WELCOME TO
THE BROWN SKIN AGENDA
Presented by the Vitality Institute
Presented by
the Vitality Institute
The Brown Skin Agenda promotes the advancement of treatment protocols and skin care solutions for skin of color patients.
The Brown Skin Agenda promotes the advancement of treatment protocols and skin care solutions for skin of color patients.
Our mission is to provide safe and effective guidance from an esteemed panel of physicians so that ALL skin care professionals can confidently treat skin of color.
Marya Khalil | Vitality Institute President & CEO
40%* of the
population are skin
of color.
Less than 10%* of all
Dermatologists and Plastic
Surgeons are either Black
or Hispanic.
There is a void in the ability of providers to treat skin of color.
We will share the latest advancements for treating skin of color through educational webinars, virtual content series, social media groups, and other activities throughout the year.
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to receive updates on the programs above plus the latest intel on effective solutions for skin of color.
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Meet The Brown Skin Agenda Panel
Meet The
Brown Skin
Agenda Panel
Brown Skin
Agenda Panel
The Brown Skin Agenda advisory panel of expert Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons
are dedicated to treating skin of color.
are dedicated to treating skin of color.
The Brown Skin Agenda advisory panel of expert Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons are dedicated to treating skin of color.
Nia Banks, MD, FACS
Dr. Banks is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon who treats patients in Washington, DC, Columbia, MD, and the surrounding communities. Dr. Banks received her surgical training from Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, where she completed the Integrated Residency Program in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Dr. Banks is the Chief of Plastic Surgery at Doctors Community Hospital in Lanham, Maryland, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. In addition, she is a patron of the arts and a charter member of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Dr. Banks is the Chief of Plastic Surgery at Doctors Community Hospital in Lanham, Maryland, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. In addition, she is a patron of the arts and a charter member of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Alia Brown, MD, FAAD
Dr. Alia Brown joined Georgia Dermatology Partners in 2010 after distinguishing herself at Meharry Medical College as an Honor’s Graduate and inductee into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. She has published in multiple medical and dermatology journals. She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, Women’s Dermatology Society, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Dr. Brown specializes in partnering with patients to deliver the healthiest, most beautiful skin possible. As a highly skilled skin laser and surgery specialist, she focuses on cosmetic dermatology, including laser medicine and injectables. She places a high priority on her patients’ well-being and enjoys designing the most appropriate and successful treatment path for each individual. In addition, Dr. Brown enjoys traveling, exercising, and volunteer work with several civic organizations in her free time. Dr. Brown is married and has three children.
Dr. Brown specializes in partnering with patients to deliver the healthiest, most beautiful skin possible. As a highly skilled skin laser and surgery specialist, she focuses on cosmetic dermatology, including laser medicine and injectables. She places a high priority on her patients’ well-being and enjoys designing the most appropriate and successful treatment path for each individual. In addition, Dr. Brown enjoys traveling, exercising, and volunteer work with several civic organizations in her free time. Dr. Brown is married and has three children.
Jeanine B. Downie, MD, FAAD
Dr. Downie is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology and holds medical licenses in the states of New Jersey, New York, and California. In addition, Dr. Downie is the director of her own practice, Image Dermatology P.C. in Montclair, N.J. She has extensive training and experience in all aspects of dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, laser, and dermatologic surgery. Dr. Downie provides both adult and pediatric patients with competent, compassionate care, and all patients are treated utilizing the most medically advanced techniques.
Dr. Downie is a philanthropist and is very involved with the United Negro College Fund, National Public Radio, The Southern Poverty Law Center, Dress for Success, The Junior League, Public Broadcasting Services, March of Dimes, All-Stars, Cares Mentoring, The National Urban League, Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, Planned Parenthood, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and several other national and local charities.
Dr. Downie is a philanthropist and is very involved with the United Negro College Fund, National Public Radio, The Southern Poverty Law Center, Dress for Success, The Junior League, Public Broadcasting Services, March of Dimes, All-Stars, Cares Mentoring, The National Urban League, Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, Planned Parenthood, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and several other national and local charities.
Vikisha Fripp, MD, FACS
Vikisha Fripp, MD, FACS, is a Board-Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and Women's Health Advocate. She is a natural leader and has been recognized as such throughout her life. Dr. Fripp was the first person to successfully complete the combined BS/MD program at Fisk University and Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. She then completed her General Surgery training at Howard University Hospital, earning Intern of the Year, Resident of the Year twice, and graduating as 'Chief Resident of the Year.' Dr. Fripp completed her Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery training in 2006 at the prestigious Cornell University - New York-Presbyterian Hospital.
