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

What drew me to CBHN is really the heart of its mission: creating real, lasting change for Black communities across California. Growing up in Oakland and being a fourth-generation educator, I’ve seen firsthand how health disparities impact our families and neighborhoods. I’ve always believed that strong, genuine relationships are the foundation for building change, and CBHN stands for that same belief. I’ve been a member of the Black Health Network for over a year, and in that time, I’ve seen the power of this community to connect, uplift, and inspire action. Their work aligns deeply with my passion for connection, growth, and transformation. In my role, I’m excited to build on the partnerships we’ve nurtured at HHREC and create new pathways that continue our shared legacy of impact. It feels like a natural extension of the work I’ve always been called to do.

What is your current profession?

I serve as the Campaign Managing Director at the Health and Human Resource Education Center (HHREC), where I assist with strategic campaigns and build meaningful partnerships to advance health equity and community well-being. By working closely with local leaders and organizations, I strive to build collaborative solutions that empower individuals and families to thrive. For me, this work bridges my passion for community connection and advocacy into action that uplifts and sustains our shared future.

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

From my perspective, as someone deeply connected to community work in Oakland and through my role at HHREC, there are three main barriers to achieving health equity for Black Californians. 

1. Structural racism affects healthcare policies and practices, leading to treatment and outcome disparities.
2. Economic disparities, such as income inequality and inconsistent health insurance access, impede consistent healthcare provision.
3. Generations of distrust from past medical harm and neglect cause many to hesitate in seeking help from health systems.

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

I’ve prioritized Black Californians' health by building and nurturing strong, lasting partnerships that drive community wellness and equity. I help with initiatives that strengthen outreach and connect individuals and families to holistic support services. My goal is to create meaningful, community-centered strategies that address barriers and promote healthier futures.

What inspires you to keep doing the work you do? 

What inspires me to keep doing this work is the hope for a community where we can all live longer, healthier lives, free from preventable health disparities like those caused by tobacco use and systemic inequities. I’m driven by the vision of a future where everyone has access to the resources, support, and healing practices they deserve. I want to see our community celebrate wellness, honor cultural expression, and embrace leadership and collaboration rooted in love. What keeps me going is the belief that together, we can reclaim our power over our health, our stories, and our future.

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

The bravest thing I’ve ever done was choosing to lead in moments when it felt easier to walk away. When I became Campaign Managing Director at HHREC, I stepped fully into the responsibility of creating change for my community. Growing up in Oakland, in a family of educators, I understood early the weight of carrying not just my own hopes but the dreams of many. There were times when life gave me every reason to quit, but I refused. I kept going, trusted my voice, and led with courage and heart. Because our communities deserve to rise, and so do we.

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

The best advice that I received is that “I am enough.” 

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

I have been a member since April 2023. What drew me to CBHN is its powerful mission to advance Black health equity in California through policy change, community organizing, and promoting health literacy. As a proud Black Californian, CBHN aligns perfectly with my goals throughout my career: amplifying Black voices, enhancing our community’s mental wellness, and supporting the legacy of Black life.

What is your current profession?

I am the founder and CEO of Shame Proof Parenting, where I provide culturally affirming mental health services for families and training for mental health professionals. Additionally, I serve as an adjunct professor teaching Multicultural Counseling at Pepperdine University. My research explores Black family mental wellness and the intersections of pop culture, geekdom, and the Black experience, emphasizing culturally responsive approaches to healing.

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

From my experience as a scholar and advocate, primary barriers to achieving health equity for Black Californians include deeply embedded systemic racism, pervasive implicit bias in mental health and healthcare settings, and a significant lack of culturally affirming care that genuinely reflects Black lived experiences. Through my work and research, I've observed firsthand how systemic oppression, intergenerational trauma, socioeconomic stressors, and limited access to culturally responsive mental health resources perpetuate health disparities. My work consistently emphasizes dismantling these systemic obstacles, training professionals in cultural expansion (a fusion of humility, awareness, and competency), and empowering Black communities through advocacy, culturally relevant education, and inclusive policymaking.

