Meet The Team
M. Andrea Taylor, Ph.D., MBA, MPH
SCIENTIFIC DIRECTOR + Executive Director
M. Andrea Taylor PhD, MPH, MBA, is the Founder, Scientific Director, Chief Executive Officer, and Executive Director of the EquiThrive Institute, a national nonprofit advancing health education and social mobility through data-driven, community-centered strategies. A senior healthcare executive and population health scientist, Dr. Taylor brings more than a decade of leadership experience across NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers, academic medical centers, federal public health agencies, and large health systems.
Dr. Taylor currently serves in executive leadership within academic medicine, where she leads enterprise-level organizational excellence, workforce strategy, and culture transformation efforts impacting hundreds of physicians, researchers, and staff across multi-hospital systems. Her work spans operations, workforce planning, leadership development, performance improvement, and large-scale change management in complex clinical and research environments. She has advised executive leadership on strategy and compliance tied to national accreditation and federal funding requirements, including NIH and NCI initiatives.
Previously, Dr. Taylor held national leadership roles at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where she led health equity–focused cancer prevention efforts, contributed to the CDC Health Equity Style Guide, supported the COVID-19 Health Equity Strategy, and advised on communications and reporting for senior federal audiences, including Congress and the White House. She has also held senior leadership and consulting roles with Yale New Haven Health, Yale School of Medicine, Columbia University, and state health agencies, directing multi-million-dollar portfolios and building sustainable, equity-centered programs at scale.
Through the EquiThrive Institute, Dr. Taylor is leveraging this deep executive, academic, and federal experience to translate data into action—bridging health education and economic opportunity, strengthening community capacity, and advancing long-term wellness, particularly across cancer prevention, survivorship, and health literacy. Her leadership reflects a disciplined, systems-oriented approach to building institutions and initiatives that deliver measurable, lasting impact.
Dr. Taylor currently serves in executive leadership within academic medicine, where she leads enterprise-level organizational excellence, workforce strategy, and culture transformation efforts impacting hundreds of physicians, researchers, and staff across multi-hospital systems. Her work spans operations, workforce planning, leadership development, performance improvement, and large-scale change management in complex clinical and research environments. She has advised executive leadership on strategy and compliance tied to national accreditation and federal funding requirements, including NIH and NCI initiatives.
Previously, Dr. Taylor held national leadership roles at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where she led health equity–focused cancer prevention efforts, contributed to the CDC Health Equity Style Guide, supported the COVID-19 Health Equity Strategy, and advised on communications and reporting for senior federal audiences, including Congress and the White House. She has also held senior leadership and consulting roles with Yale New Haven Health, Yale School of Medicine, Columbia University, and state health agencies, directing multi-million-dollar portfolios and building sustainable, equity-centered programs at scale.
Through the EquiThrive Institute, Dr. Taylor is leveraging this deep executive, academic, and federal experience to translate data into action—bridging health education and economic opportunity, strengthening community capacity, and advancing long-term wellness, particularly across cancer prevention, survivorship, and health literacy. Her leadership reflects a disciplined, systems-oriented approach to building institutions and initiatives that deliver measurable, lasting impact.
RaQuaam Smith, Ph.D, MAT
COO + Executive Vice President | Policy, Research & Strategy
RaQuaam Smith, M.A.T., Ph.D., is the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of The EquiThrive Institute, where he leads strategy, partnerships, systems design, and organizational growth to advance health literacy, educational equity, and economic mobility. An equity-centered leader with strengths in policy, research translation, and implementation, RaQuaam is known for turning data into action and building culturally responsive systems that expand access to opportunity. His work sits at the intersection of institutional strategy, technical assistance, workforce development, and cross-sector partnership building.
