History:  Ujima was established in 2010 by a group of African American professionals who recognized the need to work collectively to eliminate health disparities and disproportionality for African Americans. Ujima, Inc. is a local 501 (c), (3) organization created to improve health outcomes in African American communities across the country. By providing scholarships to students pursuing  professional degrees in the Health Science field, we are potentially increasing the number of African American Health Care professionals who work to alleviate negative health outcomes.

Ujima has established an organizational structure and levels of collaborative involvement which are designed to achieve established goals. These structures are as follows:

Organizational Structure:

The Executive Board of Directors is comprised of a multi-disciplinary team of  members with the legal, ethical and financial obligation to ensure that Ujima, Inc. is run with professionalism, competence, integrity, and pride. Through monthly Board meetings and collaboration, the work of Ujima, Inc. is carried out. It is incumbent upon each Executive Board member to financially support the Ujima Scholarship Fund, to the extent of their resources.

The Honorary Board of Directors is comprised of resource-rich individuals in the community who support the mission of Ujima, Inc. but are not available to serve regularly or consistently. They are connected professionally, politically, financially and socially.  They share their resources, talents, and gifts with Ujima, Inc. and to serve as ambassadors by promoting Ujima, Inc. at every opportunity. Honorary Board members are expected to support the Ujima Scholarship Fund.

Volunteers are individuals who agree to complete a specific, time-limited task to further the mission of Ujima, examples include: assisting with events, designing written materials. There is no obligation to attend monthly board meetings or work on committees. Volunteers are welcome to attend monthly board meetings, annual planning meetings and relevant conference calls. They further the mission of Ujima and serve as ambassadors by promoting Ujima, Inc. at every opportunity. Volunteers are welcome to support the Ujima Scholarship Fund.

 Key Champions (formerly known as Friends of Ujima) are individuals with a history, connection and sincere investment in the wellbeing of African Americans. They promote Ujima throughout their sphere of influence and open doors of opportunity. They extend the reach of Ujima into under-served and under -represented communities. Key champions may assist Ujima in accessing businesses, corporations, churches, political leaders, professional associations, school districts, health-oriented agencies and philanthropic organizations.

Strategic Partners are organizational entities who share Ujima’s goal of improving health outcomes for African Americans.  Opportunities to collaborate and share resources are among Ujima’s key strategies.

Health Science Schools with whom Ujima is currently working to provide scholarships are Western University of Health Sciences (Pomona, California), KECK School of Medicine (Los Angeles, CA) and University of California at Riverside.

Executive Board Members Key Champions

  • Alexis Dotson - President The San Gabriel Valley Section of NCNW

  • Mae Harris Acrie Dr. Beverly Sanks Guidry

  • Denese Croom

  • Doris Dredd

  • Barbara Emery

  • Veronica Hilton

  • Dr. Dianne Jameison

  • Eva Lee

  • Jared Lorenzo

  • Chrystal Obi