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

In both my professional journey and my partnership with CBHN, prioritizing the health of Black Californians has meant actively engaging in advocacy and creating intentional community spaces. Participating in CBHN's Health Equity Awareness Training (HEAT) enhanced my capacity to address systemic inequities in mental health through informed policy advocacy. Additionally, advocating directly with policymakers during CBHN's lobby days at the California Capitol allowed me to spotlight critical health equity issues impacting Black families, amplifying voices often overlooked in policy discussions. Most recently, hosting a networking event in Orange County provided a platform for local stakeholders to present research on health disparities among Black residents, fostering vital community dialogue and collaboration. I am committed to integrating culturally responsive mental wellness into every facet of my advocacy, research, and community engagement.

What inspires you to keep doing the work you do?

Growing up in a kinship-care family in South Central LA during the 90s and 2000s, health equity has always been personal. Witnessing Black people in my community face health inequities, social barriers, and marginalization in policy and legislation ignited my passion for social justice and advocacy. These formative experiences guided me toward a career in social work focused on family services. Today, my drive comes from a deep commitment to dismantling oppressive systems and fostering holistic well-being for my Black community.

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

As difficult as this is to share, the bravest thing I ever did was commit to healing from years of familial abuse and trauma. While my upbringing laid the foundation for who I am today, healing required courage, vulnerability, and an intentional journey inward. Facing this personal history has profoundly strengthened my capacity to help others and continues to anchor my work in authenticity and empathy.

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

The best advice I've ever received was to learn how to "just be." As a Black woman in a society that demands constant productivity and perfection, I internalized a mindset that often led to burnout, even within the spaces I love deeply. A mentor who trained me in the trauma-informed modality of Brainspotting gently taught me that a critical part of the journey was learning to simply exist without pressure to constantly prove myself. This lesson transformed how I approach my path, helping me understand my life as flowing according to a divine rhythm, allowing me the grace and peace to move authentically through each moment.

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

I’ve been a member of CBHN for about two years. I’m a long-time advocate for one-payer universal healthcare and racial and disability equity in healthcare. I was drawn to CBHN because I believe we need to include all groups working in the healthcare space in the fight for an improved healthcare system.

A one-payer universal system would benefit everyone in the US and would make healthcare more equitable, but it won’t necessarily solve the problems of racism, sexism, ableism, and homophobia in healthcare. The work that CBHN and other groups do in fighting discrimination and bias are important for transforming healthcare.

What is your current profession? 

I am the Communications Manager for Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates, which advocates for making Sacramento a safe, healthy and fun place to cycle, especially the areas of Sacramento that have been neglected with regard to good cycling infrastructure and that have been subjected to climate injustice. I also volunteer with One Payer States and National Nurses United on healthcare.

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

Systemic racism, implicit bias and lack of access to good health care facilities in lower income neighborhoods. Black women especially are still often discriminated against by doctors and nurses which puts their health and well-being at risk.

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

In my work advocating for safe cycling, we try to focus on underserved neighborhoods so that people in those neighborhoods can cycle safely, improve their health with exercise, and improve the air quality by replacing short car trips with bike trips. With CBHN, I try to attend webinars that keep me informed about the health of Black Californians.

 What inspires you to keep doing the work you do? 

I believe that to have a healthy, happy society, we need to lift up everyone. I would like to see a society where everyone has access to free, high quality healthcare. My ancestors worked for an improved healthcare system and I would like to see this happen before I die.

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

My late husband and I adopted a blind 12-year-old girl from China who had never been to school due to her disability. It was difficult at first but she’s doing great now.

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

To really listen to people’s concerns and keep an open mind without prejudging.

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

Felton Institute’s corporate membership was established in 2024.

What is your current profession? 

I am President and Chief Executive Officer of Felton Institute, a behavioral health provider primarily serving northern California.

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

Lack of awareness, limited access, and narrow self-interests of providers are the factors impacting inadequate distribution of resources.