Before joining EquiThrive’s executive leadership, RaQuaam served as Senior Lead/Lead Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) and Technical Assistance Specialist for Graduation & Dropout at the National Technical Assistance Center on Transitions: The Collaborative (NTACT:C). There, he led six data-driven technical assistance initiatives supporting state education and vocational rehabilitation agencies in reducing chronic absenteeism, improving attendance, and advancing policy reforms tied to graduation outcomes for vulnerable populations. He also directed a national effort to identify and re-engage secondary students with disabilities, strengthening culturally responsive dropout-prevention efforts and expanding pathways to school completion.
RaQuaam’s broader leadership portfolio reflects a consistent focus on building systems that connect education, workforce participation, and long-term mobility. With experience as an educator, program director, researcher, and strategist, he brings a multidisciplinary approach to developing partnerships, strengthening pathways to employment, and advancing evidence-informed solutions for underserved communities. His research and publication work centers on school completion and social mobility for Black youth with disabilities, positioning him as a leader who bridges policy, practice, and institutional change.
Before joining EquiThrive’s executive leadership, RaQuaam served as Senior Lead/Lead Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) and Technical Assistance Specialist for Graduation & Dropout at the National Technical Assistance Center on Transitions: The Collaborative (NTACT:C). There, he led six data-driven technical assistance initiatives supporting state education and vocational rehabilitation agencies in reducing chronic absenteeism, improving attendance, and advancing policy reforms tied to graduation outcomes for vulnerable populations. He also directed a national effort to identify and re-engage secondary students with disabilities, strengthening culturally responsive dropout-prevention efforts and expanding pathways to school completion.
RaQuaam’s broader leadership portfolio reflects a consistent focus on building systems that connect education, workforce participation, and long-term mobility. With experience as an educator, program director, researcher, and strategist, he brings a multidisciplinary approach to developing partnerships, strengthening pathways to employment, and advancing evidence-informed solutions for underserved communities. His research and publication work centers on school completion and social mobility for Black youth with disabilities, positioning him as a leader who bridges policy, practice, and institutional change.
Our Interns
Kimberly Ross
DATA ANALYSIS & RESEARCH | University of NORTH DAKOTA
Aisha Rasheed
DATA ANALYSIS & RESEARCH | College of Our Lady of the Elms
Albany Turcio
DATA ANALYSIS & RESEARCH | Azusa Pacific University
Vince White
DATA ANALYSIS & RESEARCH | Georgia Southern University
Abena Nimako
DATA ANALYSIS & RESEARCH | University of Maryland
Jaiden Murray
DATA ANALYSIS & RESEARCH | University of Virginia
Marianna Taylor
outreach & partnerships | Yale University
Lindsey Draper
Development
Charles Obuya Wandera
Development
Staff
Onetha Black
development
As a first-time college graduate, Onetha’s drive and passion to embark upon unprecedented territories continue to grow
as a developing professional. After years of Administrative work, she decided to pursue a meaningful career as a grant writer to enrich lives through strategic fundraising.
Her lively and warm demeanor helps connect resources with the appropriate parties. In addition to aligning her nonprofits with the local/national foundations to advance a mutual goal. Her ethical, integrity-centered, and sincere approach is just a few of the foundational pillars that drive Onethas’ professional ambitions. Rest assured, collaborating with her will position your organization for financial success and operational longevity.
as a developing professional. After years of Administrative work, she decided to pursue a meaningful career as a grant writer to enrich lives through strategic fundraising.
Her lively and warm demeanor helps connect resources with the appropriate parties. In addition to aligning her nonprofits with the local/national foundations to advance a mutual goal. Her ethical, integrity-centered, and sincere approach is just a few of the foundational pillars that drive Onethas’ professional ambitions. Rest assured, collaborating with her will position your organization for financial success and operational longevity.
Peter Igberaese
development
Peter Igberaese is a grant and development professional with 13 years of experience securing funding for transformative projects in housing, mental health, healthcare, energy, education, agriculture, and transportation.
He has worked with organizations like Diversity Watch and GrowthInvest Foundation to develop and submit successful grant proposals at the federal, state, and foundation levels. His work has helped mission-driven organizations unlock resources for community-centered initiatives.
