Dr. Medell Briggs-Malonson, MD, MPH, MSHS, a nationally recognized leader in health equity and the Chief of Health Equity and Inclusive Excellence at UCLA Health System. will host the annual J.W. Vines Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Colloquium on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at UCR.
Dr. Medell Briggs-Malonson, MD, MPH, MSHS, a nationally recognized leader in health equity and the Chief of Health Equity and Inclusive Excellence at UCLA Health System. will host the annual J.W. Vines Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Colloquium on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at UCR.
RIVERSIDE, Calif.– The University of California, Riverside School of Medicine will host the annual J.W. Vines Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Colloquium on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. The event will feature a keynote address by Dr. Medell Briggs-Malonson, MD, MPH, MSHS, a nationally recognized leader in health equity and the Chief of Health Equity and Inclusive Excellence at UCLA Health System.
The colloquium serves as a cornerstone of the medical school’s commitment to fostering dialogue and action on critical issues of diversity and inclusion within the medical community. This year’s event holds special significance as it welcomes Dr. Briggs-Malonson, a Riverside native, back to her hometown.
In addition to her role at UCLA Health, she serves as the Chief Health Equity Officer for the entire University of California Health system.
“We are honored to welcome Dr. Briggs-Malonson to the UCR School of Medicine,” said J.W. Vines Medical Society President Dr. Leita Harris. “Her extraordinary work in advancing health equity and her deep roots in our community make her the ideal voice to inspire our students, faculty, and partners. The J.W. Vines Colloquium is a vital platform for addressing the health disparities that affect our region, and we are thrilled to have such a distinguished leader guide this important conversation.”
The event is held in partnership with the J.W. Vines Society, an organization dedicated to supporting and mentoring students from diverse backgrounds at the UCR School of Medicine.
Dr. Deborah Deas, the Mark and Pam Rubin Dean of the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine, will host the annual J.W. Vines Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Colloquium on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.(UCR/Stan Lim)
Event Details:
What:UCR School of Medicine’s J.W. Vines Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Colloquium
When:Tuesday, August 19, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM PDT
Where:UC Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM:Keynote Address by Dr. Medell Briggs-Malonson
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM:Private meeting for J.W. Vines Society members with Dr. Briggs-Malonson
Photo Caption: The J.W. Vines Foundation board members and leadership team include: Left to Right: Dr. Anthony Fenison, Dr. Leita Harris, Dr. Ernest Levister, Dr. A.J. Rogers, Kamie Taylor, Dr. Michael Nduati)
About the UCR School of Medicine: The UCR School of Medicine is a community-based medical school dedicated to addressing the healthcare needs of Inland Southern California. Its mission focuses on training a diverse physician workforce and developing research and healthcare delivery programs that improve the health of the medically underserved in the region.
About The J.W. Vines Society: The J.W. Vines Society at the UCR School of Medicine is an organization committed to supporting and advancing diversity in medicine, named in honor of Dr. J.W. Vines, a pioneering African American physician in the region. The society plays a vital role in mentorship and fostering an inclusive environment at the medical school.
Please register for the UCR School of Medicine’s J.W. Vines Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Colloquium at https://bit.ly/4lZhkmE
Members of the press are invited to attend the keynote address. To RSVP or request more information, contact Carl M. Dameron at (909) 534-9500 or email Carl@DameronCommunications.com.
The graduating cohort of the 23rd annual Elma Vines Summer Health Academy (EVSHA)
“This banquet is not just a celebration of the students’ hard work over the summer; it’s a celebration of our community’s future in healthcare,” said Dr. A.J. Rogers, Chairman of the J.W. Vines Foundation.
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (AP) — The J.W. Vines Foundation will host a celebratory banquet on Thursday, August 14, 2025, to honor the graduating cohort of the 23rd annual Elma Vines Summer Health Academy (EVSHA).
The event will recognize college students who completed the intensive five-week program designed to mentor and inspire the next generation of medical professionals from the Inland Empire.
