National Executive Board
2023-2024
ISA PRUDE - President
Hometown: Miramar, FL
Optometry School: NSUCO, Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry Class of 2024
Why I chose Optometry: When I entered undergrad, I knew I wanted to be a doctor but I didn’t know what kind. I had the opportunity to explore many health professions and fell in love with optometry. Optometry has the flexibility to be practiced in many different modalities and that appealed to me. I also love the personal connection we are able to build with our patients because we help them with often one of their most valued senses.
Passions outside of Optometry: I love to bake and cook. I make bread and pastries as part of my stress relief during school. I also love reading, spending time outdoors, and Disney World.
Interesting Fact: I have been a vegetarian my whole life!
Why NOSA: One of my main professional goals and passions is to engage in outreach and connect to Black and other underrepresented communities in optometry. NOSA’s mission of advancing the vision was exactly the space and community I needed to be able to foster those goals. NOSA has also been a place of community, mentorship, and joy for me while I have been in optometry school.
Any Advice for First-year Optometry Students: Relax. Take a breath and be proud of yourself for how far you have come. There will be some obstacles and challenges during this process, but there also will be victories- don’t forget to celebrate them.
Ade Owolewa - Vice President
Hometown: Lynn, Massachusetts
Optometry School: NECO, New England College of Optometry Class of 2024
Why I chose Optometry: Working as an optician has deepened my passion for optometry. Opticianry has provided me with valuable insight on interpreting prescriptions and the detailed process of accurately manufacturing those prescriptions. After working with a handful of different optometrists , I decided that I wanted to build on my optical knowledge by pursuing the rigorous training provided in optometry school to become an optometric professional capable of providing the eye health care and advice that every person deserves.
Interesting fact: I’m an ABO Certified Dispensing Optician!
Passions outside of optometry: I enjoy painting , poetry, and coming up with creative healthcare innovations
Why I chose NOSA: I was immediately attracted to NOSA the moment I learned of their humanitarian work and commitment to diversifying the profession of optometry. I’ve felt nothing but the utmost support, guidance, and empowerment from my NOSA family. Plus, being a NOSA member has given me the opportunity to meet other future OD’s of color, enabling us to uplift one another along the journey.
Any Advice for First-year Optometry Students: Stay connected! Start your optometric journey with an open mind and get involved at your optometry school by joining organizations such as NOSA & AOSA. Putting a little effort into staying well connected will go a long way!
Faiza Huissain - Treasurer
Hometown: Highland, California
Optometry School: Inter American University of Puerto Rico, School of Optometry Class of 2025
Why I choose optometry: I chose optometry because I believe that vision is one of the most vital senses that many people take for granted. I got my glasses at a very young age and I hated wearing them because everyone in my family had 20/20 vision, so I felt like the outcast. It wasn't until years later (and many diopters later) I found an optometrist who made me feel comfortable wearing my glasses and gave me the option of contact lenses as well. After that moment I decided that I wanted to be on the other side of the phoropter and help people get that 20/20 in the same way that I did.
Passions outside of optometry: I was a makeup artist for 9 years before I started optometry school so I absolutely love all things glam and fashion. I also love to bake, read and dance.
Interesting fact: I wanted to be an actress when I was young.
Why NOSA: Over the past few years I have come learn what a wonderfully committed organization NOSA is in helping those who need it most. What NOSA does for it's students and minority communities is inspiring and I want to be a part of that in any way I can be.
Any Advice for First-year Optometry Students: You have a long, hard journey in front of you and at some points it will feel overwhelming and exhausting but always keep the end goal in mind and remember why you're here and what this means for you. Stay strong and don't hesitate to reach out if you ever need help.
Sherrall Jenkins - Recording Secretary
Hometown: Pearl, Mississippi
Optometry School: KYCO, Kentucky College of Optometry Class of 2024
Why I chose Optometry: I chose optometry because I will never forget the feeling I had when I got my first pair of glasses as a young kid. It was my optometrist, at the time, who inspired me to want to do the same for others. As I began to learn more about the role Optometrists play in the overall health and community, I knew I wanted to be apart of this amazing field.
