Our Team
Dr. Mary K. Awuonda
Director
Dr. Mary Awuonda (formerly Dr. Mary Maneno) received her PhD in Pharmacy Administration with an emphasis in training in Pharmacoepidemiology and Health Services Research from Howard University and has been an active faculty researcher since 2011. Dr. Mary Awuonda currently serves as an Associate Professor and Director of the Center of Excellence at the Howard University College of Pharmacy. In her directorship role she helps the College advance its healthcare workforce diversification mission and student academic success initiatives. Mary believes that a student-centered organizational mindset and pipeline programs are critical to supporting the advancement of underrepresented minority students into STEM and health care professions. To that end Mary has successfully facilitated continuous funding for the Center for the past 10 years . She has also designed 3 pipeline academic programs and managed 18 academic and clinical partnerships working with the Center. Through the center’s research efforts, she is also well published in the areas of minority health, health disparities ,health outcomes research and workforce diversification.
Carrie Crowther-Brown
Assistant Director
Carrie Crowther-Brown is a dedicated public health professional and Assistant Director at the Telepharmacy and Population Health Training Center at Howard University. With a strong background in public health education, workforce development, and program implementation, Carrie brings both strategic insight and compassionate leadership to her role.
A two-time graduate of Howard University, Carrie earned her Master of Public Health and Bachelor of Science in Biology with a commitment to using education as a tool for advancing health equity. She currently manages the day-to-day operations of federally funded workforce training initiatives, including the Public Health Informatics and Technology for DC (PHIT4DC) program and the University’s innovative Pharmacy Technician Training Program.
Carrie is passionate about building sustainable pipelines into health careers for underrepresented populations. Her work bridges the gap between community needs and workforce readiness—designing programs, building cross-sector partnerships, and mentoring students to thrive academically and professionally. She has led efforts to develop culturally responsive curricula, strengthen community partnerships, and align training efforts with evolving healthcare technologies, such as telepharmacy and electronic health records.
Known for her empathy, organizational excellence, and data-driven approach, Carrie is committed to improving public health outcomes by empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals. Her work continues to center the values of equity, education, and community.
Zevlin Staten
Program Manager
Dr. Zevlin Staten is an accomplished educator, workforce development professional, and program administrator with more than 22 years of experience in the field of education, workforce development, and community engagement. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to empowering individuals through education, career pathways, and innovative workforce initiatives.
Dr. Staten has served in leadership roles across government, higher education, and the nonprofit sector. Most recently, he worked with the District of Columbia Government at the DC Infrastructure Academy (DCIA), where he served as both Program Manager and Director of Admissions, overseeing recruitment, admissions, student success initiatives, and strategic partnerships designed to prepare residents for high-demand careers in infrastructure and the skilled trades.
Prior to his work with DCIA, Dr. Staten held program leadership positions with respected nonprofit organizations, including Centro de Apoyo Familiar and A Father's Place, where he managed programs focused on family support, workforce development, and community empowerment.
Known for his collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and passion for service, Dr. Staten is dedicated to creating opportunities that transform lives and strengthen communities. He believes in the power of education to open doors and create lasting economic mobility for individuals and families.
A proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. since 2001, Dr. Staten remains committed to the fraternity’s ideals of leadership, scholarship, fellowship, and service. He continues to mentor emerging professionals and advocate for educational and workforce equity throughout the communities he serves.
Dr. Monika Daftary
Faculty Member
Dr. Monika Daftary is a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist and trained ambulatory care pharmacist with over 25 years of experience in HIV therapeutics. A pioneer in the field, she established one of the earliest antiretroviral stewardship programs, which she led from 1999 to 2014. Her practice has centered on developing innovative clinical sites, training student pharmacists and post-graduate trainees, and advancing care for both HIV-infected and non-infected populations.
Dr. Daftary serves as Co-Principal Investigator for the Mid-Atlantic AIDS Education and Training Center (MAAETC) – Howard University, Washington, DC Site – a program funded by HRSA through a subcontract from the University of Pittsburgh. In this role, she has led efforts to train healthcare providers across the District of Columbia, focusing on medication use, health literacy, chronic disease management, and healthy aging.
With over two decades of experience in health services research, Dr. Daftary has most recently co-led the development of a pharmacy-based telehealth platform with expanded services in medication therapy management (MTM). She has mentored pharmacy students, residents, fellows, junior faculty, and infectious disease fellows (MDs), contributing extensively to both clinical practice and research.
Since 2013, Dr. Daftary has also been actively involved with the Continuing Pharmacy Education (CPE) program at Howard University, initially leading improvements in accreditation and operations, and later serving as program administrator through 2018. The CPE office now reports to her department, where she continues to provide strategic guidance.
Dr. Daftary’s career reflects a deep commitment to advancing pharmacy practice, patient care, and provider education, particularly within underserved and ambulatory care settings.
Dr. Jessica Lyons
Faculty Member
Dr. Lyons received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Howard University College of Pharmacy in 2020. Upon graduation, Dr. Lyons completed a two-year ambulatory care fellowship with Howard University College of Pharmacy Center of Excellence. Dr. Lyons has worked in Howard University Hospital and affiliated partners to manage the chronic disease states for the most vulnerable populations in Washington DC.
As a DC native, Dr. Lyons finds extreme joy in serving her community. Dr. Lyons has also facilitated lectures and served as a preceptor for the university. Dr. Lyons serves as the co-coordinator for the pharmacy preparation course, a program designed to help incoming first-year students navigate the challenges of pharmacy school. She is passionate about cultivating confident, capable, and valuable contributors to the profession of pharmacy. Dr. Lyons looks forward to continuing her journey in healthcare.