IT’S PERSONAL
Our Team
Founded by Oya Gilbert in 2024 and inspired by his personal Multiple Myeloma journey, the Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation is powered by a small and passionate team — and growing bigger every day.
Meet Oya Gilbert
Oya is a podcaster, a father of three, and a notable artist in the Delaware hip-hop community. Known as “Grand G,” he came up hard, spittin’ rhymes in the streets of Wilmington, which led to a record deal and numerous song releases.
Since his stem cell transplant in 2018, he continues learning to live with the ever-changing reminders of the cancer and subsequent daily dose of chemo.
But he’s also turned his pain into power. Thanks to the invaluable support he’s received from the staff and patients in his stem cell support group, Oya was moved to take things a step further. By partnering with the International Myeloma Foundation, he’s leading a new Multiple Myeloma support group in Hagerstown, MD.
His group welcomes patients and their caregivers in southern PA, northern MD, and northern WV. He’s also partnered with well-known names like Pfizer and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to help spread awareness in the black and brown communities and educate those living in underserved and undereducated areas.
Amy Katzenberg
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
C-suite strategist and innovator, Amy has been developing websites, digital products and brands for more than 30 years. With her wealth of experience, Amy has become an expert in leveraging consumer and business insights, and strategically applying technology to generate loyalty, revenue and brand value.
Over the last decade, she has focused almost exclusively on non-profit development, and has been working along side Oya since he launched the foundation in January 2024.
Angela Valentine
SENIOR HEALTHCARE DATA ANALYST
Angela brings 25 years of advanced knowledge of healthcare and revenue cycles. Her healthcare career began as a phlebotomist, and then working in family practice.
Angela advanced to high dollar commercial insurance follow-up and became a Revenue Cycle Analyst for one of the largest Women’s Health organization in Oregon and then Revenue Cycle Director for the largest non-profit sexual and reproductive rights organizations in Oregon & SW Washington before starting her own Healthcare Consultancy in 2022.
Our Board of Directors
Our Homies
Arrival time to Pfizer’s HQ was 8am and as you can see, we have a squad of advocates with a seat at the table…more to come
#stoptalkingdosomthing
Arrival time to Pfizer’s HQ was 8am and as you can see, we have a squad of advocates with a seat at the table…more to come
#stoptalkingdosomthing
What a way to kick off the end-of-year celebration for the advocacy steering committees! The view from the 66th floor of Pfizer’s new HQ at Hudson Yards was stunning.
Susan Hensley hosted the event, where representatives from different disease groups gathered under one roof. Each committee had the opportunity to share something that moved them over the past year. Marianne Gandee spoke on the growth of this program that started in 2017 with just lung cancer to now 9 disease specific committees!!!🙌🏾🫶🏾
I want to give a special shout-out to Pfizer’s behind-the-scenes logistical team—see what I did there? They truly exemplified the principle of “the patient comes first” by creating a dedicated team to ensure that all advocates could travel smoothly to collaborate safely and effectively. Getting into Pfizer is almost like gaining access to the Pentagon, but this year, they thought of everything. Advocates were kept in the same location, and all credentials were prepared and ready in the hotel lobby—no need for Uber rides. We had executive shuttles instead.
In a world where pharmaceutical companies often receive criticism, I want to make sure to highlight when they do good.
What a way to kick off the end-of-year celebration for the advocacy steering committees! The view from the 66th floor of Pfizer’s new HQ at Hudson Yards was stunning.
Susan Hensley hosted the event, where representatives from different disease groups gathered under one roof. Each committee had the opportunity to share something that moved them over the past year. Marianne Gandee spoke on the growth of this program that started in 2017 with just lung cancer to now 9 disease specific committees!!!🙌🏾🫶🏾
I want to give a special shout-out to Pfizer’s behind-the-scenes logistical team—see what I did there? They truly exemplified the principle of “the patient comes first” by creating a dedicated team to ensure that all advocates could travel smoothly to collaborate safely and effectively. Getting into Pfizer is almost like gaining access to the Pentagon, but this year, they thought of everything. Advocates were kept in the same location, and all credentials were prepared and ready in the hotel lobby—no need for Uber rides. We had executive shuttles instead.