Interesting fact: I absolutely love to cook!
Passions outside of optometry: I enjoy playing the piano and trying new recipes!
Why NOSA: I chose NOSA because I loved their mission to serve the minority and underserved community. Since I have been a part of NOSA, it has been like joining a big, great family. I have had the opportunity to make so many meaningful connections and receive much needed support and motivation throughout my time in school.
Any Advice for First-year Optometry Students: My advice to first-year students would be to try to not fall behind and never be afraid or ashamed to ask for help.
dominica Dzakah - NOA/NOSA MEntorship Liaison
Hometown: Hohoe, Ghana
Optometry School: PCO, Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University, Class of 2025
Why I chose Optometry: Many factors went into my decision of choosing optometry but the most vital were my experience when I had my first eye exam at age 10 and when I worked as an optician in college. I fell in love with the profession the moment I started working as an optician and I decided to explore more by shadowing a few optometrists around. I enjoyed every part of it and knew this was what I wanted my career to be.
Passions outside of optometry: I love reading books, going to converts, visiting museums and traveling.
Interesting Fact: I started a podcast during my 2nd year of optometry school.
Why NOSA: I chose NOSA because of its dedication to providing service to underserved communities. I enjoy volunteering so I wanted a resource that will give me opportunities to serve and I found that with this organization. NOSA has provided me with great mentors, amazing colleagues and opened numerous doors for me that are more than enough.
Any Advice for First-year Optometry Students: Figure out your best study method as soon as you can and don’t procrastinate. Take breaks, give yourself grace when things are not going the way you want, ask for help, and celebrate your wins!
Azalia RocheLle Roach - Historian I
Hometown: Greenwood, MS
Optometry School: NSUCO, Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry Class of 2024
Why I chose optometry: My mother, Doris Renee Roach, and my father, Roosevelt Roach, Jr. brought me into and raised me in a family of educators, law enforcement officers, truck drivers, healthcare providers and caregivers. Service was ingrained in me at a very young age, and, when it was time for me to choose my path, I chose optometry. The optometrist was the only doctor I enjoyed going to as a child, and my interest and love for eyes grew more and more each year, especially after I had the privilege of shadowing Dr. Shorye Payne while in the Summer Health Professions Education Program in Louisville, KY.
Interesting fact: I marched in the Sounds of Dy-No-Mite Marching Band at Alcorn State University with the best marchers in the band, Sax Dawg!
Passions outside of optometry: I enjoy nurturing my plants, dabbling in paint, and lacing up my skates from time to time. Most importantly, I love being of service to all mankind.
Why NOSA: I chose to be a part of an organization that welcomed me into the family even as a preparatory optometry student. NOSA introduced me to people that look like me doing amazing things, and they have shown me that I can do amazing things as well! What better way to share the love that NOSA has shown me than to be a mentor to minority pre-optometry and optometry students and leave behind “ Petals for Surviving Optometry School”.
Any Advice for First-year Optometry Students: “Work hard now so that you don’t have to work hard later.” – Lee Roach, RN
JoAnndria brown - Historian II
Hometown: Madison, MS
Optometry School: SCO, Southern College of Optometry Class of 2025
Why I chose optometry: I chose optometry after my junior year of undergrad. I have always been interested in the healthcare field because my mother is a nurse. I had the pleasure of shadowing my optometrist, Dr. Dampier, and it was a life-changing experience. I enjoyed the way he educated his patients with diabetes, hypertension, and glaucoma. All of these conditions are prominent in the black community, and I want to educate my patients about these vision-threatening diseases.
Interesting fact: I pole-vaulted in high school and placed #1 in the state.
Passions outside of optometry: I love to go rock climbing 3-4 times a week. I also build Legos.
Why NOSA: NOSA has poured so much into my optometry journey. It was the first organization that I joined in optometry school. It is a safe space filled with many resources to have a successful optometry journey as a minority.
Any Advice for First-year Optometry Students: If you’re always comfortable, you’re not growing.
