Join Today
Make the Step to Become a GASOPHE Member
For questions about GASOPHE membership, please contact gasophe@gmail.com.
President
D’Jillisser Kelly, MPH, CP
D’Jillisser Kelly, MPH, CP, is an accomplished public health professional recognized for her creativity, leadership, and insightful approach to promoting wellness.
D’Jillisser further deepened her expertise by earning a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Health Promotion from Liberty University. A faithful servant leader, she is committed to integrating wellness into all aspects of her work and has assumed key leadership roles in numerous public health initiatives.
Her leadership extends to national platforms, where she contributes as an Expert Advisory Board Member for the Rutgers University Institute for Nicotine and Tobacco Studies’ Unvarnished Project, the Benjamin E. Mays Healthcare Science Advisory Board, and the ASPiRE (Advancing Science & Practice in the Retail Environment) advisory board.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, D’Jillisser was honored in 2022 at the Georgia State Capitol as one of 20 selected Power Women in the state of Georgia. Additionally, she is the 2025 American Heart Association Knowledge Award recipient. Her unwavering dedication to public health is evident in her efforts to create impactful change and foster growth within communities across Atlanta and beyond.
President Elect
Shonali Makadiya
Shonali holds a Master of Public Health from Mercer University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of North Georgia. Currently, she serves as a Management Analyst for the City of Atlanta’s Department of Grants and Community Development, where she is dedicated to improving the lives of HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS) populations. She works to ensure access to essential housing resources and supportive services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, recognizing the critical link between stable housing and health outcomes. Shonali actively collaborates with community organizations and stakeholders to enhance program effectiveness and advocate for the needs of these vulnerable populations.
Her passion for public health was ignited during the pandemic but has deep roots, influenced by years spent observing her mother’s work in the medical field. Those experiences have fueled her commitment to addressing health disparities and advocating for marginalized communities. With her educational background and practical experience, Shonali aims to make a meaningful impact in the public health sector, focusing on sustainable solutions that promote well-being for all.
Immediate Past President
Victoria Broussard, MEd, CHES, CPSTI
Victoria Broussard is a Senior Program Manager for a non-profit and national project. She leads development, management, and coordination for various aspects of the project and is responsible for partner engagement, technical assistance, and capacity building workstreams.
For over 15 years, Victoria has worked in grants and program management at the local and state level, including the Alabama Department of Public Health, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Morehouse School of Medicine. She has experience in providing education, training, and developing programs to prevent injury, fragile infant and child transport, teen pregnancy prevention, and smoking cessation.
Victoria is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and special needs trained Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Instructor. She is also a member of the Safe States Alliance, Southeast and Southwest Injury Prevention Network, Georgia Child Passenger Safety Advisory Board, the Society for Public Health Education and the American Public Health Association. Victoria has an MEd in Health Promotion and Human Performance and is pursuing her Doctor of Public Health.
Advocacy Chair
Keri M. Hill, Ph.D., CHES
In 2024, Dr. Keri Hill launched She Soars to address the critical needs of youth and young adult communities facing the largest disparities. By engaging young people as collaborative partners, She Soars focuses on fostering emotional well-being and promoting healthier, more resilient families.
Keri has 25 years of experience in community-based health promotion, K-12 education, and higher education. Her nonprofit experience includes serving as Vice President and Director of Programs for Atlanta-based organizations dedicated to reducing health disparities for Black women and families and empowering youth.
Keri is an adjunct public health professor at Agnes Scott College, former Assistant Professor for Kennesaw State University, and former high school teacher for Atlanta Public Schools. She holds a Ph.D. in Education Curriculum & Instruction, a Master of Public Health, and a Bachelor of Science in Community Health. Additionally, she is a Certified Health Education Specialist and has earned certificates in Nonprofit Management, Professional Inclusive Leadership, and Wellness Coaching.
Education & Training Co-Chair
Hadeer Hegazy, BPharm, MSc, DrPH Candidate
Hadeer Hegazy is a dedicated public health professional, experienced program manager, and accomplished researcher with a strong background in healthcare economics, policy, and nutrition. She is currently pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Public Health (DrPH) at the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University. Hadeer holds a Master’s in Health Economics and Bachelor degree in Pharmacy. She has also obtained certification in Clinical Nutrition, further enhancing her multidisciplinary expertise in healthcare.
With over eight years of experience as an oncology clinical pharmacist and clinical nutritionist and more than seven years leading national and international public health programs in non-governmental organizations. She has been instrumental in managing large-scale nutrition and food security programs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Hadeer’s work experience spans diverse roles across academia, governmental health institutions, and international non-profits. She is currently a Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant at Georgia Southern University, where she supports faculty research, conducts data analysis, and mentors students in public health disciplines.
Hadeer is an advocate for sustainable development and women’s empowerment. She was selected as a Leading African Women in Food Fellow (2024). She is also a certified trainer for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), collaborating with government agencies to promote policy coherence and effective governance.
National Delegate
Alex E. Crosby, MD, MPH
Dr. Alex Crosby is Professor and Vice Chair in the Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine at Morehouse School of Medicine and worked at the CDC for 30 years. While there, he responded to numerous public health emergencies and led investigative teams that include addressing adolescent suicide clusters, civil unrest, school-associated violence, sniper attacks, firearm-related injuries due to celebratory shooting, and the public health response to hurricanes, Ebola and Coronavirus.
He has authored or co-authored over 125 publications and his work as a medical epidemiologist focuses on prevention of suicidal behavior, child maltreatment, intimate partner violence, interpersonal violence among adolescents, and assault injuries among minorities.
