Celebrating the Achievements and Impact of CDU Alumni
Welcome to the Alumni Spotlight of Charles R. Drew University, a beacon of inspiration where the brilliance of our alumni shines through the stories of their achievements. Here, we celebrate the legacies of graduates who have carried the torch of excellence beyond our campus, illuminating the fields of medicine, science, and community service.
Each profile is a mosaic of ambition, dedication, and innovation, reflecting the diverse tapestry of our esteemed alumni community. Join us as we delve into the narratives of these distinguished individuals who not only bear the name of our revered institution but also personify the transformative power of education in making a profound impact on the world.
A daughter honors her father’s legacy of Perseverance and Service
Albert Jerome Saunders, Sr., ’99 ’00 – a man whose journey defied the conventional narrative of retirement, serves as a model of resilience and dedication. His daughter, Carmen Saunders-Russell ‘00, recounts his remarkable story that is laced with personal challenges, academic pursuits, and a profound commitment to community service.
From Military Service to Academia
Albert’s life took a pivotal turn after his retirement from the Department of Water and Power. Motivated by a desire to stay engaged and productive, he enrolled at Charles R. Drew University (CDU), a move that surprised his family. Albert was not a typical student; he began his academic journey in his 60s, having served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War and suffering from heart conditions exacerbated by years of smoking. His resolve led him to pursue two programs—Substance Abuse Counseling and Health and Human Services.
Despite not having personal struggles with substance abuse, Albert found his calling in supporting marginalized communities. He worked with young men from the LGBTQ+ community who were HIV positive, providing them with guidance and support in halfway homes. His military background as an Eagle Scout troop leader helped him connect with these individuals, many of whom were grappling with the AIDS epidemic. His efforts were particularly poignant during a time when HIV/AIDS was devastating communities and there was limited knowledge about the disease.
Albert’s time at CDU was marked by health challenges, including three open-heart surgeries. Despite these obstacles, he forged meaningful relationships with classmates and clients alike. During his first graduation, he was in the hospital recovering from surgery, but his classmates ensured his name was honored. The following year, Albert and Carmen graduated together, a moment that symbolized their shared determination and perseverance. Carmen recalls this as a special family affair, with her daughter attending the CDU daycare and Head Start program, emphasizing the multi-generational impact of their educational pursuits.
Inspiration and Legacy
Albert’s story is a testament to the idea that it is never too late to pursue one’s dreams. His dedication to education and service has left an lasting mark on his family and the community he served. His daughter, Carmen Saunders, reflects on the inspirational nature of his journey, highlighting how his actions demonstrated the power of resilience and the importance of giving back to those in need.
Although Mr. Saunders passed in 2017, Dr. Saunders – Russel continues his legacy by serving her community. Her research interests are in the areas of interprofessional collaboration, the imposter syndrome in health administration/health professionals, culturally competent and appropriate communication amongst health professionals and healthcare leaders, LGBTQ+ health-related services and the health administrator’s role, and lastly, improving instruction via innovative techniques for health sciences students.
A Message of Gratitude
If my father were here today, I would want to express my love and gratitude and say, “Thank you. Thank you for being my dad. You showed me there is no dream too small, no dream too big that you can’t see it come to fruition” .
A message that resonates deeply with her as she honors her father’s enduring spirit.
Albert Jerome Saunders, Sr.’s life is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have, transcending personal challenges to contribute meaningfully to society. His journey from a Korean War veteran to a dedicated student and community servant captures the heart of perseverance, service, and the transformative power of education.
June 2024
Alain de Leoz ‘24 MSN APRN FNP-BC FNP-C
In celebration of Father’s Day, the CDU Office of Alumni Relations is launching Dads and Grads! A month long initiative to highlight and hare stories of fathers, father figures, and step-dads who are connected to Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) either as alumni, current students who are dads, or fathers of alumni.
This week, our story features alumnus Alain de Leoz ’24, a graduate of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program. He shares this message to his family, including his wife, Charlottee De Leoz ’23, whose also an alumna of CDU.
As a graduate of the Family Nurse Practitioner program at CDU, I am filled with deep gratitude and love of my family. My family has been my foundation, my inspiration, and the driving force behind every step of this journey.
To my wife and kids, your support and belief in my abilities empowered me to strive for excellence and achieve this significant milestone. Graduating from CDU is an achievement that is not just mine but ours, as every sacrifice you’ve made and every word of encouragement you’ve offered has led to this moment.
As I step forward in my career, I carry with me not only the knowledge and skills I’ve gained at CDU, but also the profound sense of responsibility to give back to my community. This achievement is dedicated to you, my family, for without your love and support, none of this would have been possible.
