Sylvia Drew Ivie , Esq
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Charles R . Drew University of Medicine and Science
Ms . Sylvia Drew Ivie , Esq ., youngest daughter of the CDU ' s namesake Dr . Charles R . Drew has been a part of the University in a variety of roles since its incorporation in 1966 . She was first encouraged to join the CDU Board of Visitors by Dr . Mitchell Spellman , the first Dean of the University . " He was my father ’ s student at Howard University and strongly believed in the great mission and promise of Drew University ," shared Drew Ivie . “ I have always been grateful for that very early opportunity to join CDU ’ s historic endeavor ."
“ The first Board of Visitors was an illustrious group of physicians and health leaders with a few very wealthy donors ," said Drew Ivie . " I was a lawyer in legal services at the time but strongly believed that CDU ’ s health agenda was consonant with my goal of advocacy for minorities and the underserved .”
" My family and I are so very grateful to have our father ’ s name associated with the pivotal enterprise of training tomorrow ’ s health leaders in communities of greatest need , " Drew Ivie shared . " As a graduate of McGill University Medical School and Columbia University in New York City my Dad made a principled choice to lend his training and talent to his own African American community especially those most in need economically ."
Through her selfless support and unwavering dedication , Sylvia Drew Ivie ' s contribution to Charles R . Drew University echoes the indomitable spirit and legacy of her father , leaving an enduring mark on the institution and the lives it will touch for generations to come . By helping to move forward the goals of the University , she is proud to be part of the CDU community .
“ I want to continue to be part of an ever-growing circle of those who fervently believe in CDU ,” Drew Ivie stated . “ There is such strength in partnership with the South LA community ; they are the glue that makes our dreams come true .”
" Dr . Spellman had a dream for this university which was electric in its confidence in our students and faculty and the certainty that our work would ameliorate the lack of available care in underserved areas ," explained Drew Ivie . " President David Carlisle embodies that same vision and personal investment ."
Drew Ivie describes her contributions as a way of " joining their dreams of excellence in service to the community through the education and empowerment of sparkling and dedicated young people of color ."
Drew Ivie continues her father ' s legacy through the significant contributions she ' s made as a healthcare advocate and civil rights attorney . Drew Ivie has an extensive background in various roles , including serving as the Mental Health Deputy for Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl , Senior Deputy for Human Services for LA County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas , and Executive Liaison to Los Angeles County Commission for Children and Families at the LA County Board of Supervisors . She is also recognized as the Founder and Project Director of the South Los Angeles Community Kitchen , where she taught healthy cooking skills to youth , seniors , and patients with chronic diseases . Drew Ivie has worked as a consultant to the California Endowment on Disparities in Health in South LA and has served as a faculty member of the Community Health Leadership Training Program at CDU .
Prior to that , she held the position of Executive Director of the T . H . E . ( To Help Everyone ) Clinic , Inc ., a federally qualified primary health care clinic dedicated to serving predominantly minority and immigrant women and children in South Central and Southwest LA . In her previous endeavors , she also held the roles of Executive Director of the Legal Services Corporation National Health Law Program , Director of the Office of Civil Rights in the U . S . Department of Health and Human Services , and Assistant Counsel to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund .
Since 2016 , Drew Ivie has served as Senior Special Assistant to the President for Community Affairs . " Dr . David Carlisle enlisted my assistance in keeping CDU connected to the great spirits of community leaders such as Lillian Mobley , Mary Henry , Nola Carter , Caffie Greene and Johnnie Tillman ," said Drew Ivie . " Without their leadership and support in South LA , CDU would never have taken hold and flourished ."
In her current role , Drew Ivie collaborates with health centers , community-based organizations , and community coalitions to cultivate and execute programs that advance the University and its strategic plan . She also aids in establishing and fostering favorable external connections with diverse community-based organizations , individuals , and businesses that contribute to the University ' s strategic outreach endeavors .
2022 Annual Report Charles R . Drew University of Medicine and Science
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