Carrie Dahlquist, BA is Manager of DC Health’s Tobacco Control Programs, overseeing initiatives to reduce the harm of tobacco through prevention, cessation, reduction in secondhand exposure, and health equity through policy, systems, and environmental change approaches. Ms. Dahlquist brings over 20 years’ experience in public health with national organizations including the American Cancer Society and the Alzheimer’s Association and as the coordinator of the DC Health Comprehensive Cancer Control Program. She received an MPH from University of Massachusetts, holds a bachelor’s degree in government and history from University of Louisiana, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in public health from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.

Carla Williams, Ph.D. is an associate professor of medicine and public health at the Howard University College of Medicine. She also serves as the director of the Howard University Cancer Center, leading the strategic vision and operations of the center since 2015. Williams received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Howard University.  Since 2010, Williams’ collaborative research efforts have resulted in the expansion of her role to function as an Executive Scientist. In this capacity, she builds research teams within and across institutions to promote collaborative research.

In her teaching roles, Williams has developed training paradigms that integrate theory and application. Her teaching philosophy integrates theory, application, innovation, and critical thinking.  Her goal is to equip learners with the capacity and confidence to propel innovative solutions for national and global health-related challenges

Williams' scholarship centers around collaborating with community health leaders to promote healthy lifestyles and community wellbeing. Her efforts emphasize engaging communities that have not been adequately represented in research. She leads initiatives designed to promote optimal research collaborations and collective action between scientists and community health leaders.

Her research and advocacy center around understanding and reducing cancer-related health disparities. She collaborates with community health leaders to promote healthy lifestyles and community wellbeing. Williams’ framework for health justice focuses on bringing balance to forces that perpetuate unjust health burdens. Her goal is to create transformative changes that will impact 22nd century health. 

Drew Tardiff is a Senior Staff Attorney at the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK) where he provides legal and policy support for tobacco control advocacy efforts in the United States.  In this position, he participates in litigation involving tobacco regulation, engages with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on tobacco regulatory issues, and advises on federal, state, and local legislative matters.  Prior to joining CTFK, Drew was an attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice, the Executive Office of the President, and the U.S. Department of Labor.  He holds a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and a B.S. from Cornell University.  

Liz Furgurson, BS, MS has been involved in the tobacco control community and a District resident for 23 years. She is now the Chief Operating Officer at Action on Smoking & Health, where she oversees operations and finances as well as the development and implementation of ASH’s programs. Liz’s prior professional experience includes managing the business affairs and serving as Chief Operating Officer of the Framework Convention Alliance, an international coalition of NGOs from more than 100 countries which has been widely recognized for its vital role in shaping the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

Delica started smoking at 15 because she just wanted to see what it felt like to smoke.

But curiosity turned into decades of addiction to cigarettes.

By her 40s, she was struggling to quit. It wasn't until a cancer diagnosis that she finally decided to commit to quitting.

Delica is now cancer-free, completed a quit smoking program, and enjoys everyday life with her family.

Johnnie Walker is a retired healthcare professional, Community Health Worker, and passionate advocate for healthier communities whose life reflects resilience, service, and transformation.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Johnnie received her education through the Philadelphia public school system and Community College before completing nursing training at Hahnemann Hospital. Her early experiences helped shape a lifelong commitment to caring for others and serving her community.

In 1980, Johnnie relocated with her family to Maryland and began a new chapter in both her personal and professional life. Throughout her career, she worked in several hospitals across the District of Columbia and Maryland, gaining decades of hands-on experience in patient care and developing a deep understanding of the challenges individuals and families face while navigating the healthcare system. She ultimately retired from Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C., following a long and meaningful career dedicated to caring for others.

Today, Johnnie continues that commitment to service as a Community Health Worker. Her professional healthcare experience, nursing background, and personal journey with tobacco use give her a unique and authentic perspective on tobacco prevention and cessation.

Johnnie brings more than professional knowledge to this work, she brings lived experience. Her journey demonstrates the challenges of tobacco addiction, the importance of support and education, and the possibility of meaningful change. By courageously sharing her story, she hopes to encourage others who are working toward becoming tobacco-free and to remind them that change is possible at any stage of life.

As a participant in the DC Calls It Quits Summit, Johnnie looks forward to sharing her journey, learning new strategies, and joining healthcare professionals, community leaders, advocates, and residents in advancing tobacco cessation and creating healthier futures for individuals, families, and communities.

Thursday, September 24, 2026 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM DC Health

• 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Registration & Arrival

• 10:00 AM – 10:15 AM | Welcome & Opening Remarks

• 10:15 AM – 10:40 AM | Honoring the Past: A Historical Look at Tobacco in the United States – A look at the history of tobacco in the United States and Washington, DC, the progress achieved through decades of tobacco control, and lessons that can inform the work ahead. [Dr. Carla Williams]

• 10:40 AM – 11:05 AM | The Federal & Legal Landscape – A discussion of recent developments involving the FDA, tobacco regulation, and the role of litigation and the legal system in advancing tobacco control. [Andrew Tardiff]

• 11:05 AM – 11:30 AM | Tobacco Control Policy in DC – An overview of the current tobacco and nicotine policy landscape, progress made, remaining challenges, and opportunities to advance a tobacco-free future. [Liz Furgurson]

• 11:30 AM - 11:50 AM | Moderated Discussion & Audience Q&A – Reflections from the morning speakers and questions from participants.

• 11:50 AM – 12:10 PM | Lived Experience: Personal Perspective and Hero Stories – A personal perspective on tobacco use, its consequences, and the importance of continuing the work toward a tobacco-free generation. [Delica Matthews & Ms. Johnnie Walker]

• 12:10 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch & Networking

• 1:00 PM – 1:15 PM | Looking Forward: Setting the Stage – Transition from the lessons and progress highlighted during the morning to the future of tobacco control in Washington, DC. [Carrie Dahlquist]

• 1:15 PM – 2:10 PM | Envisioning the Future: Strategic Planning Session – Facilitated discussion focused on the future of tobacco control in the District, including priorities, opportunities, partnerships, and actions needed to advance a tobacco-free generation. [Carrie Dahlquist]

• 2:10 PM – 2:50 PM | From Ideas to Action –‍ ‍Review key themes and priorities identified during the strategic planning session and discuss potential next steps.

• 2:50 PM - 3:00 PM | Closing Remarks