FRANCESCA B. MESIAH
Francesca B. Mesiah is a passionate advocate for issues impacting marginalized communities, directing her professional and personal efforts toward this calling. As Manager of Workforce Development, develops strategic relationships to expand access to career opportunities at Kaleida Health in Buffalo, NY. Serving as a liaison between Kaleida and workforce development partners, such as colleges, schools, and community-based organizations, she aims to increase the pipeline of healthcare workers.
In her role, Mesiah is an active member of Kaleida DEI and holds the position of Executive Director of the Near East and West Side Task Force, a collaborative initiative involving community partners. She also hosts the Great Lakes Health Radio Show, providing education to the community on wellness topics.
Mesiah’s advocacy efforts began at age 15 with the NAACP Buffalo Branch. She currently holds a position on its Executive Committee and serves as Chairperson of the Health Committee. Additionally, she chairs the NAACP NYS Conference Health Committee.
Mesiah is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Gamma Phi Omega Chapter, in Buffalo, and serves on numerous Boards.
RICK WILCOX
Rick Wilcox is a seasoned fire service leader, educator, and community advocate whose career reflects a lifelong commitment to public safety and youth empowerment. Rising from the East Cleveland Fire Department to serve as Fire Chief for both East Cleveland and Sandusky, Wilcox made history as the first African American Fire Chief in Sandusky. His leadership is marked by operational excellence, collaboration with labor and city officials, and a vision for stronger connections between fire departments and the communities they serve.
Beyond the fireground, Rick Wilcox has poured his energy into shaping the next generation. He directs the Warrensville Heights High School Fire Technology & Public Safety Academy and teaches at the Auburn Career Center Fire Academy, guiding students toward careers in public safety with a focus on discipline, resilience, and service. Through the Warrensville Heights Fire Cadet Program, as well as his longtime involvement with the East Cleveland Police Athletic League, he has mentored hundreds of young people, offering them structure, encouragement, and pathways to success. His volunteer work also includes organizing food pantries, senior outreach programs, and civic events that strengthen community ties.
Rick Wilcox is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, Zeta Omega Chapter of Cleveland. Wilcox embodies the fraternity’s values of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift.
CHARMA D. DUDLEY, PH.D.
Charma D. Dudley, Ph.D., FPPR. Dr. Dudley is passionate about promoting mental health awareness and educating BIPOC communities about mental health conditions to ensure that barriers are eliminated and quality, evidence-based treatments are available. Dr. Dudley is a licensed psychologist and is employed as the Associate Director of Behavioral Health Services at Carelon Behavioral Health, under Elevance Health. She currently leads the Zero Suicide Taskforce for Carelon Pennsylvania and also serves on PA’s Black Youth Suicide Prevention committee.
Dr. Dudley was recently selected for Pennsylvania’s City & State 2025 Trailblazers in Healthcare. In private practice, Dr. Dudley specializes in the treatment of individuals with depression and anxiety. Other areas of practice include clinical consultation/training in cultural competency/equity in behavioral health care, suicide prevention, psychodrama, and anger management.
Dr. Dudley is also the author of Treating Depressed Children, published by New Harbinger. Dr. Dudley serves as the Board Vice President for NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and previously served six years on the National Board of Directors for NAMI. Dr. Dudley has appeared on radio and television programs educating the community on mental health issues and participated in the How Right Now award-winning mental health communications campaign sponsored by the CDC to help address feelings of stress, grief, and loss. Dr. Dudley was featured in the WQED Multimedia documentaries, Examining the Shortage of Mental Health Care Professionals and Alone: Isolation Hurts. Dr. Dudley is a member of AKA, Alpha Alpha Omega, graduate chapter in Pittsburgh, PA.