In a world where pharmaceutical companies often receive criticism, I want to make sure to highlight when they do good.
Just touch down in NYC and headed to the hotel. It’s always great to be back in NY and I’m looking forward to attending Pfizer’s EOY Advocacy celebration! Stay tuned, more to come ✌🏾
Just touch down in NYC and headed to the hotel. It’s always great to be back in NY and I’m looking forward to attending Pfizer’s EOY Advocacy celebration! Stay tuned, more to come ✌🏾
The Golden Era of hip-hop, spanning the late 1980s to the mid-1990s, represents a transformative period in music and culture. Characterized by lyrical innovation, diverse production styles, and a strong sense of social consciousness. It was a time when hip-hop became a powerful voice for marginalized communities, addressing issues of identity, inequality, and resilience. The fusion of jazz, funk, and soul in production laid the groundwork for a sound that was both rich and revolutionary.
As we reflect on this pivotal moment, we recognize the Golden Era not just as a timeline, but as a cultural movement that reshaped music, art, and society, influencing generations to come. Its essence lies in the celebration of authenticity, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of truth, resonating far beyond the beats and rhymes of the time.
The Golden Era of hip-hop, spanning the late 1980s to the mid-1990s, represents a transformative period in music and culture. Characterized by lyrical innovation, diverse production styles, and a strong sense of social consciousness. It was a time when hip-hop became a powerful voice for marginalized communities, addressing issues of identity, inequality, and resilience. The fusion of jazz, funk, and soul in production laid the groundwork for a sound that was both rich and revolutionary.
As we reflect on this pivotal moment, we recognize the Golden Era not just as a timeline, but as a cultural movement that reshaped music, art, and society, influencing generations to come. Its essence lies in the celebration of authenticity, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of truth, resonating far beyond the beats and rhymes of the time.
There is still time to enter and start a healthy habit before Nov 1 winner is announced.
Copy the link below 👇🏾 or click link in bio
https://healthhopehiphop.org/step-it-up/
Share if you care
There is still time to enter and start a healthy habit before Nov 1 winner is announced.
Copy the link below 👇🏾 or click link in bio
https://healthhopehiphop.org/step-it-up/
Share if you care
Since getting back from the incredible Health eMatters conference, I can’t stop thinking about the amazing experiences and connections I made!
With that in mind, it’s hard to believe that it was a year ago in January when I first attended the Escape to Thrive 2024 conference hosted by BagIt in Tucson, AZ. While at the conference, I had the privilege of meeting people from across the US and one fantastic Canadian 🇨🇦, Michelle MJ!
Welp, while in Toronto at the Health eMatters conference, guess who slid through? Michelle!!!!
I enjoyed chilaxing with you and great vibes, Chel! Thanks for taking the time out of your life to chill with ya boy! 🫶🏾👊🏾
Since getting back from the incredible Health eMatters conference, I can’t stop thinking about the amazing experiences and connections I made!
With that in mind, it’s hard to believe that it was a year ago in January when I first attended the Escape to Thrive 2024 conference hosted by BagIt in Tucson, AZ. While at the conference, I had the privilege of meeting people from across the US and one fantastic Canadian 🇨🇦, Michelle MJ!
Welp, while in Toronto at the Health eMatters conference, guess who slid through? Michelle!!!!
I enjoyed chilaxing with you and great vibes, Chel! Thanks for taking the time out of your life to chill with ya boy! 🫶🏾👊🏾
As a Myeloma advocate turning activist, attending the Health eMatters Conference in Toronto was truly a refreshing and empowering experience! Meeting fellow advocates from across borders, each bringing their unique perspectives on various health challenges, reminded me of the strength in our collective voices. Listening to Tyra Langille’s moving story of overcoming oral cancer at such a young age reinforced the importance of sharing these experiences to inspire and raise awareness for early detection and advocacy.
The powerful storytelling from Aviva Rubin reminded me of the impact we can make when we present our experiences authentically and compellingly, reaching audiences on a deeper level. Michelle Burleigh’s insights about building a coalition during one of the breakout session was invaluable, encouraging me with knowledge to foster collaboration among diverse advocacy groups.
