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.