Dr. Maranda Ward, EdD, MPH

Expert Speaker for our Henrietta Lacks Tribute Night

Dr. Maranda C. Ward is an Associate Professor and Director of Equity in the Department of Clinical Research and Leadership in the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences. She is an expert in advancing anti-racism efforts within health professions education. Her research focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion, justice and antiracism educational interventions as well as community-focused studies on HIV, Black women’s health, and youth identity. 

When asked, she describes herself as a community educator, curriculum developer, and youth builder. She has received multiple prestigious awards, including the 2023 GW Black Alumni Impact Award. She has been consulted by Ebony.com, Rolling Out Magazine, DCist, the Washington Post for her research on HIV disparities and featured on a live segment of Good Morning Washington, NPR’s Morning Edition and the KevinMD podcast for her health equity expertise. 

Maranda earned her Doctorate in Education from GW, her Master’s in Public Health from Tulane University, and her Bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Anthropology from Spelman College. She enjoys cuddling with her Shichon pup, traveling, and brunch.

For more information, visit www.marandaward.com

Lopön Karla Jackson-Brewer, MS

Meditation and Tribute Facilitator for our Henrietta Lacks Tribute Night

Karla Jackson-Brewer is an Adjunct Professor in the Women’s & Gender Studies Department and the Africana Studies Department at Rutgers. Karla is the co-founder of Sine Qua Non: Allies in Healing – an integrative therapy practice in New York City. She is an Emotional Intelligence Coach and a Public Speaking Coach. She is the President of the Board of the Woodhull Institute.

She is an advanced student & authorized teacher of Lama Tsultrim Allione and has been practicing Tibetan Buddhism for over 30 years. She is a teacher and practitioner of Chöd, or severance of ego Practices, which she received the empowerment from His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Orgyen Trinley Dorje. Karla leads a monthly BBAIPOC meditation practice for Tara Mandala NYC Sangha.

Karla is an initiated priest of Obatala in the West African Yoruba system of Ifa. She is also a writer and poet. She is a member of Poetic People Power and is published in their anthology.