Dr. Fripp practices at The University of Maryland Capital Region in Prince George's County, Maryland, where she is the Chairman, Department of Surgery for the Bowie Surgery Center. Dr. Fripp is also the Medical Director of Radiance Day Spa in Washington, DC. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), The Association of Women Surgeons (AWS), and AWS Foundation Board. She is active in the medical community, currently serving as the Vice Chairman for the Board of Medicine for the District of Columbia, a member of the Federation of State Medical Boards Sexual Boundary Violations Workgroup, and a member of the Medical Advisory Committee for Amerigroup DC Medicaid. In addition, she has served on the Medical Executive, Ethics, Peer Review, Credentialing, and Operating Room committees within the hospital.
Dr. Fripp practices at The University of Maryland Capital Region in Prince George's County, Maryland, where she is the Chairman, Department of Surgery for the Bowie Surgery Center. Dr. Fripp is also the Medical Director of Radiance Day Spa in Washington, DC. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), The Association of Women Surgeons (AWS), and AWS Foundation Board. She is active in the medical community, currently serving as the Vice Chairman for the Board of Medicine for the District of Columbia, a member of the Federation of State Medical Boards Sexual Boundary Violations Workgroup, and a member of the Medical Advisory Committee for Amerigroup DC Medicaid. In addition, she has served on the Medical Executive, Ethics, Peer Review, Credentialing, and Operating Room committees within the hospital.
Corey Hartman, MD, FAAD
Corey L. Hartman, MD, is the founder and medical director of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. In addition, he is Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the University of Alabama School of Medicine. A native of New Orleans, Dr. Hartman attended Emory University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. After earning a doctorate of medicine from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, he completed an internship in Internal Medicine at Tulane University Medical Center and a residency in Dermatology at the University of Alabama School of Medicine. Dr. Hartman is certified by the American Board of Dermatology and is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
Dr. Hartman has a special interest in Dermatologic Surgery, Injectables, Hair Restoration, and Laser Dermatology. He frequently speaks on cosmetic procedures and social media marketing in dermatology at meetings around the country. Dr. Hartman was voted 2016 Best of Birmingham: Dermatologist by the readers of Birmingham Magazine and the 2018 Best Dermatologist by the readers of About Town Magazine. Most recently, in 2020, Dr. Hartman was named physician spokesman and brand ambassador for iconic Old Spice’s skin care lines for men. He also serves on the Advisory Boards for Men’s Health Magazine, Allergan Aesthetics, Galderma Aesthetics, and Revision Skin Care. Most recently, Dr. Hartman was named to the Board of Directors of the Skin of Color Society.
Dr. Hartman has a special interest in Dermatologic Surgery, Injectables, Hair Restoration, and Laser Dermatology. He frequently speaks on cosmetic procedures and social media marketing in dermatology at meetings around the country. Dr. Hartman was voted 2016 Best of Birmingham: Dermatologist by the readers of Birmingham Magazine and the 2018 Best Dermatologist by the readers of About Town Magazine. Most recently, in 2020, Dr. Hartman was named physician spokesman and brand ambassador for iconic Old Spice’s skin care lines for men. He also serves on the Advisory Boards for Men’s Health Magazine, Allergan Aesthetics, Galderma Aesthetics, and Revision Skin Care. Most recently, Dr. Hartman was named to the Board of Directors of the Skin of Color Society.
Michelle Henry, MD, FAAD
Michelle Henry, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Harvard-trained Mohs surgeon. She provides exceptional care for her patients at Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan in the Midtown East neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. Her areas of expertise include high-risk skin cancer treatments, aesthetic surgery, and treating skin of color, and she specializes in Mohs micrographic, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgery.
In her practice at Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan, Dr. Henry believes in using the most state-of-the-art techniques and research-backed methods to provide high-quality and holistic care. She is a fellow in several professional organizations, including the American College of Mohs Surgery, the American Academy of Dermatology, and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, where she also chairs the education committee.
Outside of her clinical practice, Dr. Henry is renowned for her research and teaching skills. She’s published a variety of articles and chapters on cosmetic surgery and skin cancer treatment and was a finalist for the American College of Mohs Surgery’s Tromovitch Award. She is currently a clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City and has extensive experience teaching aesthetic procedures like laser surgery, hair restoration, and injecting neuromodulators and fillers.
