In October 2024, the Institute for Equity and Justice in Health Sciences Education is pleased to welcome a new member to our team – Coniqua Johnson-Reed [kah-NEE-kwuh]. Coniqua (she/her) joins us as a Part-Time Change Strategist working with the Institute on strategic efforts for the Racism & Bias Initiative across the Icahn School of Medicine.
Coniqua E. Johnson-Reed’s journey began as a teen advocate with Planned Parenthood and the New York Civil Liberties Union, where she championed issues such as comprehensive sex education, dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline, and LGBTQ+ rights. Embracing audaciousness, she allowed her passion for advocacy to drive her career, supporting state and local elected officials in shaping policies that resonated deeply with their communities. Coniqua has also held key roles at organizations like Right to Be and the New York Peace Institute, where she facilitated training programs on gender-based harassment, conflict resolution, and restorative justice for police officers, educators, and community leaders.
Her passion burns brightest when championing the voices and endeavors of Black individuals and historically marginalized communities, pushing boundaries and demolishing barriers in pursuit of a more equitable world. As the Founder of Fearless Spaces, she empowers organizations and leaders to build inclusive environments and sustainable infrastructures, fostering anti-racist spaces where diversity thrives and courageous conversations flourish.
We talked with Coniqua to get a bit more information about her and what inspires her in her work and personal life.
I: What excited you about facilitating sessions with Guiding Coalition members and participating in the transformational change process at the Icahn School?
CJR: “What excited me most about facilitating sessions with the Guiding Coalition and participating in the transformational change process at the Icahn Mount Sinai was the opportunity to support people through a journey that can feel intimidating, new, and uncertain. I thrive in environments where I can help others navigate these challenges while also learning and contributing to a new community. Like any change management process, the experience at Icahn also required deep self-reflection, challenging my own beliefs and perspectives, which led to personal growth and new insights.
I: What inspired you to join an institute dedicated to advancing equity in health sciences education, and what do you hope to contribute?
CJR: “I have been a facilitator for over 15 years, focusing on equity, issues affecting marginalized communities, conflict resolution, and equipping people with tools to create safer, anti-racist spaces and challenge systems of inequity. The work the institute is doing is incredibly important and challenging, and I believe my broad expertise—from conflict mediation to understanding systemic dynamics—will be valuable. I aim to contribute not only my knowledge but also my full self, bringing a positive energy and perspective to the work. Being part of a team addressing such a critical issue, where no established methodology exists, is both exciting and deeply gratifying.”
I: Thank you so much for sharing about your background and what connection you’re bringing to your work with Icahn Mount Sinai. We love to end on a ‘fun’ question, and we talk a lot about new shows, or books we’re reading at the Institute. So tell us – what’s the last thing you binge-watched?
I’m not usually into vampire or Halloween-themed shows, but the last thing I binge-watched was AMC’s Interview with the Vampire. It’s based on the 1994 movie, and I absolutely loved it! I’m already obsessed and eagerly waiting for season 3.
I: That’s a great spooky season watch – can’t wait to hear more about it! Thank you for taking the time to share a bit more of yourself with us, and we’re looking forward to working with you and introducing you to the Icahn School community!
CJR: “Thank you, looking forward to it!”
Catch up with Coniqua Johnson-Reed at Guiding Coalition meetings, events, and other initiatives for The Racism & Bias Initiative starting this month, and give her a warm welcome! We look forward to working with her and all of you to continue promoting equity and justice across the Icahn School landscape.
With Love,