2026 RISE Award Finalists

Chief Lisa Collins of the Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians is a respected tribal leader, community advocate, and healthcare professional whose career reflects a profound commitment to service. As Chief of one of South Carolina's state-recognized tribes and the Assistant Director of Nursing at the Veterans Victory House in Walterboro, she bridges two worlds—Indigenous leadership and modern healthcare—with integrity, compassion, and unwavering dedication.

In her capacity as Assistant Director of Nursing, Chief Collins provides essential oversight to one of the region's most important long-term care facilities for veterans. Her work ensures that elder veterans receive safe, high-quality, culturally informed, and patient-centered care. She leads with a strong focus on clinical excellence, workforce development, and patient advocacy, building trust among families and staff alike. Her commitment to public health extends far beyond clinical management—she promotes evidence-based practices, emergency preparedness, and holistic approaches to healing that uplift both patients and professional caregivers.

Within the Wassamasaw Tribe, Chief Collins is a powerful voice for health equity, cultural preservation, and community well-being. She was part of the original ad hoc committee that established the state's recognition process for Indigenous tribes, helping lay the foundation for fair representation and access to resources. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing land preservation efforts, environmental stewardship, and legislative advocacy benefiting tribal communities.

Chief Collins serves on multiple statewide boards and committees, including the State Recognition Committee, the Council of Chiefs, and the South Carolina Indian Development Council, where she champions health access, cultural programming, and community resilience. Her work supports initiatives that address longstanding disparities affecting South Carolina's Native populations—from access to primary care, to mental health resources, to culturally informed community health education.

As a tribal leader and healthcare professional, Chief Collins has played a major role in shaping public health initiatives that honor Indigenous knowledge and modern medical standards. She is a strong advocate for trauma-informed care, culturally competent healthcare systems, and trust-building between underserved communities and healthcare institutions. Her leadership is recognized statewide for elevating the needs of Indigenous people in conversations about healthcare reform, emergency response, environmental health, and long-term care planning.

Whether she is coordinating elder care for veterans, working to protect culturally significant lands, mentoring future healthcare workers, or advocating for legislation to support tribal communities, Chief Lisa Collins exemplifies service in every form. Her work strengthens not only the Wassamasaw Tribe, but the broader South Carolina community—building pathways toward healthier, more resilient, and more equitable futures for all.

I am honored to nominate Melvin Dizon, MSW, BSW, BA, DSW (c.), Medical Social Worker at Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, for the 2026 RISE Trailblazer Award. Melvin exemplifies the values of innovation, leadership, and transformative impact that define this prestigious recognition. His work reflects an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of medically underserved and aging populations, and his contributions seamlessly integrate clinical practice, technology, and community-driven health solutions.

Melvin is a frontline practitioner who has distinguished himself through groundbreaking innovation, particularly in developing a pilot program integrating artificial intelligence and robotics to close critical gaps in health care access for seniors in rural communities. Through this initiative, he has engineered AI-supported patient navigation pathways, telepresence robotics models designed for homebound seniors, and technology-enabled workflows that enhance appointment readiness, care coordination, and chronic disease management. These advancements directly address long-standing disparities in senior care, especially for individuals facing mobility limitations, transportation barriers, cognitive decline, or chronic disengagement from primary and behavioral health services. His work demonstrates that meaningful innovation can and must originate at the frontline, where patient needs are best understood and solutions can be tailored for real-world feasibility.

The measurable impact of Melvin’s contributions is significant. His strategies have helped reduce chronic no-show rates in Adult Medicine, improve continuity of care for high-risk older adults, and expand reach to individuals who have been historically left out of traditional health care delivery systems. He has also developed scalable, culturally grounded workflows explicitly designed for Federally Qualified Health Centers, enabling organizations with limited resources to adopt technology ethically and sustainably. His approach intentionally merges modern tools with trauma-informed, patient-centered care, ensuring that innovation does not replace human connection but enhances it.