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

Felton reaches across all racial, ethnic, cultural, social, and linguistic lines. By addressing the needs of individuals impacted by the justice system, individuals struggling with mental health, preparing children for educational success, and providing older adults with critical resources, our programs are well designed to support Black Californians who too often over index in health, education, and employment disparities. Our participation in policy driven organizations such as CBHN strengthens this commitment.

What inspires you to keep doing the work you do? 

Witnessing the positive impacts of Felton’s programs on those served as well as those who provide these services, is both humbling and inspirational.

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

Assuming leadership responsibility for the hundreds of people Felton employs and the thousands of community members we serve in ten Bay Area counties is a character-building experience. I understand that decisions I make in steering this organization have real life consequences in the lives of others; so, I am thoughtful, measured, and decisive in taking any action.

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

I appreciate Bryan Stevenson’s appeal to all of us, that each of us is more than the worst thing that we’ve done; that the opposite of poverty isn’t wealth, the opposite of poverty is justice; and that the character of our nation isn’t reflected on how we treat the rich and the privileged, but how we treat the poor, the disfavored, and condemned.

Colleagues and Community Partners,

I am pleased to announce the publication of three new fact sheets authored by Dr. Karen D. Lincoln for the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF). This project includes three fact sheets drawn from the landmark Listening to Black Californians study. Each fact sheet draws from data among the study’s 1,752 middle-aged and older adult survey participants (age 45 and up); illustrative quotations come from the study’s individual interviews.

Why and How Older Black Californians Take Control of their Health highlights the strengths of aging Black Californians, their strategies for taking care of their health despite experiencing racism in health care, and potential solutions to achieve equity in health care.

How Aging Women Face the “Triple Jeopardy” of Race, Gender, and Age in Health Care uses an intersectional approach to highlight the health care experiences of aging Black women in California and the efforts they take to maintain their health and increase their chances of receiving fair treatment. It also makes recommendations to address racial, gender, and age-related bias in health care.

Listening to Aging Black Californians: Changing the Culture of Health Care One Person at a Time offers short takeaways from the study and sample areas for action to address racism in health care.

Here’s the link to the fact sheets on racism and discrimination in health care: https://www.chcf.org/publication/listening-older-black-californians/#related-links-and-downloads. 

Please share widely with your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors.

All the best,

Dr. Gaines

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 for over a year. 

What is your current profession?

I am a Political Science Professor at West Los Angeles College and a Project Manager at Black Women for Wellness. 

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

Achieving health equity for Black Californians is hindered by limited access to culturally relevant educational materials and affordable, quality health care. Systemic issues like geographic disparities, economic inequities, and bias in health care further exacerbate inequities, creating barriers to preventive care and treatment. Additionally, environmental racism and historical mistrust of health systems undermine efforts to build trust and empower communities to prioritize health.

By consistently speaking up, I’ve advocated for the health and well-being of Black Californians through education, outreach, and representation in decision-making spaces. Showing up in community settings, health discussions, and collaborative initiatives ensures that the unique challenges faced by Black communities are addressed with urgency and equity. Through both direct engagement and partnerships, like with CBHN, I have worked to amplify voices, provide resources, and push for accessible health solutions.

What inspires you to keep doing the work you do? 

My love for my community. 

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

Leave my 9-5 corporate job to work in health equity and address systemic barriers. 

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

If you don't take time to rest, your body will do it for you at the most inconvenient time. 

Question missing from this list: What do you hope to see in the future?

I hope to see a future where justice and equity are fully achieved, making my current work unnecessary because the systemic barriers that harm Black communities will have been dismantled. I envision a world where access to quality health care, education, and safe environments is guaranteed for everyone, and Black Californians no longer face disproportionate health risks. I’ll gladly seek another role in the future, knowing the fight for equity has been won.

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

August 2024 - I have family members and friends who are involved, as well as former Board members and I am eager to learn how to become a more effective change agent in the fight for health equity within our community.

