Lerenza serves on the Community Engagement Committee.

Lerenza Howard is a System Infection Control Manager at Sinai Health System in Chicago. She has a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration and a green belt certification in Lean Six Sigma. Lerenza graduated with her Bachelor's of Science in Biomedical Science in 2007 from Grand Valley State University.

She began her career as a microbiologist in various divergent laboratories, including food and dietary, radioactive pharmaceutical, and clinical laboratories. She subsequently transitioned to the role of a medical technologist within an immunology laboratory, where she conducted tests that facilitated solid organ transplants. She is completing her Doctorate in Health Science at the University of Indianapolis, where she will focus her studies on public health and health disparities.

Lerenza is also an active member of her professional organization, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). She is the co-host of APIC’s podcast called the 5 Second Rule. Her involvement with APIC also entails being a member of the Infection Prevention Academic Pathway (IPAP) committee, where they worked to formulate the Curriculum Standards and Guidelines for Graduate, Undergraduate, and Graduate Programs in Infection Prevention and Control, which guides educational institutions in providing a curriculum that fosters a pathway for individuals interested in the field of infection prevention and control.

In 2024, Lerenza began her role as an advisory board member of GVSU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. As an advisory board member, she will focus on bolstering community engagement and supporting CLAS students in advancing their employability and professional network.

Outside of her outside, Lerenza is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and enjoys volunteering in underserved communities throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, mentoring and educating young girls regarding careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and healthcare. 

For more information, check out Lerenza's LinkedIn.