Our mission is to improve the quality of life for BIPOC who are affected by IBD, Digestive Disorders and associated Chronic Illnesses; through Community, Research, Education, and Advocacy.
Our mission is to improve the quality of life for BIPOC who are affected by IBD, Digestive Disorders and associated Chronic Illnesses; through Community, Research, Education, and Advocacy.
Melodie Narain-Blackwell is a passionate health advocate, educator, mobilizer, and the founder of Color of Crohn’s & Chronic Illness (now known as Color of Gastrointestinal Illnesses), a nonprofit dedicated to health equity and communities disproportionately affected by digestive diseases and chronic illnesses.
Celena T. NuQuay, MA CAE, has been appointed as the next Executive Director of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN). Celena has over 20 years of experience in association and non-profit management, having worked in areas including higher education, public health, medical societies, and trade associations.
Previously she served as the Vice President of Constituency Programs and Governance at the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA). Her work there includes leading the governance transformation process of the governing board and committees, engaging key constituency audiences strategically, and managing innovative programs such as the Future Leaders program, Regional Women in GI initiatives and the NIH-funded FORWARD program.
Celena holds a master’s degree in international relations from The American University in Washington DC and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is also a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and has additional certifications in Design Thinking and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion management.
Celena’s experience and leadership are expected to benefit NASPGHAN as it strives to improve the care of infants, children, and adolescents with digestive disorders by promoting advances in clinical care, research, and education. Celena is committed to leading NASPGHAN in this next era of its mission to be the world leader in research, education, clinical practice and advocacy for pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition in health and disease.
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