What is your current profession? 

Legal Coordinator | Founding President, National Action Network Orange County

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

(1) Not enough doctors who look like me; (2) just like we have the EEOC and CFPB, we need a dedicated protection bureau focused exclusively on healthcare discrimination. This would provide individuals who believe they have faced discrimination within the healthcare system a platform to report their experiences, ensuring they receive prompt responses, thorough investigations, and effective resolutions; (3) the ability to identify instances of discrimination early on to take appropriate action and not being afraid to do so; and (4) not being in denial that it is happening to you — when we conducted the HEAAL health survey to the Black Community in Orange County, only 23% (1 in 5)  believed that they had experienced discrimination while receiving healthcare services - I believe it is not because the remaining 77% had not experienced it but either they don’t recognize it OR maybe are in denial.

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

I am new to CBHN, so I have not started yet.  In our work so far, data collection, focus groups, hosting community events on Mental Health, Alzheimers, Brain Health, and Aging,  engaging with isolated seniors in assisted living homes, created the following initiatives: (a) Secondhand Smoke Matters - our mission to educate landlords and all communities of Orange County about the health dangers of secondhand smoke and to eliminate involuntary exposure with the goal that by 2033 all multiunit housing units will be smokefree in OC; (b) Genny’s Smile created to address health equity for women of color; and (c) Solo Senior Advocacy - our mission is to advocate for Seniors who are alone, hospitalized, or in nursing facilities and have no family nearby by collaborating with government agencies, other nonprofits, and healthcare providers to develop and implement policies that enhance the quality of care and support services available to seniors in need. 

What inspires you to keep doing the work you do?  

What drives me to continue my work is I hate to see people treated unfairly, ignored, belittled, or dismissed. My sister Dorothy and my friend Genny both had their health symptoms dismissed by doctors I believe because of their race and gender, and without anyone to advocate for them, they suffered preventable deaths. If their symptoms had not been overlooked and if a simple glucose test and cancer screening had been conducted, and/or if they just had an advocate present with them so they wouldn't be ignored, perhaps they would still be here with us.  I am motivated by the hope that I can contribute towards moving the needle in preventing the dismissal of health concerns for Black individuals, especially our seniors, ensure the same treatment options are offered to Black individuals as offered to Whites, and help create policies that promote health equity and improve the health outcome and quality of life for isolated senior citizens, especially Black women.

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

Live these last 5 years without my daddy!

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

My dad used to tell me that “you’re only as good as the company you keep”.

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

I’ve been a member of the Black Health Network since 2023. In October 2023, I attended the Briefing: Black Health Equity presented by the California Health Care Foundation and heard Rhonda Smith, Executive Director ofCalifornia Black Health Network, speak.

What is your current profession?

I am a social worker and the States Advocacy Director with Compassion and Choices- California, the nation’s oldest, largest, and most active nonprofit working to expand options, improve care, and empower everyone to chart their end-of-life journey.

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

Barriers to health equity for Black Californians can stem from systemic injustices beyond the healthcare system, including issues in education, housing, and employment, that can affect access to quality care. 

Within the healthcare system, it’s important to feel supported by your healthcare team and be able to trust that your healthcare team works to honor your goals of care, values, culture, and beliefs. While I think many would agree there are problems within our healthcare system, it’s clear our healthcare system has broken this trust with many Black Californians.

We know more needs to be done to promote health equity at the end of life. Black Americans receive less pain medication and palliative care, are less likely to document their end-of-life wishes, and choose hospice less often than White Americans. Conversely, they often experience more aggressive, non-beneficial treatments and have higher rates of emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

It’s important that healthcare providers come from diverse backgrounds, listen to their patients,  and communicate health information in culturally competent ways. Patients should have multiple care options, affordable services, and providers who spend adequate time building relationships- discussing diagnoses, prognoses, treatment options and outcomes, and potential side effects- so patients can make informed decisions.

