Originally from Huntsville, Texas, Keona was raised in an environment where aunts are like mothers and cousins are like brothers and sisters, so she has always had a strong sense of community, inclusion, and unity. Keona recently completed her SM in Bioethics, where she explored the ethical issues surrounding resource allocation, minority and vulnerable population protection, and social justice. She has a special interest in integrating the social determinants of health with normative ethics to advocate for more robust and inclusive policies geared toward vulnerable populations. In her limited leisure time, Keona enjoys reading, international travel, journaling, and yoga.
Why I am an EDI Fellow: “My motivation for becoming an EDI Fellow is very personal. I was fortunate to have mentors of color learn my primary interests and inspire me to pursue a graduate education related to public health. I am so fortunate to be in a position to help other students in the very same way! Previously, I’ve held the position as D.C. Chapter President of Comprehensive Medical Mentoring Program (CMMP) which aims to increase diversity in the medical field through mentorship and guidance. I am excited to expand upon my previous work as an EDI Fellow with more extensive programming and workshops aimed at fostering conversations, understanding, and hopefully reconciliation of the many ethical issues surrounding equity, diversity, and inclusion.”
