Meet our Founder

Dr. ‘Demi Fauziyyah Adebo-Adelaja is a seasoned public health researcher and practitioner with over 25 years of experience dedicated to addressing health disparities and advancing equity. Her passion for public health was sparked during her undergraduate years as a peer health educator and grew through her impactful work as an HIV counselor and health educator in underserved communities in Baltimore, Maryland.

 

In 2020, witnessing the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on African Americans in Prince George’s County reignited Dr. Adebo-Adelaja’s commitment to health equity. This profound moment of reflection led to the founding of The Aafiyah Project, a nonprofit organization focused on eliminating health disparities and fostering health and wellness within minority communities. Grounded in the concept of “Aafiyah,” an Arabic term for holistic well-being, Dr. Adebo-Adelaja champions community empowerment and the creation of a lasting legacy of health and wellness. Her efforts embody a lifelong dedication to advancing health equity, inspiring transformative change, and fostering inclusive community engagement.

Dr. Adebo-Adelaja holds a doctorate in Management of Public Health Services from the University of Maryland Global Campus, a Master of Public Health in Global Health from Emory University, and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Biological Sciences from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).

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A longtime resident of Prince George’s County, Dr. Adebo-Adelaja lives with her husband and their three sons. She enjoys exploring the DC | MD | VA (DMV) metropolitan area and actively participating in wellness activities that align with her commitment to a balanced and healthy lifestyle.