Meet the Team

Simone Abara, MPH, Editor-in-Chief
Simone has spent fifteen years working across public health journalism and community advocacy. A graduate of Howard University and the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, she previously served as health editor at a national Black media organization and as a communications fellow at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. She leads editorial strategy, manages the medical advisory board relationship, and writes a weekly editor's note. Contact: the editorial team via our contact form

Marcus Reid, Managing Editor
Marcus coordinates daily editorial operations, story assignments, and fact-checking workflows. A graduate of Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism, he spent eight years at regional newspapers covering health policy and local government before joining digital health media. Marcus oversees corrections policy and manages relationships with freelance contributors. Contact: the managing editor via our contact form

Destiny Okafor, MS, Lead Health Reporter
Destiny covers chronic disease, reproductive health, and health equity policy. She holds a master's in health communication from Boston University and has been recognized by the National Association of Black Journalists for her investigative reporting on maternal mortality. She is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists. Contact: Destiny via our contact form

James Whitfield, Directory Operations Manager
James leads the provider verification process, NPI validation, and directory quality assurance. With a background in healthcare administration and a decade of experience in credentialing, he ensures every provider listing meets our verification standards. Contact: the directory team via our contact form

Aaliyah Mensah, Community Partnerships
Aaliyah builds and maintains relationships with community health organizations, HBCUs, faith communities, and advocacy groups. She coordinates our community events calendar and ensures Black Health remains accountable to the communities it serves. Contact: the community team via our contact form

Our Medical Advisory Board reviews editorial content and clinical accuracy standards. We are actively recruiting licensed Black clinicians across specialties including primary care, OB-GYN, psychiatry, cardiology, and pediatrics. If you are a licensed clinician interested in serving on our advisory board, please contact the medical advisory board via our contact form.