Committees

Co-chairs: Prince Adotama, MD and Elizabeth A. Kiracofe, MD, FAAD

The Advocacy Committee provides strategic guidance, advice, and recommendations to the Board of Directors, with a focus on advancing high-quality dermatologic care for individuals with skin of color. The committee addresses both current and emerging public policy issues that impact the delivery of care and works to promote the interests of skin of color dermatology in legislative and regulatory arenas. Through active advocacy, the committee aims to guide SOCS on policies that support physicians, ensure equitable access to care for patients with skin of color, and advance the field of dermatology in both public and professional settings.

Chair: Victoria Barbosa, MD, MPH, MBA, FAAD

The Center for Leadership Committee is dedicated to promoting innovative,     inclusive, and forward-thinking leadership within the dermatology field. This committee will guide the strategic vision and implementation of the SOCS Center   for Leadership (CFL), ensuring that its programs empower dermatologists to drive impactful change and advocate for health equity in their professional and organizational roles.

As a foundational body for advancing leadership education, the committee seeks to cultivate a new generation of dermatology leaders, ready to address the challenges of an ever-changing healthcare landscape. Through these efforts, the CFL Committee aims to  honor and elevate the vision articulated by 2024/25 SOCS President Dr. Victoria Barbosa, whose focus is on developing leaders capable of making transformative contributions to dermatology and patient care.

The committee's responsibilities include overseeing the creation and implementation of CFL initiatives, such as the medical student breakfast held before the Symposium, CFL Webinars, the CFL Leadership Retreat, and the Resident Leadership Award. These initiatives aim to provide critical leadership development opportunities to emerging dermatology professionals and to dermatologists at all phases of their career.

Co-chairs: Tarannum Jaleel, MD & Jenna C. Lester, MD

The Clinical Investigator Training Committee is committed to fostering a more inclusive and diverse community of clinical researchers within dermatology. Collaborating with the NMA Dermatology Section, the committee focuses on creating resources and mentorship opportunities to increase the representation of underrepresented minority investigators in the field.The committee is tasked with overseeing the mentoring program, as well as developing the curriculum and agenda for the in-person full day training conducted the Friday before the Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly of the NMA begins. 

Co-chairs: E. Nikki Pritchett, MD, MPH & Sumayah J. Taliaferro, MD

The Development Committee is dedicated to building strategic financial partnerships and securing critical resources to support the growth and impact of the SOCS Foundation. The committee plays a key role in identifying and cultivating funding opportunities, including grants, sponsorships, collaborations with industry partners, and individual donations from both SOCS members and the public. Additionally, the Development Committee oversees the My Best Winter Skin campaign, an initiative that raises awareness and generates support for SOCS' programs. Through these efforts, the committee helps strengthen the Foundation’s financial sustainability, enhancing SOCS’ capacity to fulfill its mission. 

Co-chairs: Severine Cao, MD & Sofia Chaudhry, MD 

The Diversity in Action Task Force is dedicated to promoting greater diversity within the dermatology workforce by creating supportive networks and resources for individuals underrepresented in the field. A key responsibility of the Task Force is managing the SOCSF/Clinique Dermatology Emerging Leaders Scholarship. This involves reviewing applications, awarding scholarships, and offering mentorship to underrepresented medical students who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, and who are pursuing a path toward a dermatology residency. 

Chair: Shawn G. Kwatra, MD, FAAD

The Finance Committee is responsible for overseeing the financial health of both the Society and its Foundation. This includes managing the reserve fund and developing the investment policy. The committee regularly reviews financial performance and makes informed recommendations to the Board to ensure sound fiscal management and long-term sustainability. Through these efforts, the committee plays a crucial role in maintaining the financial stability and growth of the organization, supporting its mission and strategic objectives.

Co-chairs: Michelle Rodrigues, MBBS, FACH & Michael A. Waul, MD

The Global Council and Collaborations Committee serves as a vital link between the Skin of Color Society and both international and national organizations with a focus on skin of color, including those in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, South and Central America, and other regions. The committee works to build strong partnerships and foster collaboration with groups such as the National Medical Association (NMA), the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) and other relevant bodies. It also supports the Society’s presence at international meetings, promoting global engagement and the exchange of knowledge in dermatology related to skin of color. Through these efforts, the committee aims to strengthen connections and advance the Society’s mission on a global scale.

Chair: Victoria Guerra Farley, MD

The Governance Committee plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity and operational framework of the Skin of Color Society (SOCS) and the SOCS Foundation (SOCSF). This committee is responsible for overseeing the organization's bylaws to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with the mission and evolving needs of  SOCS and SOCSF. Additionally, it develops and reviews policies, providing well-researched recommendations to the board for approval, ensuring that these policies promote effective and ethical operations. It ensures transparency and accountability in decision-making processes and supports compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards. 