The banquet will take place at 6:00 p.m. and will feature presentations from the students, who will share their experiences and key findings from the program.
This year’s academy provided students with paid opportunities to shadow surgeons, pediatricians, general practitioners, and other medical specialists in the region, offering a unique, hands-on look into the medical field.
EVSHA is a flagship program of the J.W. Vines Medical Society and its philanthropic arm, the J.W. Vines Foundation.
For more than two decades, the academy has been instrumental in creating a pathway for local college students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue careers in health sciences.
“This banquet is not just a celebration of the students’ hard work over the summer; it’s a celebration of our community’s future in healthcare,” said Dr. A.J. Rogers, Chairman of the J.W. Vines Foundation.
“We invite the community to join us, hear directly from these bright and motivated individuals, and support our ongoing mission to cultivate a diverse and dedicated physician workforce for the Inland Empire,” Rogers added.
The event serves as an opportunity for community members, local leaders, and healthcare professionals to engage with the students and learn more about the impact of the J.W. Vines programs, providing service to Black and other underserved communities.
Event Details:
What:2025 Elma Vines Summer Health Academy (EVSHA) Banquet
When: Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. PDT
Where: Canyon Crest Country Club, 975 Country Club Dr. Riverside, CA 92506
Proceeds from the banquet will support the J.W. Vines Foundation and its continued efforts to fund mentorship and educational programs.
The J.W. Vines Foundation board members and leadership team include: Left to Right: Dr. Anthony Fenison, Dr. Leita Harris, Dr. Ernest Levister, Dr. A.J. Rogers, Kamie Taylor, and Dr. Michael Nduat. i
About the Elma Vines Summer Health Academy (EVSHA): For 23 years, EVSHA has provided a five-week, paid summer immersion program for college students interested in health careers. Operated by the J.W. Vines Foundation, the academy offers invaluable physician-shadowing opportunities, professional development, and mentorship to cultivate future healthcare leaders from and for the Inland Empire.
Intern bios below
Alana Gibbs
Alana Gibbs is from Atlanta, Georgia, and is a recent graduate of Miles College located in Birmingham, Alabama, majoring in Biology Pre-Med. Growing up, Alana was taught that as people, we are obligated to use our skills and strengths to make a difference and help others. This lesson has drawn her to pursue a career in medicine and has inspired her involvement in her community as well as at her institution.
As a student, Alana served as the Senior Class President for her graduating class. She worked closely with the administration to plan activities for students and advocated for the needs and wants of her peers to ensure students had enjoyable experiences as prospective graduates. Also, as a volunteer at her local food bank, the Good Samaritan Center, she works closely with owners to organize customer documents, maintain accurate records, and assist customers with their overall experience.
Alana’s unique blend of compassion, integrity, and adaptability will enable her to excel as an intern. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, exercising, and baking.
Ayanna McAlister
Ayanna McAlister is a fifth-year Biology student at California State University, San Bernardino. She aspires to become an OB-GYN, where she can serve and advocate for underserved communities, particularly Black women and children in the Inland Empire, to advance Black maternal health. Her interest in this work stems from hearing her own mother’s traumatic childbirth experiences, which sparked her commitment to providing equal opportunity care for Black women.
Ayanna currently serves as the ASI Vice President of Finance and previously held the role of Vice President of the Medical and Pre-Health Student Society (MAPSS) in 2024. She has been a student leader since 2022, using her voice to advocate for student needs and equity in higher education. Her background as a Pre-health Student Advisor and volunteer in educational settings shows her dedication to helping others feel that their healthcare career goals are achievable.
Outside of academics, Ayanna enjoys creating digital content and using social media to inspire and connect with others. As a Black woman, she challenges the idea that Black women must fit into the boxes society creates and aims to show that Black women can thrive beyond those boxes, pursuing success on their terms.
