Health Equity Forum: Vitiligo Awareness, Access & Action

David M. Brooks, MD, MBA, MPH, is Group Vice President and Global Head of Medical Affairs at Incyte, where he leads worldwide medical affairs across immunology and inflammation, oncology, and hematology. A physician executive with more than a decade of biopharmaceutical leadership experience, Dr. Brooks has held a series of senior leadership roles, including as Vice President and Head of General Medicines Medical Affairs at GSK, where he also served as Interim Head of Oncology, Interim Head of Specialty Care, Head of Dermatology, and Country Medical Director for the United Kingdom and Ireland. In these roles, he led organizational transformations, built high-performing teams, developed global medical strategies, and helped bring innovative therapies to patients across multiple therapeutic areas, including immunology, dermatology, respiratory medicine, infectious disease, oncology, and COVID- 19.

Prior to GSK, Dr. Brooks held medical affairs, clinical development, and pharmacovigilance leadership positions at AbbVie, contributing to global regulatory strategies and successful product approvals in immunology and dermatology. He began his career in academic medicine, serving as Chief Resident in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Brooks earned his MD, MBA, and MPH from the University at Buffalo and holds a BS in Business from Cornell University. He is widely recognized for his expertise in medical affairs leadership, organizational transformation, talent development, and the intersection of science, medicine, and strategy.

Jeff Coltin is editor-in-chief of City & State NY, recently returning to the magazine where he built his career over a decade covering New York politics. He was previously at Politico, reporting on the city and co-authoring the New York Playbook. 

Before that, Jeff was City Hall bureau chief at City & State, where he authored the Campaign Confidential newsletter and was named the New York Press Association’s 2022 Writer of the Year.

Born and raised in Phoenix, Jeff got into journalism at Fordham University in the Bronx, inspired by his grandfather Wendell, who reported for the Boston Herald among other papers. He lives with his wife on the Upper West Side.

Landon Dais is a dedicated community leader, legal expert, and advocate for social justice, with a deep-rooted commitment to The Bronx. His diverse background in law, economic development, and political activism positions him as a unique and powerful voice for his constituents. Born and raised in New York, Landon began his educational journey at Fordham Prep, laying the foundation for his passion for public service. He went on to earn a B.A. in Business Management from Morehouse College, an M.S. in Real Estate Development from Columbia University, and a J.D. from Hofstra Law School.

My name is Paul Graham I am 33 years old & A father raising a 4 year old boy. Im a vitiligo advocate embracing my uniqueness, inspiring confidence & spreading awareness. I was born and raised here in NYC Harlem to be exact, My Mom and dad are Jamaican natives so I am proud of my Jamaican heritage, rooted in a rich culture of strength resilience and unity. I know Me and my two brothers serve a bigger purpose in this world so I’m Here On A Mission to make this world a better place and let others Know “You're Not Alone”.

My name is Peter Graham I am 33 years old born in Harlem Hosptal in NYC city and Raised. I’m on a journey in my my life where I’m spreading vitligo awareness to others that have the same skin condition as me. I am a father of two a boy and girl which make me makes me more passionate about spreading the awareness so the younger geration can understand this condition and not be judge mental. Me and my two brothers are vitligo advocates with that being said we’re our own individual but show up as one to show others unity and your difference can and will make a change in this world.

My name is Tyrone Graham. I’m 34 years old, born and raised in Harlem, New York, with deep Jamaican roots. My family migrated from Jamaica to the United States, bringing with them a strong foundation of culture, perseverance, integrity, and respect for others. Those values have shaped the person I am today and continue to guide my purpose in life. My mission is to become one of the strongest advocates for vitiligo awareness. I want to help educate and enlighten the world about vitiligo—not only the physical changes it can bring, but also the emotional, social, and personal challenges that many people living with the condition experience. I believe no one should feel ashamed, isolated, or defined by the appearance of their skin. Through awareness, education, compassion, and representation, I hope to help create a world where people with vitiligo feel seen, understood, respected, and empowered.

The Honorable Assemblywoman Alicia L. Hyndman, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Higher Education, is an English-born elected official representing the 29th Assembly District of New York in Southeast Queens. She was raised by immigrant parents of Jamaican and Guyanese descent. In her youth, her family moved to the United States, and she spent her formative years growing up in Southeast Queens. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Framingham State College in Massachusetts and two Bachelor of Arts in Black Studies and Communications from SUNY New Paltz. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Queens Chapter of Jack and Jill. As an assemblywoman, she authored several pieces of legislation, including one that made Juneteenth a state holiday in New York.