Get ready to discover the driving forces behind our project's success! We are honored to celebrate the incredible team members whose dedication, expertise, and professionalism propel us forward. Let's shine a spotlight on these remarkable individuals and the unique contributions they make every day.
The Bench Mark For Science Project Committee
At the heart of the Bench Mark For Science Project is a diverse team that effectively and efficiently balances each other's strengths and weaknesses. Each member adds a unique skillset and lived experience, enhancing the overall impact of the initiative. Learn about the project here.
Denetra Hampton, Chair
At the forefront is our visionary leader, whose strategic thinking sets the course for the entire team. Denetra Hampton excels in spotting industry trends and adapting to changes, ensuring we always stay ahead. With a keen talent in storytelling, and get-it-done attitude her guidance was critical in the installation of the inaugural bench placement less than a year after project launch.
Denetra is known for her exceptional project management skills. Her work is known to close gaps, improve outcomes and solve problems.
Jacquelyn Claude, Vice-Chair
Jacquelyn Claude, MSPH, BSN, RN is a nurse leadership expert and public health consultant. With 20+ years of clinical expertise and sharp strategic insight, Jacquelyn is a sought-after leader who changes how nurses are developed, healthcare is delivered, and communities are treated.
Fueled to drive impact on the largest scale possible, Jacquelyn founded Serenity Nurse Consulting to partner with healthcare organizations to address the glaring gaps in effective professional development for nurses.
Jacquelyn brings her unique ability to conduct research, develop and implement
public health programs and interventions and collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations. We are grateful to have her.
Captain Ebony Ferguson, Nurse Scientist
Next up is our nurse scientist, the lead behind implementation of the foundational principles of nursing throughout the storytelling process. She brings her military experience and Ivy league education as sharpening tools for the committee.
Captain Ferguson is the Director of Operations, Plans, and Policy at Naval Medical Forces
Atlantic. She leads a dedicated team responsible for manning, training, and equipping medical
expeditionary units that deliver critical care to warfighters across all domains—beneath the sea,
at sea, and ashore—ensuring their health and readiness for mission success.
Her journey of service and scholarship began with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from
Hampton University. This milestone laid the foundation for a dynamic career as part of
integrated healthcare teams, providing world-class medical care to Sailors, Marines, and their
families.
Driven by a commitment to advancing her profession, Ebony earned a Master of Science in
Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in Adult and Gerontology Primary
Care as both a Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist. Currently, she is pursuing a
Doctor of Philosophy degree at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Her
research focuses on urogenital infections that affect the health and operational readiness of
female warfighters.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ebony is deeply committed to her family. She is
married to Jawaun, a Health Care Administrator in the United States Navy, and together they are
the proud parents of twins, Will and Ava. Her dedication to her profession and family reflects her
commitment to serving others while embracing life’s greatest joys.
Tifany Lewis, Biology Scholar
Tifany Lewis is a genetic counselor with over 18 years of experience in cancer genetics. Tifany obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia before completing her master’s degree in Human Genetics at Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, New York. She is board-certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
Tifany currently leads the Genetic Counseling/Hereditary Cancer program at Virginia Oncology Associates (VOA).
She is passionate about patient care, health equity, and accessible genetic counseling and testing. In her role, Tifany educates and trains other healthcare professionals to identify patients at risk for hereditary cancer syndromes, while also serving as a site supervisor and mentor for future genetic counselors.
Tifany’s professional interests include hereditary cancer syndromes, health equity, and student education/training. She is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and Virginia Association of Genetic Counselors. She recently was appointed to serve on the Advisory Board on Genetic Counseling under Governor Glenn Youngkin for the state of Virginia.
Tifany currently resides in Virginia Beach with her husband and three children.
Dr. Shaughanassee Vines, Maternal Health Scholar
Shaughanassee Vines, DNP, CNE, CNM, FACNM is a certified nurse-midwife, nurse educator, and speaker. She is an alumnus of Old Dominion University where she earned her Bachelors and Masters of Science in Nursing. She was trained in midwifery at Shenandoah University and later earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Frontier Nursing University. Dr. Vines is the founder of HealthyHER Women’s Center in Virginia Beach, VA as well as an assistant professor at Frontier Nursing University. She is a women’s health scholar writing multiple publications, a textbook author, and conducting research at the University of California San Diego. She serves within a number of community organizations including a Fellow of the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM), an American Association of Birth Centers Foundation Board member, as well as a Board member for Envision Lead Grow and the Mt. Trashmore YMCA.
Yvette McInnis, Community Scholar
Yvette McInnis is a two-time Breast Cancer Survivor whose journey has proved to
be the life-changing catalyst for her mantra, BYOA (Be Your Own Advocate).
Because of her experiences during her journeys with this devastating disease,
she is passionate about the prevention and cure of Breast Cancer and takes
advantage of available opportunities to mentor, educate, and encourage newly-
diagnosed breast cancer patients and their families.
She recently accepted the call to increase her knowledge and skills in Holistic Cancer Treatment and Nutrition and is now a Certified Holistic Cancer Coach through the BEAT CANCER organization. She is also a breast cancer coach with SISTERS INFORMING SISTERS (SIS), a research
study program created and designed by Dr. Vanessa Sheppard (Virginia Commonwealth
University Massey Cancer Center) to improve communication and adherence in
Black Breast Cancer survivors.
Yvette McInnis received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science in 1987
from Old Dominion University. She has worked in the field of Information Technology for over thirty
years as a Software Engineer. We are grateful to have Yvette on the team and honored that she is sharing her many achievements to help us move the mission.
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Honoring Our Team's Contributions
As we celebrate the incredible individuals who contribute to our project's success, it's clear that each person plays a crucial role in shaping our journey. In acknowledging the contributions of every member, we highlight the importance of fostering a supportive and collaborative culture.
In closing, let’s celebrate our amazing team. Like, Share, Celebrate.
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