Parliamentarian - Lauren Price
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
School: University of Houston College of Optometry Class of 2025
Why I chose optometry: Identifying my purpose in impact, my decision to pursue a career in optometry was driven by my love for patient care with a sprinkle of a fashion element. In addition to this, I’m a firm believer in ‘if you can see it, you can be it’ (a phrase coined by Black Eyecare Perspective). Having the pleasure of being cared for by a black optometrist for 12 years+ has played a substantial role in my career choice.
Interesting Fact: I love to birdwatch. I love to go shopping. I adore playing golf and am competitive by nature. I value time outside. I feel great when I dance; House music, Latin, and Hip Hop are my favorite.
Why NOSA: My HBCU alma mater Hampton University introduced me to the National Optometric (Student) Association through their HBCU Mentorship Program. I am an advocate for feeding into those who have fed into me. It’s a privilege to hold a position on the national board upholding NOSA’s mission alongside my team members for organizational advancement.
Any Advice for First-year Optometry Students: Imposter syndrome is real. Keep your head down, stay focused, and be your own biggest advocate. Keep sight of your ‘Why’ and know you are here for a reason. Connect with ODs and #FutureODs who have walked a further path before times get tough. Use your resources (ie. JOIN NOSA).
Babirekere Bakama -Corresponding Secretary
Hometown: Houston, TX
School: IAUPR, Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Optometry Class of 2025
Why I chose optometry: I chose optometry after a meaningful encounter with an optometrist during my time as a pharmacy technician. He took the time to engage with me and sparked my interest in the profession.
Interesting Fact: At the start of 2023 I decided to become a runner. I started with no specific goal, just motivation.
Passions outside of optometry: I love creating whether it's via social media content, art, or DIY’s. Feels good seeing your vision come to life.
Why NOSA: I chose to be a part of the NOSA because it directly aligns my desire to aid underserved populations. Students like me work towards our goal of serving others while still in school, allowing us to make a positive impact on our community and the field of optometry.
Any Advice for First-year Optometry Students: In your first year of optometry, always prioritize your mindset and mental health; they will be the guiding force to overcome the stress, exams, and proficiencies. Take time for self-care, always seek support when needed, and maintain a positive outlook to thrive in your academic journey.
What would I like to bring: I would like to bring more unity and fluidity in communication between NOSA chapters. This collaborative effort looks like more joint events, virtual meet and greets, and other activities that strengthen connections and promote a sense of community among the chapters.
NOA Student director -
Brittany Wright, OD, MS
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Optometry School: SCO, Southern College of Optometry
Why I chose Optometry: During undergrad, I knew healthcare was where I wanted to be but was not sure in what capacity. I decided to pursue a master's degree in biomedical research with encouragement from my undergrad research sponsor...I quickly realized I needed a little more interpersonal interaction; shadowed some healthcare professionals in my area and felt Optometry was the best fit to blend my love for science, health, and community!
Why NOSA/NOA: NOSA was a source of support, encouragement, and resources during my time as an optometry student. NOSA provided my first opportunity to support this profession on a national stage as NOSA National President. Returning to the NOA is so important as it provides space to return all that was poured into me as student while helping the organization propel into new heights!
Interesting fact: I am an avid Chicago Bears fan!!!
nOA Student Director - Janette Dumas Pepper, OD
Hometown: Tamms, Illinois
Optometry School: UMSL, University of Missouri- St Louis Optometry
Why I chose optometry: My optometrist growing up was able to connect with me better than my pediatrician or dentist. I liked his bedside manner, and I thought I could do what he did. I decided this at the age of 11.
Interesting fact: I grew up on a farm.
Passions outside of optometry: I am a planner girl! I love planners, stickers, pens, etc.!
Why NOSA: When I was in optometry school, I didn't realize the true value of NOSA until the first convention I attended third year. Seeing all of the doctors who looked like me changed my life. The level of community I felt in an occupation where I was a minority was rejuvenating. I wanted to be a part of the organization that fueled that experience.
Any Advice for First-year Optometry Students: You belong! Regardless of how you feel, you belong in the optometric profession.