Dr. Denise Bronner is a scientist and strategist who specializes in bridging the gap between clinical research and community health. Through her work with Empact Ventures, she focuses on health equity and the inclusion of diverse populations in clinical trials, particularly in the realm of precision medicine and oncology.

Dr. Bronner exemplifies the heart of NOWINCLUDED by translating high-level medical research into actionable community knowledge. She understands that “inclusion” isn’t just about presence—it’s about ensuring that the most innovative treatments are accessible and effective for the Black community, fostering a legacy of trust and scientific sovereignty.

Victoria Tyler is a resilient advocate and patient ambassador who has turned her personal journey with ulcerative colitis (UC) into a powerful platform for community awareness. Based in the Dallas area, she serves as a Social Media Ambassador for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, where she works to break the silence surrounding invisible illnesses and chronic conditions. Victoria is a prominent voice in the NOWINCLUDED community, frequently sharing her story to help others navigate the complexities of identity, fatigue, and the healthcare system.

Victoria shows the heart of NOWINCLUDED by using her own story to help others heal. She has built a “sisterhood” where people can support each other. By speaking out, she makes sure that Black people feel seen and know how to ask for the care they need.

Rev. Dr. Eddie Wright is a transformational leader in Dallas who turned a personal battle with prostate cancer into a life-saving mission for the Black community. After surviving his own diagnosis in 2012, Dr. Wright founded The We Can Win Foundation to dismantle the silence and stigma surrounding men’s health, teaching Black men that they are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer, but that finding it early can save their lives. As a Navy veteran, he uses his voice to build trust between doctors and the community.

Dr. Wright shows the heart of NOWINCLUDED by turning a hard time into a plan to help others. He makes it easier for men to talk about their health. By sharing what he knows, he makes sure that more Black men and their families can stay healthy and strong.

Joanice Thompson is a foundational leader in community health with over 40 years of extensive experience in partnership development and preventive health programming. A cornerstone of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) for more than 35 years, she rose through the ranks from Telephone Interviewer to Director, ultimately playing a pivotal role in establishing the university’s first Recruitment and Retention Shared Facility. Joanice is a master of citizen involvement, specializing in the art of monitoring community viewpoints and integrating them into actionable health programs that bridge the gap between academic research and local residents.