What is your current profession?  

My role as a Health Educator with the California Health Collaborative is to promote the importance of breast and cervical cancer screenings in nine central valley counties, under the DHCS Every Woman Counts (EWC) Program. I work with schools, community groups (formal and informal), faith-based organizations, non-profits, health care providers, health plans, cancer care providers, and others to ensure that priority populations learn about the importance of early detection screenings. Further, I work with community health workers who are representative of diverse communities, along with registered nurses who directly work with EWC-enrolled providers who conduct the screenings.

From your perspective, what barriers exist in achieving health equity for Black Californians?  

Unfortunately, Black Californians and other underserved and underinsured communities have faced and continue to face barriers that include but are not limited to:

·        Access to health care

·        Access to adequate health insurance

·        Access to transportation

·        Access to disease prevention information

·        Access to health workforce opportunities

Both in your work and with CBHN, how have you been able to prioritize the health of Black Californians?  

The EWC program in California is under the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), which was established with the Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Act of 1990. This began to address the high incidence and mortality rates due to breast and cervical cancers in Black, Latino, Native American, and Asian/Pacific Island communities.  These communities were not obtaining early detection screenings due to a lack of access, health insurance, and information about the importance of these two screenings. This resulted in advanced-stage diagnosis with high mortality rates. After thirty-plus years, EWC is still a vital program to assist with these two screenings, and Black communities continue to be a priority population.

About the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program | NBCCEDP | CDC

With CBHN, we collaborated to host a Central Valley meet and greet, which brought together various organizations to meet CBHN leadership, learn about its work, and explore opportunities to collaborate in addressing Black health issues in the Central Valley.

What inspires you to keep doing the work you do?  

Family, friends, and colleagues inspire me to keep doing this work to the best of my ability.

Family, because of the sacrifices my parents made and the life lessons they instilled, and siblings, because they continue to support and challenge me. Friends, for their unwavering encouragement to keep moving toward my goals. Colleagues, for their willingness to work toward the common goal by sharing skills and strategies.

Finally, working with communities to inform them about resources, share knowledge, and opportunities that will help them maintain their health and access to preventative services, provides me the opportunity to serve them.

What's the bravest thing you've ever done? 

This is a tough one.  But I must settle on speaking up, asking questions, and not settling for ‘not doable’ as a final response.

What's the best advice you've ever received? 

Do your research/homework and be prepared. Do not hesitate to say, “I do not have a response for that at the moment, but I will follow up with you.” Never lie.

My parents and mentors instilled respect, truth, and honor toward all.

Question missing from this list: 

Here’s a link to our work: Every Woman Counts Program Homepage 

How long have you been a member of the Black Health Network, and what drew you to CBHN?

I have been a member since October 2024. I was drawn to CBHN after reconnecting with Executive Director Rhonda Smith, whose outstanding work in the breast health community I have long admired. Her leadership and CBHN’s commitment to addressing health disparities deeply resonated with my own passion for advancing health equity.

What is your current profession?

I currently serve as a Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Moreno Valley. In addition, I am the founder of Cupcakes and Shine, a nonprofit organization dedicated to breast cancer awareness, education, and support for women and their families. I am also a children’s book author, using storytelling to inspire and nurture Christian values and strong character through meaningful conversations.

From your perspective, what barriers exist in achieving health equity for Black Californians?

Some of the most significant barriers include a shortage of targeted outreach and education in underserved communities. There is also a need for greater representation of Black professionals in healthcare, which can help foster trust and bridge the gap between providers and patients.

Both in your work and with CBHN, how have you been able to prioritize the health of Black Californians?

Through my nonprofit work, I have been able to provide education, resources, and community events that encourage early detection, healthy lifestyle choices, and emotional support for individuals impacted by breast cancer. My partnership with CBHN will allow me to amplify these efforts, collaborate with like-minded organizations, and advocate for policy changes that directly address health disparities affecting Black Californians.

What inspires you to keep doing the work you do?

