The Bench Mark For Science Project: A Closer Look at Our Incredible Committee Members
- Denetra Hampton
- Dec 17, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 10
We are honored to celebrate the incredible board members whose dedication, expertise, and professionalism propel us forward. Learn about these remarkable individuals and their individual accomplishments that contribute to our success
The Bench Mark For Science Project Committee
At the heart of the Bench Mark For Science Project is a diverse team that represents the mission and vision of our bench mark campaign. Each member adds a unique skillset and lived experience, enhancing the overall impact of the initiative. Learn about the project here.
Denetra Hampton, Chair
At the forefront is our visionary leader, whose strategic thinking sets the course for the entire team. Denetra Hampton excels in spotting industry trends and adapting to changes, ensuring we always stay ahead. With a keen talent in storytelling, and get-it-done attitude her guidance was critical in the installation of the inaugural bench placement less than a year after project launch.
Denetra is known for her exceptional project management skills. Her work is known to close gaps, improve outcomes and solve problems.
Jacquelyn Claude, Vice-Chair
Jacquelyn Claude, MSPH, BSN, RN is a nurse leadership expert and public health consultant. With 20+ years of clinical expertise and sharp strategic insight, Jacquelyn is a sought-after leader who changes how nurses are developed, healthcare is delivered, and communities are treated.
Fueled to drive impact on the largest scale possible, Jacquelyn founded Serenity Nurse Consulting to partner with healthcare organizations to address the glaring gaps in effective professional development for nurses.
Jacquelyn brings her unique ability to conduct research, develop and implement
public health programs and interventions and collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations. We are grateful to have her.
Captain Ebony Ferguson, Nurse Scientist
Next up is our nurse scientist, the lead behind implementation of the foundational principles of nursing throughout the storytelling process. She brings her military experience and Ivy league education as sharpening tools for the committee.
Captain Ferguson is the Director of Operations, Plans, and Policy at Naval Medical Forces
Atlantic. She leads a dedicated team responsible for manning, training, and equipping medical
expeditionary units that deliver critical care to warfighters across all domains—beneath the sea,
at sea, and ashore—ensuring their health and readiness for mission success.
Her journey of service and scholarship began with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from
Hampton University. This milestone laid the foundation for a dynamic career as part of
integrated healthcare teams, providing world-class medical care to Sailors, Marines, and their
families.
Driven by a commitment to advancing her profession, Ebony earned a Master of Science in
Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in Adult and Gerontology Primary
Care as both a Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist. Currently, she is pursuing a
Doctor of Philosophy degree at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Her
research focuses on urogenital infections that affect the health and operational readiness of
female warfighters.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ebony is deeply committed to her family. She is
married to Jawaun, a Health Care Administrator in the United States Navy, and together they are
the proud parents of twins, Will and Ava. Her dedication to her profession and family reflects her
commitment to serving others while embracing life’s greatest joys.
Jamila Pleas, Maternal Health Scholar
Tifany Lewis is a genetic counselor with over 18 years of experience in cancer genetics. Tifany obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia before completing her master’s degree in Human Genetics at Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, New York. She is board-certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
Tifany currently leads the Genetic Counseling/Hereditary Cancer program at Virginia Oncology Associates (VOA).
Jamila N. Pleas, BSN, RN is a maternal health leader, registered nurse, educator, and advocate committed to improving outcomes for women and families. She currently serves as Director of Maternal Health Programs at Broward Health Medical Center, where she leads multidisciplinary teams and oversees initiatives focused on improving care and outcomes for high-risk mothers and infants. In this role, she directs maternal health programs that include high risk nurse navigation and remote monitoring for hypertension in pregnancy, while managing grant funded initiatives designed to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.
She previously served as the Birth Equity Chair for the Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative, where she worked alongside clinicians, public health leaders, and community partners to address racial disparities in maternal outcomes and advance strategies that promote equitable care.
Her commitment to advancing maternal health extends into education and community engagement. Jamila has taught and delivered lectures on maternal health and equity at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and the University of Illinois College of Nursing. She has also served as a speaker for the Broward Healthy Start Coalition Conference in 2024.
Above all, Jamila’s work is rooted in her belief that every woman deserves safe, respectful, and compassionate care during pregnancy and childbirth. She brings both clinical expertise and lived compassion to her leadership and remains committed to building systems of care that support mothers, families, and communities.
Shequita Docken, Clinical Research Scholar
Honoring Our Team's Contributions
As we celebrate the incredible individuals who contribute to our project's success, it's clear that each person plays a crucial role in shaping our journey. In acknowledging the contributions of every member, we highlight the importance of fostering a supportive and collaborative culture.
In closing, let’s celebrate our amazing team. Like, Share, Celebrate.
Read full blog on the Bench Mark For Science Project
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