Chief Executive Officer
PhD, MS, MCHES
Dr. Paris Thomas is a devoted health and racial equity leader, researcher, and advocate based in Chicago. As the Executive Director of Equal Hope, she plays a pivotal role in driving the organization’s mission to promote health equity and eliminate disparities for historically marginalized communities through culturally competent interventions.
Born and raised in the Chicagoland area, Dr. Thomas has a deep-rooted passion for promoting health equity. Her motivation stems from personal experiences within her own family, where she witnessed the impact of the healthcare system on their health outcomes. Driven by a desire to create positive change, Dr. Thomas has dedicated her career to promoting health through intersectionality and innovative strategies that improve access to care for under-resourced communities.
Chief Health Operations Officer
MPH
Jiana Calixto (pronouns – she/her) is the Director of Community Health & Engagement at Equal Hope. Jiana’s responsibilities at Equal Hope includes reviewing process of operations for outreach and navigation efforts, grant management and budgetary oversight over community health initiatives. As well as maintaining and developing strong partnerships with local hospitals, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMH), community-based organizations and stakeholders. In addition, she provides leadership for the community health team and Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, contributing to Equal Hope’s pillars of equal access, equal care and an equal voice.
Chief Development and Communications Officer
Director of Health Research
MPH
Sarah serves as the Director of Health Research for Equal Hope and supports the work of Equal Care through maintaining data that has and will be collected. Her work includes building survey tools, analyzing data, and reporting so that we may better understand quality mammography, breast cancer capacity treatment, and cervical cancer disparities. She received her MPH in Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology from the University of Illinois and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Zambia.
Director of Finance
MBA
Maurice Byrd is a result-driven senior level management professional; Experienced analyzing business processes and developing solutions to meet the client’s/company’s desired outcome. Skilled business turnaround specialist, that employs innovative & strategic ideas to improve results. Professional that is proficient in finance, investments, real estate, accounting, and managing multiple divisions, with emphasizes placed on developing initiatives and criteria to foster success for the business.
Development Manager
MTh
Community Health Worker (IBCCP)
Nacary is our Community Health Worker for our Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP). She previously interned for Equal Hope last year and made a lasting impression on staff as she assisted with outreach and engagement ideas. She has CHW training from Malcolm X College. She is responsible for public outreach, education, and awareness about Equal Hope and our IBCCP program.
Development Assistant Patient Navigator
Sherlene Branscomb, has extensive demonstrated experience providing administrative support to Directors, Managers, VPs, CIOs. As an Assistant to the Director of Development at Equal Hope, Sherlene is responsible for Development Outreach, Administrative Support. She also serves as the Associate Coordinator of event planning.
Patient Navigator
Oreletta Garmon has 25 years of health care experience and has expertise in quality breast health services and community outreach. Prior to joining Equal Hope, Oreletta worked at the Sinai Urban Health Institute as a Community Health Worker II for the Helping Her Live program.
In 2009, Oreletta served as a health educator in the AmeriCorps at a FQHC. In August of 2015, Oreletta joined Equal Hope as the Navigation Program Coordinator. In addition to her duties as a navigator, Oreletta also assists the Nurse Navigator in the Equal Hope Program.
Patient Navigator
MPH
Joanna joined Equal Hope as a Patient Navigator in January 2025. After reading a book about epidemiology in high school, she went on to earn bachelor’s degrees in psychology and public health from Tulane University, and a Master of Public Health from Columbia University. Guided by the belief that healthcare is a human right, she is passionate about creating a more equitable and accessible medical system. As the daughter of a breast cancer survivor, Joanna is eager to connect her clients to cancer screenings and treatment, and provide the support they need along the way. In her free time, Joanna enjoys walking dogs, crocheting, and spending time in nature.
