SMPH and UW Health In Community MLK Event

Angela Byars-Winston, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She conducts diversity science research on cultural and organizational influences shaping the career development and effective mentorship of college students and early career faculty in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM). She is Principal Investigator in the NIH National Research Mentoring Network leading the Culturally Aware Mentorship (CAM) initiative. She chaired the National Academies of Sciences’ 2019 consensus study report, The Science of Effective Mentorship in STEMM, and is a current appointed member of the NIH National Advisory General Medical Sciences Council. Byars-Winston is the 2022 recipient of the Outstanding Educator for Innovation in Mentorship Research Award from the Association of Clinical and Translational Science, a 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award honoree from San Diego State University, and the inaugural Chair of the UW Institute for Diversity Science, where she hosts the Diversity Science Podcast. She is the immediate past president of the South Central Wisconsin chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., the nation’s oldest Black mothers organization.

Confidence Kpegeol is a fourth-year medical student at the School of Medicine and Public Health. He is part of the Training in Urban Medicine and Public Health (TRIUMPH) program. He works with Advocate Aurora Family Medicine Department and has partnered with the Milwaukee COA Youth and Family Center. By working together and utilizing a community-centered approach, they provide accessible care by developing a clinic site located in the COA Youth and Family Center. As a phase one student, Confidence served as co-class president, working with WMAA to advocate for and support students. He served as a student mentor for the SMPH Big/Lil Sibs program and the Student National Medical Association (SNMA). Confidence received the Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association Scholarship, awarded to students who showed leadership and determination as the class representative, and the McGovern-Tracy Scholarship, awarded to students who exemplify the values of community service and leadership during training. Confidence applied for residency in emergency medicine and is excited to utilize all he has learned at SMPH.

Rev. Dr. Marcus Allen Sr. is the Pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church, in Madison, WI.

Allen served honorably in the United States Army for over 10 years. He completed three combat tours: two to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. He has received the Bronze Star Medal which is one of the highest military honors for his exemplary service as well as numerous other awards.

Allen is a graduate of the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University with a Masters of Divinity. Allen earned his Doctor of Ministry Degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.

Allen’s compassion for improving the surrounding community is unparalleled. In 2020, Allen was voted one of the top 46 Influential Black Leaders in the state of Wisconsin by Madison 365 and was the recipient of the Community Leader Award by the Madison Chapter of Links, Inc.

Currently, he is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary School. He also serves as President of the African American Council of Churches.

He is married to the former Terra Cook and God has blessed them with three beautiful children: Alexandrea, MeKiyah and Marcus Jr.

Allen has a tremendous desire for God’s word coupled with a love for God’s people. He is passionate about proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ, making the Word of God relevant in the lives of believers, and building the Kingdom of God in the congregation and community.