Peter has earned a strong reputation for turning complex technical and market insights into convincing, fundable proposals that attract valuable opportunities. His skills include leading teams, conducting feasibility studies, and managing the entire grant development process from finding opportunities to submission and post-award coordination. His work is characterized by precision, strategic thinking, and a commitment to excellence.
As a lifelong learner, Peter has advanced training from well-known institutions like Harvard University and Lagos Business School. He combines academic rigor with practical experience. He has assisted organizations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya in creating strong project frameworks with clear, measurable outcomes. His achievements include winning international business challenges and gaining recognition on competitive pitch platforms, showing
his ability to deliver results in high-pressure situations.
Peter is motivated by a clear goal: helping organizations access the resources they need to make a real, lasting impact in communities.
He has worked with organizations like Diversity Watch and GrowthInvest Foundation to develop and submit successful grant proposals at the federal, state, and foundation levels. His work has helped mission-driven organizations unlock resources for community-centered initiatives.
Peter has earned a strong reputation for turning complex technical and market insights into convincing, fundable proposals that attract valuable opportunities. His skills include leading teams, conducting feasibility studies, and managing the entire grant development process from finding opportunities to submission and post-award coordination. His work is characterized by precision, strategic thinking, and a commitment to excellence.
As a lifelong learner, Peter has advanced training from well-known institutions like Harvard University and Lagos Business School. He combines academic rigor with practical experience. He has assisted organizations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya in creating strong project frameworks with clear, measurable outcomes. His achievements include winning international business challenges and gaining recognition on competitive pitch platforms, showing
his ability to deliver results in high-pressure situations.
Peter is motivated by a clear goal: helping organizations access the resources they need to make a real, lasting impact in communities.
Jennifer Finley
Development
Jennifer Finley (Salish and Chippewa Cree) is a writer and former educator. She’s also a former Councilwoman for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. She’s worked as an English teacher, a yoga teacher, and a newspaper editor. Jennifer is the author of five books and holds a master’s degree in English.
Jennifer was born and raised on the Flathead Reservation. Her writings appear in several publications, and she is the author of five books.
Out of all the things Jennifer has done, she is most proud of being a mother of three.
Jennifer was born and raised on the Flathead Reservation. Her writings appear in several publications, and she is the author of five books.
Out of all the things Jennifer has done, she is most proud of being a mother of three.
Andrea Wright, Ph.D.
Senior Director, Data Analysis
Dr. Andrea Wright is an experienced data analyst, educator, and researcher from the Bronx, New York, whose work centers on using data to uncover patterns, inform decision-making, and drive meaningful outcomes. She earned her Ph.D. in Urban Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where her research focused on math anxiety, student experiences, and educational equity.
With a strong background in quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis, and interpretation, Dr. Wright brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to understanding complex problems. Her experience includes analyzing assessment data, progress-monitoring trends, interview and observational data, and program outcomes to identify needs, measure impact, and support strategic planning.
Throughout her career, Dr. Wright has combined analytical expertise with a deep commitment to equity and improvement. She has used data to support instructional decision-making, evaluate student growth, develop targeted interventions, and contribute to research-based initiatives. Her ability to translate data into clear, actionable insights allows her to support organizations in making informed decisions that lead to measurable results.
As a Bronx native and proud graduate of UNC Charlotte, Dr. Wright brings both lived experience and scholarly training to her work. She is passionate about using data not only to tell a story, but to create solutions, improve systems, and support communities.
With a strong background in quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis, and interpretation, Dr. Wright brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to understanding complex problems. Her experience includes analyzing assessment data, progress-monitoring trends, interview and observational data, and program outcomes to identify needs, measure impact, and support strategic planning.
Throughout her career, Dr. Wright has combined analytical expertise with a deep commitment to equity and improvement. She has used data to support instructional decision-making, evaluate student growth, develop targeted interventions, and contribute to research-based initiatives. Her ability to translate data into clear, actionable insights allows her to support organizations in making informed decisions that lead to measurable results.