Community Engagement Manager
MA
Qiana Gillespie comes to Equal Hope with a BA in Marketing & Management and MA in Educational Leadership. She is a strategic, innovative, collaborative and results-oriented professional with over 25 years of professional experience working directly in the non-profits and education sector managing all facets of operations. She comes from a legacy of advocacy that has helped align her career to focus on inspiring and impacting the community. She has extensive expertise in relationship development and capacity planning, and through Equal Hope, Qiana ensures the most marginalized and underserved receive opportunities and connection to crucial health services and resources.
Data Coordinator
MPH
Grace is a Data Coordinator with the Equal Care pillar at Equal Hope. She holds a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology, as well as dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Biology and Spanish Language and Culture, and a Health Communication Certificate. Her academic background equips her with a strong foundation in public health research. Grace joined the Equal Hope team in September 2024, where she is responsible for program evaluation, and both internal and external research projects. She is passionate about eliminating health disparities and advancing health equity.
Social Media Strategist
MPH
Leilani Lacson-Soltysiak (she/her) is the Social Media Strategist at Equal Hope, where she leads content creation and digital communications for both Equal Hope and the Chicagoland CEAL Program — part of the NIH Community Engagement Alliance Against COVID-19 Disparities. Her goal is to create content that is educational, accessible, and even a little entertaining.
Leilani earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago. She began her career in health research, working first as a research assistant at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (now Shirley Ryan AbilityLab) and later as a research coordinator at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. She has managed multiple research studies funded by the National Cancer Institute and pharmaceutical partners.
Driven by a passion for public health and health equity, Leilani pursued a Master of Public Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a concentration in Community Health Sciences.
Community Health Worker (LinC)
Lydia London is a community health worker at Equal Hope. She is currently finishing up a degree in business management. Lydia comes from a background of education and fine arts. She joined Equal Hope in July of 2022. Through Equal Hope, she lives out her passion for eliminating health disparities for Black and Brown women and children.
Patient Navigator
Melina Martinez is a dedicated Bilingual IBCCP Patient Navigator at Equal Hope, where she has been contributing to the improvement of health outcomes in the community for five years. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from North Park University, she has a strong foundation in healthcare and is passionate about assisting her community. In her role, Melina helps patients navigate the complexities of scheduling crucial screenings, including mammograms and Pap smears, while also working to overcome barriers, such as language and transportation, that may hinder access to care. Through her work at Equal Hope, she is deeply committed to empowering her community and ensuring they have the resources and support needed to prioritize their health and wellbeing.
Community Health Worker (ARCH)
Brandon Ozobu is a Community Health Worker at Equal Hope. He earned a BA in Biological Sciences at Northwestern University in June of 2024. At Equal Hope, Brandon focuses on the ARCH study, a behavioral therapy research study for those suffering from depression. He works as a behavioral therapy coach, as well as engaging in communities in the southside and westside of Chicago to offer free health services.
Data Coordinator
MPH/MSW
Gabriela is a Data Coordinator at Equal Hope, where she supports the Equal Care initiative by organizing and analyzing healthcare data to improve outcomes for underserved communities. With a dual Master’s degree in Public Health (Epidemiology & Biostatistics) and Social Work (Organization and Community Practice) from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), Gabriela combines her expertise in data analysis and public health with a deep commitment to addressing health disparities.
As a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Illinois, Gabriela brings a client-centered approach to her work, ensuring that data insights are used to drive equitable healthcare solutions. Prior to joining Equal Hope, Gabriela completed internships with the Chicago Department of Public Health, where she conducted epidemiological research on congenital syphilis, and Legal Aid Chicago, advocating for immigrant communities.
Community Health Worker (LinC)
Jennifer Riera is a Community Health Worker at Equal Hope. She earned a BA in Gender & Women’s Studies and minored in Sociology at UIC. She joined Equal Hope in April of 2023. Through Equal Hope, Jennifer actively works to ensure that those most marginalized and underserved in our communities are connected to crucial health services and resources, such as mammograms and cervical cancer screenings, regardless of citizenship or ability to pay. As a daughter of immigrant parents, Jennifer truly understands the importance of bridging the gap between our undocumented community, nonprofit organizations, and the healthcare system.