I am continuously inspired by the hope of knowing that lives will be touched, healed, and transformed through what I consider my “ministry of service.” Seeing individuals empowered to take charge of their health and knowing I can play a small role in their journey gives me purpose and fuels my commitment to this work.

What's the bravest thing you've ever done?

I believe the bravest thing I have ever done was committing to face my own circumstances head-on, going through the process of treatment after my breast cancer diagnosis, doing the hard emotional work to overcome, and then beginning the journey to truly heal. That experience taught me resilience and deepened my compassion for others.

What's the best advice you've ever received?

The best advice I ever received came from my dad, who reminded me that one thing about time is that it never stops. I often reflect on that wisdom; it challenges me to make the most of every moment, to live in my God-given purpose, and to walk boldly in the calling He has placed on my life. This perspective motivates me to use my time to positively impact others and to serve in ways that bring hope, healing, and inspiration to those I encounter.  

Suggested Missing Question:

“What is your vision for the future of health equity for Black Californians?”

My vision is for every Black Californian to have equitable access to quality healthcare, preventive screenings, and resources that honor and respect their cultural background. I envision a future where health outcomes are no longer determined by race, where disparities are closed, and where our communities are empowered to thrive in health and wellness.

How long have you been a member of the Black Health Network, and what drew you to CBHN?
The Saving Our Legacy: African Americans for Smoke-Free Safe Places (SOL Project) renewed its CBHN membership in 2024 to strengthen partnerships and advance health equity. CBHN’s statewide reach aligns with our mission to end the disproportionate impact of tobacco in Black communities. Membership gives us space to learn, share, and collaborate on culturally relevant solutions—like smoke-free housing—that improve health and protect future generations.

What is your current profession?
I serve as Project Director of the SOL Project: Empowering Local Communities. Our African American-led initiative educates, organizes, and advocates for policies that eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke, and expand smoke-free spaces. We partner with faith leaders, youth, community groups, and policymakers to build healthier, safer environments in Sacramento county.

From your perspective, what barriers exist in achieving health equity for Black Californians?
Health equity for Black Californians is hindered by systemic racism, inequitable housing, limited access to culturally competent care, and predatory marketing by the tobacco industry. Despite smoking at similar or lower rates than whites, African Americans face greater tobacco-related illness. This disparity is fueled by targeted menthol advertising, high retailer density in Black neighborhoods, and fewer resources to quit—making tobacco a clear social justice issue.

Both in your work and with CBHN, how have you been able to prioritize the health of Black Californians?
We prioritize Black health by addressing environmental conditions that perpetuate inequities. The SOL Project works with churches to adopt smoke-free policies, mentors youth advocates, and supports local menthol bans. With CBHN, we amplify efforts to educate and engage health professionals, organizations and leaders to support services and policies that improve health outcomes for African Americans. SOL is specifically working to advance tobacco-free spaces, ensuring that African American families—especially renters—can live in homes and communities free from harmful secondhand smoke.

What inspires you to keep doing the work you do?
I am inspired by community resilience and the victories we’ve achieved together. Every smoke-free policy passed means more children, elders, and families can breathe easier. Witnessing tenants, youth, and faith leaders unite to protect health reminds me that change is possible. This collective strength fuels our commitment to equity and ensures the legacy of healthier Black communities for generations to come.

What's the bravest thing you've ever done?
The bravest work has been standing before city councils and boards to demand smoke-free policies in the face of Big Tobacco’s influence. Speaking truth to power, while carrying the stories of families harmed by secondhand smoke, required courage and conviction. These moments of advocacy helped shift norms, spark local victories, and ultimately build momentum for statewide protections like California’s flavored tobacco ban.

What's the best advice you've ever received?
The best advice was: “Don’t take disagreements personally—most people are protecting their own concerns.” This perspective has helped me approach conflict with empathy, ask better questions, and find common ground. In tobacco prevention, where change can feel slow, this advice reminds me to listen deeply, build bridges, and persist until communities win the protection they deserve.

