By Monica Soni, MD 

Covered California Chief Medical Officer

As we celebrate Black Music Month, I would like to share with you how I connect music to my family’s overall health and well-being. Since a very young age, music has always rocked my world. 

At the age of 4, I was already dancing to the sounds of jazz, hip hop, modern, and West African styles.  Music didn’t just play in the background of my life — it nurtured me. Its rhythms moved me, its melodies lifted my spirit, and its harmonies carried me through. Music has many properties that allow you to find health in every beat. 

The benefits I’ve experienced from music extend well beyond being active. It has been restorative while supporting my mental well-being and offering a profound sense of emotional healing.

At home, we listen to music all the time, while making dinner, doing homework, and during our “Family Dance Party.” Research in the field suggests that music can be used as supplementary therapy for depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, and chronic pain. When I need to decompress and relax, I always resort to music to find joy, be it a “quiet Spanish guitar,” “Moroccan mornings,” or “Funky Jazz Fusion.” In fact, I am listening to serene background music that puts me at ease as I write my thoughts on music and health.

One of my fond memories as a child was enjoying summer with dance and listening to songs such as “Hot Fun in the Summertime,” by Sly and the Family Stone, with its true evocation of a lazy summer day, or “Buffalo Soldier,” by Bob Marley, evoking my mom’s Jamaican roots.  And “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” by Angie Stone, which provides me with a rhythmic balance of emotion and internal conflict. All these songs help lower my stress levels, lift my spirit, and connect with myself and loved ones. 

Music, especially Black music, has the power to bring people together and provide a strong sense of community. It has positive effects on people’s moods, helping us to balance the ups and downs of daily life, and keeping us moving.

In celebrating Black music and sound, I find it important to call attention to music as a resource for healing the mind, body, and soul.  It has the power to unify people; to bring back memories; to connect us to our ancestors and history. It is through music that we allow our bodies and minds to be connected, to move and become active. One of the benefits of dancing—and I still call myself a dancer! —is keeping the body in motion. As the living legend Herbie Hancock said, “Music is the tool to express life—and all that makes a difference.” 

Black music has long proven to be more than entertainment – it is a voice, a force, and a legacy that has influenced generations within American society. From the days of slavery to the present, Black music has been a form of resistance and a powerful way for communities to communicate when their voices were often ignored or silenced. Spirituals carried messages of hope, survival, and freedom. Blues and Jazz later became expressions of improvisation, resilience, creativity, and liberation, helping shape movements like the Harlem Renaissance in the early 20th century. During the Civil Rights Movement, freedom songs lifted spirits and united communities, while artists like Nina Simone and James Brown used music to inspire pride, courage, and action. That legacy continues today through hip-hop, rap, funk, soul, and other genres that speak openly about injustice, political representation, and the ongoing fight for equality and community empowerment.

Let’s celebrate the contributions that Black music has made to the well-being of our communities and for all Californians as we groove towards a future of healing and human connection.  I hope we keep moving toward a more holistic way of caring for people—one that doesn’t try to fit everyone into the same mold, but instead listens, adapts, and honors each person’s unique needs, sensitivities, and limits.

So, let’s turn the music up and keep on moving!

Dr. Monica Soni, MD, is the Chief Medical Officer for Covered California, where she leads efforts in health equity, quality transformation, and clinical innovation. As a board-certified internal medicine physician and health care leader with over a decade of experience, Dr. Soni is committed to improving affordability, access, and health outcomes for all Californians.

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

Our connection to the California Black Health Network is rooted in alignment more than timeline. We were drawn to CBHN because of its unwavering commitment to advancing health equity for Black communities across California. As co-founders of BlackFULLness, our mission centers on supporting mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, so finding a network that is actively shaping policy, advocacy, and community health outcomes felt like coming into community with people doing the work at every level. CBHN represents both action and accountability, and we wanted to be part of that ecosystem.

What is your current profession?

We are co-founders of BlackFULLness, a digital wellness platform designed to support the holistic well-being of Black communities.