Patient Navigator
Karen is a Bilingual Patient Navigator that joined Equal Hope in January 2025. She is a recent graduate from Illinois State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology & Public Health with a double minor in Spanish and Latino/a Studies. Karen is passionate about helping individuals overcome barriers to healthcare by providing personalized support, education, and advocacy. At Equal Hope she helps patients navigate complex healthcare systems through scheduling mammograms for underserved communities. Her main focus is on removing barriers and promoting health equity ensuring every person receives the proper care and support they need to lead healthier lives.
Community Health Worker
Claudia Rodriguez has been a Community Health Worker for over three and a half years. She started her community health career as a COVID-19 Response Worker. At Equal Hope, she she provides resources and health education to individuals living in marginalized communities and is very passionate about her work.
Claudia grew up in the South Side of Chicago and having shared experiences with our clients we serve is her strong suite. Outside of Equal Hope, she is currently pursuing her degree in Public Health.
Patient Navigator
Kelldy is a bilingual Patient Care Navigator at Equal Hope, dedicated to supporting underserved communities with a focus on women’s health. She recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in health science administration and brings over 10 years of customer service experience to her role. Passionate, understanding, and kind, Kelldy is committed to ensuring patients receive the care and support they need, while fostering a compassionate environment.
Patient Navigator
Diana Sanchez is a bilingual patient navigator at Equal Hope. She graduated from the University of Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology in 2020. She worked for two years as a medical assistant where she developed her interest for helping others. She joined Equal Hope in July of 2022 and is committed in eliminating barriers for accessing healthcare. Currently she serves the community by helping men and women get their health screenings to ensure a healthier life.
Sr. Community Outreach Specialist
Donalynne provides outreach and education services to Equal Hope and is busy reaching out to women every day. She develops and strengthens relationships between Equal Hope and important leaders, community organizations, faith-based organizations, health institutions, and women’s associations. Donalynne attends community-based events and health fairs in Metropolitan Chicago to connect more women with Equal Hope’s services and educate women on the importance of breast healthcare, including the importance of early detection in saving lives. She empowers women through knowledge and links women to the Equal Hope navigators who help women access free mammograms or schedule mammograms or generally navigate the healthcare system.
Community Health Worker (Wellness West)
John is our Community Health Worker for our Wellness West project. It is an initiative on Chicago’s West Side that uses a comprehensive network of community-based partners and medical providers to screen community members with chronic illness for social determinants of health and provide comprehensive services to resolve identified issues. John serves as a bridge between the patient, the medical system, and community-based organizations by building trusting relationships with community members served by the program. John has a BS in Psychology in Addiction and has years of experience in case management and service coordination.
Patient Navigator
Having lost her mother to uterine cancer at a very young age was an experience that has deeply shaped her perspective on women’s health. In addition, after personally facing her own gynecological challenges, she understands the importance of access to care and the emotional support needed during difficult times. As a Navigator with Equal Hope, Zujeiz is dedicated to helping women find the resources and care they need to improve their health. Her mission is to empower others through knowledge, advocacy, and support, ensuring that no woman has to face her health journey alone.
Community Health Worker (Lake County)
Veronica Sanchez Villa is a community health worker with Equal Hope since November 2021. She provides outreach and education services in The Northern Lake County community. She is bilingual. She helps to connect women with their health by showing the importance of prevention through 1:1 connections or presentations.
Community Engagement Specialist
MA, PhD (Honorary)
Dana Wint joined Equal Hope in 2017. As the Community Engagement Specialist, Dana uses her public relations and communication skills to further the Equal Hope mission and footprint throughout Chicagoland communities. Dana received her BA in Marketing from the University of Illinois, a MA in Media Communications from Governors State University, and an Honorary Ph.D from WWMI Bible Institute.
Equal Hope provides free breast and reproductive cancer services and resources to uninsured and underinsured people in need.