CBHN is partnering with Acclinate’s NOWINCLUDED community platform to educate and empower Californians to take actions for better health. Through NOWINCLUDED, Acclinate provides access to culturally relevant education, real-life stories, trusted research opportunities, and community connections. NOWINCLUDED builds trust and drives action, whether participating in clinical research, advocating for family wellness, or showing up for one another through a medical diagnosis. Health isn’t just personal; it’s communal. This is why we’re ensuring more California residents are included in improving access and health outcomes—every step of the way.

How long have you been a member of the Black Health Network, and what drew you to CBHN? 

I have been a member of CBHN since May 2025. We understand that in order to truly serve our communities we must partner and invest strategically. We understand that we need to work with local partners who are boots on the ground in our communities. 

What is your current profession? 

I am the Co-Founder and Chief Development Officer (CDO) of Acclinate.  

From your perspective, what barriers exist in achieving health equity for Black Californians? 

From my perspective, the barriers that exist in achieving health equity for Black Californians closely mimic those impacting Black people in many other communities. There is a lack of access to doctors who know how to address, assess, and treat Black patients. There is often a lack of trust from Black communities toward the medical community. These factors are compounded by a lack of research that leads to more effective treatment for Black patients. All of this presents a more dire picture for Black health than nearly any other population of people. 

Both in your work and with CBHN, how have you been able to prioritize the health of Black Californians? 

In my opinion, health isn’t just personal; it’s communal. This is why my role at Acclinate includes helping ensure more California residents are prioritized in clinical research and personal and family wellness decisions. We also work to improve health outcomes by fostering access to culturally relevant education, real-life stories, trusted research opportunities, and community connections.  

What inspires you to keep doing the work you do? 

I am inspired to keep doing the work I do because it allows me to serve as a voice for the voiceless. I remember a time, as a young mother, when I didn’t know what I know now. I didn’t have the capacity to ask the right questions, seek resources, or navigate life events in the way that I presently do. It was often a struggle, and I want to help mitigate that struggle for others, especially those in underserved communities, as much as I possibly can. I feel that is part of my responsibility, and it drives the work I do.  

What's the bravest thing you've ever done? 

The bravest thing I've done was to speak publicly and share my story and journey with postpartum depression. After my initial diagnosis, the depression still lingered over two years later and led to postpartum anxiety. I didn’t even know that was a thing. As a leader at my company, in my community, and at home, I struggled immensely with admitting that I wasn't okay. While I constantly advocate for those around me to extend grace to themselves and others, I found myself struggling to extend the same grace to myself. It was difficult to acknowledge my own vulnerability. It was terrifying to be so open, but I felt it was incredibly important to share my experience and hopefully help others who might be silently facing similar struggles.

What's the best advice you've ever received? 

The best advice I ever received is Mother Teresa's quote: "If you want to change the world, go home and love your family." As an entrepreneur, with a lot of uncertainty and unpredictability, this advice grounds and humbles me. It reminds me to prioritize what's most important in life – my family – and trust that everything else will work out in due time.

How long have you been a member of the Black Health Network, and what drew you to CBHN? 

What drew me to CBHN is really the heart of its mission: creating real, lasting change for Black communities across California. Growing up in Oakland and being a fourth-generation educator, I’ve seen firsthand how health disparities impact our families and neighborhoods. I’ve always believed that strong, genuine relationships are the foundation for building change, and CBHN stands for that same belief. I’ve been a member of the Black Health Network for over a year, and in that time, I’ve seen the power of this community to connect, uplift, and inspire action. Their work aligns deeply with my passion for connection, growth, and transformation. In my role, I’m excited to build on the partnerships we’ve nurtured at HHREC and create new pathways that continue our shared legacy of impact. It feels like a natural extension of the work I’ve always been called to do.

What is your current profession?

I serve as the Campaign Managing Director at the Health and Human Resource Education Center (HHREC), where I assist with strategic campaigns and build meaningful partnerships to advance health equity and community well-being. By working closely with local leaders and organizations, I strive to build collaborative solutions that empower individuals and families to thrive. For me, this work bridges my passion for community connection and advocacy into action that uplifts and sustains our shared future.