Beyond clinical innovation, Melvin’s leadership extends into philanthropy, community development, and national service. A retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class, he brings a mission-driven perspective to health care, informed by personal resilience, integrity, and service. He has led statewide and national initiatives, raised substantial philanthropic support for vulnerable families, and developed emergency funds to support single mothers and domestic violence survivors. His influence is also evident in his academic leadership as a Doctor of Social Work candidate, where he contributes research focused on health equity, social determinants, and technology-enabled access for older adults in underserved regions.

Melvin embodies the courage, creativity, and determination at the heart of the RISE Trailblazer Award. His work honors the legacy of Dr. Martin L. Block by challenging conventional barriers in health care delivery and offering forward-thinking, replicable solutions rooted in compassion and evidence-based practice. His ability to blend innovation with deep cultural humility and community engagement sets a powerful example for the field. Melvin is not only advancing technology but also redefining what equitable care can look like for seniors and vulnerable populations nationwide.

For these reasons, I offer my strongest recommendation for Melvin Dizon as the 2026 RISE Trailblazer Award recipient. His visionary leadership, transformative contributions, and steadfast dedication to improving health care outcomes for seniors make him an exceptional and highly deserving nominee.

I am honored to nominate Dr. Teresa Tyson, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC, FAANP, for the 2026 RISE Trailblazer Award. Dr. Tyson’s career reflects the core mission of RISE—driving meaningful, measurable impact in health care—particularly for America’s seniors, who too often face barriers to access, continuity, and quality of care.

Dr. Tyson has dedicated her professional life to improving health outcomes for older adults in underserved and rural communities. Many of the seniors she serves face compounding challenges, including transportation limitations, fixed incomes, chronic disease, social isolation, and limited access to consistent primary care. Rather than accepting these barriers as inevitable, Dr. Tyson has led the development of innovative care models designed specifically to reach seniors where traditional systems have failed.

One of Dr. Tyson’s most significant contributions has been her leadership in advancing mobile and community-based health care delivery for older adults. By bringing care directly into communities through mobile clinics and trusted local sites, she has helped ensure seniors receive preventive care, chronic disease management, and timely interventions without the burden of long-distance travel or complex referral systems. These models have allowed many seniors to remain healthier, more independent, and more connected to care as they age.

Dr. Tyson’s work is marked by a clear focus on innovation with purpose. Her approach goes beyond providing services; it rethinks how care is structured for seniors with multiple needs. She has supported care models that integrate physical health, mental health, medication management, and health education—recognizing that effective senior care must be coordinated, accessible, and rooted in long-term relationships. These efforts have led to improved engagement, better management of chronic conditions, and reduced reliance on emergency care.

Leadership has been central to Dr. Tyson’s impact. She leads with a steady commitment to both patients and providers, building teams that are adaptable, mission-driven, and deeply invested in the communities they serve. She mentors clinicians to understand the unique needs of aging populations and encourages care approaches that emphasize dignity, respect, and patient voice. Her leadership has helped cultivate a workforce that is not only clinically skilled but genuinely committed to improving quality of life for seniors.

Dr. Tyson’s dedication is especially evident in her willingness to pursue transformative change in challenging environments. Serving seniors in rural and underserved regions often requires navigating limited funding, workforce shortages, and regulatory constraints. Dr. Tyson has consistently demonstrated the courage and determination to push forward despite these obstacles. She has secured partnerships, built sustainable programs, and maintained services even when resources were strained—always prioritizing the needs of older adults who depend on consistent care.

Creativity is another defining element of Dr. Tyson’s trailblazing work. She has supported innovative partnerships and community-centered solutions that recognize seniors as active participants in their health rather than passive recipients of care. These efforts have strengthened trust between providers and patients and have helped address issues such as medication adherence, preventive screening, and health education in ways that resonate with older adults.

The impact of Dr. Tyson’s work is both tangible and lasting. Seniors served through programs she has led experience improved access to care, stronger continuity with providers, and increased confidence in managing their health. Perhaps most importantly, her work helps seniors remain healthier and more independent in their communities—a goal that lies at the heart of meaningful health care transformation.

