high school, Cicely continued her studies at LeMoyne-Owen College and University of Memphis. Having a natural love of mathematics and science, Ms. Odom attended Southwest Tennessee Community College and obtained several certifications in Mechanical Engineering and CAD. Southwest was so impressed with her achievements, they brought her aboard as an Academic Advisor and an Upward Bound math instructor. After several years working in secondary education, Cicely saw a great need to assist students prior to reaching the college level and decided to create Tutor Memphis. Tutor Memphis was born out of a need to prepare middle and high school students for standardized test to ensure every possible advantage to reaching their full potential. Ms. Odom is a dedicated and experienced tutor and mentor to many of the top students in the Memphis and surrounding areas. Specializing in making complex concepts understandable and engaging is her superpower. Her patient and personalized approach ensures that each student’s unique learning style is catered to. Ms. Odom recently obtained her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction with goals to create a customized math curriculum that will meet the needs of underserved students in math and science. In her spare time, Cicely enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and giving back to her community.

Dr. Melaram has a dual background in molecular biology and public health epidemiology. He is a former Biology Instructor and has experience in pedagogy and curriculum development. His current research interests include environmental and epigenetic factors of childhood asthma and allergies. Dr. Melaram chose to attend the University of Memphis School of Public Health (SPH) to grow his career in public health epidemiology and make a significant impact on the Memphis community. His current position allows him to conduct epidemiological research, teach undergraduate courses in population health, and engage in community outreach events to promote the importance of public health.

Liz graduated from the University of Memphis with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Business and a minor in Criminal justice in 2021. During her undergrad years, she worked as a teaching assistant at Campus School, an after-care group leader with the YMCA of Memphis, and as a freelance photographer/editor. She is currently enrolled at the University of Memphis studying to receive her Master’s in Film & Video Production. Liz has joined the PH-IDEAS team to help create, instruct, and capture the students’ experiences during their time in the experiential learning program. Working with kids has always come naturally to her and she enjoys being able to help them flourish in whatever they choose to accomplish. When she is not at school or working, she enjoys playing and discovering new music, traveling and spending time with her dog, Asera, a very outspoken German Shepherd.

Matthew graduated from Morehouse College with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 2021. During his undergraduate years, he was the Public Relations Manager for the Morehouse College Glee Club, part of the Honors Program, and part of the Judson Lyons Mentorship Initiative. He is currently enrolled for his Master's in Urban Health and has joined the PH-IDEAS team to help teach and guide the students during their time in the experiential learning program.