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

I am a relatively new member of the California Black Health Network. What initially drew me to CBHN was its unwavering commitment to advancing health equity and addressing the systemic barriers that contribute to health disparities in Black communities. As someone who has spent my career working to improve access to health care, insurance coverage, employment protections, and financial stability for individuals facing serious medical conditions, I saw a natural alignment between CBHN's mission and the work we do at Triage Cancer and Triage Health. I value the opportunity to collaborate with organizations and leaders who are dedicated to creating lasting change and improving health outcomes for underserved populations.

What is your current profession?

I serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Triage Cancer, a national nonprofit organization that provides free education and resources on the practical and legal issues that arise after a cancer diagnosis. I am also a cancer rights attorney, educator, author, and advocate. Throughout my career, I have focused on helping individuals and families navigate the legal, financial, and practical challenges that can accompany a serious medical diagnosis. Through Triage Cancer and Triage Health, we provide trusted education and resources on topics such as health insurance, employment, disability insurance, finances, caregiving, government benefits, and planning ahead.

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

In our work, we see how structural inequities continue to affect access to quality health care, affordable insurance coverage, stable employment, transportation, housing, and financial resources. We also know that navigating complex health care and insurance systems can be overwhelming, delaying access to care and creating unnecessary stress for individuals and families. Historical and ongoing experiences of discrimination have contributed to mistrust of health care systems, and social determinants of health, including income, education, and access to community resources, continue to shape health outcomes. Achieving health equity requires addressing these interconnected challenges through policy change, education, trusted community partnerships, and sustained investment in underserved communities.

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

At Triage Cancer and Triage Health, we prioritize health equity by ensuring our education, resources, and programs are accessible to diverse communities and by partnering with trusted organizations that understand the unique needs of the people they serve. Collaborating with organizations like CBHN allows us to better reach Black Californians with practical information about health insurance, employment rights, financial stability, and access to care. These partnerships also help us better understand the barriers communities are experiencing so we can develop more responsive educational resources and advocate for policies that improve access to care and reduce disparities. Working together helps ensure that people have access to trusted information so they can make informed decisions and more confidently navigate complex systems.

What inspires you to keep doing the work you do?

What inspires me most are the people we serve. Every day, I hear stories from individuals and families who are doing their best to navigate a serious medical diagnosis while also managing the practical realities of life - keeping their jobs, maintaining health insurance, paying medical bills, and caring for loved ones. Knowing that the education and resources we provide can reduce stress, help people access the care they need, and empower them to make informed decisions is incredibly motivating. I'm also inspired by the advocates, health care professionals, community leaders, and partner organizations who are working every day to create a more equitable health care system. Together, we're making a difference in the communities we serve.

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

The bravest thing I've done is take the leap to start Triage Cancer. It meant leaving a more traditional career path to build something I believed was desperately needed. There have certainly been moments of uncertainty, but I've always believed that if our work helps even one person better navigate the challenges that come with a serious medical diagnosis, it's worth it. Seeing the daily impact we've had on individuals and families continues to reinforce that decision.

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

The best advice I've ever received is to focus on what you can control and let that guide your actions. Throughout my career, I've worked in spaces where the challenges can feel overwhelming and change doesn’t happen overnight. That advice has helped me stay grounded, focus on practical solutions, and keep moving forward one step at a time. It reminds me that even small actions can make a meaningful difference in someone's life.