New Leader Chosen to Direct Coalition Serving Diverse Rare Disease Patients; Will Give Remarks at Global Genes RARE Health Equity Summit November 9-11th

The Rare Disease Diversity Coalition (RDDC), is pleased to announce the hire of its new Executive Director, Jenifer Ngo Waldrop.

The RDDC is a multicultural coalition leading efforts to identify solutions to alleviate the burden of rare diseases in communities of color. Launched in 2020 by Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI), RDDC is a partnership of the nation’s leading rare disease experts, patient and provider organizations, and health equity advocates working to address the extraordinary challenges faced by rare disease patients of color, their families, and communities.

Prior to joining RDDC, Waldrop led initiatives at non-profit organizations such as the Arthritis Foundation and the American Cancer Society. At both organizations, she recruited local community members to participate in numerous health-related fundraising events and developed programs to target disparities and underrepresented groups. In addition to facilitating development, Waldrop cultivated a reputation for successful coalition building. Under the banner of the Newark, NJ Cancer Coalition (sponsored by the American Cancer Society), Waldrop forged an alliance of multiple industries consisting of members from government and for-profit employees, church members, and other health-related and community associations.

“I’m excited to join the RDDC this Fall. The coalition’s mission and hyperfocus on those with rare diseases from underserved populations needs dedicated advocates– and I’m honored to serve as its new Executive Director. The team, including the founders of RDDC, have set a strong foundation to drive change. I look forward to elevating these actions to make an even greater impact for people of color with rare diseases counting on the RDDC to make a difference in their lives,” said Waldrop.

Launched in 2020 by The Black Women’s Health Imperative, RDDC is a partnership of the nation’s leading rare disease experts, patient and provider organizations, and health equity advocates working to address the extraordinary challenges faced by rare disease patients of color. Through research, advocacy, and collaboration, RDDC aims to advance evidence-based solutions to achieve greater equality within the rare disease community. Learn more at www.rarediseasediversity.org.

physically, emotionally, and financially. Our core mission is advancing health equity and social justice for Black women, across their lifespan, through policy, advocacy, education, research, and leadership development. For more information, please visit www.bwhi.org.