Meet Our Team

Dr. Christina is the Founder and Executive Director of Uloma Immigrants’ House (UIH). She was inspired by her immigrant parents, who struggled with and experienced culture shock for years while living in America. She is a seasoned nonprofit business consulting expert with over a decade of experience helping organizations maximize their impact and achieve their mission.  With a deep understanding of the nonprofit landscape, she specializes in strategic planning, fundraising, and capacity building. Dr. Christina has worked with a diverse range of nonprofits, from grassroots initiatives to established organizations, providing tailored solutions that drive growth and sustainability. Her passion for social change is evident in her commitment to empowering nonprofits through practical strategies and innovative approaches.

Dr. Christina is also the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of her consulting firm, Chazaq Consulting. In addition to her consulting work, Dr. Christina is a sought-after speaker and workshop facilitator, sharing insights on best practices in nonprofit management. She holds a Doctor of Medicine (MD) Degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and a Master of Business Administration and Management (MBA) degree from Eastern Michigan University, one of the top MBA programs in Michigan. She is also actively involved in the nonprofit community through networking and partnership. Coming from an underserved community, Christina is dedicated to reducing health inequities and destigmatizing mental health. Outside of school, Christina enjoys spending time with her son, Salvador, and traveling.

Randy is co-founder and deputy director of Mercy Holistic Health Foundation, a 501(C)3 Christian organization dedicated to inspiring biblical generosity to address the healthcare needs of remote underdeveloped communities in Africa. He is a seasoned organizational leader in both healthcare and higher education with 30+ years of experience as a healthcare CEO and university president. Randy’s experience includes a high degree of proficiency in nonprofit board relations and policies, strategic planning, fundraising, fostering winning cultures around innovation and change, and building sustainable collaborative relationships around mutual benefit.

Randy has chaired and served as trustee on numerous nonprofit boards. In his leadership role, he reported to nonprofit boards for over thirty years. Mr. Flechsig has worked assiduously with nonprofit boards to embark upon paths shaped by transformative vision and strategies for success. Randy earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Xavier University in Cincinnati and a master’s degree in health care administration from St. Louis University.

Ebele is the Founder and Executive Director for Wells of Treasure Foundation, a non-profit organization that caters to widows, single parents, domestic abuse victims from low-income households as well as children from underserved communities. It is through this inherent passion to transform lives for the better that she took on the mission to reach out to individuals, who have been battered by life’s circumstances and who aren’t getting their voices heard or getting the much-needed support to thrive and live their fulfilled lives.

Ebele is a dynamic and accomplished professional with about 20 years of professional experience that spans across the Banking sector, Health sector and IT sector. She has developed within herself a deep enthusiasm in the Technology field, specifically in the Agile environment. She has successfully honed her skills and developed her expertise in the world of Agile, in which is became a certified Agile Coach. She is also known as a Transformational Agile Leader. She is currently applying her skills and lending her expertise as a Vice President to the largest banking institution in the United States. Ebele’s passion for Transformation transcends the corporate world.

As the founder and driving force behind several successful ventures, Vivian has made her mark in various industries through innovation, leadership, and a commitment to excellence. Vivian’s dedication to community and social impact is evident in her role with Resilient Immigrant, where she works tirelessly to empower African immigrants by providing tailored support, community engagement, and comprehensive resources. Vivian is the visionary behind Etiquette Global Academy, the parent company that encompasses multiple initiatives, including the EFG Program (Etiquette for Girls), EFG Foundation (Empowering Future Generations), and an academy dedicated to teaching etiquette to children, young adults, and professionals.

Vivian leads Agile Career Consulting, a firm dedicated to helping professionals navigate and excel in their careers. Her expertise in career coaching and consulting has empowered numerous individuals to achieve their goals, advance in their professions, and find fulfillment in their work. Vivian’s work is deeply rooted in respect, sophistication, and excellence, guiding her mission to inspire others and elevate their lives through education and empowerment.

Laura Byers, PhD, ASDCS is a Limited Licensed Psychologist (LLP) and a certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist. Her experience includes over 30 years of teaching psychology and gerontology at the college and university level, 16 years clinical experience in clinical neuropsychological assessment and diagnosis, and several years’ experience in both group and individual therapy with adults.

Laura transitioned 2 years ago to working in outpatient therapy. Laura’s areas of interest include Autism Spectrum Disorder, dementia and memory problems, grief and loss, coping with serious illness, depression, anxiety, and life change. Her clinical outlook is based in cognitive behavioral theory and practice.

Laura has published and presented on topics regarding personality, development, and aging in America. Laura also developed and authored the curriculum for the Gerontology Certificate Program at Grand Rapids Community College; she also serves as lead faculty for the program.

