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About Us
Our Leaders
About Us
Black Girl White Coat (BGWC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and supporting Black women pursuing careers in healthcare through mentorship, scholarship, and academic resources.
Our Purpose
Our goal goes beyond increasing the number of Black women in medicine
We strive to ensure that every future doctor, nurse, and professional is supported, seen, and celebrated at every step of their journey.
We recognize that students from underrepresented backgrounds face unique challenges, stressors, and barriers along the path to professional success. These challenges won’t disappear overnight but together, we can make the journey less isolating and more empowering.
At Black Girl White Coat, we can’t promise the road will be easy. What we can promise is a community rooted in authenticity, mentorship, and real guidance — a network that walks beside you from classroom to clinic and beyond.
We’ve been there. We understand. And we’re here to make sure you never walk this path alone.
Our Story
What began in 2016 as a personal vlog documenting one woman’s journey through medicine has grown into a national movement for representation, mentorship, and equity in healthcare.
Today, BGWC connects thousands of students and professionals through programs, scholarships, and partnerships that open doors and create lasting change. Our work is fueled by the belief that representation saves lives — and that when Black women thrive in healthcare, entire communities benefit.
Our Leaders
Sandra Johnson, MD
Founder | President
Sandra Johnson is an Emergency Medicine physician based in the Greater Houston area with a passion for merging compassionate care with innovation. Beyond the ER, she’s diving into the world of healthcare technology and clinical AI — exploring how tech can bridge gaps, improve outcomes, and create a more equitable future in medicine.
A proud Houston native (and unapologetic Beyoncé and Megan Thee Stallion fan), Sandra is an alumna of Baylor University and UTHealth McGovern Medical School. She founded Black Girl White Coat to share her journey through medicine and inspire others — especially students from underrepresented backgrounds — to chase their dreams in healthcare.
When she’s not working with her BGWC community, testing out new ideas in clinical tech, or caring for patients, you can find her hopping on a flight to a new country or laughing over good food with friends and family.
Christle Nwora, MD
Treasurer
Christle Nwora (she/her) is an Internal Medicine and Pediatrics trained physician and a current Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine Fellow at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland. Born in Texas, Christle cheers for the Dallas Mavericks and the Texas Longhorns. She received her undergraduate degree in Humanities at the University of Texas at Austin and graduated from the University of Texas Houston Medical School. Christle wants to work in primary care with a special focus on adolescents. She values mentorship and wants a career in medical education focused on Student Affairs and Justice, Equity and Diversity spaces in Medical Education. She is excited to continue her role as the treasurer for Black Girl White Coat. If she isn't in the office, you can find her in the gym or taking a walk around Inner Harbor. You can find her children's book (The Hospital: The Inside Story) at major retail websites.
Tina Corbin
Secretary
Tina is an incoming medical student at the University of the West Indies. She has worked in healthcare for many years and is very excited to take the next step in her dream of becoming a physician! She has always been passionate about advocating for and providing allyship to underrepresented and marginalized groups. She has furthered her passion through working with Black Girl White Coat, starting as an intern in 2020, and has since held the roles of Administrative Assistant and now, Secretary on the Board of Directors. When not working, studying, or volunteering, she loves to spend time with her wild-haired three-year-old or go swimming at the nearest beach – yay for living in the tropics!
Joyce Idehen, MD
Director of Communications and Public Relations
Joyce is a Family Medicine Physician practicing outpatient (clinic) medicine in Houston, Texas. She was born in Nigeria and raised primarily in Houston. Joyce earned her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the best HBCU, Prairie View A&M University, and worked as a Registered Nurse for two years before attending medical school in the Caribbean. She completed her Family Medicine residency training in Chicago at Lawndale Christian Health Center, where she learned the intersection of faith and medicine. Joyce chose Family Medicine because it allows her to combine her passions for mental health, women’s health, preventive care, and health equity advocacy. Outside of work, Joyce enjoys watching Netflix, working out, trying new restaurants with her husband or friends, and traveling. She’s also a content creator who uses her platform to discuss Black health and wellness on Instagram.
Sam Okere
Director of Mentorship
Sam is originally from Oklahoma City, but has moved to a new city for every part of her training. However, she has been a die hard Philadelphia Eagles fan for the last four years and will always remember running down Broad Street in Philly after the Eagles won the Super Bowl! Currently, she is an Internal Medicine resident in New York City and serves as the BGWC Mentorship Director. As a mentor herself, she values creating a space for Black women to develop meaningful mentoring relationships. She plans to pursue gastroenterology with a focus on colon cancer screening and prevention. When not in the hospital, you can find her trying new restaurants, hanging out with friends and family, and cuddling with her cat!
Eunique Williams
Communications and Public Relations Officer
Eunique Williams is a first-year medical student and the Public Relations & Communications Officer for Black Girl White Coat. She leverages BGWC’s social media to amplify stories, mentorship, and pipeline initiatives that advance representation, equity, and access in healthcare. She has a passion for storytelling through media and a love for the creative arts—using both to connect communities with care.
Rachel Dunkley
Director of Donor and Partner Relations
Rachel Dunkley is a California Bay Area native and a recent graduate from the University of Texas at Austin. She graduated with a BSA in Human Development and Family Sciences and a minor in African and African-Diaspora Studies. She is passionate about equitable access to quality health care and creating safe spaces in healthcare for people of color and LGBT individuals. She hopes to one day pursue a career in pediatrics or sports medicine. Rachel is very excited to contribute to Black Girl White Coat in her position as Director of Donor and Partner Relations. Rachel’s interests include painting, traveling, soccer, Drake, and her dogs. When she is not studying you will likely find her in the gym, outdoors, or at a happy hour with her friends.
Azeezat Siyanbola
Mentorship Officer
Azeezat is a fourth-year medical student currently applying for residency. Born in Ibadan, Nigeria, and raised in the Bronx, NY, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience from Barnard College in 2019. During her gap years, Azeezat worked at a pediatric clinic, an experience that solidified her desire to care for children and advocate for health equity among families in underserved communities. She is especially passionate about health literacy, medical education, and increasing diversity in medicine. As a Mentorship Officer with Black Girl White Coat, Azeezat is proud to contribute to uplifting the next generation of Black women pursuing careers in the health professions. Outside of medicine, Azeezat enjoys anything spicy or mango-flavored, sipping on her favorite boba from Tiger Sugar, and treating herself to pastries. Beyond food, she enjoys video journaling and documentation.
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