Chair: Murad Alam, MD, MSCI, MBA

The Skin of Color Society (SOCS) is exploring the possibility of launching a dedicated journal. To assess the viability of this initiative, SOCS plans to engage a consulting firm or specialist with expertise in journal feasibility studies, following the completion of strategic planning. The role of the Journal Feasibility Task Force is to guide and oversee this evaluation process, ensuring a thorough analysis of opportunities, challenges, and potential impact.  

Co-chairs: Janiene Luke, MD & Nkemjika Ugonabo, MD, MPH

The Media Relations Committee is responsible for overseeing and enhancing all member and public-facing communication channels to ensure that content is engaging, accurate, and aligned with the SOCS mission, values, and brand. These channels include the SOCS website, the weekly e-newsletter The Scoop, various social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube). The committee, in collaboration with the Professional Education Committee, also oversees the content of the second of two monthly podcasts covering SOCS news, featured in the podcast series, Skin of Color Savvy: The Art & Science of Treating Patients of Color. Additionally, the committee plays a key role in media relations, including  overseeing the Annual SOCS Media Day initiative, and managing the SOCS Speaks program. In collaboration with other SOCS committees, the Media Relations Committee contributes to the development of educational content, ensuring that messaging remains consistent, impactful, and reaches a wide audience, thereby advancing the Society’s visibility and influence. 

Co-chairs: Valerie D. Callender, MD & Valerie M. Harvey, MD, MPH

The Meeting the Challenge in Research Committee oversees key initiatives focused on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the field of dermatology. This committee leads efforts to improve representation and participation in dermatological  Research, with particular attention to clinical trials. The committee force achieves its goals through strategic actions such as:

Meeting the Challenge Summit: This biannual event brings together stakeholders from across dermatology to address and explore specific challenges related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field. The Summit serves as a platform for generating insights and recommendations aimed at promoting diversity within clinical trials, patient care, and the dermatology workforce. 

Ongoing Initiatives and Publications: In the years between Summits, the committee force continues its work by developing manuscripts and other work products that build on the Summit’s findings. These efforts are designed to sustain momentum and ensure the progress made during the Summit translates into lasting changes in dermatology.

Driving Meaningful Change: The ultimate aim of the committee is to drive innovative solutions to critical issues within dermatology. By advocating for greater inclusivity and representation, the committee seeks to improve patient outcomes and foster a more equitable environment for both practitioners and patients in the field.

Through these efforts, the committee plays a central role in reshaping dermatology into a more inclusive discipline, ensuring that the benefits of research and advancements in the field are accessible to all populations.

Co-chairs: Adrian O. Rodriguez, MD & Mary Thomas, MBBS 

The Membership Committee is dedicated to expanding the reach and diversity of the Skin of Color Society's membership, focusing on attracting new members and fostering growth, particularly among Fellow members. The committee is actively exploring innovative strategies to grow membership by collaborating with national dermatology groups and developing international recruitment programs. These initiatives aim to engage a broader audience, extending the Society’s reach and fostering a more diverse and inclusive community. Through these efforts, the committee seeks to build a vibrant membership base, ultimately strengthening the Society’s presence and expanding its impact on the dermatology field. The committee also plays a key role in reviewing and vetting membership applications, recommending them to the Board for approval. 

In addition to its core responsibilities, the committee is dedicated to enhancing member benefits to ensure a rewarding experience. This focus aims to attract new members while fostering retention among existing ones, ultimately cultivating a more engaged and committed membership base. To further support this goal, the committee will oversee the Regional Networking & Educational Symposia series, facilitating opportunities for professional development, knowledge-sharing, and networking within the community. These efforts are designed to strengthen member involvement and ensure the ongoing growth and success of the organization.

Co-chairs:  Neelam Khan, MD & Julia Mhlaba Riley, MD

The Mentorship Committee is committed to nurturing the next generation of dermatologists with a focus on skin of color. The committee offers valuable mentoring opportunities for medical students, residents and early-career members and individuals seeking to advance their knowledge and expertise in this specialized area. By facilitating connections between experienced professionals and emerging talent, the committee fosters career growth, encourages knowledge exchange, and promotes professional development. Its efforts are focused on ensuring a strong future for the field by supporting the growth of skilled, well-prepared dermatologists who can address the unique needs of diverse patient populations. This committee is responsible for reviewing the applications for the Observership, Mentorship and Emerging Leaders Scholarship program. 

Chair: Andrew F. Alexis, MD, MPH 

The Nominating Committee is responsible for identifying and selecting qualified candidates for leadership roles within the organization. This committee carefully evaluates potential candidates for board positions, ensuring that they possess the skills, experience, and commitment needed to guide the organization’s strategic vision and mission. Through a transparent and thoughtful selection process, the committee aims to build a strong and diverse Board that will drive the organization’s success and ensure its continued growth and impact.