Monica is a third-year medical student at MSU CHM who is interested in serving underserved communities in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. She graduated from Central Michigan University in 2019 with a double major in Neuroscience and Psychology. She continued her education at Central Michigan University, obtaining her Master of Public Health degree in 2021. She is in the Leadership in Medicine for the Underserved program at MSU and recently moved to Flint, MI for her last two years. Currently, she serves on the regional board for the Student National Medical Association, a health record grader for MSU CHM, and is on the board for the Flint OB/GYN interest group. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, trying new foods, caring for her plants, and reading suspense books.

Karen Encalada majored in psychology and minored in children and adolescent mental health studies during her undergraduate years at NYU. In her junior year at NYU, Karen started volunteering in the pediatric department at Bellevue Hospital/NYU Langone as a research assistant. This experience allowed her to integrate both of her interests of medicine and children. She was part of this pediatric research team at Bellevue Hospital/NYU Langone for 10 years before enrolling into medical school. She additionally volunteered for New York Cares where she coached and promoted physical activity to school-aged children through soccer. Before applying to medical school she enrolled at Rutgers and received her master’s in biomedical science. Karen is now a second-year medical student at MSU College of Human Medicine. Karen’s interests currently lie in pediatrics, peds physiatry or OBGYN.

Damilola Fagagde is a third-year medical student at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine (MSU CHM). Passionate about addressing healthcare disparities, Damilola serves as the PR coordinator on the board of Spartan Street Medicine, a program dedicated to providing medical care to underserved communities. As part of the Public Health Certificate program, they are committed to advancing public health efforts and aim to specialize in vascular surgery to continue serving underprivileged populations. Outside of medicine, Damilola enjoys traveling, reading, singing, and watching crime TV shows.

Sam is a third-year medical student at MSU College of Human Medicine who received his BS in Biology and MS in Physiology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He is currently at the Flint campus for his third and fourth year of medical school. He is especially interested in cardiovascular, pulmonary, and renal topics in medicine, with a focus on internal medicine. He is currently in the Public Health certificate program and the program lead at the Shelter of Flint. In his spare time, Sam enjoys playing/watching soccer, hiking, fishing, and spending time with loved ones. He is fluent in Russian and greatly enjoys learning about others’ culture, tradition, background, heritage, upbringing, religion, etc. As a first-generation medical student, Sam relishes the opportunity to advance and develop his relationships with members of the community in order to improve its overall health and well being.

Quynh is a third-year medical student at MSU College of Human Medicine (CHM) whose passion lies in women’s health, public and community health, and service to one’s community. She is currently interested in pursuing OB/GYN (obstetrics & gynecology). She graduated from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor in 2021 with Honors in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience with a minor in Gender and Health. She is currently in the Public Health certificate program at MSU CHM, serves on the Regional board for the Student National Medical Association, serves as her class’ Co-Chair on the Dean’s Student Advisory Committee, and was recently appointed to be on MSU CHM’s new Learning Environment Committee. She is excited to be in Flint for her last 2 years of medical school! In her free time, she loves traveling, recharging with family and friends, watching movies, doing yoga, playing pickleball, and going on walks!

Megan is a third-year medical student at MSU College of Human Medicine (CHM). Her passions are in physical health, identifying and addressing health disparities and collaborating with like minded students, mentors, and community members for change. She is currently interested in pursuing Anesthesiology and graduated from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor in 2020 in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience. She is currently serving as the Community Engagement Chair of the Uloma Immigrants’ House, serves on the SNMA National Committee for Health and Policy Legislative Affairs, and is on the Program Development and Marketing committee for Reach Out to Youth. She is based at the Lansing CHM campus and excited to be involved for her last 2 years of medical school. In her free time, she loves lifting weights, spending time with friends and family, watching movies, and discovering new restaurants to try.

Ella is an Exercise Physiologist at MyMichigan Health in their cardiopulmonary rehabilitation center. She has a passion and great dedication to promoting wellness and healthy lifestyles. She finds joy in staying active and exploring new recipes that nourish both the body and soul. Her commitment extends beyond the workplace, as she makes time to volunteer and give back to her community. Balancing these passions with personal growth, she is eagerly preparing to start PA school at Central Michigan University next spring. This new chapter promises to build on her existing skills and knowledge, further enhancing her ability to care for others.

Abraham is a third-year medical student at PCOM Georgia, who is interested in the field of Cardiology. His goals in the future is providing quality care for the underserved and continuing to serve his community any way he can. He graduated from Florida International University in 2019 with Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and a Minor in Chemistry. He was the Vice President of Sports Medicine Club and Student Government Association in 2022 at PCOM-GA. In his free time, he loves to work out at the gym, play sports and games. He also loves to bake!

