Cassandra Welchlin, Sandra Melvin and Nakeitra Burse, Author at Mississippi Free Press

Cassandra Overton Welchlin is the executive director and co-convener of MS Black Women’s Roundtable (MSBWR), an inter-generational statewide network dedicated to increasing civic engagement and voter participation among Black women while at the forefront of championing just and equitable public policy on behalf of Black women and girls. In May 2019, after 20 years of public health practice as an epidemiologist, Dr. Sandra Carr-Melvin founded and currently serves as the chief executive officer of the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health. The institute was founded in response to the need for development and implementation of public-health interventions that include the voice of the community and place health equity at the forefront of decision-making. Throughout her career, she has managed millions of dollars in federal, state and foundation funds for community-based public health programs designed to reduce health disparities among disadvantaged and minority communities in Mississippi. These projects have provided health education, outreach, training and prevention to thousands of Mississippians. Dr. Nakeitra Burse established Six Dimensions, LLC in an effort to respond to the health needs of communities strategically. As a native Mississippian, she is well aware of the impact of poor health on the environment, the economy and the overall quality of life of individuals and communities. She is also acutely aware of the impact that systems have on individual and community health. Dr. Burse has been entrenched in public health for over 10 years, earning a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and a master’s degree in Health Education/Health Promotion, both from Mississippi State University. She also holds a doctorate in Public Health from Jackson State University.