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           Dr. Schenita D. Randolph is an Associate Professor at Duke University School of Nursing and Founding Director of the HEEAT Lab. A registered nurse for over 25 years, Dr. Randolph is advancing nursing science by using community partnerships to address the health inequities among Black Families living in the United States south. Her work has received national attention in the popular media and has been supported by public and private funders. She has publications in numerous journals including the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of the American Medical Association that highlight population health and community engagement in education and research.  She is a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing which represent nursing’s most accomplished leaders in policy, research, administration, practice, and academia. She is a proud HBCU graduate of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical (A&T) State University. Dr. Randolph is dedicated to partnering with the community to develop culturally and socially relevant interventions that will advance health equity and improve health outcomes for minoritized communities. She is also committed to mentoring and supporting the next generation of nurse leaders and scientists.

     “It is one of my core values to make sure that the community is engaged in our work throughout to dissemination.  HUAMI magazine has been a great partner for sharing our work with the community and for learning about the work of other leaders and advocates,” says Dr. Randolph.

    Since 2015, they have co-designed with the community culturally and socially relevant interventions to address the HIV epidemic in the Black community.  Most recently, the HEEAT Lab obtained a multi-million dollar federal grant that will allow them to continue their mission in North Carolina. As a part of this grant, the HEEAT Lab was able to hire a Clinical Research Coordinator, Niasha Fray, MA, MSPH, to lead the implementation of the grant, which aims to raise awareness about PrEP uptake among Black Women.

  Bria Whitehurst is a Southern Belle who was born and raised in South Carolina.  She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, a believer in Christ, and she leans on her faith daily.  In addition to fashion, fitness, and travel, Bria also has a passion for brunch.  She says, “If there’s a brunch involved?  Count me in!”

     Professionally, Bria has worked as a licensed clinical social worker, having 11 years of experience across the field.  This includes supporting unhoused communities and at-risk youth to advocating for mental health and maternal wellness.  Bria obtained her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of South Carolina.  She is licensed in both South Carolina and North Carolina and has her eyes set on obtaining licensure in Connecticut.

     Presently, Bria is the owner of B.A. Counseling & Consulting. She describes her brand as being rooted in lifestyle, love, fulfillment, and empowerment.  “It’s more than a practice, it’s a movement,” she says.  “It’s about helping people, especially Black women build lives they don’t need to escape from.  Lives that feel soft, secure, and aligned.”

     Bria’s journey started in 2018 when she worked as an intern in an inpatient behavioral hospital.  From there, she worked as a psychiatric social worker in an emergency department, moved into maternal health, and eventually stepped into the world of telehealth.  Each step she says taught her something powerful, which she now utilizes when serving clients on their own healing journeys.

     Bria shares that B.A. Counseling & Consulting is where clinical excellence meets cultural connection.  “I weave in therapeutic skill with real-life tools and affirmations so people walk away not only feeling seen, but equipped. Whether you’re starting your healing journey or seeking that next level of self-understanding, this brand is here to empower you.  I offer individual therapy for adults navigating anxiety, depression, perinatal mental health, life transitions, low self-esteem, boundary-setting, and more.  I also provide diagnostic assessments for community mental health agencies.  Whether it’s personal growth or professional collaboration,I’m here to help folks grow, heal, and breathe easier,” she says.