Board of Directors
Diversity In Dentistry Memberships, Inc.
Dr. Laila Hishaw is a leading advocate for diversity in dentistry and children's oral health. She holds Fellowships in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American College of Dentists, and International College of Dentists. As the founder of Diversity in Dentistry Mentorships, Inc. in 2018, she strives to strengthen the pathway to dental school for underrepresented minorities through mentoring, educational programs, and scholarships. Dr. Hishaw is an accomplished private-practice owner, Amazon bestselling author of "Cavity Free Kids," and has been featured on Discovery Health Channel, podcasts, and publications. She actively serves on the ADA Task Force and Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation's Board of Directors.
DR. LAILA HISHAW
Dr. Laila Hishaw serves as the Founder & President. She is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist, Speaker, Author, and Consultant
Dr. Jonelle G. Anamelechi is a board-certified pediatric dentist, CEO of Children’s Choice Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in DC and MD, bestselling author, and speaker. She earned her undergraduate degree from Duke University and pursued dentistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Anamelechi completed her pediatric dental residency at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and founded Children’s Choice Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in 2014 and 2019. She holds faculty positions at Children’s National Hospital, Medstar Georgetown Hospital, and Georgetown School of Law. Her work focuses on children with craniofacial abnormalities, oral health disparities, and health equity. Dr. Anamelechi is involved in various professional organizations and has been recognized as a top doctor. She enjoys traveling, lego building, gardening, and exploring new foods with her husband and their two children.
New Board Member
DR. JONELLE GRANT ANAMELECHI
Dr. Anamelechi serves as a Board Member. She is the CEO of Children's Choice Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Author & Speaker
Luma Fohtung Chenyi is a passionate advocate for health equity and representation in oral health professions. Currently serving on the Founding Board of Directors for Diversity in Dentistry Mentorships, Inc., she holds the roles of Secretary and Programming Chair. Luma ensures mentees receive valuable insight and support from their mentors and develops curriculum to help them achieve their dental school goals. With a strong background in NGOs focused on access to care and health disparities globally, Luma is a second-year dental student at Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso. She actively participates in multiple campus organizations, advocating for access and equity in oral health. Luma is also a proud mother to three amazing boys.
STUDENT DR. LUMA CHENYI
Mrs. Luma Chenyi serves as Board Secretary. She is a dental student at Texas Tech Woody L. Hunt School of Dental Medicine and NGO Board Member
Dr. O.S. Butch Diggs is a graduated of UC--San Francisco School of Dentistry. He owns a private practice and is the lead clinician at J.C. Rose Prosthodontic Dental Clinic in Tucson, AZ. As an educator, he has served as Department Chair for the Dental Division at Kino Community Hospital and clinial instructor for the Graduate Dental Residency Program. Dr. Diggs is an expert in Laser Dentistry and an instructor for LARES Institute. For several years, he has been a mentor for Pre-Dental Students at the University of Arizona Pre-Dental Honor Society. Outside of dentistry, his talents are seen in his music working with greats such as Chaka Khan, Gerald Albright, Paul Jackson, Jr. and more!
DR. O.S. BUTCH DIGGS
Dr. O.S. Diggs serves as a Board Member. He is a General and Cosmetic Dentist and a mentor and advisor for the University of Arizona Pre-Dental Club.
Dr. Edmond R. Hewlett is Professor and Associate Dean for Outreach and Diversity at the UCLA School of Dentistry. A Los Angeles native, Dr. Hewlett was a UCLA undergrad from 1972 to 1976, received his D.D.S. degree from the UCLA 1980, and completed a General Practice Residency program at the University of Illinois, Chicago in 1981. He practiced as an associate and taught part-time at UCLA for six years before accepting a full time faculty position at UCLA in 1987, and he completed postgraduate training in Prosthodontics at UCLA in 2003. Dr. Hewlett’s bibliography includes numerous scientific articles and abstracts in peer-reviewed journals and two book chapters. He also serves as a consultant to the FDA and Consumer Advisor for the ADA. He has presented over 300 invited lectures and courses on adhesive restorative dentistry materials and techniques both nationally and internationally, and has earned numerous awards for his teaching.
DR. EDMOND HEWLETT
Dr. Edmond Hewlett serves as a Board Member. He is a Professor and Associate Dean for Outreach and Diversity at UCLA School of Dentistry.
Dr. Williams is a native Houstonian. He graduated from Meharry Medical College with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2011. After graduation, he completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Pennsylvania-Veteran Affairs Medical Center. Later he discovered a passion for sedation and trained at Augusta University where he received his IV Sedation Certificate. His focus is providing IV Sedation, Oral Surgery, Implantology, and Coaching. Dr. Williams' motto is "Service Above Self" and his goal is to share his passion for dentistry with you.
DR. JARED WILLIAMS
Dr. Jared Williams serves as Board Vice President. He is a Concierge Dental Surgeon and Surgical Coach focusing on implantology and anesthesia.
Lynette Rodriguez is a versatile and accomplished professional in the dental field. She graduated from Adelphi University with a Bachelor's degree in Business in 2015. With a wealth of experience, Lynette has held multiple positions at LIDA DENTAL, where she has overseen office management and excelled as both a lead dental assistant and office manager. She has also worked as an oral surgery assistant at Advanced Dental Arts and DENTAL365, where she played various roles, including lead dental assistant, front desk receptionist, and assistant manager. Lynette's dedication extends beyond her work, as she has volunteered for organizations such as Give Kids a Smile and Unspoken Smiles. Fluent in Spanish and equipped with strong technical skills, Lynette brings a valuable blend of expertise and passion to Diversity in Dentistry Mentorships.
MS. LYNETTE RODRIGUEZ
Ms. Lynette Rodriguez serves as Board Treasurer. She is a Practice Management Consultant and Fellow at Unspoken Smiles.
