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Sean Freeman is a multi-talented actor, singer and dancer who considers himself a soul rebel and currently stars as Andre Richardson on the historic CBS daytime hit show, Beyond The Gates.
An Alabama native, he garnered his Bachelor's degree at Troy University and trained at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, honing his craft that led to an early career in the performing arts and recurring roles in TV series “Finding Happy,” “Tales,” “Bound,” and films “No Perfect Love” and “Boxed In” as well as commercials for brands like Volkswagen and The Home Depot.
His mission is to contribute to helping the world around him by using his artistry and influence including guest lecturing at local colleges and giving back to the community.
Akintunde is a Dove Award-winning comedian, actor, writer, director, producer and motivational speaker. Akintunde has contributed to over 350 hours of original television programming, holding development and distribution agreements with major networks such as USA Network/NBC Universal, BET Networks, and E-One Entertainment. Akintunde has written for the NAACP Image Awards, It's Showtime At The Apollo, and the BET Awards and served as Head Writer and Producer for BET Networks' The Monique Show. In 2024, Akintunde embarked on a series of faith-based projects through his production company, WF Media.
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After a short stint in Tampa, Florida, Olympia D. returned to the Queen City resuming her role as the Assistant Program Director and Midday Personality for WOSF-FM 105.3 RNB. Each day, from 10am until 3pm on 105.3 RnB, she looks forward to catching up with her listeners just like old friends...picking up exactly where they left off. Her goal is to put a smile on everyone’s face while helping you to forget the worries of the world.
Olympia gives you the latest ENJ (Entertainment News Juice), breaking news, and her unique twist on the world we live in with her quick wit and an identifiable laugh! She loves working with the community. This is evident in her passion for real estate, another avenue in which she helps homebuyers and sellers achieve their dreams.
As the mother of Brilliance, a bright young lady in training, Olympia seeks to provide the same inspiration she gives to her daughter. Olympia’s priority is to inform, educate, and motivate women of all ages to be wealthy and healthy.
Natisha Lance comes to Charlotte after nearly two decades in Atlanta where she worked at HLN (formerly CNN Headline News) for 11 years. During her tenure there, she was a booker, field producer, senior producer and reporter. She made regular appearances on Morning Express with Robin Meade, The Daily Share, Jane Velez Mitchell and Nancy Grace. She was also a fill in anchor on Weekend Express and for CNN Student News. She covered the Charleston Church shooting, the deaths of Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston, Hurricane Harvey and court cases such as the Kyle Rittenhouse trial, Johnny Depp defamation trial, the Ahmaud Arbery death trial, Casey Anthony and Dr. Conrad Murray.
Natisha grew up the daughter of a news junkie. However, she unexpectedly fell in love with journalism during an internship at ABC’s Good Morning America. After graduating from Spelman College with a degree in English and a minor in Drama, Natisha got her start in TV news in Atlanta. She later moved to New York to attend Columbia Graduate School of Journalism.
Natisha’s work has been highlighted in documentaries such as “I Love You, Now Die: The Commonwealth V. Michelle Carter” and The BMF documentary.
Natisha transitioned to local news for an opportunity to anchor and report on stories impacting her community in her adopted hometown of Atlanta. She helped lead coverage of the 2018 Governor’s race, which earned an Emmy for her station.
Education is important to Natisha and her family. They started the Lance Family Foundation in 2006 as a way to provide college scholarships to minority students from their high school in Wayzata, Minnesota. They have awarded 20 scholarships to date.
Natisha is a wife and a mother to a toddler son. She stepped away from news after he was born to focus on raising him. She calls it the most rewarding year of her life.
Natisha and her husband, Brian, are excited to call Charlotte their new home. They look forward to exploring the many hiking trails in and around the area, new restaurants and finding new playgrounds with their kiddo. In her spare time she loves practicing yoga, baking and being with her family.
If you see Natisha around town, say hi and share your best Charlotte recommendations.
Eva Marcille is a model, actress, television host, entrepreneur and a mother of three who is widely recognized for her breakthrough triumph as the winner of America's Next Top Model followed by a prestigious COVERGIRL campaign. A woman of multi-faceted abilities, she has starred as co-host of The Rickey Smiley Show, stellar roles in Tyler Perry's House of Payne, The Young and the Restless, All The Queens Men, Christmas Fumble and The Real Housewives of Atlanta. But beyond the lights and cameras, Eva has found solace, healing, and profound inspiration in plant medicine. She is the CEO of Sunflower by Eva.
