A world-renowned podiatric surgeon and researcher, Dr. David Armstrong, DPM ’93, PhD, MD, MSc, is a visionary leader in interdisciplinary wound care and limb preservation, working to improve patient outcomes globally. Recently awarded the title of Distinguished Professor of Surgery and Neurological Surgery at the University of Southern California, Dr. Armstrong has produced more than 710 peer-reviewed research papers in dozens of scholarly medical journals as well as over 120 books or book chapters, and he lectures internationally. His research has been cited over 81,000 times, underscoring the profound impact of his work on diabetic limb salvage, wound healing, and wearable health technologies. Dr. Armstrong is the founder of the American Limb Preservation Society; founder and co-director of the Southwestern Academic Limb Salvage Alliance, a collaborative clinical and research alliance; and founding co-editor of the American Diabetes Association’s essential guide, Clinical Care of the Diabetic Foot, now in its 4th edition. Throughout his trailblazing career, Dr. Armstrong has dedicated himself to advancing healthcare through innovation and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration.
 

Albertha “Jenny” Richardson, BSN ’87, DHA, MBA, an Oakland native, is a distinguished nursing leader with a career spanning 37 years. Encouraged by a friend and Samuel Merritt University (SMU) student nurse, she left UC Berkeley to join SMU’s inaugural Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) class. To fund her tuition, Jenny worked at Highland Hospital, gaining early expertise in staffing and patient workload—skills that would shape her future in nursing leadership. Jenny’s clinical career spanned critical care, trauma, and transplant roles at Kaiser, Stanford, San Leandro Hospital, and The Transplant Network. She later transitioned from bedside nursing to nursing operations, building a 20-year career as a Nurse Director specializing in staffing, scheduling, and performance improvement. To further her leadership expertise, she earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration (DHA), culminating with research of the  COVID-19 pandemic's impact on Black Americans. Committed to shaping future healthcare leaders, Jenny began teaching nursing leadership, healthcare policy and quality at Cal State East Bay in 2022. After retiring from Kaiser in 2024, she returned to SMU in 2025 as an adjunct professor, mentoring Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and master’s students. Passionate about leadership, she challenges students to think strategically, embrace change, and lead with confidence. She also advocates for early exposure to nursing, ensuring future generations see it as an attainable career. "Leadership in nursing isn’t about having all the answers," she tells students. "It’s about asking the right questions, making informed decisions, and inspiring those around you."

A driving force in podiatric medicine for over 40 years, Dr. Jon Hultman’s brilliant leadership and advocacy have significantly impacted foot and ankle care, improved clinical practice and shaped healthcare policy. As Executive Director of the California Podiatric Medical Association for 21 years, Dr. Hultman played a crucial role in advancing and serving the profession on issues ranging from legislation to medical economics and public health. Previously, Dr. Hultman operated a private practice at University Podiatry Group in Los Angeles for 25 years, while serving as assistant clinical professor at UCLA Medical School. An expert in practice management, Dr. Hultman has published over 500 articles in medical journals on practice management topics as well as two books, Reengineering the Medical Practice (1994) and The Medical Practitioner’s Survival Handbook (2012). Inducted into the Podiatry Hall of Fame in 2007, Dr. Hultman has served on the editorial board for Podiatry Management Magazine and the advisory boards of several companies. He is the former CEO and Chairman of Integrated Physician’s Systems, which provides consulting and strategic planning services for physician practices. Dr. Hultman continues to offer practice management consulting as president of Medical Business Advisors.     

Dr. Shelitha Campbell is a passionate nursing advocate and leader with over 28 years of experience. She holds a BSN from the University of San Francisco, a MSN with a FNP certification from San Francisco State University, and a DNP in Executive Leadership from Loyola University, New Orleans. At Samuel Merritt University, Dr. Campbell is an Assistant Professor in the Family Nurse Practitioner Program, Program Director and Principal Investigator of the Nursing Workforce Diversity Grant funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and Chair of the College of Nursing Community Engagement Committee. She also serves on the Human Trafficking Prevention and Response Program Taskforce and advises Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. Beta Chapter. As Founder of C.A.R.E. Symposium, Co-Founder & CEO of A Sista’s Touch, and a family nurse practitioner at Roots Community Health, Dr. Campbell champions health equity, social justice, and systemic change. She is an American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Diversity Leadership Institute Fellow and a National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) Fellow. Her dedication to health equity and human trafficking advocacy has earned her the 2021 Humanitarian Award, the 2024 Flo Stroud Award, and recognition as a 2024 Outstanding Black Achiever. Dr. Campbell serves on the boards of BRAVE Bay Area, Friends of MISSSEY, and the Bay Area Black Nurses Association (BABNA), dedicating her legacy of impact to her husband, children, and mother.
  

Dr. John F. Simmons, Jr., a retired oncologist, has dedicated his career to patient care, medical education, and community health advocacy. A Los Angeles native, he earned his degree from Dartmouth College and completed medical school at the University of Southern California. His extensive post-graduate training included Pathology, Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Medical Oncology. After three years in private practice in Pasadena—where he trained interns, worked in community clinics, and participated in hospice care—Dr. Simmons moved to the East Bay. For a decade, he practiced Hematology and Medical Oncology in Oakland, serving as Medical Director of the Oakland Cancer Control Program and working with the West Oakland Health Center, the American Cancer Society, and local hospice programs. In 1990, he joined The Permanente Medical Group, continuing his subspecialty practice in Walnut Creek for 21 years. Mentored by Dr. Frank E. Staggers, Sr., Dr. Simmons deepened his commitment to addressing health disparities in communities of color. His leadership at the Ethnic Health Institute, including serving as Chair, helped guide its merger with Samuel Merritt University, fostering new opportunities for collaboration. He remains dedicated to making the East Bay a model for health equity, awareness, and advocacy.
 