Hana Roble
From Chino Hills, CA, Hana is a 2023 Biology graduate from the University of California, Riverside. Hana developed an interest in medicine through her family’s limited access to medical care in Somalia and her lived experiences navigating the healthcare system as a pediatric patient at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). Hana hopes to become a physician to study the development of chronic diseases and how medicine can improve the health and quality of life of marginalized communities.
This past year, Hana served as a volunteer “Health Coach” at a Riverside Community Health Center, where she aided 12 patients looking for additional help in managing a chronic disease. By utilizing motivational interviewing techniques, Hana was able to
listen to systemic barriers that directly impact a patient’s health and assist the patient in setting and completing health goals. Hana is currently a Master of Public Health (MPH) student studying Urban Health Disparities at Charles R. Drew University of Science and Medicine, where she will soon begin public health field work. Additionally, Hana will serve as the Secretary for the 20252026 Public Health Student Association.
Hana’s interest in community building traces back to her undergraduate experiences, where she was able to serve as a Resident Advisor to 68 first-year students, a College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (CNAS) Science Ambassador who led multiple tours during Highlander Days and Transfer-fests, and as a decathlon coach for middle school students at Riverside STEM Academy for the “Disease Detectives” group. Hana was able to lead her students to secure 1st and 2nd place in their division at the annual Science Olympiad competition. She returned to coach “Disease Detectives” and “Ecology” the following year. Hana hopes to become a family medicine provider to address the health concerns of underrepresented communities.
In her free time, Hana enjoys trying new restaurants–more importantly, matcha spots–hanging out with friends and family, listening to music, and going on hikes to beat her daily step records.
Keith Colde
Keith (KJ) Adeyemi Colder is a third-year Biology major at the illustrious Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia; originally from Pomona, California, now residing in Upland, California. Keith is a member of Morehouse’s Ultimate Frisbee team, where he serves as the Social Media Chair. Notably, this team became the first in HBCU history to win a sanctioned game of Ultimate Frisbee. He’s also involved in the Atlanta University Center (AUC), a California Club, representing students from the West Coast.
Outside of campus, Keith works as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), assisting individuals with mental and physical disabilities to improve their quality of life. He has also volunteered at Western University as a simulation patient for medical students. Keith is exploring his interests in orthopedic surgery and radiology, inspired by his grandfather, a former football player who suffered a paralyzing arm injury. His goal is to become a healer for those facing similar challenges. Keith is driven by a desire to break barriers and be a role model for Black men and boys. He is passionate about showing that they, too, can thrive in positions of power and excel in roles they are often excluded from or discouraged from pursuing.
Sarah Peter
Sarah Peters is a 2024 graduate from the University of California, Riverside (UCR), obtaining her bachelor’s degree in biology, who furthered her academic preparation with a 4.0 GPA during a post-baccalaureate year at Norco Community College (2024-2025), where she was also an embedded tutor for Microbiology. Her foundational experience includes her role as a Certified Nurse Assistant since 2020, where she primarily supports elderly patients with Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and those in hospice care. This commitment to healthcare stems from her personal experience caring for her father, who had ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).
Beyond her direct patient care, Sarah has actively engaged in both academic and community leadership roles. At UCR, she served as Dance Captain and Event Coordinator for the Nigerian Student Association, helping to foster a safe and inclusive environment for her peers. Her dedication to learning and research is further evidenced by her six-month volunteer position in the Cavallero Lab at Charles Drew University, where she learned introductory lab techniques, such as imaging immunofluorescence through complex microscopes. That being said, she is an aspiring Internal Medicine Physician, and her journey is characterized by a blend of academic rigor and compassionate service, driven by a desire to serve her community both locally and in Nigeria. Outside of her professional pursuits, Sarah enjoys activities like going to the movies, learning her native tongue, shopping, bible study with friends, and dancing, of course!
2022 Elma Vines Summer Health Academy (EVSHA) and Gala
Our 20th Annual Elma Vines Summer Health Academy is in the middle of the 6 week session and the Interns are learning so much! Please JOIN US at our Gala to celebrate their accomplishments.