From your perspective, what barriers exist in achieving health equity for Black Californians? 

From my perspective, as someone deeply connected to community work in Oakland and through my role at HHREC, there are three main barriers to achieving health equity for Black Californians. 

1. Structural racism affects healthcare policies and practices, leading to treatment and outcome disparities.
2. Economic disparities, such as income inequality and inconsistent health insurance access, impede consistent healthcare provision.
3. Generations of distrust from past medical harm and neglect cause many to hesitate in seeking help from health systems.

Both in your work and with CBHN, how have you been able to prioritize the health of Black Californians? 

I’ve prioritized Black Californians' health by building and nurturing strong, lasting partnerships that drive community wellness and equity. I help with initiatives that strengthen outreach and connect individuals and families to holistic support services. My goal is to create meaningful, community-centered strategies that address barriers and promote healthier futures.

What inspires you to keep doing the work you do? 

What inspires me to keep doing this work is the hope for a community where we can all live longer, healthier lives, free from preventable health disparities like those caused by tobacco use and systemic inequities. I’m driven by the vision of a future where everyone has access to the resources, support, and healing practices they deserve. I want to see our community celebrate wellness, honor cultural expression, and embrace leadership and collaboration rooted in love. What keeps me going is the belief that together, we can reclaim our power over our health, our stories, and our future.

What's the bravest thing you've ever done?

The bravest thing I’ve ever done was choosing to lead in moments when it felt easier to walk away. When I became Campaign Managing Director at HHREC, I stepped fully into the responsibility of creating change for my community. Growing up in Oakland, in a family of educators, I understood early the weight of carrying not just my own hopes but the dreams of many. There were times when life gave me every reason to quit, but I refused. I kept going, trusted my voice, and led with courage and heart. Because our communities deserve to rise, and so do we.

What's the best advice you've ever received?

The best advice that I received is that “I am enough.” 

How long have you been a member of the Black Health Network, and what drew you to CBHN?

I have been a member since April 2023. What drew me to CBHN is its powerful mission to advance Black health equity in California through policy change, community organizing, and promoting health literacy. As a proud Black Californian, CBHN aligns perfectly with my goals throughout my career: amplifying Black voices, enhancing our community’s mental wellness, and supporting the legacy of Black life.

What is your current profession?

I am the founder and CEO of Shame Proof Parenting, where I provide culturally affirming mental health services for families and training for mental health professionals. Additionally, I serve as an adjunct professor teaching Multicultural Counseling at Pepperdine University. My research explores Black family mental wellness and the intersections of pop culture, geekdom, and the Black experience, emphasizing culturally responsive approaches to healing.

From your perspective, what barriers exist in achieving health equity for Black Californians?

From my experience as a scholar and advocate, primary barriers to achieving health equity for Black Californians include deeply embedded systemic racism, pervasive implicit bias in mental health and healthcare settings, and a significant lack of culturally affirming care that genuinely reflects Black lived experiences. Through my work and research, I've observed firsthand how systemic oppression, intergenerational trauma, socioeconomic stressors, and limited access to culturally responsive mental health resources perpetuate health disparities. My work consistently emphasizes dismantling these systemic obstacles, training professionals in cultural expansion (a fusion of humility, awareness, and competency), and empowering Black communities through advocacy, culturally relevant education, and inclusive policymaking.

Both in your work and with CBHN, how have you been able to prioritize the health of Black Californians?

In both my professional journey and my partnership with CBHN, prioritizing the health of Black Californians has meant actively engaging in advocacy and creating intentional community spaces. Participating in CBHN's Health Equity Awareness Training (HEAT) enhanced my capacity to address systemic inequities in mental health through informed policy advocacy. Additionally, advocating directly with policymakers during CBHN's lobby days at the California Capitol allowed me to spotlight critical health equity issues impacting Black families, amplifying voices often overlooked in policy discussions. Most recently, hosting a networking event in Orange County provided a platform for local stakeholders to present research on health disparities among Black residents, fostering vital community dialogue and collaboration. I am committed to integrating culturally responsive mental wellness into every facet of my advocacy, research, and community engagement.