Rev. Sonia brings a faith-centered and community-rooted approach to healing, grounded in spiritual leadership, care, and advocacy.

King David Walker approaches this work through the lens of behavioral science, storytelling, and what it means to model a non-toxic, emotionally aware version of Black masculinity.

Together, we bridge technology, spirituality, and culture to create spaces where Black people can access care, reflection, and restoration.

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

One of the biggest barriers is that care is often not designed with Black lived experiences at the center. There are systemic inequities in access, affordability, and representation, but there is also a deeper issue of trust. Many Black individuals have learned to navigate systems that have historically overlooked or harmed them, particularly in mental and emotional health spaces.

There is also a cultural gap—spaces that don’t always reflect our language, our rhythms, our spirituality, or our ways of processing stress and healing. Without culturally grounded approaches, even available resources can feel out of reach.

Health equity requires not just access, but relevance, dignity, and belonging.

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

Through BlackFULLness, we prioritize accessibility and cultural resonance. We create tools, content, and experiences that speak directly to the realities Black people face—especially around stress, identity, and navigating high-pressure environments.

We also emphasize preventative care—helping people build awareness, reflection, and emotional regulation before crisis points.

In alignment with CBHN’s broader advocacy, we see our role as both complementary and connective: supporting individuals at the personal level while contributing to a larger ecosystem that is pushing for systemic change.

Our goal is to make wellness feel both attainable and affirming.

What inspires you to keep doing the work you do?

We are inspired by the people we serve—the messages, the stories, the quiet confirmations that what we’re building is making a difference.

Rev. Sonia is deeply inspired by the calling to care for people’s spirits and to create spaces where healing is possible, even in the midst of life’s challenges.

King David is inspired by the vision of expanding what it means to be well, especially for Black men, and by the possibility of creating tools that help people move from survival into alignment.

At the core, we are both driven by a shared belief: that Black people deserve to feel whole, supported, and at peace.

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

The bravest thing we’ve done is choosing to build something that didn’t already exist in the way we knew it needed to.

Starting BlackFULLness required stepping into uncertainty, trusting our vision, and committing to a path without guarantees. It also required vulnerability—sharing our perspectives on wellness, identity, and healing in ways that challenge norms.

For both of us, bravery has meant saying yes to purpose, even when the outcome wasn’t clear.

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

 “Take care of yourself so you can take care of others.”

That guidance has shaped both how we live and how we build. It reminds us that sustainability matters—that we cannot pour into community from a place of depletion.

It also reinforces the foundation of BlackFULLness: that wellness is not a luxury, but a necessity. When we prioritize our own mental, emotional, and spiritual health, we strengthen not just ourselves, but our families and our communities.

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

I have been a member of BHN for four months. I was drawn to BHN because I wanted to network with like-minded professionals.

What is your current profession?

I am the head of the Central Valley Black Men’s Health Consortium. My previous profession was Adjunct Professor, Project Manager, and Disadvantaged Business Coordinator.

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

The barriers I see here in the Central Valley are access to quality, black medical professionals.

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

My goal is to inform black men about health issues, give them appropriate information, and have subject-matter experts discuss health issues.

What inspires you to keep doing the work you do?

Good question! I truly think my work is needed, and that is what drives me.

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

Moving to California from Chicago without a support system. That was 26 years ago!

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

You are what you think about most of the time.

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.

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

I have been a member for roughly two years. I was drawn to CBHN’s dedication to serving the Black community and its efforts to educate and inform the community about policy agendas that impact health equity for Black Californians.

What is your current profession?

Community Research in Public Health and Social Work. As the Co-director of AAAE and Center Coordinator for CEHDR, I oversee programs/research projects, senior advisory committee, interns, PhD students, community partnerships, fundraising, grant management, professional trainings, public policy, advocacy, and direct practice through the AAAE online help center, as well as the day-to-day operations of the CEHDR.

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

A significant barrier is the lack of accountability measures for individuals in leadership positions whose practices continue to hinder progress.