Dr. Alex Crosby completed medical training in Family Medicine at Howard University Hospital; General Preventive Medicine and Public Health at Morehouse School of Medicine and the Georgia Division of Public Health and epidemiology training at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Epidemic Intelligence Service.
He graduated with a BA in chemistry from Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn., an MD from Howard University’s College of Medicine in Wash., D.C., and an MPH in health administration and management from Emory University’s School of Public Health in Atlanta, Georgia.
Partnership Co-Chair
Fredrick Clark, Student Health and Wellness, Morehouse School of Medicine
Fredrick Clark is a proud native of downtown Atlanta, GA. He completed his undergraduate studies at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT), where he majored in Political Science/Public Policy and minored in Education with a focus in Public Health. Fredrick is currently an Executive Master of Public Health student focusing on community health for underserved young people.
He is an educator, active community/non-profit member, and public service advocate with more than 12 years of experience (in and out of the secondary education classroom and not-for-profit sector) concerning infectious disease epidemics, formal healthcare practices, and clinical knowledge. As the Founder and CEO of Youth Embracing Sobriety, Inc., he aims to eliminate educational, social, and health-related issues around the world, one student, one young person, and one disparity at a time!
Partnership Chair
Yoshina Bradford Colbert
A proud Atlanta native and dedicated community leader, Yoshina Colbert-Bradford blends her entrepreneurial drive with a passion for public health and advocacy. Currently pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) at Mercer University, she focuses on community health advocacy and tobacco cessation research, maintaining an impressive 3.88 GPA and anticipating graduation in May 2025.
Yoshina’s commitment to advancing health equity is evident in her numerous leadership roles. She serves as Co-chair of the Political Action Committee for Loch Lomond Estates, addressing community issues and fostering civic engagement. As Active Co-chair of the Task Force, she champions public health policy changes and organizes impactful outreach initiatives. Her role on the Fulton County Animal Welfare Board underscores her dedication to community engagement and policy oversight.
With over a decade of experience as a Realtor® certified by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and Atlanta Board of Realtors (ABR), Yoshina has combined her real estate expertise with her public health mission to foster safer, healthier communities. She has received recognition from the City Council for her outstanding community service and is a trusted resource for stakeholders at all levels.
At Hunter Hill First Missionary Baptist Church, Yoshina has served as Volunteer Community Outreach Director since 2021, creating programs to combat food insecurity and promote health education. Her mentorship with the TarWars Program and internship with Learn to Grow No to Menthol exemplify her hands-on approach to youth education and tobacco cessation advocacy.
Yoshina’s leadership is further demonstrated by her involvement in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she participates in health and economic empowerment initiatives. Her accolades, including the Community Health Leadership Award and recognition for her church-based outreach, speak to her dedication to making a meaningful impact.
Guided by the vision of fostering safety, stability, and opportunity, Yoshina strives to bridge gaps through advocacy, policy development, and strategic collaboration, paving the way for healthier, more equitable communities across Georgia and beyond
Communications & Outreach Co-Chair
Vacant
Secretary
Mili Patel, BSPH, MPH
Mili Patel is a dedicated public health professional with a strong academic foundation and a passion for community development. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health from Mercer University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Coastal Carolina University.
Currently, Mili serves as the Senior Financial Analyst for the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) program within the Department of Grants and Community Development for the City of Atlanta. HOPWA is a vital federal program that provides housing assistance and supportive services to low-income individuals living with HIV/AIDS. She also oversees the financial management of federal and local funds, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to support housing stability, health services, and critical social support for those affected and is committed to enhancing the quality of life for individuals and families facing housing insecurity due to health challenges. With collaboration with various stakeholders, including non-profit organizations and community leaders, to develop programs that address the unique needs of these populations.
Her passion aspirations include becoming a leader in public health policy, advocating for equitable access to health resources, and enhancing the effectiveness of community development programs. Mili aims to implement innovative financial strategies that promote sustainability and improve health outcomes for underserved populations.
Student Liaison
Elizabeth Burchfield
Elizabeth is a student at Kennesaw State University working on her Bachelor’s of Public Health before pursuing a Master’s of Epidemiology. Currently, she works on homelessness prevention for Decatur to serve the surrounding community. She has conducted various research and programs revolving around food security outreach and food desert prevention education to elementary school children while assisting with Decatur Cooperative Ministry’s food pantry.
In past years, Elizabeth has worked with women’s sports involvement programs with collegiate rugby and has received training certifications in policy analysis, engagement and capacity building, and communications concepts to change risky behavior. Additionally, in effort to aid her college, she has assisted in research introduction courses, represented her program in student outreach events, and has presented yearly to the Symposium of Student Scholars at Kennesaw State University. Her current research is focused on housing accessibility in Georgia with the aim of making progress towards updating grant availability to go towards rent and utility assistance programs in order to decrease the rate of homelessness in her community.
Student Liaison
Dina Makadiya
Dina Makadiya is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health at Mercer University, where she also works a graduate assistant in the Department of Public Health. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of North Georgia.
Her passion for public health was sparked during the pandemic, as she gained a deeper understanding of the many critical roles beyond bedside medicine that contribute to community well-being. This experience inspired them to pursue a career in public health, focusing on advocacy, education, and collaborative efforts to improve health outcomes.
Currently, Dina is conducting research with fellow classmates on mental health, further deepening her commitment to addressing public health challenges. As GASOPHE’s Student Liaison, she is excited to connect students with opportunities to engage in public health initiatives and build a strong network of future public health professionals.