She remains steadfastly committed to philanthropic endeavors championing causes for vulnerable populations including single mothers, seniors and youth empowerment, expungement advocacy, mental health resources for women, and community investment in the neighborhoods most impacted by decades of prohibition.
Dr. Aimy Steele, Ph.D. is a cross-sector leader whose work sits at the intersection of public education, civic engagement, community empowerment, real estate development, and economic mobility. A fluent Spanish speaker who grew up in Japan, she brings a global and culturally grounded perspective to building opportunity and strengthening families and communities through education, housing, economic development, and civic power.
With more than two decades of experience in public education, Dr. Steele began her career as a K–12 Spanish teacher before serving as an instructional leader and K–12 principal. Throughout her education career, she has led with a focus on equity, student achievement, strong family partnerships, and meaningful community engagement. Her educator’s mindset remains practical, people-centered, and outcomes-driven, shaping how she leads organizations, develops communities, and serves others.
Dr. Steele is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the New North Carolina Project, a 501(c)(3), and New North Carolina Project Action First, a 501(c)(4). Under her leadership, the organizations have reached hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians through community outreach, civic education, leadership development, advocacy, and direct voter engagement. Their work centers on strengthening civic engagement while addressing the everyday needs of communities, including public safety, housing security, education, and economic mobility.
As an entrepreneur and community developer, Dr. Steele serves as CEO of Maleo Real Estate Inc., a boutique brokerage based outside Charlotte, North Carolina. With nearly two decades of experience in residential sales, commercial real estate, affordable housing, and community-centered development, she is a multi-million-dollar sales producer and trusted advisor to buyers, sellers, churches, and community stakeholders. Her work extends beyond real estate transactions to the development of mixed-use, affordable housing, and commercial projects designed to serve as community anchors and long-term wealth-building assets. She is also a principal with Ignite Sports Complex, a mixed-use development focused on expanding youth opportunities and supporting economic growth throughout the Carolinas.
A scholar-practitioner, Dr. Steele earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a Master of Arts in School Administration, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Urban Education from UNC Charlotte. She is also an accomplished author who has co-authored three books and written two additional works focused on leadership, community transformation, generational understanding, strategic vision, and building a lasting legacy.
Dr. Steele currently serves as National Corresponding Secretary of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, for the 2026–2028 term. A member of the Queen City Chapter, she has served the organization at the chapter, regional, and national levels, most recently serving as President of the Queen City Chapter. In her leadership roles, she has emphasized transparent communication, innovation, collaboration, member engagement, and sisterhood. As National Corresponding Secretary, Dr. Steele is committed to making governance documents more accessible and practical while supporting timely, accurate, and relationship-centered communication related to governance, legislative matters, and the Fathers’ Auxiliary. Her leadership is grounded in ensuring members feel informed, connected, heard, and valued while strengthening relationships and advancing Jack and Jill’s mission for all children.
Her civic affiliations include Rotary International and The Links, Incorporated. A woman of deep faith, Dr. Steele is the wife of Pastor Michael J. Steele, Sr., and the proud mother of five children. Across every area of her work, she remains committed to helping people thrive by creating pathways to education, stable housing, economic opportunity, civic participation, and community development—turning vision into stability, dignity, and long-term opportunity.
DaShaun Johnson, also known as THE GURU OF ABS in the fitness industry, is a native of Decatur, Ga whose passion for fitness began 11 years ago when he landed a job at LA Fitness in Atlanta, GA. It was then that he realized he was destined to be a group fitness instructor and personal trainer who would change people’s lives for the better through fitness and nutrition. After much hard work and dedication, he was presented with his first big opportunity to be a sponsored Nike Training Club (NTC) instructor.
Today, DaShaun focuses on his new all-natural dietary supplement line and tours the country offering innovative Body Sculpting programs that have helped transform the physiques of people all over the world. His body sculpting programs include a seated exercise program designed specifically for senior citizens titled Senior Body Sculpting which has been featured on local and national news stations such as Fox 5 Atlanta News and CNN Headline News (HLN). DaShaun also offers a 360 Body Sculpting for anyone desiring to focus on strength training and weight loss and his latest innovative creation, Sculpt-In-42 Body Sculpting Online Training Program that will feature instructional, LIVE classes & workouts.
Recognized as one of the BEST abdominal specialists in the fitness industry, DaShaun continues to be a pillar of positive change in the fitness community, motivating his clients to be the very BEST versions of themselves while following his lead.
