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Stefanie G Asante-Totimeh
Registered Nurse
Stefanie G Asante-Totimeh is a registered nurse who has used her platform to spread awareness, uplift the community and urge others to stay home and stay safe.
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Stefanie G Asante-Totimeh is a registered nurse who has used her platform to spread awareness, uplift the community and urge others to stay home and stay safe.
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Michelle A. is a psychiatric social worker who provides support and safe discharge plans for COVID-19 positive patients.She and her sister have put their joint business SweetLife Events & Decor on hold while they fight COVID-19 together. Two different hospitals. Two different disciplines. One Goal. BEAT COVID-19.
Dr. Adebanke Adebayo is an emergency medicine physician in and from Brooklyn! Her passion, obligation and calling during the pandemic was to treat and serve her community. She says "Brooklyn is home! These are our parents, brothers, sisters and aunts. I am grateful and take pride in being someone that was able to advocate for us. The days were tiring and devastating but there’s no other place I would rather be or have been than helping my community right on the frontlines. The feeling of saving a life is like no other".
Dr. Adebanke Adebayo is an emergency medicine physician in and from Brooklyn! Her passion, obligation and calling during the pandemic was to treat and serve her community. She says "Brooklyn is home! These are our parents, brothers, sisters and aunts. I am grateful and take pride in being someone that was able to advocate for us. The days were tiring and devastating but there’s no other place I would rather be or have been than helping my community right on the frontlines. The feeling of saving a life is like no other".
In honor of the frontline workers who have worked tirelessly during the COVID-19 pandemic, #MyEssentialHeroes called for ESSENCE followers to nominate essential heroes in their lives by sharing the inspiring stories of these dedicated individuals via Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. The ESSENCE audience was then invited to vote for the nominees whose stories inspired them most.
As part of the Essence Festival of Culture, we will celebrate our honorees, who have each put their lives on the line to keep their families and our communities afloat. We will also shine a special spotlight on frontline heroes from the beloved city of New Orleans as well as highlight Black mothers on the frontlines, across all ESSENCE platforms.
Dr. Adebanke Adebayo is an emergency medicine physician in and from Brooklyn! Her passion, obligation and calling during the pandemic was to treat and serve her community. She says "Brooklyn is home! These are our parents, brothers, sisters and aunts. I am grateful and take pride in being someone that was able to advocate for us. The days were tiring and devastating but there’s no other place I would rather be or have been than helping my community right on the frontlines. The feeling of saving a life is like no other".
LaToya Cantrell is an American politician serving as the Mayor of New Orleans, Louisiana, a post she has held since May 7, 2018. Cantrell, a Democrat, is the first black woman to hold the post.
Dr. Olaitan Ajisafe is an ER physician going into her final year of residency and was recently elected as academic chief for her program. On a daily basis her team cares for patients on all levels of acuity including heart attacks, gun shot wounds, strokes, respiratory distress due to COVID-19 pneumonia or bacterial and daily symptoms like chest pain and abdominal pain. For the COVID-19 patients or suspected COVID-19 patients, their care involves testing, blood work, imaging and supportive care.
Herb Anderson has been on the frontline of this pandemic from the very beginning. He is a manager at Kroger in Arlington, TX. Even when he was exposed to COVID-19, he got tested and was back at work the next day.
Michelle A. is a psychiatric social worker who provides support and safe discharge plans for COVID-19 positive patients.She and her sister have put their joint business SweetLife Events & Decor on hold while they fight COVID-19 together. Two different hospitals. Two different disciplines. One Goal. BEAT COVID-19.
Stefanie G Asante-Totimeh is a registered nurse who has used her platform to spread awareness, uplift the community and urge others to stay home and stay safe.
Maris is a nurse who is described as a conscientious employee with undeniable bedside manner. She was nominated as "charge nurse" on her "Employee of the Month" award for the month of March. Despite the tragic loss of her father in March, she has managed to continue working diligently.
Dr. Shara L. Bryant RN, BSN, FNP-C is a neurosurgery nurse practitioner who cares for of a wide range of neurosurgical disorders from carpal tunnel to brain tumors. Her team also leads a comprehensive stroke program and cares for COVID-19 positive and negative patients who present with stroke-like symptoms.
Semaj Boyd works on the COVID-19 Special Care Unit, Prone Team. He says "working with COVID-19 patients was truly a lifechanging experience. It was a true blessing to help these patients so that they could have another chance at life if they were fortunate enough to make it off of the ventilator. I was fearful at first, but the more I worked with COVID-19 patients, it just became a normal, everyday job to me."