The Gala will be held on Thursday, August 18, at 6:00pm at the Canyon Crest Country Club: 975 Country Club Dr, Riverside, CA 92506.
Tickets are available now. More Gala info below…
2022 EVSHA Gala
To celebrate the completion of the summer academy, we will have a Gala on Thursday, August 18th at 6:00pm. If you’re not able to participate, but would still like to make an impact, sponsorships and donation would greatly help us to continue what we do. You can donate/sponsor here: 2022 EVSHA Sponsorship or send a check payable to: JW Vines at 1550 E Washington St Ste 101, Colton CA, 92324 (c/o Dr Rogers).
On that night we will award interns based on the knowledge they obtained during the program. The Gala will be held at theCanyon Crest Country Club: 975 Country Club Dr, Riverside, CA 92506 at 6:00pm.
Ashley Agubata is a recent graduate from UCLA who made it on the Dean’s Honors List for multiple quarters in a row and achieved Latin Honors as she obtained her bachelors in Physiological Science. During her undergraduate years she was a middle blocker on the A team of UCLA Women’s Club Volleyball, becoming Co-Captain her senior year. She was also a member of the club Melanin and Medicine whose goal was to provide resources and access to black students to help them navigate the health profession of their choice. Ashley was a participant of Flying Samaritans which provided free health education and services to the residents of Rancho Escondido and Colonia Margarita Moran. In addition, she was a member of the Vondriska Lab which studies the role epigenetics play in cardiovascular disease in efforts to create new therapies. She is currently interested in pursuing the field of psychiatry as she hopes to help disrupt the generational curse that plagues many communities of color – especially the black community- being the strong stigma against mental health that is entrenched in the culture.
Fayez Eyabiis a rising sophomore at the University of California, Riverside, majoring in Biology and minoring in Spanish. He is from Escondido, CA and attended high school at Mission Hills High School in San Marcos, CA. Currently, Fayez is participating in extracurriculars such as Cope Health Scholars at the Riverside Community Hospital, where he learns and practices basic clinical and patient care skills. As a treasurer in Pre SOMA, he informs his peers about osteopathic medical education and prepares them for success as osteopathic physicians down the road. On the weekends, he spends his mornings at the Shahaba Initiative. The Shahaba Initiative is a non-profit organization which distributes food, clothes, housing items and other good to the underserved communities of Riverside and San Bernardino. The specialty where Fayez sees himself in the future is operating on a variety of patients as an Orthopedic Surgeon.
Noel Simon is an upcoming sophomore at the University of California, Merced, majoring in Biology. During the summer of his senior year of high school, he had a job at Sam’s Club. His most significant accomplishments were making the Dean’s list during his first year of college and placing second in the Riverside County Science Fair in Microbiology, in 10th grade. Some attributes that he possesses is he’s willing to help when he can, tries to complete tasks the best he can, and will ask questions to better understand information provided. His success story is that during his science fair project, he found out that a Haitian tea plant was able to decrease heart rate, reducing hypertension. His interests are watching movies and shows, especially when he can watch them with his family. Another interest is basketball, whether watching or playing it. With his interest being basketball, it has led him to find his interest in being an orthopedic surgeon, so that he can help future athletes.
Ranique Brown is a post-Baccalaureate student at La Sierra University. She received her Bachelor’s in Biochemistry from Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville, Jamaica. She was born and raised in Jamaica. She always knew she wanted to become a physician and she understood how beneficial it would be for her to study medicine abroad. She made the decision to retake her pre-requisite courses in the United States so that she could apply to US medical schools and become the best physician possible for her future patients. Ranique’s goal is to become an Emergency Medicine Physician, just like her older sister, however she is still open to exploring the other specialties. Ranique enjoys using her hands, and during the Covid-19 pandemic she discovered her love of crocheting and knitting. She and her fellow classmates are in the process of starting a crochet club at La Sierra University, where they will use their talents to crochet items for the homeless and less fortunate.
