Meet the Subject Matter Research Consultants
Adrian Williams, MS
(they/them)
Youth Engagement Manager
The SMRC are supervised and managed by Adrian Williams, M.S. (they/them). Adrian earned their B.A. in Sociology and M.S. in Counseling Psychology. In addition to their role at the Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Adrian founded and owns a small business, AW DEI Consulting Inc. Adrian’s professional and educational background demonstrates their commitment to creating positive societal change. They have earned certificates in Diversity and Inclusion, Inclusive Excellence, Women’s Leadership, and Interprofessional Education and have training in mental health, trauma-informed practices, and racial equity. When Adrian is not working and running their small business, they explore the world, travel, and spend time with their family, friends, and pup LaMelo.
Sandra Agola
(she/her)
My name is Sandra Agola, and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I currently reside in Houston, Texas, although originally born in Nairobi, Kenya. I am a member of the Subject Matter Research Consultants team, Adolescence Trail Network-Youth Experts and Advocates of Health (YEAH), and part of the YAB here in Houston.
I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Wellness and Navigation to help adolescents living with HIV/AIDS and promote education to minimize the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. In my leisure time, I enjoy listening to true crime podcasts, DIY projects, and enjoying time with people that I love. I am excited to be part of this team and look forward to the impact that we will have.
Joshua Espada
(they/them)
Hello there! My name is Joshua Espada, and I am a Queer Rican living in New York City. I use they/them pronouns. My background has been centered around public health research and policy in NYC and abroad, specifically in Cairo, Egypt, and Amman, Jordan. Abroad, I researched public health policy concerning migrants/refugees within the Middle East and how to make health care units more equitable and better tailored for women and children in rural areas.
Here at home, I’ve also done more on-the-ground work like tenant and housing rights and even helping out in needle exchanges to increase harm reduction in underserved populations. Currently, I am a Case Manager at a queer health clinic helping queer and or low-income patients navigate HIV prevention/treatment, gender-affirming surgery, and other health-related services.
Kendrick Forte
(he/him)
Diagnosed as poz in 2012, Kendrick Forté has used his medical condition to participate in research opportunities with UNC since his diagnosis. From technology to trials, “The Forté” has considered research as a fundamental tool as a meaningful way to help the future generation. Kendrick is an HBCU graduate who works as a tax auditor full-time, still allowing his time to be dedicated to his family, friends, HIV research, and destigmatizing the disease and the ballroom scene.
Dionte Gill
(she/her)
Dionté Gill (he/she) is a recent University of the Arts graduate who studied film production and music business. With this background, Dionté participates on various community advisory boards to provide feedback & insight into how to market to & include queer youth in an inclusive and affirming way. He’s also a content creator whose music and videos aim to represent young Black queer creatives positively.
Zoe Njemanze, MPH
(she/her)
Zoë Njemanze, MPH is a consultant and design thinking specialist working to authentically present and address the needs of diverse communities. It was during her undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Austin where she became familiar with the socio-cultural systems and factors that impact the health and mental well-being of communities of color. Zoë completed a capstone project entitled, Microaggressions: An Emerging Idea that Perpetuates Everyday Challenges, but an Understudied Risk Factor for Mental Health Outcomes in Black Americans (2018). Zoë takes specific interest in microaggressions and supporting one’s self-confidence and self-identity to combat the deleterious effects of racist experiences, a topic explored in her master’s thesis, A Case Study of Texas’ Universities Mental Health Professionals and Microaggressions of Black College Students Attending Predominantly White Institutions. Zoe has since worked with the Hiram Clarke Community Resiliency Project, UTHealth School of Public Health, MobilizeGreen in capacities including, but not limited to, the social determinants of health, project implementation, anti-racism and diversity, equity and inclusion.
Miles Perry, MPH
(he/they)
Miles Perry is an avid HIV activist. Miles recently graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with his Master of Public Health degree specializing in Global Health. Miles received his Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Public Health from the University of Rochester. Miles has worked at the BATLab from 2021-2022 as a Research Assistant and will continue his efforts at FSU as a Subject Matter Research Consultant.