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

My role focuses on educating communities and advocating for improved end-of-life care. I actively listen to Black Americans to understand their needs and integrate their perspectives into my work.

I join webinars, attend conferences, listen to podcasts, and watch recordings of conferences hosted by Black Americans. I really enjoyed the “How Do I” series CBHN did and hearing the expert’s tips on how to access better care for the Black community. I watched the recording of “The Journey Home” Conference that our African American Leadership Council hosted and regularly listen to podcasts and panels featuring my Black colleagues.

I also support, lift up, and partner with organizations that are already doing good work to promote health equity.  I strive to be inclusive, honor perspectives, and take recommendations on policy, outreach, and communication styles from members of the black community. 

What inspires you to keep doing the work you do?

Hearing positive stories about how our work is making a difference. My grandmother passed away about 10 years ago and I know the pain my mom still carries about the way she died. Whenever someone shares with me a personal story regarding a loved one’s death that was a positive story, it gives me hope. When a loved one dies, grief is to be expected, but it’s possible to avoid confusion, being overwhelmed, fighting amongst loved ones, and depression.

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

I think anytime I get out of my comfort zone is being brave. I’ve moved a lot and had to say goodbye and restart my community, starting new jobs and believing I have what it takes to be successful in new roles, running my first marathon, traveling alone, etc. But maybe the bravest thing I did was say yes when my now husband wanted to move cross country with me and asked me to marry him after 3 months of dating, but we’ve been together for 15 years so it worked out ;)

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

I used to work for a Member of Congress who once said it’s a marathon, not a sprint, and as a marathon runner this really resonated with me. I think of this often and need to remind myself that changes are often incremental, roadblocks happen, self-care is necessary, but eventually we accomplish something big. 

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

I have been a member for almost a year! I was initially invited to join, and after researching the organization’s mission of connecting like-minded individuals committed to enhancing the lives of Black folks in California, I felt even more motivated to join.

What is your current profession? 

Clinical Psychotherapist | Mental Health & Equity Consultant | Mindset & Well-Being Coach

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

In my professional opinion, achieving health equity for Black Californians is hindered by several barriers, particularly in the realm of mental health. The most prominent obstacle is the lack of culturally trained mental health professionals who can provide care that reflects the lived experiences, identities, and historical contexts of Black folks. This gap often leads to misdiagnosis and mistrust of the mental health. Systemic economic disparities ( income inequality, high unemployment rates, and limited access to affordable housing) exacerbate mental health challenges by creating chronic stress.  Many Black communities reside in healthcare deserts, where quality services are scarce and out-of-pocket costs are prevent folks from assessing care. Without targeted investment in culturally responsive care and policies that address these structural inequities, true health equity for Black Californians will remain out of reach. 

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

Through the Compton Wellness Collective, I prioritize the health of Black Californians by providing accessible, culturally responsive mental health services and wellness programs that address disparities in care. We offer access to individual therapy, support groups, and community workshops designed to meet the unique needs of Black community members, ensuring they receive quality, trauma-informed support. Being a part of the CBHN network, allows us to remain informed about current issues and so that we can collectively address systemic barriers. The overall goal is to ensure that Black Californians—regardless of background or circumstance—have access to the care and resources needed to thrive.

What inspires you to keep doing the work you do? 

I am inspired by the urgent need for mental health resources in my community and the opportunity to break intergenerational cycles of maladaptive coping. Seeing firsthand the impact of systemic inequities, I’m driven to ensure that Black and Latine community members have access to the tools and support they need to make healthier decisions for themselves and their families. Providing culturally relevant, trauma-informed care not only helps individuals heal but also promotes positive change in how our community members respond to each other. Every person empowered to prioritize their well-being is a step toward disrupting harmful patterns and building a stronger, healthier community for future generations.

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

The bravest work I have done is continuing to serve my community after losing my son, Xavier, to gun violence just 12 days after his 19th birthday. Despite this unimaginable loss, I lead grief groups, workshops, and community wellness events to support others...with a heavy heart. Despite my grief, I was still able to help, support and guide, while still allowing myself space to process the loss of my Son.

