Meet the team

People Behind the Mission

ALBERT WU, MD, MPH

PRESIDENT

Dr. Wu is the Fred and Juliet Soper Professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and a renowned healthcare expert with BA and MD degrees from Cornell. His commitment to advancing healthcare equity is reflected in his clinical practice and community initiatives.

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JANICE DENISE GENTRY, BS, MPA

VICE PRESIDENT

Janice, from East Baltimore, is a mother of 6 with over 40 years of community advocacy. She held various roles on local boards, focusing on enhancing community life. She enjoys family time, supporting the community, and mentoring youth.

Emily Kumpf

Senior Advisor, Community Engaged Research

Emily is a PhD Student in the Department of Community Health and Prevention at the Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health, where she works with the Center for Nonviolence and Social Justice. Her research focuses on community engagement, mental health, and injury and violence prevention for children and adolescents. She is passionate about reducing health disparities and roots her work in community-engaged research methods.

Alex Aldana

Program Assistant

I am Alex Aldana, a Mexican American from Houston, TX, and a sophomore at Johns Hopkins University majoring in molecular and cellular biology with a minor in psychology. I love to engage in my community and have enjoyed becoming familiar with the city and towns within Baltimore.

Patricia Barger

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mrs. Patricia, a Baltimore native, has served the city for 46 years with commitment. She holds degrees in Mental Health and Business Administration, currently pursuing a Doctorate. As the new Executive Director, she leads with experience in developing group homes, support groups, foster parent training, and more.

LEON C. PURNELL

TREASURER

Mr. Purnell, a lifelong East Baltimore resident. With experience as a counselor and therapist, he became the Men's Center director in 1997. Mr. Purnell impacts health disparities by providing assessments, teaching life skills, and offering support to strengthen families.

Veena Thamilselva

Program Administrator

Veena contributes her skills and passion to Baltimore CONNECT since the very beginning. She has played a crucial role in administrative operations, ensuring smooth processes and effective resource management. Veena excels at helping community members navigate challenges by fostering collaboration and providing guidance on addressing various issues. Her background in international health systems and public health informs her approach to de-siloing resources, driving greater impact within the community.

Deborah Mazagao

Volunteer ASSISTANT

Deborah Mazagão is a Brazilian dentist dedicated to advancing public health, with hands-on experience in Brazil’s national health system (SUS) and underserved communities. Currently based in Baltimore on a cultural exchange program, she serves as a Research Assistant at George Washington University and collaborates with Baltimore CONNECT. In this role, Deborah is leading the development of an oral health committee to expand access to dental care and improve health outcomes in the local community.

Chevelle Bash

Deputy Director

Dedicated to promoting health and building community partnerships for underserved populations for over 20 years, she specializes in addressing SDOH, lead poisoning, asthma, and healthy homes and collaborates with United Healthcare, Baltimore Healthy Start, Coventry Healthcare, St. Agnes Hospital.

Elyce Bloomfield

CHW Supervisor

With a passion for community engagement and a background in public health, Elyce found her calling in leading teams to implement impactful health programs that emphasize empowerment, education, and equity. Outside of work, Elyce is dedicated to her family and restoring her home in west Baltimore.

Minli Guo

Digital marketing specialist

With a master's of Marketing Analytics from Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, Minli brings her knowledge and expertise to the Baltimore community, with a strong commitment to understanding the needs of Baltimore residents. As a Marketing Analyst in the biotechnology sector, she is more involved in the healthcare industry and infectious diseases.