What inspires you to keep doing the work you do?

Growing up in a kinship-care family in South Central LA during the 90s and 2000s, health equity has always been personal. Witnessing Black people in my community face health inequities, social barriers, and marginalization in policy and legislation ignited my passion for social justice and advocacy. These formative experiences guided me toward a career in social work focused on family services. Today, my drive comes from a deep commitment to dismantling oppressive systems and fostering holistic well-being for my Black community.

What's the bravest thing you've ever done?

As difficult as this is to share, the bravest thing I ever did was commit to healing from years of familial abuse and trauma. While my upbringing laid the foundation for who I am today, healing required courage, vulnerability, and an intentional journey inward. Facing this personal history has profoundly strengthened my capacity to help others and continues to anchor my work in authenticity and empathy.

What's the best advice you've ever received?

The best advice I've ever received was to learn how to "just be." As a Black woman in a society that demands constant productivity and perfection, I internalized a mindset that often led to burnout, even within the spaces I love deeply. A mentor who trained me in the trauma-informed modality of Brainspotting gently taught me that a critical part of the journey was learning to simply exist without pressure to constantly prove myself. This lesson transformed how I approach my path, helping me understand my life as flowing according to a divine rhythm, allowing me the grace and peace to move authentically through each moment.

How long have you been a member of the Black Health Network, and what drew you to CBHN? 

I’ve been a member of CBHN for about two years. I’m a long-time advocate for one-payer universal healthcare and racial and disability equity in healthcare. I was drawn to CBHN because I believe we need to include all groups working in the healthcare space in the fight for an improved healthcare system.

A one-payer universal system would benefit everyone in the US and would make healthcare more equitable, but it won’t necessarily solve the problems of racism, sexism, ableism, and homophobia in healthcare. The work that CBHN and other groups do in fighting discrimination and bias are important for transforming healthcare.

What is your current profession? 

I am the Communications Manager for Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates, which advocates for making Sacramento a safe, healthy and fun place to cycle, especially the areas of Sacramento that have been neglected with regard to good cycling infrastructure and that have been subjected to climate injustice. I also volunteer with One Payer States and National Nurses United on healthcare.

From your perspective, what barriers exist in achieving health equity for Black Californians? 

Systemic racism, implicit bias and lack of access to good health care facilities in lower income neighborhoods. Black women especially are still often discriminated against by doctors and nurses which puts their health and well-being at risk.

Both in your work and with CBHN, how have you been able to prioritize the health of Black Californians? 

In my work advocating for safe cycling, we try to focus on underserved neighborhoods so that people in those neighborhoods can cycle safely, improve their health with exercise, and improve the air quality by replacing short car trips with bike trips. With CBHN, I try to attend webinars that keep me informed about the health of Black Californians.

 What inspires you to keep doing the work you do? 

I believe that to have a healthy, happy society, we need to lift up everyone. I would like to see a society where everyone has access to free, high quality healthcare. My ancestors worked for an improved healthcare system and I would like to see this happen before I die.

What's the bravest thing you've ever done?

My late husband and I adopted a blind 12-year-old girl from China who had never been to school due to her disability. It was difficult at first but she’s doing great now.

 What's the best advice you've ever received?

To really listen to people’s concerns and keep an open mind without prejudging.

How long have you been a member of the Black Health Network, and what drew you to CBHN? 

Felton Institute’s corporate membership was established in 2024.

What is your current profession? 

I am President and Chief Executive Officer of Felton Institute, a behavioral health provider primarily serving northern California.

From your perspective, what barriers exist in achieving health equity for Black Californians?  

Lack of awareness, limited access, and narrow self-interests of providers are the factors impacting inadequate distribution of resources.

Both in your work and with CBHN, how have you been able to prioritize the health of Black Californians? 

