Dr. Katharine Hawkes
Founder, CEO and President
As a first generation college graduate and daughter of an immigrant and military veteran, higher education has been a driving force in Dr. Hawkes’ life. Raised in an impoverished community and orphaned at the age of six, Dr. Hawkes has dedicated her life to addressing health equity and social determinants of health.
Dr. Hawkes is highly regarded in the community for her tireless commitment, passion, advocacy, and leadership in addressing health disparities and working to improve health outcomes and advancing health equity for marginalized populations. She has a broad range of expertise in equity and intersectionality as well as research and scholarship in maternal and child health, women’s health, mental health and substance use, community-based participatory research, and disruptive education.
Dr. Hawkes earned her Doctorate in Health Sciences from Eastern Virginia Medical School. She also earned a Master of Public Health degree in Health Management and Policy and Epidemiology Graduate Certificate, respectively, from Eastern Virginia Medical School. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Old Dominion University.
Caitlin Jefferson
Board Director
Caitlin works in the field of biotechnology while also serving as an emergency medical technician for the largest all-volunteer based EMS system in the United States. She has extensive experience working with disadvantaged populations ranging from research to hospital settings.
Caitlin earned a Master of Science in Biotechnology and Stem Cell Regeneration from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Old Dominion University.
Carmen Ingram-Thorpe
Board Director
Carmen was raised in a rural community with limited access to health care and healthy food and no public transit, which gave her a lifelong drive to help others. She has worked as an educator for at-risk youth, developed a health and wellness program at her local church, worked to address social determinants of health through medical education research, and continues to strive for social justice by working at the federal level.
Carmen is a doctoral candidate in health related sciences at Virginia Commonwealth University, having previously obtained a Master of Public Health degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School, a Master of Science degree from Old Dominion University, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Old Dominion University.
Jeffrey Cuthbertson
Board Director
Jeffrey L. Cuthbertson, a native of Chesapeake, VA, is the Founder and Lead Counselor of MPACT Counseling, LLC. His passion for mental health coupled with his personal testimony drives his work. In April of 2018, Jeffrey rededicated his life and has since vowed to serve the underprivileged and underrepresented community faithfully.
Jeffrey obtained a Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master of Human Services Counseling degree from Liberty University. He is also a Licensed Mental Health Professional for both children and adults and is currently working on obtaining his certified substance abuse counselor license. His experience includes the areas of substance abuse, defiant behaviors, criminal backgrounds, and depression.
Corey Brooks
Board Director
Corey Brooks has dedicated his career to addressing disproportionate minority confinement and educational inequality.
He was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, and after being educated in the city went on to Virginia State University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a concentration in Sociology. This was followed by a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Management at South University with a Concentration in Organizational Leadership.
Mr. Brooks has worked in the arena of Human Services for over twenty-four years, serving as a Case manager, Clinician, Group Facilitator, and an Executive. He currently serves as a Senior Project Manager for the City of Norfolk. His certifications include Anger Management, Domestic Violence, Parenting Skills Training and Moral Reconation Therapy. He is endorsed by the state of Virginia as a Qualified Mental Health Practitioner to address mental health needs for both the adult and youth populations.
