WHO WE ARE
Diverse Research Now is powered by a dedicated team of passionate professionals and community advocates committed to increasing diversity in clinical trials.
Our staff brings extensive expertise in clinical research, community engagement, and health education, ensuring that underrepresented communities have a voice in advancing medical discoveries.
Our Board of Directors comprises leaders from various industries, united by their shared vision to promote health equity and create meaningful change through inclusive research.
Together, we are driven by a mission to bridge the gap between research and the communities it serves.
Staff
Executive Director
Renarda Jones, PhD (Dr. Ren)
Dr. Ren is a Doctorate in Health Science and clinical research professional with over 20 years' experience working with clinical research. She was born and raised in Chicago, IL but currently lives in San Diego, CA with her family. Dr. Ren started her career at Rush University in Chicago, IL working in Alzheimer’s disease research. It was at Rush University that Dr. Ren gained knowledge about the health disparities in the black community. She became passionate about educating communities of color about clinical research opportunities because this was one way to decrease health disparities.
Personal website: https://doctorren.org/
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Media Content and Partnership Strategist for the Clinical Research Advocacy
Diana T. Garcia
Experienced Web designer & Digital Marketer.
Has certification in Project Management.
​PhD in Political Studies by Complutense University of Madrid, UCM (Spain).
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Leverages a wealth of experience to craft engaging content that benefit social justice. Adept at capturing and conveying brand stories through various platforms.
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Passionate about making a positive impact in the digital realm.
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 Board of DirectorsÂ
Board President
Renarda Jones, PhD (Dr. Ren)
Dr. Ren is concurrently fulfilling the roles of Board President, Executive Director, and Founder of Diverse Research Now Inc.
Board Secretary
Shavon Moore, MD
Dr. Shavon Moore is a board-certified general and child adolescent psychiatrist. She's the Medical Director at La Jolla Child and Teen program and a staff psychiatrist at the Eating Disorders Treatment and Research Program. Also, an Assistant Professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine, actively involved in mentorship, training, and education. Her training includes psychiatry residency at UC San Diego and a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Rady Children's Hospital. Active member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Board Treasurer
Linda Verin, DMD
Dr. Linda Verin grew up in San Bernardino, California. She received her Bachelors of Arts degree from the University of California, Berkeley majoring in Integrative Biology and minoring in African-American Studies. She graduated from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and has been working as a General Dentist in North County San Diego the past 12 years.
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Board Director
Semise Daley MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Semise is a Family Nurse Practitioner with over 35 years’ experience in hospital, community, and primary care environments. She has experience in developing faith-based health related educational programs, health screenings, health fairs, and life crisis coaching. She has been a presenter and speaker at several health related national and local conferences.
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Board Director
Dr. Dung Trinh
Chief Medical Officer - Healthy Brain Clinic
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Board of Directors for Alzheimer’s Orange County
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Founder of TongueOut Medical Missions
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Podcast host “Health Talks with Dr Trinh”
Board Director
Nicole Kittelson, M. Ed
Director at National Partnerships at the Arthritis Foundation and was previously with the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation for 8 years. Patient advocacy is at the heart of everything she does. Being the mother of 5 racially diverse children, one of whom is a Crohn's patient, and being a Lupus patient herself, she is passionate about ensuring all patients, regardless of race, age, or gender have access to highly qualified medical professionals and the treatments that are right for them.
Nicole and her daughter have both participated in clinical trials for the treatment of their diseases.
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Board Director
Tamiko MaGee-Rodgers, PhD, CCRP
Dr. Tamiko MaGee-Rodgers is Director, Recruitment and Strategic Initiatives at Global Alzheimer's Platform (GAP) Foundation.
Dr. Tamiko a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in Alzheimer’s research trials and has worked in the field of aging for more than 15 years.
Dr. Tamiko oversees staff and programs who work to include people from traditionally underrepresented communities in clinical research for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Board Director
Karen Lowe Graham, M.A., Ph.D.
The Manager of Community Relations at Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, overseeing recruitment and education activities, managing relationships with stakeholders. She acts as a liaison between communities of color and the RADC, contributing to planning for translating research findings into practical applications. Karen holds leadership positions in aging organizations and has a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a master's degree in psychology from Roosevelt University, and a PhD in Nursing Research from Rush's College of Nursing.
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Board Director
Winnie Pak, Ph.D.
20+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry including clinical trial recruitment support, relationship building with thought leaders/health care providers, strategic program management, liaising with early-development partners, laboratory research development, data management, and regulatory affairs. Rescued clinical trial recruitment in multiple indications, saving upwards of close to a year on development timelines. Led global medical affairs strategy and execution for an Alzheimer's indication. PhD in Neurosciences from the UC San Diego
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Board Director
Passionate Clinical Operations Leader. Empowering Teams and Driving Innovation in Biotech & Pharmaceuticals with Compassion and Excellence. Experienced Clinical Research professional with over 15 years of expertise in leading multi-phase clinical trials, ensuring regulatory compliance and optimizing patient recruitment and retention strategies. Proven ability to drive trial success through cross-functional team leadership, operational excellence, and budget management. Strong background in Clinical Research Associate (CRA) roles, overseeing site monitoring, and protocol adherence for Sponsor and CRO-led trials.
Board Director
Dr. Yvonne Blair is a Clinical Psychologist (PsyD) with expertise in neuropsychological assessment, clinical research, and culturally responsive care for historically underrepresented communities. She currently serves as a Clinical Scientist and Neuropsychological Rater, supporting clinical trials focused on neurocognitive conditions, and conducts comprehensive assessments for children with neurodevelopmental needs.
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Her work is driven by a deep commitment to advancing early detection, improving access to equitable care, and increasing representation in research. With a strong background in addressing racial disparities in neuropsychology and a passion for inclusive, community-centered approaches, Dr. Blair is dedicated to improving outcomes for diverse populations across the lifespan.