A Path Towards Health Equity: The Pitfalls, Progress, and Possibilities

Chazeman S. Jackson is an experienced health science researcher, public health administrator, and seasoned policy advisor. Currently, she serves as the first Senior Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion of the American Society of Human Genetics. Prior to this position, Dr. Jackson was a senior science policy analyst and the lead for the National Institutes of Health portfolio within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Jackson joined the department in 2010 as an Emerging Leader Fellow and a health science administrator at the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. From 2012 – 2016, she played an essential role, as health science advisor, developing and implementing the HHS Office of Minority Health’s research and science policy agenda. Dr. Jackson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in humanities with an emphasis in philosophy from Tougaloo College, a Master of Arts degree in biology from American University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in medical microbiology from Howard University. Dr. Jackson has displayed commitment throughout her career to utilizing her scientific acumen and leadership skills to improve health and reduce the burden of disease, especially among vulnerable and marginalized groups.

Courtney Lewis joined Ambry Genetics in November 2020 as the Genomic Science Liaison for Florida. In her current role, she serves as a clinical liaison for the field team to educate health care providers and key opinion leaders on genetic testing and genomic medicine. She has worked previously as a cancer genetic counselor in a variety of settings across the country including industry, academic, and community-based settings. Courtney received her Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from the University of South Florida – Tampa. She earned her Masters of Science degree in Genetic Counseling from the University of Cincinnati and is certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.