Mr. Mohammad Deen, MSN '18, has dedicated his career to serving under-resourced and underserved communities worldwide. From the borders of Egypt and Gaza to Syria and Lebanon, orphanages in Kenya, and rescue boats in the Mediterranean, to surgical centers in Honduras and Ecuador, he has made it his mission to provide aid wherever it is needed, no matter the distance or risk. Earning his MSN at Samuel Merritt University with a focus in Anesthesiology, Mr. Deen is committed to addressing the global anesthesia shortage while advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves. A distinguished TED Talk speaker, he delivered his 2017 Paris talk, “What if we were friends?”, which has been viewed globally, amplifying the voices of refugees fleeing war-torn countries. He has spoken at the EU Parliament and continues to make an impact wherever he goes. Recently, Mr. Deen has been involved in critical care transport, ensuring children from Gaza receive life-saving medical care abroad. His unwavering commitment to humanitarian work remains at the heart of everything he does.       

Dr. Jasmine Thorpe, OTD '23, OTR/L, earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Samuel Merritt University, where she began her career as an independent contractor serving high-risk children in underserved communities. Driven by a deep commitment to bridging gaps in care for marginalized populations, particularly in maternal health, she actively contributes to SMU’s Birth Equity Steering Committee and Alameda’s Perinatal Equity Initiative. She also dedicates time each week to volunteering with the Postpartum Support International Mental Health Support Line. Dr. Thorpe has recently shifted her focus to entrepreneurship, working to develop comprehensive pregnancy and postpartum care services. Her vision includes specialized support for high-risk pregnancies and maternal mental health, addressing critical disparities in care. With a strong passion for advocacy and equitable healthcare, she remains committed to ensuring that every mother receives the support she needs. As she embarks on this next chapter, Dr. Thorpe is deeply grateful to her family, friends, and fellow equity advocates for their unwavering support and encouragement in helping her pursue her life’s work.

Jason Lau, DPT ’25, a dedicated Doctor of Physical Therapy student at Samuel Merritt University, is passionate about advancing healthcare accessibility and inclusivity. Through advocacy, community engagement, and service, he has worked to create opportunities for individuals of all abilities. Mr. Lau founded the Special Olympics Walking Club at SMU, fostering an inclusive space for physical activity and empowerment. His advocacy extends beyond campus through active participation on multiple California Physical Therapy Association committees, where he promotes representation and accessibility within the profession. Beyond academics, Mr. Lau has led cohort-wide volunteer initiatives, strengthening a culture of service among peers. As SMU’s California Student Special Interest Group (CASSIG) liaison, he has connected students with professional advocacy opportunities, furthering their commitment to shaping a more inclusive healthcare system. As he prepares for the National Physical Therapy Exam, Mr. Lau remains dedicated to breaking down barriers in healthcare and ensuring individuals of all abilities receive the support they need to thrive.   
 

Ava Roberts-Stewart, BSN ’25, is a passionate advocate for stalking prevention and response, working to bridge gaps in crisis care and public awareness. After experiencing stalking violence firsthand, she recognized the urgent need to educate the public on stalking behaviors, aiming to prevent escalation into physical harm. At Samuel Merritt University’s Oakland campus, Ms. Roberts-Stewart created “Stalking: A Review for University Students,” an infographic addressing the complexities of stalking. She also organized “Stalking Awareness for the Healthcare Professional” to clarify misconceptions and highlight the vital role of nurses and medical professionals as first responders for victims. Her advocacy extends beyond campus, with podcast features on Strictly Stalking, The Sound Mind Society, Diablo Valley College Alumni Association, and more. She was also invited to contribute to the Oakland Campus’ Intimate Partner Violence Simulation, expanding the understanding of stalking beyond IPV contexts. Ms. Roberts-Stewart's work has been recognized by the Stalking Prevention Awareness and Resource Center in their review of nominees for the Peggy Klinke Award. Committed to patient advocacy and public safety, she continues to push for a healthcare-focused approach to stalking intervention, especially in cases where legal systems fall short.

Ms. Jane Garcia is the CEO of La Clínica de La Raza, a federally qualified health center headquartered in Oakland, California. Over her 40-year tenure, she has expanded La Clínica from a $2 million project to a $150 million organization with over 1,200 employees. The center serves more than 81,000 patients across 35 sites in Alameda, Contra Costa, and Solano Counties, providing primary care, dental, behavioral health, and optometry services. A passionate advocate for accessible healthcare, Ms. Garcia is committed to serving all residents, regardless of income or immigration status. Her leadership has earned numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the “Women Who Changed Public Health.” She was named UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health 2019 Alumna of the Year and received their “Public Health Hero-Organizational Hero Award.” The San Francisco Business Times has also honored her as a Healthcare Hero. Ms. Garcia is a founding member of the California Primary Care Association and has served on various boards, including The California Endowment, where she was Board Chair. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Yale University and a Master of Public Health from UC Berkeley.