Heero Abdulai SPTS, MS,
Board Chair
Heero is a proud Nigerian by way of Chicago, IL, and a dedicated pulmonary transplant specialist with a powerful and unique journey into healthcare. Before beginning his medical heart disease, he was a member of the NFL’s Super Bowl-winning New York Giants. Today, Heero works with biopharmaceutical companies to support the development of early cancer biomarkers, contributing to innovation in early detection and treatment. Passionate about health equity, he is committed to expanding access to medical advancements in Black communities and addressing the socioeconomic and systemic barriers that impact care. Outside of his professional work, Heero enjoys drawing, powerlifting, coding, content creation, and managing stock market investments, pursuits that reflect his creativity, discipline, and strategic mindset. Above all, he is driven to be the fuel for the change he seeks in the world.
ABOUT
OUR BOARD
Cara Canady, MS,NCC,LPC
Board Treasurer
Cara Canady was raised in Austin, Texas, where her foundation of community and service began. Cara’s journey of education and passion for service led her to Jackson State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She continued her academic pursuit at Southern Methodist University, obtaining her Master of Science in Psychotherapy with a concentration in Marital and Family Therapy. Her work is deeply rooted in advocacy, with a focus on providing holistic care to support individuals navigating resources. Over the years Cara has volunteered with youth and guided them into fulfilling their purpose, additionally, supporting families in providing quality sources to their communities with the mission to provide impact services and equip them with supplies. With over 15 years of experience in health and social services, Cara has shared her knowledge and compassion with individuals, families, and professionals, that align in empowering marginalized populations. Cara is currently provides psychotherapy services for adult individuals, couples, and families throughout the state of Texas. Additionally, Cara spends extra time involved in programs that support youth and career development for people of color in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan.
Brittany Aldridge, CPhT
Board Member
Brittany, originally from Mississippi, has always gravitated to healthcare during her adolescent years. She is a graduate of Tougaloo College, where she received her Bachelors of Science in Chemistry. Over the years, Brittany has volunteered with the elderly and surrounding communities to give back through Public Health for over 15 years. She has also worked in the pharmacy for 10 years and instructed pharmacy technicians at collegiate and professional levels. Brittany continues to be a staple in her local communities as a Board Member of Dallas Area Pharmacy Association, where she is able to provide input on social issues of public health. She is also an advocate for those who are in need of public services in areas that are under represented across Dallas Forth Worth.
Felicia Cooper, PharmD
Board Member
Dr. Felicia Higgs Cooper, originally from Chicago, earned her Pharm.D. from Xavier University of Louisiana. With a strong commitment to community service, she spent much of her career as a community pharmacist and now works as a clinical pharmacist in the managed care sector.
Inspired by her faith, Dr. Cooper pursued theological studies at McCormick Theological Seminary, where she received a certificate in theological studies. She is actively involved in the ministerial staff at Liberty Baptist Church in Chicago, attending services with her family.
As a devoted wife and mother of four young adult children, she is profoundly grateful for her family. One of her favorite quotes by Maya Angelou captures her philosophy: “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Dr. Cooper is dedicated to ensuring that everyone she meets feels seen, heard, and valued, as she believes this is crucial for making a positive impact in the world. Through her work and community involvement, she aims to uplift those around her and foster a sense of inclusion and equity.
Adjowa Hogue, MPS, RS
Board Member
Adjwoa Hogue is a well-versed food safety professional with a background in fisheries biology and over a decade of experience in food safety auditing. Specializing in testing for bacteria and harmful contaminants, she has worked extensively in food safety for airlines and other industries. She also holds a master’s degree in the business of cannabis, combining her scientific expertise with regulatory and quality assurance knowledge in the cannabis industry.
As the co-owner of Pan-African Connection Bookstore, Adjwoa grew up immersed in literature, culture, and community, shaping her passion for education and entrepreneurship. Her deep-rooted experience in both science, African culture, and business drives her mission to inform and empower others. In her free time, Adjwoa enjoys traveling , swimming with nurse sharks, reading, and giving back to the community.
HAVE WHAT IT TAKES
to join our board?
The Board of Trustees is composed of dedicated and passionate individuals who are committed to the mission and vision of our organization. They are responsible for setting the strategic direction and guiding the organization’s activities, as well as providing oversight and financial oversight. Each member of our Board of Trustees brings unique talents, ideas and perspectives to the table to help our organization succeed. We strive to ensure that our Board of Trustees is representative of the diverse communities that we serve. If you're passionate about our mission, you may have what it takes.
Kendra Rockwell, MBA, CPhT, PhTR
Board Member
Kendra is from Texarkana, Texas. Kendra became involved with pharmacy and healthcare at an early age, which has ascended to a variety of opportunities. Kendra received a Bachelors of Science Degree in Humanities and Chemistry and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Health Care Administration. She worked alongside established endocrinologists and pharmacists within various Pharmacology Research Programs at Xavier University and LSU Health. Kendra worked with CVS Health Corporation as a Sr. consultant and the Lead Employee Engagement Pillar of the Black Colleague Resource Group. Currently, she is a Curriculum Operations Manager and overseeing a special Pharmacy Workforce Project.
In her spare time, she loves providing a confidence building experience to each young person she meets through the non-profit organization that she is a co-founder of called Carter’s Hope – Project Life. She also volunteers for various nonprofits and youth groups in the Ark-La-Tex region to serve as a mentor, modeling, acting, and dance teacher to young women in the community.