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

I have been a paying member of the CBHN for a year, but have been active with the organization and related activities for around five years. 

What is your current profession?  

I am currently a Policy & Government Affairs Project Manager at the Coalition of Orange County Community Health Centers (Coalition OC). The Coalition OC serves a membership of 21 independent 501(c)3 non-profit organizations, including 20 Community Health Centers with 90 sites throughout Orange County, that include FQHCs, Look-Alikes, Free Clinics, and Mobile Units. My role involves advancing civic engagement and health equity by tracking policy issues, supporting advocacy efforts, engaging with elected officials, and building partnerships that elevate community health center voices.

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

When achieving health equity for Black Californians, I believe one of the greatest challenges is effectively working across sectors and generations that are all striving toward the same goal. We are living in a unique moment where multiple generations share the workforce. It is essential to create meaningful opportunities for younger leaders who bring innovative ideas and a readiness to contribute. Too often, decisions about priorities and resources are made without Black communities at the table, reinforcing who holds power, who receives investment, and who remains excluded. Breaking down silos and approaching this work with humility and openness will allow us to advance Black health equity further than we have in the past.

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

In my work, I regularly engage with elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels to educate them on health policy issues that disproportionately impact the most vulnerable constituents in their districts. Under the current administration, we have seen growing threats to Medi-Cal coverage, protections for immigrant communities, access to gender-affirming care, and more. Black Californians intersect with all of these identities and experience health care in multifaceted ways, making it essential that this understanding guides my advocacy work. 

Additionally, earlier this year, I participated in the CBHN's Health Equity Advocacy Training (HEAT) Program. Through this experience, my cohort and I strengthened our advocacy skills and traveled to Sacramento to engage directly with elected officials about the health issues most impacting Black Californians.

What inspires you to keep doing the work you do?  

What inspires me to keep doing this work, especially during the hard times we are living through, is the commitment to carry the torch forward. For a long time, I felt pressure to be a singular force for change, to leave behind something monumental that would outlive me. But through meeting and learning from intergenerational leaders in this field, I have come to understand that no one person changes the world alone. My responsibility is to carry on the good fight, stay grounded in where I come from, and contribute my part. I may not see all the change I hope for in my lifetime, but I believe that small, meaningful actions can help pave the way for the next generation to experience a better tomorrow. We all have a role to play.

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

The bravest thing I have done professionally was committing myself to a field of work that constantly faces pushback, limited financial support, and, at times, a lack of respect and understanding. When I completed my Master of Public Health and began my career as a young professional, I never imagined just how challenging this work would become, nor did I anticipate operating under such dire conditions. In a moment when so much feels both under the microscope and on the chopping block, this work has been incredibly difficult, but also rewarding.

In my personal life, the bravest thing I have done was an overnight hike to an active volcano in Guatemala. I only knew one person on the trip and had to train both mentally and physically. Even with all of my training, I wasn’t fully prepared. It was one of the hardest experiences of my life, but witnessing Volcán Acatenango erupt every ten minutes reminded me that life, like a volcano, is both unpredictable and powerful. Facing challenges head-on can reveal moments of awe and triumph.

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

The best advice I have ever received is to be myself, and the right people will stay in my life. Pretending to be someone I’m not is exhausting and surrounds me with people who don’t truly understand or accept me, both personally and professionally. Staying authentic allows me to build genuine relationships and stay true to myself.