As a Bronx native and proud graduate of UNC Charlotte, Dr. Wright brings both lived experience and scholarly training to her work. She is passionate about using data not only to tell a story, but to create solutions, improve systems, and support communities.
Brittany Snead
Director of Career Empowerment
Brittany Snead is a Business Recruiting Consultant and Small Business Owner based in Charlotte, North Carolina. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Virginia Commonwealth University, and later obtained her MBA from Walden University after relocating to Charlotte in pursuit of greater personal and professional opportunities.
Driven by a genuine passion for helping others succeed, Brittany is deeply committed to mentoring individuals in areas such as professional development, financial literacy, career advancement, and building a positive self-image. Her work is rooted in empowerment by equipping others with the tools, confidence, and mindset needed to thrive.
In March 2019, Brittany founded Shine Exceedingly Services, a professional services business dedicated to supporting individuals at various stages of their career journeys. Through her business, she has built a reputation for delivering tailored, high-quality services with a personalized approach and keen attention to detail.
Guided by her faith in God, Brittany leads with purpose, integrity, and a heart to serve. She believes her work is not just a profession, but a calling, to uplift, inspire, and empower others to walk confidently in who God created them to be. She remains committed to not only meeting expectations but exceeding them, helping clients achieve
tangible, exceptional results.
Driven by a genuine passion for helping others succeed, Brittany is deeply committed to mentoring individuals in areas such as professional development, financial literacy, career advancement, and building a positive self-image. Her work is rooted in empowerment by equipping others with the tools, confidence, and mindset needed to thrive.
In March 2019, Brittany founded Shine Exceedingly Services, a professional services business dedicated to supporting individuals at various stages of their career journeys. Through her business, she has built a reputation for delivering tailored, high-quality services with a personalized approach and keen attention to detail.
Guided by her faith in God, Brittany leads with purpose, integrity, and a heart to serve. She believes her work is not just a profession, but a calling, to uplift, inspire, and empower others to walk confidently in who God created them to be. She remains committed to not only meeting expectations but exceeding them, helping clients achieve
tangible, exceptional results.
Sabra Rachel-Marie Stanford
Public Health Data & Evaluation Consultant
Sabra Stanford, MPH, is a public health data and evaluation consultant with over a decade of experience translating complex health data into actionable insights that drive equitable outcomes. Through her consulting firm, Access Point Health Strategies LLC, she partners with nonprofits, community organizations, and public health initiatives to
build the data infrastructure, evaluation frameworks, and visual analytics tools they need to demonstrate impact and advance health equity.
Sabra's work spans harm reduction, community health access, and chronic disease prevention — with deep expertise in program evaluation, data systems design, and the application of tools like Power BI to make public health data accessible and meaningful to diverse audiences. She brings a community-centered lens to every engagement, grounded in the belief that data should reflect and serve the communities it represents.
As a Public Health Data & Evaluation Consultant with EquiThrive Institute, Sabra
supports the organization's Cancer Research Data Hub by strengthening data collection, analysis, and reporting systems that advance cancer prevention and survivorship equity. Her work aligns directly with EquiThrive's commitment to combining rigorous data with community engagement to reduce disparities and improve health and wealth for underserved populations.
build the data infrastructure, evaluation frameworks, and visual analytics tools they need to demonstrate impact and advance health equity.
Sabra's work spans harm reduction, community health access, and chronic disease prevention — with deep expertise in program evaluation, data systems design, and the application of tools like Power BI to make public health data accessible and meaningful to diverse audiences. She brings a community-centered lens to every engagement, grounded in the belief that data should reflect and serve the communities it represents.
As a Public Health Data & Evaluation Consultant with EquiThrive Institute, Sabra
supports the organization's Cancer Research Data Hub by strengthening data collection, analysis, and reporting systems that advance cancer prevention and survivorship equity. Her work aligns directly with EquiThrive's commitment to combining rigorous data with community engagement to reduce disparities and improve health and wealth for underserved populations.