Samuel Ankomah is a PhD candidate (ABD) in the Applied Health Research Monitoring and Evaluation program at Clemson University. He has a master's in public health and health administration from Central Michigan University. At Clemson University’s Department of Public Health, he managed a $2.3 million diabetes prevention initiative, where he standardized data processes, authored research publications, and forged partnerships with advocacy organizations and community groups. Samuel has expertise in advanced statistical analysis, data collection, and creating interactive dashboards to support evidence-based decision-making. His work focuses on translating complex health data into actionable insights for diverse stakeholders, driven by a commitment to advancing health equity, improving population health, and empowering communities.

Belinda Paulicin serves as Vice President of Helpline, Education, and Outreach at the Cancer Support Community (CSC). She brings over two decades of experience, leadership, and program development in mental health and psychosocial support services, working with adults, children, and families across diverse communities. Recognizing the need for stronger psychosocial support in cancer care, Belinda transitioned into oncology nearly ten years ago to develop innovative programs that reach individuals facing multiple barriers to care.

Belinda holds a doctorate and master’s in social work and is a board-certified oncology social worker and navigator. Her leadership is rooted in advancing health education, expanding access to compassionate support and quality psychosocial care, and using community-based research and program evaluation to strengthen services for those impacted by cancer.

Belinda has led efforts to improve health literacy, design culturally relevant educational programs, and empower patients and communities to become more engaged in their care. Her passion for outreach and equity is reflected in initiatives connecting people to trusted information and essential services through digital and in-person engagement strategies.

Belinda’s leadership has been recognized locally and nationally. Her honors include the 2023 Non-Profit Leader of the Year in Healthcare Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award from South Florida Business and Wealth, the 2022 Excellence in Healthcare Award from the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, and two awards from the Cancer Support Community: the 2022 Health Equity Initiatives Award and the 2023 Program Development and Expansion Award.

Belinda's impact extends beyond program development and leadership. As a clinical and health educator and mentor, she is deeply committed to cultivating the next generation of leaders in health education and psychosocial oncology. 

Before joining CSC, she led local and national initiatives at Tigerlily Foundation and at Gilda’s Club South Florida, focusing on patient navigation, psychosocial support, education, and advocacy for all communities impacted by cancer.
 

Hello, my name is Bene' Dombasi. I have my Bachelor's degree in Public Health and a Master's of Public Health (MPH). I am passionate about promoting health and wellness, continuous learning, and making a positive impact in the communities I serve.

Elizabeth Soto-Romero is a public health strategist and implementation expert with a wealth of experience advancing health equity across systems, research, and policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology with a focus on neurodegenerative diseases and a Master’s in Public Health with a concentration in community health and implementation science.

Elizabeth has led nationally recognized initiatives to improve chronic disease prevention, expand clinical trial diversity, and strengthen health system responsiveness through culturally tailored approaches. Her career includes impactful roles at institutions such as Columbia Medical Center, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and SUNY Downstate, where she advanced programs in dementia care and brain health research. She brings deep expertise in translating research into actionable and sustainable programs, strategies, and system-level solutions. Her work bridges implementation science and equity-centered design, delivering measurable impact through strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and program development.

She has contributed to equity-centered projects for government agencies and nonprofit organizations, delivering strategic assessments, bilingual education tools, and policy recommendations. A proud Latina, Elizabeth remains deeply committed to addressing health disparities in Hispanic/Latino communities and uplifting community voices in public health innovation.

Damian Miller has served as the Executive Director of The Arc of DC for seven years. Under his leadership, the organization has charted an ambitious course of progress, innovation, and change with the expansion of services, launch of new programs, and increased corporate partnerships.

Prior to his time at The Arc of DC, Damian served as Special Assistant to the Director of the District’s Child and Family Services Agency, where he led community partnerships and special projects. He has worked on Capitol Hill for former United States Senator Mary Landrieu, and as an aide to DC Mayors Vincent Gray and Adrian Fenty. In addition, Damian has served in multiple senior management roles in the philanthropic sector including stints at CASA for Children of DC and Fit Kids. For his contributions to improving the lives of vulnerable children and families, he is the recipient of First Star’s Champions of Change Award and has been recognized by Casey Family Programs and the DC Autism Society.

Damian, a graduate of Hampton University and fifth-generation Washingtonian, serves on the Board of Directors of the DC Hall of Fame, First Star Institute, and is a founding board member of the Family & Youth Initiative.