2022 Elma Vines Summer Health Academy (EVSHA) Sponsorship Packets and Tickets:
$5,000 2022 Platinum Title Sponsor
Company announcements for 5 minutes on stage during our EVSHA Gala
Two company sponsored scholars
Full page advertisement in the banquet program and logo on our website until end of the year
Your company logo on all event written materials as a Platinum Title Sponsor
Your company logo on the event PowerPoint as a Platinum Title Sponsor
Recognition by the J.W. Vines Chairperson as a Platinum Title Sponsor night of the Gala
10 Tickets to the Gala (dinner included)
$2,000 Gold Sponsor
One company sponsored scholars
Half page advertisement in the Gala program and logo on our website until end of the year
Your company logo on all event written materials as a Gold Title Sponsor
Your company logo on the event PowerPoint as a Gold Title Sponsor
Recognition by the J.W. Vines Chairperson as a Gold Title Sponsor night of the Gala
6 Tickets to the Gala (dinner included)
$1,000 Silver Sponsor
Quarter page advertisement in the Gala program
Your company logo on all event written materials as a Silver Title Sponsor
Your company logo on the event PowerPoint as a Silver Title Sponsor
Recognition by the J.W. Vines Chairperson as a Silver Title Sponsor night of the Gala
4 Tickets to the Gala (dinner included)
$500 Bronze Sponsor
Business Card page advertisement in the Gala program.
Your company logo on all event written materials as a Bronze Title Sponsor
Your company logo on the event PowerPoint as a Bronze Title Sponsor
Recognition by the J.W. Vines Chairperson as a Bronze Title Sponsor night of the Gala
2 Tickets to the Gala (dinner included)
$200 Gala Program Advertisement
Advertisement in the Gala program booklet and Program Show.
1 Ticket to the Gala (dinner Included)
$35-$45 Gala Ticket
J.W. Vines Member – $35.00 ($45.00 at the door)
J. W. Vines Non-Member – $45.00 ($55.00 at the door)
Advertisement and Sponsorships are due by August 15th, 2022.
The J.W. Vines Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization that has the reputation for supporting students’ efforts to enter the medical and health professions and for its evolving growth into a multi-faceted entity with demonstrated success in advocating diversity through innovative approaches to education funding, recruitment, and retention.
Your support is most needed and appreciated as we prepare for our 16th Annual Elma Vines Summer Health Academy.
If you would like to get involved, please become a member.
Alana Gibbs is from Atlanta, Georgia, and is a recent graduate of Miles College located in Birmingham, Alabama, majoring in Biology Pre-Med. Growing up, Alana was taught that as people, we are obligated to use our skills and strengths to make a difference and help others. This lesson has drawn her to pursue a career in medicine and has inspired her involvement in her community as well as at her institution.
From Chino Hills, CA, Hana is a 2023 Biology graduate from the University of California, Riverside. Hana developed an interest in medicine through her family’s limited access to medical care in Somalia and her lived experiences navigating the healthcare system as a pediatric patient at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). Hana hopes to become a physician to study the development of chronic diseases and how medicine can improve the health and quality of life of marginalized communities.
Keith (KJ) Adeyemi Colder is a third-year Biology major at the illustrious Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia; originally from Pomona, California, now residing in Upland, California. Keith is a member of Morehouse’s Ultimate Frisbee team, where he serves as the Social Media Chair. Notably, this team became the first in HBCU history to win a sanctioned game of Ultimate Frisbee. He’s also involved in the Atlanta University Center (AUC), a California Club, representing students from the West Coast.
Sarah Peters is a 2024 graduate from the University of California, Riverside (UCR), obtaining her bachelor’s degree in biology, who furthered her academic preparation with a 4.0 GPA during a post-baccalaureate year at Norco Community College (2024-2025), where she was also an embedded tutor for Microbiology. Her foundational experience includes her role as a Certified Nurse Assistant since 2020, where she primarily supports elderly patients with Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and those in hospice care. This commitment to healthcare stems from her personal experience caring for her father, who had ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).