Kenyetta Clark is a NICU nurse who, due to the onset of COVID-19, was not only caring for babies, but also became the emotional caretaker of new parents. She continuously supports and encourages the parents to be patient with the process and ensures that everything is properly sanitized to prevent infection to nurses and patients.
Vanessa Cooley has been a nurse for 4 years, and was a Patient Care Assistant for 4 years, totaling to 8 years in the medical field. She says "one day, I came into work and we had only 1 patient who was positive for COVID-19. When I went back into work several days later, the entire ICU was occupied by patients who tested positive for COVID-19. Working in ICU has only exposed me to the worse possible cases of the virus. For the past month, I have watched this virus grow rapidly and kill rapidly”.
Dr. Petrina Craine is an emergency medicine physician born and raised in the southeastern United States. She currently practices on the frontlines in New York City taking care of patients experiencing any medical crisis ranging from Coronavirus to gun violence. Dr. Craine’s work on the frontlines is also rooted in her desire to use her voice to advocate for healthier and safer communities through writing, speaking, and creating health media content as a physician journalist.
Itztla Gutierrez is a RN who has bravely worked on the frontlines during COVID-19. She has been helping others at a big risk to herself with with admirable devotion to her calling.
Thomas L Harris III works on the COVID-19 Special Care Unit, Prone Team. Prone positioning is a medical technique that has been proven to save lives for patients in respiratory distress. It requires physical contact with the person. When the Coronavirus hit Princeton Medical Center; it ran fear through the entire staff. COVID-19 patients needed the therapy. Many professionals refused so management decided to take 4 "unlicensed" personnel to solve the problem. Thomas, Semaj, Christian, and O'Neil; "THE COVID-19 BUSTERS". The rest is history.
At the age of five, Dr. Candace White Jackson had a dream of becoming a doctor. Now she is fulfilling her dream. She is an advocate for so many people dealing with health disparities. She has a heart of service for people and they reciprocate it back to her. During COVID-19, she worked with patients affected by this virus until it was time to have her baby. On April 12th, she and her husband were blessed to deliver their second child, a healthy baby girl.
Dr. Vonetta Drakes is an emergency medicine physician primarily in two urban hospitals in Brooklyn, NY. She works solely among Black and Brown patients and staff. Dr. Drakes says "I have witnessed the devastation that has hit and decimated the lives of so many Black people. We need more access to free testing so people are more aware and have proper education about the virus. We also need to pay it forward so we can increase the amount of Black doctors, physician assistants and nurses. That’s why I primarily work in these communities.
Dr. Sarah Jamison is an emergency medicine physician at a Level 2 trauma center in the South Bronx, NY. While serving in an impoverished, medically underserved community that has been severly affected by COVID-19, she treated some of the most critically ill patients that the community has ever seen. While putting herself at risk for infection, she performed invasive procedures such as intubation to stabilize and support COVID-19 positive patients who were in respiratory failure.
Sebashtian Jay is a CNA who has bravely worked on the frontlines during COVID-19 shortly following her graduation.
Rodeline Jo created Medsembly as a means for students and professionals in the field of medicine to feasibly meet and network. Her goal is to have a platform that offers endless tools to aid in the success and journey of those in the healthcare profession. Medsembly to projected in launch in Fall 2020.
Demetria Jones is a nurse, with a serving heart, who has bravely worked on the frontlines during COVID-19.
Ray Nell Jones is the CEO/founder of The Allignment Chapter, an initiative to help hundreds of single mothers, in need of support, who have been affected by COVID-19. Single mothers are suffering and struggling in silence and they are the roots to the world. The Allignment Chapter is here to make sure their voices are heard.
Olivier Kabuya is a husband, father of 5 girls, works as a food & beverage sales leader at Target, is a minister, and has his own business. Somehow he still makes time to be present for his family even after long work days! He doesn’t skip a beat! He serves the community and his family!
Latoya Lane is an emergency nurse practitioner, practicing in Florence, SC. She says "the COVID-19 virus has affected me mentally. I have a 9 year old son at home with asthma and everyday I think about what will happen if I bring the virus home. We have been fortunate enough to have proper PPE, but there are still so many other precautions we must take".
Christian Larbie works on the COVID-19 Special Care Unit, Prone Team. He is 1 of 4 "unlicensed" personnel who stepped up to treat COVID-19 patients via prone positioning, at Princeton Medical Center, when personnel was needed.
Nyree S. Lyons Long is a nurse who would generally care for transplant and bariatric surgical patients before being suddenly transitioned to a COVID-19 unit. She says "the past few weeks have taught us that we will rise from this disease. We have been the only support system for our patients. We are the ones that tell them not to give up. We tell them that they can make it through this disease. We watch them get sent to the ICU, but we also watch some get sent home to recover".