In addition to her direct impact on patient care, Dr. Tyson has served as an inspiring example of leadership within the health care industry. As a respected nurse practitioner leader and Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, she has helped elevate the role of advanced practice providers in senior care and has advocated for models that prioritize access, quality, and compassion.

Most recently, Dr. Tyson has spearheaded the development of Central Appalachia’s first free and charitable pharmacy, St. Mary’s Faith Pharmacy, addressing one of the region’s most urgent gaps in care: access to essential medications for seniors and medically vulnerable patients. Under her leadership, the pharmacy became a trusted, sustainable resource for patients who otherwise could not afford or obtain their prescriptions, particularly those managing chronic conditions. In 2025 alone, St. Mary’s Faith Pharmacy delivered $2.5 million in lifesaving medications, with a critical focus on insulin and respiratory treatments, helping ensure continuity of care in a region where access to health services is often uncertain. Through this work, Dr. Tyson not only introduced a groundbreaking service to Central Appalachia but also created a dependable lifeline for patients who rely on consistent medication to survive and maintain their independence.

Dr. Tyson’s career embodies the spirit of the RISE Trailblazer Award. Through innovation, leadership, and unwavering dedication, she has made a significant difference in the lives of America’s seniors. Her work reflects courage in the face of challenge, creativity in problem-solving, and determination to improve care where it is needed most.

For these reasons, Dr. Teresa Tyson is an exceptional and deserving candidate for the 2026 RISE Trailblazer Award.

Rebecca Desir exemplifies the essence of the RISE Health Care Hero Award through her unwavering commitment to advancing health equity and addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) in underserved communities. Her multifaceted approach combines grassroots community engagement with strategic leadership in healthcare systems, resulting in tangible improvements in health outcomes and access.

Community Engagement and Empowerment:
As the Founder and Executive Director of the Black Health Commission (BHC), Rebecca has spearheaded initiatives that directly address SDOH. The flagship BLK JOY Festival, under her leadership, has grown from 150 attendees to over 2,000 community members in five years. This annual event provides free health screenings, mental health resources, maternal health services, and wellness activities, effectively bridging gaps in healthcare access for Black communities in Central Florida.

Strategic Leadership in Healthcare Systems:
In her role at AdventHealth, Rebecca leads the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) across eight hospital campuses. She has implemented innovative frameworks that prioritize community voices, ensuring that healthcare strategies align with the specific needs of underserved populations. Her work has led to the allocation of resources toward mental health services, food security programs, and maternal health initiatives, demonstrating a systemic approach to addressing SDOH.

Mentorship and Capacity Building:
Beyond her organizational roles, Rebecca is a sought-after consultant and mentor. Through Desir Consulting, she advises nonprofits, health departments, and foundations on developing culturally competent health programs. Her guidance has empowered organizations to implement effective strategies that address health disparities and promote equity.

Recognition and Impact:
Rebecca’s contributions have been acknowledged through several accolades, including the Orlando Business Journal 40 Under 40, Black Health Connect 40 Under 40, and being a finalist for the Orlando Sentinel Central Floridian of the Year. These honors reflect her significant impact on health equity and community well-being.

Rebecca Desir’s holistic approach to healthcare—combining direct community engagement, systemic change, and mentorship—makes her a deserving recipient of the 2026 RISE Health Care Hero Award.

The RISE Healthcare Hero Award is designed to honor individuals whose work elevates the meaning of service, compassion, and leadership in healthcare. In 2026, this recognition should shine on Dr. Tobb, a woman whose career has been defined by an unwavering commitment to disadvantaged communities. Through her clinical excellence, advocacy, and deep-rooted compassion, she has consistently chosen to stand where the need is greatest. Her work embodies the heart of healthcare: not simply treating illness, but transforming lives, strengthening communities, and challenging the inequities that have long shaped health outcomes in America.

From the earliest days of her career, Dr. Tobb recognized that health disparities are not abstract statistics but lived realities. They are the mother who postpones care because she cannot afford to miss work, the elderly patient who lacks transportation to appointments, and the child whose chronic condition worsens because specialty care is out of reach. Rather than turning away from these challenges, she stepped toward them. She chose to work in clinics, neighborhoods, and community spaces where the healthcare system has historically fallen short. Her presence in these environments is not incidental—it is intentional, grounded in a belief that every person deserves dignity, respect, and access to quality care.

