Ayanna holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Virginia Union University, a Master of Public Health from the University of South Carolina, and a Master of Science in Cancer Biology Prevention and Control through the University of the District of Columbia-Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center program. Currently, Ayanna is a PhD student in the Department of Biology at Howard University. 

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For over 15 years, Ayanna has worked and volunteered with various non-profit organizations that are focused on strengthening vulnerable and at-risk communities. In addition, she completed 2.5 years of service with AmeriCorps VISTA and AmeriCorps State, which are federal service programs that work to eradicate poverty and address critical community needs. During this time, her passion for addressing health disparities in minority communities blossomed.

 

Currently, Ayanna is a Certified Global Health Educator and a Certified Climate for Health Ambassador. Furthermore, she serves as the Chairperson of the Whitney M. Slater Foundation in Florence, SC, and she also serves on the Board of Directors at Light of Africa, Inc. in Silver Spring, MD. In January 2021, Ayanna founded the Moving From Surviving to Thriving Public Health Initiative, which is dedicated to addressing health disparities in minority communities across the US and abroad.

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Ayanna previously served as a member of the Associate Board at Neema International in Uru, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, where she also served as the Chair of the Fundraising Committee. In addition, she was selected as a 2020-2021 Cancer Research Education Program (C-REP) Scholar through the Howard-Georgetown Collaborative Partnership in Cancer Research.

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Ayanna has had the opportunity to work on a number of incredible projects that have allowed her to grow and establish herself within this rewarding field. She hopes that you will enjoy viewing her projects as much as she has enjoyed working on them. Please feel free to reach out if you would like to learn more.