Sahar is a third-year medical student at PCOM-GA, who is committed to making a difference in primary care medicine. She graduated from Florida International University Honors College with a Bachelor’s in Science and went on to complete a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences in 2019 before relocating to Georgia to pursue her medical degree. At PCOM, she has served on the Executive Boards of Global Health Initiative, Infectious Disease, and ACOSS-MSS chapter, dedicating her time to causes that deeply resonate with her. Sahar dreams of being able to make healthcare accessible across borders, believing that everyone deserves quality care and resources. Outside her studies, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, catching up on shows/movies, painting and exploring new places.

Zenat is a passionate community outreach and health educator with a Master’s in Public Health from Chamberlain University in Illinois. Before moving to the USA, she completed her Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in Bangladesh. Throughout her career, she has worked in both profit and non-profit settings, aiming to advocate for the needs of vulnerable and displaced populations. To stay engaged, she participates in various community events. She finds peace in spending time with her family, gardening, watching movies, and doing arts and crafts with her daughter.

Tiffie is a fourth year medical student at MSU CHM. She is passionate about serving underserved communities and understanding health disparities, as a result of her upbringing in Guam. She received her B.S. in Molecular, Cell, & Developmental Biology from UCLA in 2013 and her M.S. in Cell & Molecular Biology from Tulane University. Before medical school, Tiffie worked in various positions in healthcare and research in underserved communities in Los Angeles. She is also in the Leadership in Medicine for the Underserved (LMU) Program at MSU CHM. Outside of school, Tiffie enjoys working out, trying new foods, and watching TV!

Mohaymin is a fourth year medical student at MSU CHM and is interested in the intersections of public health and medicine. He received his MPH in Epidemiology and B.S. in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience, at UMich. He’s been involved with public health organizations in the past and is keenly interested in the advancement of disadvantaged communities within Michigan. In his free time, Mohaymin is usually playing Super Smash Bros Melee or exploring restaurants!

Annie graduated from The University of San Diego in 2019 with a B.A. in Biochemistry minoring in Biomedical Ethics. Originally from San Jose, CA, Annie currently resides in Flint MI, where she is a third-year medical student at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine. Annie is in the Public Health Certificate Program at MSU CHM. She is interested in working with members of underserved communities to help them build leadership and other important skills. Outside of school, Annie enjoys exploring new restaurants, playing board games with friends, volunteering and boxing.

Eve graduated from the University of Phoenix, with a B.S. in Psychology, with the intention to continue to work in the field of Developmental Disabilities. With nearly 6 years under her belt, Eve found her passion which led her to become an advocate for those living with mental illness, homelessness, and battered families. A California transplant, she currently resides in the Greater Seattle Area, WA, where she discovered a new career in Recruiting/Talent Acquisition. She is an amateur chef/baker and enjoys trying new foods, discovering new coffee shops, live music, beaches, and Pilates. Her goal is to one day help those less fortunate in a way that is life-changing. Being part of Uloma Immigrants’ House gives Eve a chance to volunteer some of her time and help support a great cause.

Elliane is a third year medical student at MSU CHM and aims to establish a career in primar y care with a focus on community medicine. She received a BA in Global and Community Public Health in 2020 from the University of Michigan and spent a year working as a Community Health Navigator for Blue Cross Complete of Michigan where she developed skil ls related to community needs assessments and focusing on the social determinants of health. She will be moving to Flint, MI in August of 2023 to complete her certificate in Leadership in Medicine for the Underserved through MSU CHM. When Elliane has free time she enjoys meditating, backpacking, board games, reading, and cooking.

Sujay graduated from Pitzer College in 2019 with a B.A. in Neuroscience. F rom San Diego and the Bay Area, Sujay is currently a third – year medical student at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine. He is interested in a career focused in academic research in possibly internal medicine or psychiatry. Outside of sch ool, Sujay enjoys making Indian food, going to Trader Joe’s, watching most TV shows in existence, and hiking!

Anjali is a third year medical student at MSU CHM who is interested in a career focused on working with underserved communities, with a particular interest in either pediatrics or obstetrics and gynecology. She graduated from the University of Michigan in 2019 with a double major in Biomolecular Science and International Studies with a concentration in Global Health. She then spent a year serving as an AmeriCorps member in Detroit schools, followed by a year working as a Behavioral Technician for kids with autism. As a part of the LMU program, Anjali will be moving to Flint in August 2023, and is excited to continue to serve the Flint community. In her free time, she loves painting, traveling, cooking, and being outside!

Lucy is a second year medical student at MSU CHM who is interested in primary care and serving the underserved communities. She studied biological psychology at University of California, Davis where she also volunteered at a student run clinic, Bayanihan Clinic. At Bayanihan Clinic is where she decided that medicine was right for her. After graduating, she moved to Los Angeles, CA where she worked as a medical assistant at Planned Parenthood. Lucy is part of the public health certificate program and will be moving to Flint, MI during her last two years at MSU CHM. Outside of school, Lucy enjoys cooking, discovering new restaurants, playing video and board games, and going outside with her wiener dog, Kirby!