Rooted in community.
Transforming Healthcare
At Mizzizi, our mission is to create the largest and most trusted network of Black people and people of color in the world. We believe that when Black people and diverse voices are included in medical research, everyone benefits from better treatments, improved health outcomes, and more effective healthcare.
Our Story
Mizizi (meaning "roots" in Swahili) was born from a powerful vision: to create a world where medical research truly represents everyone. We're building bridges between scientists, healthcare leaders, and communities to transform clinical research from the ground up.
Our Mission
To build powerful connections between researchers and Black communities and communities of color, creating a diverse network of research participants that makes healthcare more inclusive, person-centered, and community-driven.
Our Vision
To become the world's most trusted leader in engaging Black/Brown communities in clinical trials, driving better health outcomes for Black/Brown individuals everywhere.
Meet Our Founders
The soul of Mizzizi is powered by a team of bold thinkers who lead with purpose, heart, and hustle. Each leader brings a unique perspective, but they all share one thing in common — a deep belief in building something that actually matters.
Dr. Yvonne Commodore-Mensah
Dr. Yvonne combines her deep expertise in heart health with a genuine passion for supporting African communities both here in the US and across the Atlantic. As a nurse epidemiologist, she doesn't just study cardiovascular disease—she creates real solutions through community partnerships that make a difference in people's everyday lives.
At the Glocal Cardiovascular Health Equity Lab at Johns Hopkins, her groundbreaking work has earned recognition from the American Heart Association and other prestigious organizations. But what really drives her is seeing how her innovative approaches to controlling blood pressure and improving heart health transform communities one person at a time.
When she's not in the lab or working with communities, you'll find Dr. Yvonne on the tennis court or challenging colleagues to ping pong matches—bringing the same energy and competitive spirit to her hobbies as she does to fighting cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Bunmi Ogungbe
Dr. Bunmi is a cardiovascular epidemiologist and clinical trialist committed to improving heart health in communities that need it most. Her work combines cutting-edge digital tools with deep community engagement to create real-world solutions for better health outcomes.
Her research spans from local US communities to global initiatives improving hypertension care in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa. Dr. Bunmi has received multiple awards for her innovative approaches, including recognition from the American Heart Association and Johns Hopkins University.
Dr. Rasheeta Chandler
Dr. Rasheeta is a pioneering researcher focused on HIV prevention and sexual health promotion in minority communities. Through groundbreaking studies, she's developed innovative ways to improve health education using social media and digital technologies.
As an Associate Professor at Emory University and Visiting Professor at UCSF's Center for AIDS Prevention Science, Dr. Rasheeta brings clinical expertise and research excellence to our team. Her contributions to minority health have been recognized nationally, including at the Congressional Black Caucus Health Brain Trust.
What We Stand For
At Mizzizi, our values aren’t just words — they guide how we create, connect, and grow. They’re rooted in who we are, where we come from, and where we’re headed.
Community First
We center the needs, voices, and experiences of Black and diverse communities in everything we do.
Trust Through Transparency
We build lasting relationships through honest communication and clear information.
Innovation With Purpose
We embrace new approaches that create meaningful change and practical solutions.
Equity in Action
We don't just talk about health equity – we create pathways to achieve it.
Excellence Always
We hold ourselves to the highest standards in our research, partnerships, and community engagement.
Join Our Movement
Together, we're writing a new chapter in healthcare research – one where everyone's story matters. Join us in building a future where medical breakthroughs benefit all communities equally.
Join Our Community