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

Only give what you have capacity to give. If you only have 40% give 40%, if you only have 75% then give 75%. Being honest with yourself will prevent you from pouring too much out of your cup.

Instagram: @compton_wellness_collective

Event page: bit.ly/cwceventpage

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

1yr 

What is your current profession? 

CEO and founder of As You Are Non-Profit Called To Do His Work.

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

Achieving health equity for Black Californians is hindered by several significant barriers. One of the primary challenges is access to care. Many Black communities struggle to obtain quality healthcare services due to geographic locations that lack adequate facilities, as well as transportation issues. Additionally, there is often a limited availability of healthcare providers who understand the cultural needs of these communities, further complicating access. Economic disparities also play a crucial role in health outcomes. Higher rates of poverty and unemployment in Black communities can severely limit access to preventive care and healthy food options. When individuals are economically disadvantaged, they may prioritize immediate needs over long-term health, leading to poorer health outcomes overall. Discrimination and bias within the healthcare system exacerbate these challenges. Systemic racism and implicit bias can result in mistrust, misdiagnosis, and inadequate treatment for Black individuals. This mistrust can discourage people from seeking care, perpetuating a cycle of health inequity.

Moreover, the lack of culturally relevant health education contributes to the problem. Many individuals in these communities may not be fully aware of the resources available to them, preventive measures they can take, or the health conditions that disproportionately affect them. This gap in knowledge can hinder proactive health management. Social determinants of health, such as housing instability, food insecurity, and limited educational opportunities, further contribute to health disparities. These factors can significantly impact overall well-being and access to necessary healthcare services. Finally, mental health stigma poses a substantial barrier. Cultural perceptions surrounding mental health can prevent individuals from seeking necessary care and support, exacerbating existing health issues. Addressing these barriers requires a multifaceted approach, including policy changes, community engagement, and increased investment in culturally competent healthcare services. By tackling these issues holistically, we can work towards achieving health equity for Black Californians.

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

In both my work and with the California Black Health Network, I prioritize the health of Black Californians through several key strategies. First, I actively engage with community members to understand their unique health needs and challenges, ensuring their experiences are reflected in program development. I advocate for policies that promote health equity and address systemic barriers, including increased funding for healthcare services tailored to Black communities. Providing culturally relevant education is also essential, as it helps ensure that health information resonates with these populations and addresses specific concerns. Additionally, I focus on building partnerships with local organizations, healthcare providers, and stakeholders to create a unified approach to improving health outcomes. Promoting preventive health measures, screenings, and wellness programs is vital in reducing the incidence of chronic diseases. Finally, I work to address mental health stigma and enhance access to mental health resources, recognizing the importance of holistic well-being. Through these strategies, I aim to create a supportive environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of Black Californians, ultimately working towards greater health equity.

What inspires you to keep doing the work you do?

The belief in the transformative power of community support and advocacy. Seeing the positive changes in individuals lives and knowing that my efforts contribute to a safer, more supportive environment fuels my passion. Additionally, the stories of resilience from those I serve remind me of the importance of compassion and dedication. It's a privilege to help others find their strength and navigate their journeys toward healing and empowerment.

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

The bravest thing I have done is embracing vulnerability and standing up for those who feel voiceless. Launching As You Are Non-Profit Called To Do His Work took immense courage, as it meant confronting difficult truths about domestic violence and advocating for change in my community. By sharing my own experiences and supporting others, I've faced fears and challenges head-on. This journey has taught me that true bravery lies in the willingness to take risks for the sake of others, fostering hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

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

The best advice that I have received is to listen more than you speak. This simple yet profound guidance has taught me the importance of truly understanding others, especially those I aim to help. By listening, I can better empathize with their experiences and needs, allowing me to provide more effective support and meaningful solutions. It's a reminder that every person has a story worth hearing, and that understanding is the foundation of compassion and impactful advocacy.