In her practice at Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan, Dr. Henry believes in using the most state-of-the-art techniques and research-backed methods to provide high-quality and holistic care. She is a fellow in several professional organizations, including the American College of Mohs Surgery, the American Academy of Dermatology, and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, where she also chairs the education committee.
Outside of her clinical practice, Dr. Henry is renowned for her research and teaching skills. She’s published a variety of articles and chapters on cosmetic surgery and skin cancer treatment and was a finalist for the American College of Mohs Surgery’s Tromovitch Award. She is currently a clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City and has extensive experience teaching aesthetic procedures like laser surgery, hair restoration, and injecting neuromodulators and fillers.
Sumayah Jamal, MD, FAAD
Sumayah Jamal, MD-PhD is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, specializing in the skin of color. She conducted her undergraduate studies at Johns Hopkins and completed her MD-PhD at NYU School of Medicine. In addition, she conducted her Internship in General Medicine at Columbia Presbyterian and her Dermatology Residency at NYU School of Medicine.
Dr. Jamal was Founding Director of the Ethnic Skin clinic at NYU School of Medicine for 13 years until she joined the Schweiger Dermatology Group, where she currently serves as Program Director for the Skin of Color Speciality Clinic.
Dr. Jamal was Founding Director of the Ethnic Skin clinic at NYU School of Medicine for 13 years until she joined the Schweiger Dermatology Group, where she currently serves as Program Director for the Skin of Color Speciality Clinic.
Chesahna Kindred, MD, FAAD
Board-certified Dermatologist published research author and national speaker Dr. Kindred was recently named “Physician of the Year” by the Daily Record. She grew up in South Central Los Angeles, an area of California known for its tough streets and strong community spirit, and a place where overcoming adversity was not simply a choice but a way of life. This environment planted the seed for Dr. Kindred’s future in her field, cultivating a strong ambition and drive to serve her community, empowering people through beauty.
Dr. Kindred has several publications concerning an array of dermatologic topics, including co-writing chapters in leading dermatology textbooks. Her publications include but are not limited to hair loss, skin cancer, and treatments in patients with skin of color. Philosophically her focus of “Empowering through beauty” has resonated with patients worldwide. Understanding the desire people have to feel as beautiful outside as they do within, Dr. Kindred helps them achieve the balance that allows people to feel complete. True beauty is not about vanity but instead about empowering one’s self to have the confidence to live life to the fullest.
Dr. Kindred has several publications concerning an array of dermatologic topics, including co-writing chapters in leading dermatology textbooks. Her publications include but are not limited to hair loss, skin cancer, and treatments in patients with skin of color. Philosophically her focus of “Empowering through beauty” has resonated with patients worldwide. Understanding the desire people have to feel as beautiful outside as they do within, Dr. Kindred helps them achieve the balance that allows people to feel complete. True beauty is not about vanity but instead about empowering one’s self to have the confidence to live life to the fullest.
Katina Byrd Miles, MD, FAAD
Whether you need a thorough skin cancer screening or you want that flawless facial rejuvenation, Katina Byrd Miles, MD, FAAD, of Skin Oasis Dermatology in Gambrills, Maryland, is eager to restore your skin to its usual glow. A board-certified dermatologist specializing in children, adolescents, and adults, Dr. Miles diagnoses and treats a wide variety of skin disorders as she specializes in skin care for people of all ages.
Dr. Miles has more than 15 years of experience in practicing dermatology and has been published in peer-reviewed medical textbooks and journals. With her advanced training in the use of the dermatoscope, she is an expert in skin cancer detection and treatment. Dr. Miles is also a specialist in the skin of color. She is passionate about treating and preventing hair loss and other skin conditions that commonly affect ethnic skin.
Dr. Miles has more than 15 years of experience in practicing dermatology and has been published in peer-reviewed medical textbooks and journals. With her advanced training in the use of the dermatoscope, she is an expert in skin cancer detection and treatment. Dr. Miles is also a specialist in the skin of color. She is passionate about treating and preventing hair loss and other skin conditions that commonly affect ethnic skin.
