Meet the Board
Dr. Sean Herring
For decades, Sean Herring has made a commitment to investing in the future of each upcoming generation.
Sean has devoted his career to the field of educational leadership and teaching at postsecondary institutions in Missouri, Wisconsin, Iowa, and North Carolina. He has also held leadership roles in the private and public sectors. Currently, Sean is a faculty member in the Department of English at Missouri State University (MSU). In addition to his career in academia, editorial publications, and corporate, Sean has worked on many volunteer and nonprofit initiatives. For almost 40 years, he has been a member of Alpha Phi Omega, which is an international service fraternity. He brings those years of rounded experiences to partner with the Springfield community in carrying out the mission of The Humanitarian Way.
Ms. Anita Ford
Anita has enjoyed several roles at Garmin and Optum Healthcare before taking on the challenge of creating (from scratch) a technical writing team at an up-and-coming software startup company located in Lawrence, Kansas. In addition to Anita’s technical writing background, she is an aspiring children’s book author currently in publishing negotiations for her first book and serves on her local Mensa board of directors. Anita is committed to empowering Springfield’s children (and their families) with reading, writing, and arithmetic as well as community engagement. She is an advocate for the more we know, the more we grow to prevent homelessness.
Dr. Sujata Baral
Sujata Baral brings her expertise as a dentist from the country of Nepal with a passion for public health to the community of Springfield, Missouri.
While at Missouri State University (MSU), Sujata earned her master’s degree in public health with a specialty in Infectious Diseases and Global Health. As the former Vice President of Future Public Health Professions (FPHP), she demonstrated leadership and dedication to advancing public health initiatives. During her field experience at Jordan Valley Community Health Center, Sujata helped analyze medical and administrative data to improve patient care and clinical processes. Moreover, she assessed the effectiveness of Medicare programs using data analysis to ensure alignment with quality standards. In Sujata’s role as a volunteer at The Humanitarian Way, she creates blogs about shelter diversion programs, actively engaging with individuals facing homelessness. She also collaborates with fellow volunteers to identify grant opportunities that help prevent homelessness. Her experience in project management and working with diverse teams showcases her commitment to community health.
Ms. Bianca Egbosimba
Bianca is a seasoned Public Health Professional holding a Master of Public Health from Missouri State University and Public Health certifications from prestigious institutions such as Imperial College London, Stanford, and Johns Hopkins University. With a diverse background spanning healthcare and community engagement, Bianca currently serves as the Regional Health Navigator for Southwest Missouri at Gateway-to-Hope (GTH), a reputable non-profit organization committed to early prevention, comprehensive education, and compassionate breast health care, as well as ensuring equitable access to life-saving treatments. In her capacity at GTH, Bianca leads community outreach endeavors focused on promoting breast health education and streamlining access to screening services. Previously, she played an integral role at the Department of Strategic Development and Patient Engagement, Jordan Valley Community Health Center, where she conducted thorough needs assessments to identify gaps in healthcare services for the unhoused population. Through collaborative efforts with internal and external stakeholders, Bianca developed innovative strategies to improve access to care and support services, underscoring her unwavering dedication to inclusivity and equity in healthcare delivery. Beyond her professional engagements, Bianca actively contributes to philanthropic initiatives, as evidenced by her volunteer work with The Humanitarian Way (THW) and Mercy Hospital. At THW, she demonstrates her commitment to fortifying shelter-diversion programs by enhancing support and feedback systems for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Dr. Doreen Ugwu
Doreen Ugwu brings her training as a physician from Nigeria with a passion for public health to the community of Springfield, Missouri.
Doreen has a multifaceted background in healthcare and community outreach. She recently earned her master’s degree in Infectious Diseases and Global Health from Missouri State University (MSU). Additionally, she holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Genomic Medicine and Healthcare from the University of South Wales, UK. Throughout her career, Doreen has gained extensive experience working internationally, including stints in Nigeria and Qatar. She serves as the Outreach and Education Coordinator for OACAC Family Planning in Springfield, Missouri, providing valuable resources and information on health and wellness services to the local community. In her previous role as the Program Support Specialist at Jordan Valley Community Health Center, Doreen demonstrated her expertise in conducting thorough research, collaborating with stakeholders, and establishing strong relationships with hospital birth center management. Her efforts were instrumental in implementing a groundbreaking program that promoted maternal and child health during their formative years. In Doreen’s role at The Humanitarian Way, she writes blogs and creates grant opportunities to prevent homelessness. She is committed to giving back to the community to make a meaningful difference.
Meet our Staff
Dr. Mary Oyeleke
Dr. Mary Oyeleke is a Doctor of Medicine earning her master’s degree in public health from Missouri State University (MSU).