UCR School of Medicine to Host Annual J.W. Vines Diversity Colloquium Featuring Health Equity Leader Dr. Medell Briggs-Malonson

Written by Carl Dameron on August 8, 2025. Posted in J.W. Vines Medical Foundation

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
• Register: https://bit.ly/4lZhkmE

Schedule:

• 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.

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Growing Inland Achievement President and CEO, Dr. Carlos Ayala, to Retire

Written by Carl Dameron on April 4, 2023. Posted in Growing Inland Achievement

Growing Inland Achievement President and CEO, Dr. Carlos Ayala, Dr. Carlos Ayala speaks at GIA’s annual Toward a Shared Vision Summit.  Photo by Robert A. Whitehead

Ayala is credited with working with the Network to establish Growing Inland Achievement (GIA), as a 501(c)(3), IRS tax-exempt organization; more than doubling the size of the organization; and bringing more than $20 Million to the region for education.

INLAND EMPIRE, CA – President and CEO of Growing Inland Achievement (GIA), Dr. Carlos Ayala, will retire in June 2023.

GIA serves both San Bernardino and Riverside Counties as a regional, cross-sector network of education, government, nonprofit and business partners in the Inland Empire; collectively, they work towards a shared vision of educational and economic success.

“It has been an honor to serve the students of the Inland Empire, says Dr. Ayala. “I have learned a great deal about the affordances and constraints our students, families, institutions and community-based organizations face when it comes to student success.”

Dr. Ayala, age 62, has more than 25 years of service in public education.  During his tenure as CEO, Ayala is credited with working with the network’s partners to establish GIA as a 501(c) (3), tax-exempt organization, more than doubling the size of the organization and raising millions of dollars for Inland Empire education.

Under his guidance and working with the network members, GIA was accepted as one of only six organizations in the U.S. chosen by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to participate in its Intermediaries for Scale program, also known as Higher Endeavor, bringing $10 million of support to the region for postsecondary transformation reforms.

“I want to thank the GIA Board of Directors and employees for their commitment to the people and students of the Inland Empire,” Ayala said. “I also wish to thank the vast array of people who are committed to changing the economy of the Inland Empire through education. Their work is notable and I remain convinced that the path forward is at your doorstep—engage collectively.”

The Board of Directors for GIA will oversee the process of choosing Dr. Ayala’s successor.

“As its first CEO, Carlos established the organization, including a set of processes to help us move forward,” said Dr. Kim Wilcox, GIA Board Chair and Chancellor of UC Riverside.  “I’m personally grateful for his efforts.”

“Dr. Ayala brought a deep knowledge of the education landscape, strong leadership, and a passion for positively impacting student lives to our organization,” said Ann Marie Sakrekoff, COO of Growing Inland Achievement. “He is leaving GIA in a great position to succeed in our next chapter. Under Dr. Ayala’s leadership, GIA has become nationally recognized.”

GIA’s shared vision is that by 2035, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties will be widely recognized for their educated workforce, thriving communities and vibrant economy that creates prosperity for all.

Watch a video announcement from Dr. Ayala  https://youtu.be/DwqwOkfNyjE

About Growing Inland Achievement

Growing Inland Achievement, which serves both San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, is a regional cross-sector network of education, government, nonprofit, and business partners in the Inland Empire, collectively working towards a shared vision of educational and economic success.

GIA staff support this work by researching issues and opportunities, developing financial resources for the region, and connecting diverse stakeholders across the two-county region of the Inland Empire.

GIA’s shared vision is that by 2035, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties will be widely recognized for their educated workforce, thriving communities, and vibrant economy that creates prosperity for all.

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