About Us
Established in 2023
OUR TEAM
Executive Director
Dr. Denise Smith
Denise Smith Chisolm, MD is a Diplomate of The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Dr. Denise is a graduate of Howard University College of Medicine. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Biological Sciences from the University of California at Irvine (UCI). Her internship was completed in 2004 at the USC Family Medicine Multi Site Program. She has been in practice for over 20 years.
Dr. Denise has many accomplishments to date. She has directed a practice aimed at Mobile Medical Services and Coverage Relief of local practicing physicians. She has also made several missionary trips abroad to: Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa and Iraq. While in those countries she served as Primary Physician. Her humanitarian relief efforts have provided medical treatment to thousands around the world. She currently works with Indian Health Services providing emergency medicine services to Native Americans on remote reservations.
Dr. Denise's passion to meet the needs of her community led her to develop and establish many programs: medical weight loss, DNA paternity testing, and her latest project near and dear to her heart Humanizing Hygiene.
Dr. Denise is a native of Los Angeles. She believes in quality health care and is an advocate for the underserved and under-represented. She credits her husband, parents, family, and close friends for their support of her achievements to date.
Director of Administration
Dora Waight
Dora is a veteran of the USAR where she served as a Medical Specialist for eight years. She has spent the last 6 years working as an Administrative Assistant, at Easterseals Southern California Autism therapy clinic for children affected by Autism and behavioral challenges. In addition to her role as administrative assistant; she sourced and developed additional programs, which provided families with helpful resources and discounts. These discounts and resources provided access to local beauty/barber shops, optometrist, doctors, dentist, and indoor play facilities that cater to children and adults with special needs. In addition, she is also a certified First Aid and CPR Instructor for the American Red Cross. Among her other talents and skills, she has a heavy background in marketing, sales and digital photography. In her spare time, she likes to spend time with her family, line dance, cycle, ski, roller skate, and travel. She currently works for UCLA Health's Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Program as a Dementia Care Analyst Assistant. She joins the Humanizing Hygiene team bringing with her creativity,attention to detail, organizational skills, and team playing attitude. Her affinity to supporting the unhoused is a lifelong dream that has finally come to fruition.
Director of Community Relations
Deanna Foote
Deanna has worked in government and politics for the last 15 years. As a former U.S. Army Reservist for six years, she has continued her service as a public servant by serving as a Director of Affairs for Community and Constituent Services and as a Deputy Chief of Staff within government. From efforts to Get Out the Vote for Presidential elections to supervising a government team that assisted over 4,000 severely underserved persons in a year, Deanna believes in public service and “Loving your neighbor as yourself.” Deanna has managed teams of up to 100 people, organized government events for Back to School, Coat, and Toy Drives, and has accumulated resources for thousands of children, families, and individuals. Deanna is an inspiring leader and solutions specialist able to operate in multicultural environments, navigate challenging social landscapes, and influence action to improve neighborhood wellness and prosperity.
Director of Finance
Joshua Jackson
Joshua Jackson is graduate of UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He has several years of experience in both finance and non-profit compliance. With this experience, Joshua manages both accounting as well as state and federal compliance for Humanizing Hygiene.
Director of Events
Myra Rocio
Myra is a retired Sergeant for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, where served for over 28 years.
During her service, she was her units fund raising coordinator. She’s worked with the March of Dimes and ‘999’ for Kids. “999” for Kids, is police reference to an emergency. This program is designed to purchase special items such as wheelchairs, computers, special education classes, and summer camps for the deaf, blind and those with other medical issues.
Myra also coordinated blood drives with the American Red Cross for her unit. She also co-created the San Pedro to Catalina Swim as a department wide fundraiser.
Myra has participated in 5k walks to bring awareness to Autism and Ovarian Cancer.
She is currently working with Travel for Me, an organization that provides travel for adults with intellectual development disabilities.
She is a mother, sister and caring friend, who proudly serves on the Board of Directors of Humanizing Hygiene as Co-Chair.
Director of Technology
Jack Hammel
Jack Hammel has been involved in the technology field through web solutions and graphic design for several decades, producing websites and content for web design. He also is a professional actor and has been on many TV shows and films.
Director of Ministry
Pastor Laurance Adams
Pastor Laurence Adams is an alumnus of Compton High School Class of 1974. Laurence earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern California (USC) in 1977. He then entered the Masters Degree Program in Intergovernmental Management (IGM-HONORS) at USC where he completed Graduate Student Assistantships in local, state and federal government between 1977-79: (City of Long Beach, California State Department of Finance and The Executive Office of the President/Office of Management & Budget-during the Carter Administration).
Laurence has spent his career in multi-vocational disciplines. Laurence spent his principal career in local government. He served as a City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Human Resources Director; Community Development Director; Redevelopment/Housing Director; and as the Chief Executive Officer for two School District Personnel Commissions. Because of his expertise in local government finance, Laurence was called out of retirement twice to balance multi-million dollar Municipal Budget deficits. Laurence also served as the Private Sector Recovery Manager for the City of Compton following the Civil Unrest of 1992 (the Rodney King Riots).
In Business, Laurence is the Trustee/Co-Owner of the Robert L. Adams Sr. Mortuary in Compton, a 52-year-old local business. Laurence currently is the CEO of Laurence Adams Management and is former owner of West Coast Publications Company, the publisher of The Compton-Chronicle Newspaper. Laurence also co-published Glory Magazine with his late wife Evelyn.
Pastor Laurence Adams has spent nearly 40 years in Christian Ministry. He and Evelyn spent 30 years in ministry together serving in Children’s Ministry and as Senior Pastor/First Lady of Holy Revival Missionary Baptist Church; Senior Pastor/First Lady of Bible Believers Christian Fellowship; and Senior Pastor/First Lady of Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Pasadena. Laurence currently serves New Horizon Missionary Baptist Church as an Assistant Pastor.
Director of Individual & Corporate Fundraising
Dr Arthur Webb
Dr. Arthur Webb is a dedicated physician, community activist, and entrepreneur, passionately working to improve the lives of those experiencing homelessness. As a board member of Humanizing Hygiene, he plays a pivotal role in raising funds to provide mobile shower services for individuals in need. With over 20 years of experience in both clinical practice and community engagement, Dr. Webb combines his medical expertise with a deep commitment to social equity. His innovative approach and leadership are instrumental in fostering a compassionate response to hygiene accessibility, helping to restore dignity and health to vulnerable populations.