Kenya Collins, a dedicated program manager at the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance for the U54 program, brings a rich background in academia and research. Her journey began at Tennessee State University, where she pursued a degree in Cell and Molecular Biology, complemented by minors in Chemistry and Psychology. During her undergraduate years, she engaged with the MVTCP U54 program as an undergraduate researcher, delving into pioneering research and establishing connections with esteemed professionals in the field.

After graduating from TSU, Kenya furthered her education with an MSc in Biomedical Sciences from Vanderbilt University, where she gained invaluable experience in basic science and immersed herself in a challenging biomedical program. Following her studies, she dedicated several years to working at the Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology Department at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, serving as a Clinical/Translational Research Coordinator. Her role allowed her to contribute significantly to impactful projects within the medical community.

In her role as a the program manager for the Meharry-Vanderbilt-TSU Cancer Partnership, she oversees the coordination, implementation, and evaluation of cancer-related initiatives. Her responsibilities encompass strategic leadership, partnership cultivation, and driving impactful strategies to advance research, education, and community outreach, contributing significantly to the fight against cancer disparities and promoting health equity within the community.