Special shout-out to Jes Sarchett, who taught us that TikTok isn’t just for the young folks—it’s a powerful tool we can all harness to amplify our advocacy efforts!
I want to show love to Michelle Oana and her incredible team for organizing this empowering event, and to Martine Elias, CEO of Myeloma Canada, for their continued support in growing this platform and making it possible for advocates like me to attend. Special thanks to the collaboration between Myeloma Canada | Myélome Canada and the International Myeloma Foundation, which made my participation possible.
This conference reaffirmed my commitment to amplifying patient voices and making real change in our healthcare systems. I could go on about every single person there that impacted me but the post would be forever like the Harry Porter novel series.🤣 So to everyone else, know that you are ❤️ from that Black hip-hop brother from the 🇺🇸
I pray I get invited back again! 🙏 #4real4real
As a Myeloma advocate turning activist, attending the Health eMatters Conference in Toronto was truly a refreshing and empowering experience! Meeting fellow advocates from across borders, each bringing their unique perspectives on various health challenges, reminded me of the strength in our collective voices. Listening to Tyra Langille’s moving story of overcoming oral cancer at such a young age reinforced the importance of sharing these experiences to inspire and raise awareness for early detection and advocacy.
The powerful storytelling from Aviva Rubin reminded me of the impact we can make when we present our experiences authentically and compellingly, reaching audiences on a deeper level. Michelle Burleigh’s insights about building a coalition during one of the breakout session was invaluable, encouraging me with knowledge to foster collaboration among diverse advocacy groups.
Special shout-out to Jes Sarchett, who taught us that TikTok isn’t just for the young folks—it’s a powerful tool we can all harness to amplify our advocacy efforts!
I want to show love to Michelle Oana and her incredible team for organizing this empowering event, and to Martine Elias, CEO of Myeloma Canada, for their continued support in growing this platform and making it possible for advocates like me to attend. Special thanks to the collaboration between Myeloma Canada | Myélome Canada and the International Myeloma Foundation, which made my participation possible.
This conference reaffirmed my commitment to amplifying patient voices and making real change in our healthcare systems. I could go on about every single person there that impacted me but the post would be forever like the Harry Porter novel series.🤣 So to everyone else, know that you are ❤️ from that Black hip-hop brother from the 🇺🇸
I pray I get invited back again! 🙏 #4real4real
The last day of this Health eMatters event and it’s been an incredible experience! Meeting so many advocates from a different country but still applying pressure towards the same challenges in healthcare was inspiring! Learning from you has been a blessing! Let’s stay connected 📱🇨🇦+🇺🇸
The last day of this Health eMatters event and it’s been an incredible experience! Meeting so many advocates from a different country but still applying pressure towards the same challenges in healthcare was inspiring! Learning from you has been a blessing! Let’s stay connected 📱🇨🇦+🇺🇸
🔥 We’re working to eliminate healthcare disparities, one city at a time. First up… Wilmington, DE, where our very own Oya Gilbert (aka Grand G) came up!
The Hip Hope Ball is more than just an event—it’s our opportunity to connect with the people and businesses of Wilmington, DE, understand their needs, and find ways to work together to create real, lasting change. 💪🏾
Save the date: February 28th, 2025 and join us for a Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation celebration that’s going to change the way we all think about health literacy. This isn’t your average fundraiser—we’re tapping into the power of hip-hop music and culture to uplift Black and Brown communities and ensure they receive the quality healthcare they deserve. 🎤🎶
But this is just the beginning. The Hip Hope Ball is the kickoff to something even bigger. Next up? A Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Block Party coming to Wilmington, DE this spring—and trust us, it’s going to be LIT! 🔥
Don’t miss out on being part of this powerful movement from day one. Join us for a fundraiser that will ignite the change to save lives. More details to come!
#HipHopeBall #HealthHopeHipHop #HealthcareForAll #HealthEquity #WilmingtonDE #CommunityEmpowerment #SaveTheDate
🔥 We’re working to eliminate healthcare disparities, one city at a time. First up… Wilmington, DE, where our very own Oya Gilbert (aka Grand G) came up!