Wendy Roberts, MD, FAAD
Dr. Wendy E. Roberts MD is a graduate of Stanford Medical School with three post graduate degrees, which include Surgery, Dermatology and Dermatopathology completing a fellowship at New York University Medical Center. She is Double Board Certified in Dermatology and Dermatopathology. She is Founding Director of Dermatopathology at Loma Linda University Medical Center. She pioneered and developed Generational Dermatology™ which is a detailed system of age management and a National CME meeting. Generational Dermatology Symposium held annually in Rancho Mirage, CA has become a meeting venue for Dermatologists, Plastic Surgeons, and other core specialists. She is founder of the Roberts Skin type Classification System® as seen on The Today Show™ Her skin type system is used by Doctors around the globe to keep their skin of color patients safe while undergoing cosmetic procedures.
Dr. Roberts is a Past President of the Women’s Dermatologic Society and The California State Dermatologic Society, CALDERM. Known by the specialty for her innovation and energy, she has been in her private practice in Rancho Mirage, CA since 1994. Dr. Roberts has been voted as “Best Doctor” by her colleagues for the last 16 years by the Palm Springs Life Magazine. She specializes in Generational Dermatology, Cosmetic Dermatology, Hair Regrowth and Ethnic Skin of Color. Dr Roberts is a Physician Expert on the new acclaimed medical show Chasing the Cure and is frequently seen on TV shows including The Doctors, Steve Harvey Show and The Real. She is author of the textbook Chemical Peel: A Global Perspective and has numerous published academic articles.
Dr. Roberts is a Past President of the Women’s Dermatologic Society and The California State Dermatologic Society, CALDERM. Known by the specialty for her innovation and energy, she has been in her private practice in Rancho Mirage, CA since 1994. Dr. Roberts has been voted as “Best Doctor” by her colleagues for the last 16 years by the Palm Springs Life Magazine. She specializes in Generational Dermatology, Cosmetic Dermatology, Hair Regrowth and Ethnic Skin of Color. Dr Roberts is a Physician Expert on the new acclaimed medical show Chasing the Cure and is frequently seen on TV shows including The Doctors, Steve Harvey Show and The Real. She is author of the textbook Chemical Peel: A Global Perspective and has numerous published academic articles.
Nkem Ugonabo, MD, MPH, FAAD
Dr. Nkem Ugonabo, M.D., M.P.H. is a board-certified dermatologist with advanced training in cosmetic dermatology and lasers. She received her M.D. degree at the University of Michigan and was appointed Chief Resident at NYU Medical Center in her final year. At residency graduation, she was awarded the Dr. Irwin Freedberg award for the resident who best represents the field of dermatology. Following residency, Dr. Ugonabo was an American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgery Fellow at UnionDerm in New York City where she worked as a sub-investigator on clinical trials investigating the treatment of acne scars, photodamage, cellulite, muscle stimulation and melasma. Dr. Ugonabo currently practices both medical and cosmetic dermatology and has extensive experience using lasers, injectables like botox and fillers, fat loss treatments, skin tightening, chemical peels, sunscreens and other forms of photo-protection, acne, and hyperpigmentation. She strives to make her patients look and feel like the best version of themselves. She takes the time to listen, answer questions, address concerns, and uniquely tailor treatment plans to the individual needs of each patient.
Dr. Ugonabo has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals including the Journal of American Medical Association Surgery, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Dermatologic Surgery, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, British Journal of Dermatology and Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. She has presented at numerous meetings including the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) Annual Conference, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) Annual Meeting and Winter Clinical Dermatology Conference. She has also been featured in many media publications like Shape, Allure, Women’s Health, Bustle, Marie Claire, Elite Dailly, The Greatist, Huffington Post, and more. She is a member of the AAD, American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), ASLMS, Skin of Color Society (SOCS), the Women’s Dermatologic Society (WDS) and International Peeling Society (IPS). She also serves on national leadership committees on the AAD, SOCS and WDS.
Dr. Ugonabo has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals including the Journal of American Medical Association Surgery, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Dermatologic Surgery, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, British Journal of Dermatology and Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. She has presented at numerous meetings including the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) Annual Conference, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) Annual Meeting and Winter Clinical Dermatology Conference. She has also been featured in many media publications like Shape, Allure, Women’s Health, Bustle, Marie Claire, Elite Dailly, The Greatist, Huffington Post, and more. She is a member of the AAD, American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), ASLMS, Skin of Color Society (SOCS), the Women’s Dermatologic Society (WDS) and International Peeling Society (IPS). She also serves on national leadership committees on the AAD, SOCS and WDS.
Learn more about skincare treatments for skin of color by listening to the Positively Gam Podcast “All Things Skincare” with VI Peel CEO Marya Khalil-Otto
Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Google Play* US Population, Census.gov and Association of American Medical Colleges