Thank you for being my everything.
Raniyah Copeland
President and CEO, The Black Aids Institute Master of Public Health Program, 2011
Why did you choose to study at CDU?
“After being at UC Berkeley, which was a predominately white institution and studying public health, I wanted to study this field with people of color and CDU was the best option for that.”
How has CDU helped your career?
“CDU has allowed me to use real world applications and theories in my current work. My professors were very knowledgeable on challenges and opportunities that come with working with people of color. CDU has led me to vast community resources. My professors were important mentors, especially Dr. Nina Harawa, who was my thesis advisor.”
As the new President and CEO of the Black Aids Institute, what are the new initiative /plans you have for the organization?
“My vision for the Black AIDS Institute of tomorrow is an organization that is deeply entrenched in the community, providing services at all points of the care continuum along with a well-respected research, policy, mobilization, and capacity building portfolio that is uniquely and unapologetically Black. On the horizon are innovative programming targeting Black women including a Black women and PREP campaign (launched last year) that highlights the utilization of this and new biomedical interventions; and Black women ambassadors. Also, the organization will focus more on intersectional issues such as race, homophobia, and poverty, so folks may be able to access new tools, and reduce barriers to utilization of new tools.”
What advice do you have for current CDU students?
“My advice to current CDU students is to figure out what makes you passionate and find supporters and mentors to guide you through your career path, and find opportunities to practice your skills.”
What is your favorite mantra/quote to live by?
“There’s a quote by Angela Davis, ‘If they take you in the morning, they will be coming for us that night’ which speaks to how our fates are intertwined and how we have to advocate for one another.”
Yvorn Aswad, MD
Charles R. Drew/UCLA Medical Education Program
College of Medicine
“‘Bring that college home’ were the parting words given by my high school dean to our graduating class. I have since been making that true. In my time as a ‘Drewin’, I have further crystallized my interest in eradicating health disparities, particularly as they relate to the mental health of vulnerable youth. Understanding how adverse childhood experiences (dubbed ACEs) have such broad impacts on the health of a person, I became particularly interested in ways to provide effective early intervention for children. I collaborated with the UCLA Justice Work Group (a part of the larger University of California Consortium for Health and Justice) to create educational and life skills workshops for youth involved in the criminal justice system. I then became a researcher to understand the health needs and gaps in coverage for youth in the juvenile justice system. Now as a medical student graduate, I will be in residency training in combined pediatrics and child and adolescent psychiatry at Brown University, so that I can become a truly comprehensive physician for vulnerable children.”
Sana Abbasi
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science
College of Science and Health
“Charles R. Drew University has molded me into being the person I am today. This University accepted me with open arms in 2016, and continued showering me with love, affection, education, and strength consistently. I have had different roles here, but my favorite thus far has been the role of being a student leader and advocate. My speeches were never micromanaged or corrected in order to fill a political agenda; I was allowed to be exactly who I am, and just the way I am. Growing up in a semi-conservative Muslim family from India, and being raised in Los Angeles definitely has its complications. There are different questions waiting to be answered, one of the biggest ones referring to belonging. I never really fit in anywhere before Drew, I was always to much or not enough. But, at Drew I was accepted, I was nurtured and most of all people believed in me. During my years here I found my passion which has consolidated into street medicine, globally. I always say this: CDU is a lifestyle not a temporary fix. I am proud to be, and have been a part of the future, which is the mission of Drew.”
Mark Naval, MS
Master of Health Science, Physician Assistant
College of Science and Health
“While researching schools to attend, you as a student need to take into account multiple things. Location, reputation and cost are only a few among many, however I feel like the most attractive characteristic of this university is the community involvement. I would love to say that I only stumbled across Charles R. Drew University when applying, but to be quite honest it has always been my first choice. I believe it was Aristotle who gave us the quote. ‘There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.” I must admit that CDU has not disappointed. If you ask anyone who is currently attending this university today, most would agree that we are not the kind of students who stay under the radar to avoid criticism. Most of the programs here are always planning or attending events within the community. Growing up in Los Angeles, I’ve always been attracted to the fact that even a small group of people can make a difference. Most people don’t realize that influence has a ripple effect. If one person can make a difference in war, one person can make a difference in their community.
My experience at CDU has been nothing but memorable, from the medicine I’ve learned within my program to the people I can say that I’ve made friends with. Although at one point in our life I know we will go on our separate ways, I know the camaraderie and the memories will remain, and for that I am thankful.”
