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Cohort 3
April 17 — June 30, 2024

Shenita Anderson
Shenita Anderson, an ER nurse at a level one trauma center, is a PhD candidate out of UCLA school of Nursing centering her dissertation work on addressing tobacco related disease disparities among African American smokers. Shenita was inspired to pursue social justice through research by leaders at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, where she was introduced to nursing, which has shaped key aspects of her dreams as they pertain to health equity.

Victoria Asemota
Victoria Asemota is a Freshman at Boston University with goals to become a physician, studying the biological sciences with a specialization in cell molecular genetics. Victoria is passionate about her studies and her community. She enjoys researching the intersection between socioeconomic status and public health issues. She hopes to one day bridge the gap in public healthcare access. Her involvement in the National Society of Black Women in Medicine, National Society of Black Engineers, Black Student Task Force, and Minority Students on the pre-med track display her dedication to her medical journey and community.

Sharonda Banks
Sharonda Banks of Jackson, Mississippi, earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology: Exercise Science from Mississippi College and a Master of Health Administration from Belhaven University.m She currently serves as the Deputy Bureau Director of Statewide Interventions in the Office of Tobacco Control at the Mississippi State Department of Health. Her passions lie in improving the health of individuals and society by advocating for health equity and addressing health disparities, and strives to bring about systemic change, promote healthy lifestyles, prevent diseases, and raise awareness through education and training.

Tracy M. Clopton, Ph.D
Tracy M. Clopton, PhD is a seasoned Public Health Social Professional with over 20 years of public health experience. She is an innovative problem solver with skills in advising, grant and contract management, strategic planning, community mobilization, and health campaign development to successfully accomplish public health goals. Her doctoral dissertation focuses on Understanding Georgia Government.

Tom Ficklin
Tom Ficklin, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, earned a Master of Divinity from the Yale Divinity School, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bucknell University.He is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He has served as the New Haven Alder Ward 28 since 2022, and is President of Ficklin Media Group since 2011. Since 2015, he has been the Executive producer of the Tom Ficklin Radio Show.

Glenda Gill
Glenda Gill is the founder and CEO of SAVE A GIRL, SAVE A WORLD (SAGSAW), a mentoring organization empowering young women since 2011. SAGSAW equips young women with essential skills in financial literacy, health and wellness, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Gill’s deep understanding of the younger generation’s challenges allows her to connect personally and provide meaningful mentorship. She is fostering a future where young women become influential leaders, break barriers, and shape a more inclusive society. Gill is change agent, servant leader and impassioned advocate with 17 years experience in global automotive diversity initiatives. Gill’s diverse background includes corporate america, retail management, politics, production, entrepreneurship, fundraising, and non-profits.

Jasmine Hooper
Jasmine Hooper is dedicated to creating positive change as the Community Advocacy Director for the American Heart Association in Metro Atlanta. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Spelman College and a Master of Arts from the Teacher's College, Columbia University. With a focus on inclusion and equity, Jasmine spearheads tobacco control policy campaigns and coalitions across the region, advancing health and wellness in the community. Her background and experience uniquely positions her to make a difference in the fight against tobacco use. Jasmine continually seeks to enhance her leadership skills, striving for meaningful progress in addressing health disparities, especially within the African American community. Her wealth of experience in legislative strategy, media advocacy, lobbying, and research, has been instrumental in advocating for policies that propel public health initiatives forward. Her passion and commitment to promoting health equity make her a valuable asset in championing lasting impact and driving change in Metro Atlanta and beyond.

Ruthie M. Johnson
Ruthie M. Johnson is a Project Program Specialist/Program Monitor for the Minority Initiative Subrecipient Grant Office (MISRGO) at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB). She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Education and Master of Arts in Management and Leadership.

Antoine "Tony" Tucker
Antoine “Tony” Tucker is a native to Buffalo, New York where he completed a course at the Roswell Park Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training Program, intended to prepare all levels of health professionals to provide effective, evidence-based treatment for tobacco dependence across a range of intensities and populations. By June 2024, he will have successfully completed Quantum Leap Tobacco Leadership Cohort 3. Tony is passionate about reducing the death rates in the African American communities by supporting our community members who are interested in learning how to quit cigarette smoking.
Leadership Fellows
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