The Hip Hope Ball is more than just an event—it’s our opportunity to connect with the people and businesses of Wilmington, DE, understand their needs, and find ways to work together to create real, lasting change. 💪🏾
Save the date: February 28th, 2025 and join us for a Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Foundation celebration that’s going to change the way we all think about health literacy. This isn’t your average fundraiser—we’re tapping into the power of hip-hop music and culture to uplift Black and Brown communities and ensure they receive the quality healthcare they deserve. 🎤🎶
But this is just the beginning. The Hip Hope Ball is the kickoff to something even bigger. Next up? A Health, Hope & Hip-Hop Block Party coming to Wilmington, DE this spring—and trust us, it’s going to be LIT! 🔥
Don’t miss out on being part of this powerful movement from day one. Join us for a fundraiser that will ignite the change to save lives. More details to come!
#HipHopeBall #HealthHopeHipHop #HealthcareForAll #HealthEquity #WilmingtonDE #CommunityEmpowerment #SaveTheDate
jnj’s healthevoices24 + healthhopehiphopfoundation=🔥💪🏾
Homie: Was the #healthevoices24 conference dope?
Me: Nah
Homie: Really?!
Me: Nah….it was the dopest!!!🔥🔥
Let’s gooooo!!
Homie: Was the #healthevoices24 conference dope?
Me: Nah
Homie: Really?!
Me: Nah….it was the dopest!!!🔥🔥
Let’s gooooo!!
🌟 Just got back from an amazing experience at the HealtheVoices24 Conference, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson! 🌟
Connecting with passionate advocates and thought leaders in the health community was nothing short of inspiring. 💬✨ The breakout sessions were engaging and forward-thinking, packed with real talk on navigating the complexities of health advocacy. Big ups to J&J for keeping it 100 and remembering we’re patients first, not just advocates. The vibe was on point, and they even had an on-site medic to keep us all good! 🙌🏽💉
Now, let’s get into Open Mic Night—it was straight-up OFF THE CHAIN! 🎤🔥 Advocates showed off their amazing talents, reminding us that we’re so much more than our diseases. The energy was electric, and the drag MC was the hostess with the mostess! 👑💖 We had comedians cracking us up, singers bringing down the house, and even a wild scientific demo on how the brain works with the male private part(skeet skeet) —definitely a night to remember! 😂🧠
Plus, we had the honor of having the CEO in the building! This dude’s been leading for 35 years and is the only CEO not born in America! His presence really added to the significance of the event. 🙏🏽✨
Huge shoutout to Johnson & Johnson for hosting such a transformative experience and for their commitment to elevating voices in health advocacy. 🎉👏 Can’t wait to put everything I’ve learned into action and keep pushing for change! #HealtheVoices24 #HealthAdvocacy #Grateful #JohnsonAndJohnson
🌈💪🏽 Let’s keep the convo going! What were your favorite moments? Drop them below! 👇🏽💬
🌟 Just got back from an amazing experience at the HealtheVoices24 Conference, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson! 🌟
Connecting with passionate advocates and thought leaders in the health community was nothing short of inspiring. 💬✨ The breakout sessions were engaging and forward-thinking, packed with real talk on navigating the complexities of health advocacy. Big ups to J&J for keeping it 100 and remembering we’re patients first, not just advocates. The vibe was on point, and they even had an on-site medic to keep us all good! 🙌🏽💉
Now, let’s get into Open Mic Night—it was straight-up OFF THE CHAIN! 🎤🔥 Advocates showed off their amazing talents, reminding us that we’re so much more than our diseases. The energy was electric, and the drag MC was the hostess with the mostess! 👑💖 We had comedians cracking us up, singers bringing down the house, and even a wild scientific demo on how the brain works with the male private part(skeet skeet) —definitely a night to remember! 😂🧠
Plus, we had the honor of having the CEO in the building! This dude’s been leading for 35 years and is the only CEO not born in America! His presence really added to the significance of the event. 🙏🏽✨
Huge shoutout to Johnson & Johnson for hosting such a transformative experience and for their commitment to elevating voices in health advocacy. 🎉👏 Can’t wait to put everything I’ve learned into action and keep pushing for change! #HealtheVoices24 #HealthAdvocacy #Grateful #JohnsonAndJohnson
🌈💪🏽 Let’s keep the convo going! What were your favorite moments? Drop them below! 👇🏽💬