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Cohort 5
April 7, 2025—June 14, 2026
Dr. A’Lynne Boles Dukes
Dr. A’Lynne Boles Dukes is a public policy strategist, health equity advocate, and founder of ABD Advocacy Agency LLC, known for advancing community-centered systems change. With a distinguished record of leadership—including service as Lansing City Council President and Chair of the Ingham County Board of Health—she specializes in building coalitions, shaping policy, and amplifying community voice. As a Quantum Lead Cohort participant, she brings a results-driven approach to leadership, grounded in equity, strategic engagement, and sustainable impact.
Christopher Smith
Christopher Smith serves as a member of the African American Health State Advisory Council (AAHSAC)—established in 2023 to advise the Minnesota health commissioner on advancing health equity- he also serves as a Community Policy Advocate with the Association for Nonsmokers-MN. He focuses on policy initiatives designed to address health disparities and serves on the statewide Community Engagement Organizer for Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation.
Deidre Sully, MPH, PMP
Deidre Sully, MPH, PMP, public health professional with over two decades of experience managing large-scale health equity, policy, and community prevention initiatives. Her background spans legislative advocacy, program design, and academic instruction, through which she has developed a deep skill set in project management, technical data translation, and culturally responsive advocacy frameworks.
Dwayne Aikens
Dwayne Aikens, Co-Founder and Executive Director of We Lead Ours (WELO),
award-winning educator and civic leader dedicated to empowering youth through school and community-based enrichment programs. He actively supports the Bay Area and its surrounding counties, providing specialized drug intervention sub-services for students in districts like Oakland Unified and Marin County.
Erika Jarvis
Erika Jarvis serves as the Community Resilience Strategy Director with the Northeast Ohio Community Resilience Centre (formerly known as the Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition), where she leads efforts to strengthen community-driven approaches to environmental health and preparedness. As a member of the Quantum Leap Leadership Cohort, she is committed to advancing equitable, community-centered leadership.
Haoua Dogo
Haoua Dogo is a public health advocate and community builder advancing health equity across Multnomah and Lane County, Oregon. She works at Upstream Public Health, where her work focuses on chronic disease prevention, commercial tobacco prevention, and polysubstance use prevention with an emphasis on racial equity, youth engagement, and community-driven solutions.
Dr. J. Michelle Vann
Dr. J. Michelle Vann is a health coach, mental health advocate, ministry leader, and community activist working at the intersection of wellness, equity, and faith. She helps individuals and communities move from burnout to sustainable equilibrium while addressing health disparities, menthol tobacco targeting, and maternal health inequities. Her work bridges faith, public health, and grassroots action to create measurable, generational impact.
Kenneth Fisk, III
Kenneth Fisk, III, Founder & CEO, AddEleven, LLC
A seasoned brand architect, relationship builder, community engagement leader, and social impact strategist with over 10 years of experience. His unique ability to bridge corporate objectives with authentic community impact has made him a trusted partner for organizations seeking meaningful engagement.
Madison Fails
Madison Fails is a current master’s student in physiology with a strong interest in health promotion and disease prevention. She serves as a youth advisor for Making It Count, a nonprofit organization focused on reducing tobacco, menthol, and other smoking use in the Metro Detroit area.
Marcus Buitrago
Marcus Buitrago, Program & Outreach Coordinator for NYC Smoke-Free. His public health career in 2019, with a blended niche of Culinary Arts and Nutrition Health Coaching. His work focuses on advancing public health through education, evidence-based prevention strategies, and wellness-focused initiatives.
Dr. Matthew L. Brown, Senior Pastor
Dr. Matthew L. Brown, Senior Pastor, educator, and mental health advocate who works at the intersection of spiritual care and psychological well-being at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Greensboro, NC. He leads with vision, compassion, and strategic influence with impact extends into public health through leadership in tobacco cessation initiatives focused on improving outcomes in African American communities at both local and state levels.
Nanan Diop
Nanan Diop, A Tobacco and Menthol Prevention Program Coordinator and has gained hands-on experience with the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps VISTA, contributing to impactful community programs. Fluent in English and French, she’s focused on building a career in the nonprofit space.
Selena L. Dunham
Selena L. Dunham is a community leader known for coalition-building and advocacy in public safety and civic engagement. She has served on over 100 boards and led successful campaigns like Denver's Flavors Ban. Her work continues to empower communities through outreach and education.
Trevor Martindale, MPH
Trevor Martindale, MPH, State Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association, in New Jersey. His interests in tobacco policy campaigns on state and local level and serves with the Urban League of Essex County Young Professionals.
Vonetta Dudley, MA, CHES
Vonetta Dudley, MA CHES, Director, NYC Smoke-Free at Public Health Solutions, where she leads strategic initiatives in tobacco control policy, advocacy, and public health education, and has secured grant funding while presenting program outcomes at national conferences such as SOPHE and NCTOH. With over a decade of experience, including roles in youth engagement and health education, she has a strong track record of empowering young people and communities to become advocates for healthier, smoke-free lives.