Chair: Andrew F. Alexis, MD, MPH

The Past Presidents’ Council is an advisory group made of former SOCS board presidents who offer their knowledge and expertise to support the current leadership of the organization. This council plays a critical role in assisting the SOCS Board of Directors, particularly by providing guidance on significant issues, strategic planning, and future initiatives. By tapping into the experiences of past leaders, the Council helps maintain a connection to the organization's history, preserving institutional memory. This continuity ensures that decision-making is well-informed and aligned with the long-term vision of the organization.

Co-chairs: Morayo Adisa, MD & Mona Shahriari, MD

The Professional Education Committee is dedicated to advancing the knowledge and expertise of healthcare professionals in skin of color dermatology, with a particular  focus on meeting the unique and diverse needs of patients with skin of color.

The committee evaluates proposals from Medical Education Companies (MECs) submitted to SOCS to ensure the quality and relevance of educational collaborations with the MECs. It also plays a key role in developing clinician-focused content for the SOCS website, curating educational topics that enhance professional understanding and keep members informed of the latest advancements. Additionally, the committee collaborates with other committees to create video content for The Exchange x SOCS-our on-demand learning center tailored specifically to the needs of healthcare providers, aiming to support ongoing professional development and improve patient care outcomes. Finally, this committee, with support from the Media Relations Committee, oversees the clinical content of the monthly podcast Skin of Color Savvy: The Art & Science of Treating Patients of Color.  Through these efforts, the committee strives to provide valuable, accessible resources for healthcare professionals.

By working closely with other SOCS committees, the committee ensures the development of relevant, high-quality content that aligns with broader SOCS programs and goals.

Co-chairs: Oluwakemi Onajin, MD & Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD

The Public Education committee is dedicated to creating and disseminating high-quality educational resources tailored specifically for individuals with skin of color. The committee develops materials that address the unique dermatologic needs, conditions, and concerns of the public, empowering them with knowledge for better skin health and well-being. By providing accessible and culturally relevant information, the committee aims to enhance understanding and awareness, ultimately improving patient outcomes and fostering a more informed community. Additionally, the Public Education committee oversees the educational content for the My Best Winter Skin campaign, an initiative that raises awareness about winter skin health. 

In addition, the Public Education committee has assumed the responsibilities of the SOC Images Task Force whereby it will oversee the Society’s relationship with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), facilitating collaboration on the AAD Image Collection database to ensure a more inclusive visual representation. Further, the committee will focus on increasing the presence of skin of color images in educational materials, including medical textbooks and patient pamphlets. A key priority for the committee will be to examine how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) can be leveraged to improve the quality and accessibility of educational resources and images.

Co-chairs:  Katherine Ayoade, MD, PhD & Tiffany Mayo, MD

The Research Grant Committee oversees a variety of grant programs that aim to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in dermatology research and support the career development of underrepresented individuals in the field. The following grant programs are managed by the committee:

Sanofi-Regeneron Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mid-Career Award (collaboration with DF): This prestigious award is focused on supporting mid-career dermatologists who are committed to advancing DEI in dermatology. Funded by Sanofi-Regeneron, this award helps recipients further their research or clinical initiatives that address DEI challenges in the field.

Career Development Award: This award is designed to support early to mid-career dermatologists in their professional development. It provides funding and resources to foster growth in both clinical practice and research, particularly for those focused on improving DEI within dermatology.

Dermatology Research Award: The Dermatology Research Award provides financial support for research projects that aim to advance dermatology knowledge, particularly in areas related to underrepresented populations, and health disparities. The award promotes research that aligns with DEI goals and contributes to a more inclusive understanding of dermatology.

Early Career Innovations Award: This award focuses on supporting early-career dermatologists with innovative ideas for advancing dermatology care, particularly for underserved and diverse populations. The grant encourages fresh approaches to dermatological treatments, research, or technologies that benefit diverse patient groups.

Institutional Research Fellowship Grant: This grant is designed to support institutional-level research in dermatology, particularly research programs focused on DEI issues. It provides funding for fellowships aimed at fostering new talent in dermatology research, with an emphasis on inclusive practices, diverse mentorship, and the exploration of health disparities.

These grants are part of the committee’s broader mission to support innovative research, promote diverse leadership in dermatology, and ensure that dermatological care and research are inclusive and representative of all populations. Through these efforts, the committee plays a pivotal role in advancing the field of dermatology in a way that is equitable and accessible to everyone.

Co-chairs: Crystal Aguh, MD & Cesar Antonio Virgen, MD, PhD

The Scientific Meetings Committee is tasked with planning and delivering the Skin of Color Society's Annual Scientific Symposium, as well as coordinating educational programming for ancillary meetings held at the World Congress of Dermatology (WCD) and the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV). The committee is dedicated to advancing education for dermatologists, residents, and non-physician scientists on dermatologic conditions that specifically impact individuals with skin of color. Through these efforts, the committee aims to foster greater understanding, promote the latest research, and enhance the quality of care provided to this diverse patient population. The committee plays a key role in ensuring that the meeting serves as a platform for sharing knowledge and improving dermatologic practice for individuals with skin of color.