Felton reaches across all racial, ethnic, cultural, social, and linguistic lines. By addressing the needs of individuals impacted by the justice system, individuals struggling with mental health, preparing children for educational success, and providing older adults with critical resources, our programs are well designed to support Black Californians who too often over index in health, education, and employment disparities. Our participation in policy driven organizations such as CBHN strengthens this commitment.

What inspires you to keep doing the work you do? 

Witnessing the positive impacts of Felton’s programs on those served as well as those who provide these services, is both humbling and inspirational.

What's the bravest thing you've ever done?

Assuming leadership responsibility for the hundreds of people Felton employs and the thousands of community members we serve in ten Bay Area counties is a character-building experience. I understand that decisions I make in steering this organization have real life consequences in the lives of others; so, I am thoughtful, measured, and decisive in taking any action.

What's the best advice you've ever received? 

I appreciate Bryan Stevenson’s appeal to all of us, that each of us is more than the worst thing that we’ve done; that the opposite of poverty isn’t wealth, the opposite of poverty is justice; and that the character of our nation isn’t reflected on how we treat the rich and the privileged, but how we treat the poor, the disfavored, and condemned.

Colleagues and Community Partners,

I am pleased to announce the publication of three new fact sheets authored by Dr. Karen D. Lincoln for the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF). This project includes three fact sheets drawn from the landmark Listening to Black Californians study. Each fact sheet draws from data among the study’s 1,752 middle-aged and older adult survey participants (age 45 and up); illustrative quotations come from the study’s individual interviews.

Why and How Older Black Californians Take Control of their Health highlights the strengths of aging Black Californians, their strategies for taking care of their health despite experiencing racism in health care, and potential solutions to achieve equity in health care.

How Aging Women Face the “Triple Jeopardy” of Race, Gender, and Age in Health Care uses an intersectional approach to highlight the health care experiences of aging Black women in California and the efforts they take to maintain their health and increase their chances of receiving fair treatment. It also makes recommendations to address racial, gender, and age-related bias in health care.

Listening to Aging Black Californians: Changing the Culture of Health Care One Person at a Time offers short takeaways from the study and sample areas for action to address racism in health care.

Here’s the link to the fact sheets on racism and discrimination in health care: https://www.chcf.org/publication/listening-older-black-californians/#related-links-and-downloads. 

Please share widely with your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors.

All the best,

Dr. Gaines

How long have you been a member of the Black Health Network, and what drew you to CBHN?

I have been a member of the Black Health Network for over a year. 

What is your current profession?

I am a Political Science Professor at West Los Angeles College and a Project Manager at Black Women for Wellness. 

From your perspective, what barriers exist in achieving health equity for Black Californians?

Achieving health equity for Black Californians is hindered by limited access to culturally relevant educational materials and affordable, quality health care. Systemic issues like geographic disparities, economic inequities, and bias in health care further exacerbate inequities, creating barriers to preventive care and treatment. Additionally, environmental racism and historical mistrust of health systems undermine efforts to build trust and empower communities to prioritize health.

By consistently speaking up, I’ve advocated for the health and well-being of Black Californians through education, outreach, and representation in decision-making spaces. Showing up in community settings, health discussions, and collaborative initiatives ensures that the unique challenges faced by Black communities are addressed with urgency and equity. Through both direct engagement and partnerships, like with CBHN, I have worked to amplify voices, provide resources, and push for accessible health solutions.

What inspires you to keep doing the work you do? 

My love for my community. 

What's the bravest thing you've ever done?

Leave my 9-5 corporate job to work in health equity and address systemic barriers. 

What's the best advice you've ever received?

If you don't take time to rest, your body will do it for you at the most inconvenient time. 

Question missing from this list: What do you hope to see in the future?

I hope to see a future where justice and equity are fully achieved, making my current work unnecessary because the systemic barriers that harm Black communities will have been dismantled. I envision a world where access to quality health care, education, and safe environments is guaranteed for everyone, and Black Californians no longer face disproportionate health risks. I’ll gladly seek another role in the future, knowing the fight for equity has been won.