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

Global Communities, along with the Healthy Start San Bernardino and Healthy Start San Diego/Riverside programs, has been a member of the California Black Health Network (CBHN) for the past three years!

What is your current profession?  

My goodness, I wear many hats in this season of my life! Currently, I serve as the Program Director for the Healthy Start San Bernardino Program. I am also a doula, with emphasis on NICU postpartum support, and a Lactation Education Specialist.

In addition, I am the founder of Mighty Little Giants, a nonprofit that supports NICU families, and I’m a student at Charles R. Drew University, pursuing my Master of Public Health in Urban Disparities.

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

From my perspective, one of the most significant barriers to care in California stems from the highly politicized and profit-driven nature of our healthcare system. Decisions around funding, access, and service delivery are often influenced more by policy agendas and financial priorities than by the actual needs of communities.

In addition, there are consistent disparities in access to high-quality care, particularly for marginalized populations. Communities that are already impacted by adverse social determinants of health, such as limited access to stable housing, nutritious food, reliable transportation, and economic opportunities, often face even greater challenges when trying to obtain timely and appropriate healthcare. These systemic inequities contribute directly to poorer health outcomes and widen existing gaps in care. 

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

Global Communities is committed to helping every child get a strong start in life. Funded by the United States Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Healthy Start expands access to perinatal care for parents in San Bernardino, San Diego, and Riverside Counties, particularly for those living in communities experiencing higher-than-average maternal and infant health risks. The Healthy Start program uses a personalized, parent-centered approach to strengthen family well-being and improve birth outcomes.

What inspires you to keep doing the work you do?  

What inspires me is knowing that our stories have power, our feedback builds programs, and our families need us.

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

The bravest thing I’ve ever done occurred during my first pregnancy. My water broke at 21 weeks, after I had already advocated for myself seven times at the hospital. I was then placed on hospital bed rest for 58 days, and my son was born at 27 weeks and 6 days. He spent 143 days in the NICU, fighting for his life.

During that time, I became my own advocate and my son’s biggest champion. I educated myself on his condition, asked questions, spoke up, and remained strong in the face of uncertainty. Despite the fear, the exhaustion, and the emotional weight of it all, I held on and did not lose myself in the process.

My son’s journey, and the pain we endured, pushed me into my purpose. It gave me clarity and conviction, and I don’t take this work lightly. Saying yes to God’s calling on my life, especially through such a difficult season, has been the bravest thing I’ve ever done.

Today, my son is 12 years old and thriving, a living testament to resilience, faith, and purpose. 

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

“When you change, they change—whether for better or worse.”

This advice was shared with me at my bridal shower before I got married, and it has stayed with me ever since. I’ve carried it in my heart across all of my relationships, friendships, family, my children, and my marriage. It reminds me that growth often requires personal accountability and the courage to shift first, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Leaning into this mindset has helped me establish healthy, necessary boundaries and, in many cases, positively shift the atmosphere around me.