Our Team
"We need action, action that addresses the root causes of racism and other inequities that have caused such devastating impacts on Black communities here in Philadelphia."
Dr. Sharrelle Barber
Is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health and the Inaugural Director of the Ubuntu Center on Racism, Global Movements, and Population Health Equity. As a social epidemiologist and scholar-activist her research focuses on the intersection of “place, race, and health” and examines the role of structural racism in shaping health and racial/ethnic health inequities among Black Americans in the United States and Brazil. She is the lead author on the Drexel Urban Health Collaborative brief entitled: “COVID-19 in Context: Racism, Segregation, and Racial Inequities in Philadelphia” and co-principal investigator of the COVID in Context Project. Dr. Barber seeks to use empirical research and scholarship to make the invisible visible and mobilize data for action.
"Data and numbers don’t lie, and my role in this project is to ring the alarm, bring the receipts, and have the data to back it up."
Dr. Loni Philip Tabb
Is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health in Philadelphia, PA. Much of her research deals with the intersection between health and place. During her earlier years at Drexel, she researched and provided evidence in looking at the geography of alcohol availability and the violence that may occur around these types of establishments – including in the City of Philadelphia. More recently, her research focus, though, has been on examining the geography of the cardiovascular health in this country, with a focus on the inequities between Blacks and Whites.
“The journey of the Covid in Context project reminds me of what can be done when people in pursuit of truth and justice come together to discuss what is, what isn't, and what can be.”
Kenna Yadeta, MPH
Kenna received her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience and Psychology from Villanova University and continued her education by obtaining her Masters in Public Health from Drexel University in March 2020. Throughout her academic career she has contributed to several research projects across a variety of topics including targeted food marketing, harmful traditional practices, community violence, and residential segregation. Her role as a research assistant on the team involved coordinating the logistical aspects of the project as well as the development of the project and its content.
"I know the necessity of centering black voices in order to effectively identify and implement solutions. There is power in actualizing the narratives of Black communities who have been most impacted for generations but have still found ways to survive and thrive."
Dr. Irene Headen
Is driven by a long-standing passion to ensure that Black birthing people and babies can thrive. The environments and contexts that Black birthing people and their families must navigate during the childbearing window play an important role in setting the stage for how they can achieve this goal. As an Assistant Professor of Black Health at Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health, Dr. Headen studies how structural racism embedded in neighborhood environments can significantly limit the ability to either access or effectively implement the resources and support needed over the course of pregnancy, especially when amplified by structural racism across other institutions such as health care. Addressing this root cause is key to dismantling racial inequities in perinatal health outcomes.
“My role has really been thinking about how this stuff moves forward in spaces and places outside of the academic walls and are really relevant to the lives and well being of Black and Brown folks across the region."
Michael O’Bryan
Is an expert practitioner and budding researcher in the fields of community development, organizational culture, and human wellbeing. He is currently Director of Learning at The Village of Arts and Humanities and an Innovation Fellow at Drexel University’s Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation. He is the founder of Humanature, a consultancy working with nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies to transform how they understand and support human development, interaction, and performance. Past clients include NeighborWorks America, The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, and The United Negro College Fund.
"While Covid-19 hasn't been a pleasant experience for anyone, we've all experienced our losses, it has shed some light on some important issues that the city of Philadelphia is facing. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to facilitate change."
Rian Watkins
Is a Baltimore native with a bachelors degree in Art Direction Advertisement (2015) from Temple University. As a freelancer he works within the mediums of photography, film & graphic design. Inspired by the underdog, his passion will always be to highlight everyday people and serve as a voice to the unheard. Past clients include Philadelphia City Council, Temple University, Village Arts & Humanities, BeHeardPhilly & more.
"I love this project. I love and truly believe in our collective power, that it can change things. This pandemic has allowed us to radically change Philadelphia, for our lives and the lives of future generations."
Jennifer Ware, MPH Cand.
Is the daughter of Dorothy, the sister of Jackie, the mother to two beautiful sons, Harlem and Davis, and the partner to Jared. Her passion in life is to unleash the power of collective action for social change that will lead to the liberation of all people. She has worked to advance racial equity in Oregon, Washington, D.C., and now back home in Philadelphia. Through the creation of various curricula, frameworks, and organizing, Jennifer is intent on exposing the ways that structural racism feeds policies and laws in this country and developing ways to dismantle them. Jennifer is interested in illuminating the experiences of Black people living in underinvested and ignored communities and partnering with residents to develop action plans to demand repair of historical and current harms.
"Black Philadelphians are some of the most amazing and resilient people. Having the opportunity to elevate their stories instead of just taking their data is something I've been just so excited to be apart of."
Maya Stallings, MPH
Is a recent graduate of Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA where she received her Masters of Public Health. Through her work in AmeriCorps, she has had the opportunity to build partnerships with many community leaders who have done amazing work in the lives of the students and families in Philadelphia. At Drexel, her current research interests include violence prevention, health disparities, maternal and child health, and the school to prison pipeline.
“The project allowed me to share what the Philadelphia community is facing amid this pandemic. I’m glad I was able to be a part of a team that is helping to get their voices heard.”
Breauna Branch, MPH
Is a graduate of The Lincoln University and Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health. Throughout her academic career, Breauna had a passion for working within her community and served as mentor to her peers. At Drexel, she participated in research related to health inequities, specifically within communities of color in Philadelphia, PA. Within the team, she conducted statistical and spatial analyses. As Breauna moves forward through her career, she seeks to make change as it relates to health inequities and environmental justice.