Meet the Team

Toshiko Ching graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Microbiology. She joined UCLA Health in 2011 and began her career here in the Gross Room at Santa Monica UCLA.  Currently, she works as a Clinical Supervisor for Anatomic Pathology’s Referral Lab Services team. In late 2022, she was recruited to the Staff Co-Chair position for the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine EDI Committee where she works with her other Co-Chairs to advocate for the use of EDI principles to guide all of our department’s work. She takes special interest in participating in and helping to promote pathway programs into medicine and careers in healthcare for all, and in ways to incorporate EDI principles into all levels of patient care. She also serves a lifetime appointment as a parent to son William and daughter Carly, for whom all EDI work is done. 

Dr. Fermon obtained her medical degree from Meharry Medical College, the nation’s largest private, historically black academic health science center. She has a passion for academic excellence, mentoring, and diversifying the workforce in hopes to further inclusion within the clinical learning environment and healthcare as a whole. As the trainee co-chair, she has been instrumental in key initiatives such as recruitment diversity of trainees, supporting pipeline programs in conjunction with the DGSOM, increased diversity of speakers for department education and seminars, and journal/book club discussions. She also currently serves as a committee chair of the UCLA Minority Housestaff Organization, dedicating her time to supporting and developing programs and initiatives that develop and advance physicians from historically under-represented racial and ethnic groups in medicine.  She looks forward to continuing to further the adoption of equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives here at UCLA and in this community while serving in this role. 

Dr. Rebecca A. Sosa is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and Assistant Director of the UCLA Immunogenetics Center (UIC), where she provides services to the solid organ and stem cell transplant communities through diagnostic testing and interpretation. Dr. Sosa has a passion for patient-oriented research and personalized medicine, particularly those involving health disparities. Her current research efforts are focused on investigating the immune mechanisms underlying transplantation tolerance, injury and outcomes. 

Dr. Dawn C. Ward is a medical director at UCLA Health and David Geffen School of Medicine, overseeing the Human Gene and Cell Therapy Facility and the Blood and Platelet Center. She is also an associate clinical professor and vice-chair of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Department of Pathology. With a background in clinical cell culture manufacturing and quality compliance, Dr. Ward earned her MD from Loma Linda University, completed her residency at UCLA and a Transfusion Medicine Fellowship at the NIH. She is recognized for her contributions to clinical laboratory innovation and blood product utilization. Ward received the UCLA Exceptional Physician Award in 2018. 

Maria, recently joined our team as a Program Manager for Quality Improvement, Laboratory Stewardship, and EDI. She is a first-generation Double Bruin, having earned both her undergraduate and Master’s degrees from UCLA – a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology with a minor in Education and Math, and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration. Additionally, she holds a PMP (Project Management Professional) certification. Maria brings a wealth of experience from her previous departments, where she played a pivotal role in EDI efforts. Her most recent accomplishment was leading an Affinity group project at UCSF’s Dean’s Office, which has significantly contributed to shaping a more inclusive academic environment. She shares our passion for EDI and is eager to help create a more just and equitable community within our department.  

Monique is a first-generation student and professional who joined our team in June 2022 as the inaugural Program Manager for Quality Improvement, Laboratory Stewardship, and EDI. Monique obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from UCR and her Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from UCLA. She is passionate about advancing health equity through patient-centered care and has spent her career identifying the root causes of challenges to implement innovative and sustainable changes benefitting patients, faculty, trainees, and staff. In her free time, Monique loves to volunteer, serving as a leader for UCLA affinity groups and initiatives such as InspirASIAN(Link is external) (Link opens in new window), Asian American Pacific Islander Alliance(Link is external) (Link opens in new window), and Restorative Justice in Academic Medicine(Link is external) (Link opens in new window), and a peer mentor for the Staff Enrichment Program(Link is external) (Link opens in new window) and Professional Development Program(Link is external) (Link opens in new window).