Daniella Legerton is a nurse who has bravely worked on the frontlines in New York City during COVID-19. Daniella says "at the Pandemic Center💥 it’s so rewarding seeing us nurses come together & make a difference. Not all angels have wings."
Deborah Martinez runs a nonprofit called "Mission of Love Charities" which helps to provide food and services to those in need in one of the hardest hit counties in Maryland.
Latonya McMorris is a neurocritical care nurse practitioner for a large hospital system in Louisiana. She takes care of patients with all types of neurologic emergencies, this includes COVID-19. She says "These are challenging times; I’m grateful to be of service".
Stacey Ann Morgan is a director of social services who works with the geriatric population. She ensures that her staff is equipped with the tools they need to provide the best support for the residents. Her team spends extra time on the phone with family members who aren't able to visit their loved ones or assist with FaceTime utilization. Technology has been a key source to ensure that residents and families can maintain great communication. She also encourages her team to practice self care and take time to cater to themselves.
An ICU social worker by day, Dr. Underwood-Mobley has made and given 250+ masks to people in need, fed the homeless on Thanksgiving Day for the past 6 years and is an inspiration to all.
Nicole Newland is a celebrity hairstylist to Yvonne Orji, June Ambrose, Marsai Martin, and more. She is also a RN who has bravely worked on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic with tireless dedication.
Gladys O. is a pediatric ICU nurse whose unit transitioned from treating children to treating COVID-19 positive adults in order to alleviate the strain on the adult ICU. She and her sister have put their joint business SweetLife Events & Decor on hold while they fight COVID-19 together. Two different hospitals. Two different disciplines. One Goal. BEAT COVID-19.
Dr. Enid Otoo is a first year ER doctor in one of the most underserved populations in America. Being able to serve her community makes her happy. She says "the looks on little black girls faces every time they ask 'are you the doctor?' makes every midnight candle I burnt worth it. COVID-19 was a harsh reality to face. Our lives were taken too easily, some due to health care disparities I witness everyday. My goal is to weed out these disparities at a national and global level. Black women, when you see me in the ER, I am listening to you. I hurt with you and I believe you"!
Sherry Ragland has been on the frontlines everyday, serving her community as a primary care nurse in Lincoln, AL.
During the beginning stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, makeup artist Shon Simon suspected that the virus could have a major impact on businesses and families across the United States, specifically communities of color. But, instead of closing shop, Shon decided to take action by initiating a "mask ministry" through which she manufactures and sells quality masks to families at a low cost. Additionally, Shon regularly uses a portion of her proceeds to give back to people who have been financially impacted by the virus by helping to pay their bills.
O'Neil Simps works on the Penn Medicine Princeton staff of aesculapius ICU Coronavirus, Prone Position Team. He is 1 of 4 "unlicensed" personnel who stepped up to treat COVID-19 patients when personnel was needed.
Saconda Stewart Rice is a Respiratory Therapist in the Trauma ICU but worked heavily with the COVID patients since the beginning of the pandemic. She and many of her co-workers worked endlessly with #8 & #9 ventilated patients. She ended up contracting the virus, also having asthma. With the care of her daughter during her stay at home, she did remarkably well with recovery! She jumped right back in on the frontlines!
Jazmine A Smith is the owner of Eyekonz Field Hockey and Lacrosse League and works with The Lacrosse Village Initiative to provide relief for healthcare workers and community members, in the Greater Philadelphia Area, who are impacted by COVID-19. Through this initiative, she donates meal kits to local food pantries, appreciation kits composed of snacks, bandanas, and notes to healthcare workers at local hospitals and other healthcare facilities, hygiene kits to shelters, masks to local hospitals and cash donations to Philabundance.
Tanyelle is a treatment nurse who has bravely worked on the frontlines during COVID-19. Tanyelle say “working as a treatment nurse is challenging enough on its own but working during this COVID-19 pandemic is extremely arduous. Although we have precautionary measures that we follow, that still doesn’t eliminate the fear of catching the virus”.
Myiesha Taylor is an emergency medicine doctor who in her free time helps her community to address COVID-19 disparities.
Scottie Thélémaque, PharmD is a lead OR pharmacist. Even though she is at risk, having survived a stroke and 2 weeks in the ICU last year, she goes to work with a smile daily.