Jan Tuzon, MSN
Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner Program
School of Nursing
“An acclaimed American poet and activist- Maya Angelou, once said, ‘You can’t really know where you’re going until you know where you’ve been.’ Coming from an immigrant family, my Filipino parents not only inspired me to be proud of our own heritage and be comfortable with my own skin. But they also reminded me to always look back on the struggles we had to endure and persons who stayed with us in our pursuit to live what many call the American Dream. According to them, if I knew where I came from, there are absolutely no limitations, no boundaries to where I can go. As I look back and reflect on the milestones that I have triumphed during my time at CDU, I will continue to remain focused on my goal and purpose in order to serve humanity with utmost faith and dedication.
On behalf of the graduating class of 2019, I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to Charles R. Drew University and to everyone who has supported us in our journey and helped shape our lives impermeably and forever.”
Mercedes Humski
Mercedes Humski, 32, from San Pedro, California, is currently a third-year Bachelor’s student in Biomedical Science at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. In her academic pursuits, Mercedes has consistently achieved high grades, securing a place on the Dean’s List. Her studies include a broad range of subjects such as psychology, biology, and chemistry. She is also involved in a research project focusing on doctor-patient communication, enhancing her knowledge in this area and allowing her to work with like-minded professors and students.
Mercedes’s engagement extends beyond academics. She serves as the Student Government President for the class of 2024 and participates in various roles, including a Bioenrichment fellow in the HCOP cohort and work-study positions with the Dean’s executive assistant and the DNP coordinator. Her initiatives include organizing student housing, reviving campus clubs, assisting new students, and working to increase undergraduate enrollment. She also volunteers regularly both on and off campus, including in the 2023 homeless count.
Mercedes aims to further her education with a master’s degree in biomedical science and eventually work in the Biotechnology industry. Her long-term goal is to become a Geriatric physician and psychologist, focusing on minority healthcare and eldercare policies.
Frederick Wofford Sr.
Frederick Wofford Sr. graduated top of his class from the Radiologic Technology program in 2000, earning his associate of science degree. Frederick went on to advance his career earning his Vascular Intervention (VI), Cardiac Intervention (CI), and Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) certifications. Currently, he works in the Cardiac Cath Lab of Kaiser Permanente. In his personal life, Frederick is the co-founder of Long Beach Gold, a youth basketball organization based out of Long Beach, California. Unsurprisingly, Long Beach Gold’s mission and values are not only aligned with Fred’s ethos but also that of CDU. The organization uses basketball as a vehicle to mentor student-athletes while equipping them with the tools and skills they need to be successful on and off the court.
In 2022, Frederick started the Wofford Family scholarship at CDU to help Rad-Tech students succeed and complete their education. “Being a part of the alumni council is important to me because I want to ensure students in the Radiology program have a voice.” Mr. Wofford is also a natural recruiter! He has successfully recruited a number of his family members to CDU’s Rad-Tech program, including his children! His legacy at CDU indeed lives on.
Carmen Saunders-Russell
Carmen Saunders-Russell is a Tenured Associate Professor in the Health Sciences Department at California State University Northridge. Carmen teaches courses in both the undergraduate and graduate programs in Health Administration, where she shares her vast career experiences from both the clinical and administrative sides of health services.
Carmen also serves as the Graduate Coordinator for the Master in Health Administration program. Her research interests are in the areas of interprofessional collaboration, the imposter syndrome in health administration/health professionals, culturally competent and appropriate communication amongst health professionals and healthcare leaders, LGBTQ+ health-related services and the health administrator’s role, and lastly, improving instruction via innovative techniques for health sciences students. She enjoys working with her students, getting to know them, and helping them transform their lives by realizing their potential.
Ashanti Carter
Ashanti Carter is an advocate for education and health equity. A native of Los Angeles, Ms. Carter has worked in the education field for over a decade. Her career has spanned the gamut of education from high school to postsecondary education. As a former teacher with the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), Ms. Carter taught math and science to at-promise students, and later transitioned to Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), where she honed her skills in student affairs. Ashanti graduated from CDU with a Master’s of Public Health degree, which took her to Johns Hopkins University and later to the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences (GW) where she served as Program Director. During her time at GW Ms. Ashanti Carter led numerous programs for high school and undergraduate students who were pursuing a career in health professions through the Rodham Institute.
Ms. Carter is also the former Chair of the Health Sciences Industry Advisory Board of the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) in Washington, DC. Ashanti Carter returned to CDU and is currently serving as the Director of Community College Partnerships. She is also a doctoral candidate in the Higher Education Administration program at the George Washington University Graduate School of Education and Human Development.