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 since 2025. I was initially introduced to CBHN through a professional contact while learning about the Health Equity Advocacy Training (HEAT) Program. After applying and being accepted, I was immediately drawn to CBHN’s mission and vision. The organization’s commitment to advancing Black health equity through leadership development, advocacy, and systems-level change strongly aligned with my professional experience and personal values, which led me to deepen my engagement with the network.
What is your current profession?
I am a social worker and consultant with expertise in behavioral health, substance use systems, and health equity. In my professional role, I support state- and county-funded initiatives through project management and technical assistance, helping providers and public systems expand equitable access to care and strengthen implementation. In parallel, I engage in independent consulting and coaching work that is driven by the same principles, providing professional support centered on intersectionality, leadership development, and professional wellness—particularly for individuals navigating complex, high-impact systems and equity-focused work.
From your perspective, what barriers exist in achieving health equity for Black Californians?
From my perspective, one of the most significant barriers to achieving health equity for Black Californians is that our current healthcare systems were not designed to provide care that is intentionally responsive to Black communities. There is a lack of curated, culturally relevant health services that reflect the lived experiences, histories, and strengths of Black Californians, which often results in care that feels fragmented, inaccessible, or misaligned with patient needs.
These challenges are compounded by persistent disparities driven by the social determinants of health, including housing instability, economic inequity, environmental exposure, and limited access to quality education and transportation. Without addressing these upstream factors, health outcomes for Black Californians will continue to lag despite clinical interventions.
Additionally, clinical education and workforce training often fail to adequately prepare practitioners to effectively care for, listen to, and support the healing of Black bodies. Too often, training is not grounded in cultural relevance, historical context, or an understanding of systemic racism, which undermines trust and contributes to inequitable care experiences. Advancing health equity will require transforming both healthcare delivery systems and the way clinicians are educated, trained, and held accountable.
Both in your work and with CBHN, how have you been able to prioritize the health of Black Californians?
In my professional work, prioritizing the health of Black Californians is central to what I do. As a social worker and consultant, I work on state- and county-funded behavioral health initiatives that focus on expanding access to care and embedding equity into systems that often overlook Black communities.
My involvement with CBHN—especially through the Health Equity Advocacy Training (HEAT) Program—has been a natural extension of that work. HEAT strengthened my ability to advocate at a legislative level by giving me the technical tools to engage in policy conversations, participate in Black Health Equity Advocacy efforts, and speak directly with local decision-makers. Just as importantly, CBHN has connected me with other professionals across the state, creating space to build relationships, share ideas, and collectively think through how we can improve health outcomes for Black Californians.
What inspires you to keep doing the work you do?
What inspires me to keep doing this work is legacy. My mother’s struggles with her health—and with a healthcare system that ultimately failed her—are a constant reminder of what is at stake for Black families. Her experience made the consequences of inequitable care deeply personal and solidified my commitment to ensuring that other families do not have to navigate the same harm.
I am also inspired by the next generation. One of the most meaningful moments for me was learning that my younger cousin described me in a school assignment as a consultant who empowers the younger generation through positivity. I had no idea she viewed my work and my presence in that way, and it affirmed that the passion and values I carry are being felt beyond what I can always see. Together, these experiences ground me in purpose and motivate me to continue doing this work with intention, care, and accountability.
What's the bravest thing you've ever done?
I would say the bravest things I’ve done have been choosing growth even when it felt uncomfortable. That started with attending an HBCU across the country, which meant leaving home and everything familiar to invest in my education and identity. It continued with living abroad in India during graduate school, an experience that challenged me personally and professionally and deepened my understanding of global systems, culture, and community.
Most importantly, bravery shows up for me in my professional life—advocating for myself and for the communities I serve within complex systems that are not always built to listen. Speaking up, pushing for equity, and holding space for community voices, even when it’s difficult, is something I consider an ongoing act of courage.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received came from my maternal grandmother, who used to tell me, “It’s your little red wagon—you can push it or pull it.” It taught me personal responsibility, agency, and the importance of owning my choices. That advice has stayed with me throughout my life and continues to guide how I move through my personal and professional journey, especially when navigating challenges or moments of uncertainty.
How do you practice care or restoration for yourself while doing equity-driven work?
I practice care and restoration by being very intentional about protecting my energy and creating boundaries around my work. Equity-driven work can be emotionally demanding, so I prioritize professional wellness through reflection, rest, and staying connected to community. I make space for joy, movement, and creativity, and I’m mindful about when to step back so I can show up fully and sustainably. I also lean into coaching, mentorship, and trusted relationships that allow me to process, recharge, and stay aligned with my purpose rather than operating from burnout.
What advice would you give to emerging Black health leaders or advocates?
I would encourage emerging Black health leaders and advocates to stay rooted in their values and trust that their lived experience is a strength, not a limitation. Learn the systems, policies, and language that shape decision-making, but don’t feel pressured to shrink yourself to fit them. Build community, seek mentorship, and protect your wellness—this work is a marathon, not a sprint. Most importantly, remember that your voice, perspective, and presence are necessary, and change happens when you show up authentically and consistently.