Dr. Jessica Thomas is a graduating ER resident physician working at Brookdale University Hospital & Medical Center. She serves a largely minority community that suffers from many health care disparities. It is her responsibility to resuscitate and treat their most critically ill patients. During the surge of the pandemic, there were countless patients with respiratory distress, cardiac arrests, and critical illness. Her team was overwhelmed and under resourced during the surge, but were innovative and saved many patients with hard work and dedication.
Ebony Thyme is a travel nurse practitioner who is extremely passionate about helping others. She has gone on mission trips to support underserved populations around the world and has been on a path determined to make a difference in the world her entire life.
Dr. Janice Uduma is an ER doctor in Brooklyn, NY. Her care typically ranges from resuscitating and treating the most critically ill patients to stitching up minor cuts on fingers. During this pandemic, a majority of that care has been diverted to caring for the critically ill individuals infected with COVID-19. At the height of the cases in NYC, more than half of the infected individuals would come to the ER extremely unstable. Dr. Uduma would keep them alive by placing them on ventilators, administering life saving medications, and identifying other life threatening ailments.
Gerlene Valcin RN,BSN has bravely worked on the frontlines during COVID-19. She says "this pandemic has become our war. We show up every shift sacrificing not seeing our families to help your families have the best possible outcomes to make it back home safely. It’s not easy but we are in this fight to win!"
Dr. Ramona Vanel is an emergency medicine physician in New York City. Her job is for the initial evaluation and treatment of patients with Coronavirus. These interventions include life resuscitation, intubation and performing invasive procedures. This pandemic has proven how ill equipped we were with lack of personal protective equipment, treatment modalities, and African Americans disproportionately dying. Dr. Vanel was challenged and tested beyond anything she ever experienced, however wouldn’t trade this position to practice medicine in New York City and to work on the frontlines.
Anthony Webster has delivered groceries to hundreds of restaurants for the past 25 years and didn’t miss a beat, except when being sick himself during the COVID-19 pandemic. He serves his customers in the Detroit Metropolitan Area with excellent service and a smile.
Tianisha Welsh is a nurse who has bravely worked on the frontlines during COVID-19. Tianisha says "when I went to school to be a nurse I never thought about things like this happening. But I’m here to help and I’m thankful that I have a job in this mess".
Vivian White has been a essential hero for 20+ years. She currently works at Veterans Affairs to save the lives of those who served in the frontlines of the battlefields in combat war.
Andrea Williams is a phlebotomist/nurse aid who has bravely worked on the frontlines during COVID-19. She is described as a "Wonder Woman" who has instilled fearlessness and confidence in her loved ones.
Dr. Mollie Williams is an emergency medicine attending physician and residency program director at a community, teaching hospital in Brooklyn, NY. She cares for the sickest, most acute patients presenting to the hospital. She also trains emergency medicine residents in providing compassionate, competent medical care.
Tamara D.Woods has been a RN for 20 years and is currently a nurse case manager at Presbyterian Medical Center - Main in Charlotte NC. She is required to work closely with MD,PA,NP and staff to assist open heart and vascular patients with their discharge/hospital needs, placement to facilities, community resources and home needs. Placement has been extremely challenging during COVID-19 due to the number of cases in the facilities. Families are struggling and the load along with number of COVID-19 positive cases has been overwhelming, depressing - however rewarding!
Janai Norman is an ABC Television Network news anchor, reporter, and correspondent. She is the co-host of “World News Now” and “America This Morning”. She joined ABC News in October 2016. Janai Norman was born in Durban, South Africa and she studied Psychology and Mass Communication and graduated in 2011 from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. Every day (and night) she has the responsibility of keeping the facts straight, and bringing information from the streets to our screens. In this crusade, knowledge is our 2nd strongest weapon, and she is one of our lead defenders and cultivators of it.
Dr. Krystle Johnson is an ER doctor who has worked on the frontlines taking care of critically ill patients and communicating with patients’ families that cannot be with their loved ones during these challenging times. She also trains the next generation of physicians and leaders. Recently, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, there has been an unfortunate increase in domestic violence. Dr. Johnson uses her expertise to care for these individuals as she serves as director for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault for a conglomerate of hospitals in Brooklyn, NY.
Checkey Beckford joined NBC 4 New York as a general assignment reporter in October 2012 from KOVR CBS13 in Sacramento, California, where she served as a live reporter for dayside newscasts. Every day (and night) she has the responsibility of keeping the facts straight, and bringing information from the streets to our screens. In this crusade, knowledge is our 2nd strongest weapon, and these women are our lead defenders and cultivators of it.
Michelle Relerford is currently the weekend evening co-anchor for NBC 5 News. She returned home to Chicago as a reporter and fill-in anchor in September of 2011. Every day (and night) she has the responsibility of keeping the facts straight, and bringing information from the streets to our screens. In this crusade, knowledge is our 2nd strongest weapon, and she is one of our lead defenders and cultivators of it.