Her clinical work alone would merit recognition. Dr. Tobb delivers care with expertise, empathy, and a deep understanding of the social and economic forces that shape health. She listens without judgment, explains without condescension, and treats each patient as a whole person rather than a collection of symptoms. Her patients trust her not only because of her medical skill but because she sees them—truly sees them—in a system that often overlooks or misunderstands them. This trust is transformative. It leads to earlier interventions, better adherence to treatment, and improved long-term outcomes. It also fosters a sense of empowerment among patients who may have felt marginalized or dismissed in other healthcare settings.

But Dr. Tobb’s influence extends far beyond the exam room. She is a builder—of programs, partnerships, and pathways that expand access to care. She has developed community-based initiatives that bring preventive services directly to neighborhoods where transportation, cost, and awareness are major barriers. She collaborates with schools, faith organizations, shelters, and local nonprofits to ensure that healthcare is not confined to clinics but woven into the fabric of daily life. Through health education workshops, screenings, and outreach events, she equips individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their health. Her work acknowledges that true wellness requires more than medical treatment; it requires community engagement, trust, and sustained support.

Her leadership is equally impactful. Dr. Tobb advocates fiercely for policies that address the root causes of health inequity—poverty, housing instability, food insecurity, and systemic discrimination. She uses her voice to highlight the gaps in care that disproportionately affect low-income families, immigrants, rural populations, and communities of color. Whether speaking to policymakers, hospital administrators, or medical students, she brings clarity, urgency, and humanity to conversations about equity. She challenges institutions to rethink how they deliver care and whom they prioritize. Her advocacy is not theoretical; it is grounded in the lived experiences of the patients she serves every day.

Mentorship is another cornerstone of Dr. Tobb’s legacy. She understands that representation matters—not only for patients but for the future of healthcare itself. She invests in young professionals, especially women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, who aspire to careers in medicine, nursing, public health, and community care. Through guidance, encouragement, and example, she helps shape a new generation of healthcare leaders who are both clinically excellent and socially conscious. Her mentees often describe her as the person who made them believe they belonged in healthcare, who showed them that compassion and advocacy are not optional but essential.

Innovation is also central to her work. Dr. Tobb embraces new models of care that prioritize accessibility, cultural competence, and patient empowerment. She has championed telehealth initiatives that connect patients in remote or resource-limited areas with specialists they would otherwise never reach. She has helped implement mobile health units that bring essential services to communities with limited infrastructure. She has supported the integration of behavioral health into primary care settings, recognizing the profound connection between mental and physical well-being. Her approach is holistic, forward-thinking, and deeply responsive to the realities of the populations she serves.

What sets Dr. Tobb apart is not only what she does but how she does it. She leads with humility, empathy, and a steadfast belief in the inherent worth of every person. She does not view disadvantaged communities as problems to be solved but as partners in the pursuit of better health. She listens before she acts, collaborates rather than dictates, and adapts her strategies based on the voices of those most affected. Her work is grounded in respect—respect for culture, for lived experience, and for the resilience of communities that have long navigated adversity.

The RISE Healthcare Hero Award celebrates individuals who elevate healthcare through service, innovation, and humanity. Few embody these qualities more fully than Dr. Tobb, a woman who has devoted her career to disadvantaged communities. Her work is not defined by accolades or recognition but by impact—measurable, meaningful, and lasting. She has improved health outcomes, expanded access to care, and strengthened the social fabric of the communities she serves. She has inspired colleagues, mentored future leaders, and advocated for systemic change. She has shown what healthcare can achieve when compassion and equity guide every decision.

In honoring Dr. Tobb, the RISE Healthcare Hero Award would not only celebrate her achievements but also affirm the values she represents: that healthcare must be accessible, equitable, and rooted in humanity. Her story is a reminder that true heroism in healthcare is not found in titles or prestige but in service—consistent, courageous, and deeply compassionate service to those who need it most.