Dr. Veronica L. Sills is the 21st North Carolina State Director of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, providing strategic leadership to one of the Sorority’s largest state organizations. She also serves as Chair of the Sorority’s International Personnel Committee. Professionally, Dr. Sills serves as Executive Director of Human Resources Operations for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and is Founder and CEO of Dr. Sills Speaks, where she equips leaders and organizations with practical strategies for leadership, communication, and organizational effectiveness.
A double-certified HR professional and senior certified employment mediator, she brings more than 20 years of leadership experience. Dr. Sills holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership, three master’s degrees, and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. As a wife, mother of three, and longtime advocate for individuals and families with diverse needs, she understands the importance of access, education, and equitable support for individuals, families, and communities.
Brian Glaze was diagnosed with eczema as a child and mostly “grew out of it,” though he still manages mild flare-ups on his hands and other areas today. As a father of two young boys living with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, his focus today is helping manage their daily care and advocating for families facing similar challenges.
Diamond Glaze developed eczema more prominently as an adult, requiring intentional management strategies for her own care. As a mother of two young boys living with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, she is focused on managing their daily care while highlighting the connection between chronic illness and mental health for the whole family.
Dr. Margaret Alabi is Director of Patient Advocacy for US & Global Dermatology at Regeneron, where she advocates for people with serious chronic skin conditions addressing critical gaps in dermatological care. A proud graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana (PharmD) and Yale School of Management (MBA), Margaret brings over a decade of strategic advocacy experience to her mission of ensuring equitable access to care. As a certified professional coach with the International Coaching Federation, she empowers individuals and communities to overcome barriers and achieve their health and personal goals. Rooted in Atlanta and committed to giving back, Margaret lives in Brooklyn, NY, where she enjoys singing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and time with her standard poodles, Belle and Beau.
Troy Newland is a dedicated healthcare professional who has spent more than two decades working in oncology, cancer diagnostics, and treatment education. He is an experienced Clinical Oncology Specialist and marketing professional specializing in the bio-pharma oncology, nuclear medicine, and diagnostics sectors, with a strong record in business development and client relationship management. Troy has served in various roles in the industry in marketing, building out thought leaders, leading ad-boards while working closely with oncologists, nurses, pathologists, radiologists, nuclear medicine, and hospital leadership.
Throughout his career, Troy has been committed to helping connect medical innovation with the people and communities who need it most. He works closely with doctors, care teams, and healthcare organizations to support awareness of advanced cancer therapies and improve access for appropriate patients.
In his personal time, Troy advocates for men’s health, with a focus on PSA testing and prostate cancer education. He speaks with men in professional and community organizations and helps them better understand the healthcare system, available resources, and treatment options for prostate cancer. As an Oncology Specialist and patient himself, Troy brings to the panel his passion for education, collaboration, and helping make a meaningful difference for patients and families affected by cancer.
Marlon Fuller, Pharm.D., is a respected pharmaceutical leader whose career reflects a deep commitment to science, service, health equity, education, and community impact. As an Associate Director, Radioligand Medical Science Liaison with Novartis Medical Affairs, Dr. Fuller supports regional medical education and scientific engagement in radioligand therapy, with a focus on advanced prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors. His work places him in one of oncology’s most innovative and rapidly evolving areas, where scientific advancement has the potential to change lives for patients and families.
Throughout his career, Dr. Fuller has held roles in retail and hospital pharmacy, along with positions of increasing responsibility across leading pharmaceutical organizations. His experience spans medical affairs, commercial strategy, and market access. He has contributed to important product launches in serious disease areas including Alzheimer’s disease and cancer, conditions that have personally touched his family and continue to disproportionately affect underserved communities. His professional journey is grounded in the belief that medical innovation must be matched by access, education, and trust. In every role, he has worked to help bridge the gap between scientific progress and meaningful patient impact through physician education, strategic collaboration, and peer-to-peer medical dialogue.
Dr. Fuller earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and currently serves on the Advisory Board for his alma mater. He also holds an Executive Leadership Certificate from Cornell University and a financial education certification from Columbia University. In addition, he completed a company-sponsored, one-year Partnership Inc. Biodiversity Leadership Fellowship.
Dr. Fuller is deeply committed to developing future leaders in healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry. He has led the development of Medical Science Liaison teams and created educational programs that strengthen scientific excellence in the field. As a mentor, he has supported fellows, early-career professionals, and students, including those from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, as they navigate opportunities in pharmaceutical medicine. His dedication to service has been recognized through a prestigious national pharmaceutical industry award for exemplary community philanthropy.
Dr. Fuller brings to the panel the credibility of a seasoned pharmaceutical professional, the perspective of a health equity advocate, and the lived commitment of someone who understands that progress in medicine must reach every community. His work reflects the values of education, empowerment, and service that are central to the mission of this organization.