Kenya Slaughter did not sign up to be an ”essential” worker, and yet she finds herself on the frontline of a war. Kenya is a store manager at Dollar General in New Orleans, and ever since the pandemic came to town, she’s been fighting for the safety of her staff, and other discount store employees throughout the state. For Kenya’s community, and many across the country, not having a mask is only one of her worries, in the workplace.
Harvard-educated twins, Dr. Uche and Oni Blackstock are fighting for the lives of underrepresented, daily. While Uche serves in NYC’s Emergency ward, during the pandemic, Oni educates and advocates for the most immune-compromised New Yorkers, those living with HIV/AIDS. Both share a bond thicker than blood in the fight to bring awareness to communities that are often neglected.
Regina Waldroup is a freelancer NBC Universal reporter. She is also an adjunct professor at Columbia College in Chicago. A native of Chicago's south suburbs, Regina is the youngest girl among eight siblings. Regina holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Roosevelt University and a master's degree in journalism from Columbia College Chicago. Regina also is an adjunct journalism instructor at Columbia College. Every day (and night) she has the responsibility of keeping the facts straight, and bringing information from the streets to our screens. In this crusade, knowledge is our 2nd strongest weapon, and she is one of our lead defenders and cultivators of it.
I have to give another shout out🗣to @okabuya. He is a husband, father of 5 girls, works as a Food & Beverage Sales Leader at Target, & has his own business, and a minister! Somehow he still makes time to be present for his family even after long work days! He doesn’t skip a beat! He serves the community and his family! The REAL G.O.A.T.- Latrese Kabuya
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When I first met Ebony at Harlem United, I could tell she was special. Her presence spoke volumes. She is steadfast in her professionalism. Her knowledge is impeccable, and she glows with a warmth that is comforting. Ebony is a young courageous leader who inspires me. Her dedication to saving lives is admirable and uplifting. She is extremely passionate about helping others. She went on mission trips to support underserved populations around the world. She is truly a selfless person. She will forever have my gratitude. There is no denying that she's an essential hero, but it didn't take a global pandemic for me to recognize that about her. She has been on a path determined to make a difference in the world her entire life and I more than happy to share the amazing work that she is doing.- Big Man In The City
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At the age of five, she had a dream of becoming a doctor. Now she is fulfilling her dream. She is very influential and is an advocate for so many people dealing with health disparities. She has a heart of service for people and they reciprocate it back to her. During Covid-19, she worked and had patients affected by this virus. She worked until it was time to have the baby. On April 12th, she and her husband were blessed to deliver their second child, a healthy baby girl. - D. Lady Photography
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I created @medsembly as a means for students and professionals in the field of medicine to feasibly meet and network. My goal is to have a platform that offers endless tools to aid in the success and journey of those in the healthcare profession. Our plan is to launch @medsembly in Fall 2020 and create a global network, but we need your help. We ask for your help by supporting our campaign which will launch on May 18, 2020. Please share, repost, and inform everyone you know so we can make @medsembly the best online society for all in healthcare - Rodeline Jo
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I wake up and leave my children to help hundreds of Single mothers in need of support whom have been affected by COVID-19. Single mothers are suffering and struggling in silence and they are the roots to the world. I am here to make sure their voices are heard. - Ray Nell Jones
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We all will get through this together, so let's stay home so that we can have fun later! The urge to visit a family,friend,or neighbor might seem very innocent,however the consequence might be deadly.Over the past few weeks there has been news about whole households affected with #covid19. No one is immune unfortunately. To all the nurses in the house, you are all real vips in these mysterious times! - Stefanie
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S/O to all my heroes and frontliners 💪🏾💙🩺❤️ Day 36 for me being on the Frontline In NYC of the Covid 19 Pandemic. At the Pandemic Center💥 it’s so rewarding seeing us nurses come together & make a difference. Not all angels have wings- Nurse Danny
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My mama, Sherry Ragland... She’s my inspiration, my cheerleader, my bestie. She’s on the frontline every day, serving her community as a Primary Care Nurse, in Lincoln, AL. #MyEssentialHeroes #Essence - Chef Toya
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When I went to school to be a nurse I never thought about things like this happening. But I’m here to help and I’m thankful that I have a job in this mess. - Tianisha
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Thank you to my #MyEssentialHeroes, my mom. She runs a nonprofit @MOLC_Inc helping provide food and services to those in need in one of the hardest hit counties in Maryland. - Howard
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