AIP BIPOC Roundtable

With shifting healthcare policies and increasing barriers to chronic illness care, both patients and providers must find new ways to advocate for equitable treatment, protect access to quality care, and work together to ensure patient-centered healthcare remains a priority.

Chronic illness patients—particularly in historically marginalized communities—continue to face delayed diagnoses, dismissive care, and systemic challenges in receiving appropriate treatment. At the same time, healthcare providers committed to patient-centered care are navigating increased constraints in delivering the support their patients need.

This action-driven conversation will provide tangible advocacy strategies for both patients and providers, exploring how collaborative efforts can drive better health outcomes and push back against systemic barriers.

This roundtable will empower both patients and healthcare professionals to become stronger advocates for equitable, high-quality chronic illness care.

Quisha Umemba (pronounced "Kwee-shuh oooMEMbuh") is a Registered Nurse, Public Health Consultant, and CEO of Umemba Health. With over 20 years of experience, she has worked extensively in chronic disease management, workforce training, and health system transformation to improve healthcare outcomes for underserved communities.

Her career spans public health leadership, disaster response, endocrinology care, diabetes consulting, and clinical workforce training. She has held various leadership roles, including:

•  Disaster Response Nurse Leader for the American Red Cross, overseeing emergency healthcare initiatives in crisis situations.
•  Diabetes Nurse Consultant for a state health department, where she led programs aimed at improving diabetes management and education.
•  Chief Nurse and Program Manager for a local health department, developing initiatives to expand healthcare access in marginalized communities.

Through her company, Umemba Health, she designs and delivers comprehensive training programs that equip public health professionals, healthcare organizations, and frontline providers with the skills and knowledge needed to deliver culturally competent, patient-centered care. Known as "The Trainer’s Trainer," Quisha’s approach blends practical skill-building with systemic advocacy, ensuring that healthcare professionals can effectively serve diverse populations while also addressing the structural barriers that perpetuate health inequities.

A three-time author, sought-after speaker, and respected thought leader, Quisha has been recognized for her ability to bridge the gap between public health policy and real-world patient needs. She is committed to empowering individuals and organizations to create sustainable health solutions, foster collaboration between healthcare stakeholders, and improve outcomes for those disproportionately affected by chronic illnesses.

Learn more about Quisha here.

Jamie Nicole is a Certified Autoimmune Health Coach, Fitness Instructor, and the President & CEO of The AIP BIPOC Network. Living with Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and narcolepsy, she brings both lived experience and professional expertise to her work in autoimmune wellness, advocacy, and community-led care.

She is also the Founder of The Natural HEALing Coach, where she supports clients in managing autoimmune conditions through personalized, holistic strategies.

Jamie serves on the Board of Bee Busy Wellness Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center in Houston, and is an Advisory Board Member for Project Sleep. Through The AIP BIPOC Network, she leads monthly roundtables, advocacy initiatives, and educational programs to support those affected by chronic illness—especially in underserved communities.

Her mission is to bridge the gap between health disparities and real-world solutions, ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds have access to informed, compassionate, and equitable care.

Learn more about Jamie here.