Valerie has a background in nursing and has worked in the healthcare industry for over 20 years, with the last 7 years spent as a patient educator and pharmaceutical liaison. Her experiences have provided her with a broader perspective on the great need for disease education. She was inspired to become an Alnylam Patient Education Liaison (PEL) when she learned that she could help educate patients and their families and raise awareness of ATTR amyloidosis.
Nnenna Kalu is Director, Business Integration - Community Impact at Novartis. A pharmacist by training with clinical and commercial experience across the US, West Africa and the UK, she leads cross-functional business integration at the intersection of strategy, patient access, and community partnership to help ensure healthcare innovation reaches the people it was built for.
Bringing an enterprise mindset shaped by experience across clinical care, commercial strategy and community impact, she aligns diverse stakeholders to embed patient and community insights into business decision-making, helping translate innovation into meaningful outcomes for patients and the communities Novartis serves.
Azizi Coleman is an experienced leader in sickle cell disease advocacy, patient engagement, community education, and partnership development, with more than 15 years dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families impacted by sickle cell disease.
She currently serves as a Senior Sickle Cell Community Liaison and National Field Trainer at Novo Nordisk, where she works alongside patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, community-based organizations, and advocacy leaders to strengthen education, foster meaningful partnerships, identify unmet needs, and support opportunities to improve outcomes across the sickle cell community.
Azizi brings a unique perspective shaped by a career spanning nonprofit leadership, public health, clinical research, community-based care, and the biopharmaceutical industry. Prior to joining Novo Nordisk, she served as Program Director and Sickle Cell Health Educator with Piedmont Health Services & Sickle Cell Agency, where she led patient education, community outreach, advocacy initiatives, support programs, and strategic partnerships serving thousands of individuals and families throughout the region. Her experience in clinical research further strengthened her understanding of the connection between research, healthcare systems, community engagement, and the lived patient experience.
Throughout her career, Azizi has become known for her ability to build trusted relationships, bring diverse voices to the table, and translate complex health information into education that is practical, relatable, and meaningful. She believes that the voices and lived experiences of people affected by sickle cell disease should help inform the programs, resources, partnerships, and solutions designed to serve them.
That belief has shaped Azizi’s growing focus on patient and community engagement strategy. She is passionate about creating opportunities that improve outcomes, address unmet needs, strengthen self-advocacy, and foster a more informed and connected community. She also works to bridge the gap between communities and healthcare organizations by helping transform what is heard in the community into insights that can lead to meaningful action.
Azizi holds a Master of Science in Human Services and has completed specialized training in patient advocacy and hemoglobinopathy counseling. As a National Field Trainer, she also supports the professional development of fellow Sickle Cell Community Liaisons, sharing effective approaches to engagement, education, relationship building, and community partnership.
At the heart of Azizi’s work is a commitment to servant leadership and a simple belief: meaningful change begins by listening to people, building trust, and creating solutions with communities – not simply for them.
Whether she is facilitating a patient education session, collaborating with community leaders, developing partnerships, or contributing at the board and organizational level, Azizi brings strategic thinking, authenticity, and a deep understanding of the sickle cell ecosystem to every space she enters.
Dr. Ene Omakwu, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist and Medical Science Liaison at Novo Nordisk specializing in sickle cell disease and thalassemia. She holds a BSc in Biology from Morgan State University and graduated with her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Maryland. She completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at Henry Ford Hospital and practiced as a Clinical Pharmacist at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania before transitioning to Medical Affairs. In her current role, she partners with hematologists, pharmacists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to support scientific exchange and advance evidence-based care for individuals living with sickle cell disease.
Dr. Omakwu is passionate about translating complex medical information into practical, evidence-based education that supports healthcare professionals in making informed treatment decisions and ultimately improves patient care. She is honored to be a part of this program and looks forward to contributing to meaningful conversations that support the sickle cell community.
Dr. Jannae White has a heart for the community and believes in empowering individuals through health education. Dr. White received her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Florida in 2018. She practices as a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner in Baltimore, MD, at Ascension St. Agnes Heart Failure Center. She has a special interest in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis, heart failure management and patient education. She has participated in several programs, initiatives and committees related to educating healthcare professionals, patients and the community about transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis.
She is very proud to have been an active member of the National Black Nurses Association since 2011 and throughout the years has been a member of the local chapters of the Greater Gainesville Black Nurses Association, Central Florida Black Nurses Association and currently the Black Nurses of Southern Maryland.