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

I prioritize health equity through Justice-Oriented Community-Based Participatory Action Research, which advances social and environmental justice by tackling health inequities caused by environmental racism, harmful exposures, and social determinants of health. My work educates, collaborates, and advocates for healthier, more equitable communities through our programs and research projects powered by intentional and meaningful community partnerships such as CBHN.

What inspires you to keep doing the work you do?

I am inspired by the goal of leaving a legacy that will continue to grow and impact the community well beyond my own work.

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

I designed and operated a state-of-the-art facility for people living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias in the heart of the hood—South Los Angeles, named Mel’s Memory Care in honor of my dad, Melvin Gaines. This was one of the first state-licensed Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) with a full Dementia Plan of Operation in South Los Angeles.

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

"Keep your eye on the prize and let your work speak for itself." I also live by the 5 Ps (Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance) and the 3 Ps (Pause, Pivot, Proceed).

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 2 years. Yet, I have been a loyal follower, supporter, and believer since discovering CBHN during COVID-19. 

What is your current profession?

I am an interdisciplinary theatre and performance artist. I am also the Visual Director of Theatre Roscius, a small non-profit experimental theatre and research company. Theatre Roscius creates new works that explore the emotional and inner lives of women, with a particular focus on Black women’s well-being. 

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

Building and creating our own infrastructure and ecosystem that does not derive from a colonial framework. Investing in one another and taking big risks so we can get beyond relying on federal government and state funding.

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

Being able to create a theatre company in 2013 that gave me permission to focus on and tell stories about the mental health and well-being of Black women allowed me to give my energy and time to a non-profit in 2013. I have committed my life to telling stories about the mental health of Black women. The Black body has always been the primary vessel and portal of my work since 2012.

What inspires you to keep doing the work you do?

The belief that the future will be different and that what occurs in the present affects the frequency. Knowing a little Black girl in the future will find the work, and it will be of use to her in ways I could never imagine. 

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

To keep going, while being my true, authentic self. In the face of adversity and in a time when being a follower is the norm. To be bold and stand in who I am has allowed me to walk into a work of service and storytelling that manifests beyond the formats already in existence. 

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

“Everyone won’t like you, and you don’t need to be friends with everyone.” That has allowed me to be fearless and a force that can’t be reckoned with, even when people don’t want you to be who you are or succeed.

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

I became a member of the California Black Health Network last year. I was drawn to CBHN because it brings together Black leaders across disciplines who are committed to advancing health equity not just in theory, but in practice. CBHN’s focus on policy, systems change, and community‑rooted solutions aligned deeply with my own work and values—particularly the urgency of improving health outcomes for Black Californians amid shifting political, regulatory, and funding landscapes.

What is your current profession?

I am a surgeon‑scientist and health equity leader, currently serving as Vice President and Chief Health Access and Community Enrichment Officer at a comprehensive cancer center. My work sits at the intersection of clinical care, research, community engagement, and health systems transformation.

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

The barriers are layered and systemic. They include structural racism embedded in healthcare delivery and financing, lack of access to preventive and specialty care, underinvestment in community‑based organizations, and policies that fail to account for the lived realities of Black Californians. In healthcare specifically, fragmentation of care, workforce shortages, and limited access points—particularly outside of primary care—continue to perpetuate inequities across the cancer continuum and beyond.

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

In my work, I focus on redesigning access—meeting people where they are through community partnerships, expanding prevention and screening initiatives, and using data to identify and close inequity gaps. Through CBHN, I’m able to connect this institutional work to a broader statewide movement—learning from peers, contributing to shared strategies, and advocating for policies that center Black communities rather than treating equity as an afterthought.

What inspires you to keep doing the work you do?

What inspires me is the possibility of transformation—knowing that systems are designed by people, and therefore can be redesigned with intention. I’m inspired by the patients, families, and communities who continue to navigate inequitable systems with resilience, and by colleagues who are willing to push beyond incremental change to pursue real, lasting impact.

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

The bravest thing I’ve done is speak up—consistently and honestly—in rooms where inequities are uncomfortable to name. That includes challenging assumptions, naming structural barriers, and holding systems accountable, even when it would have been easier to stay silent. I’ve learned that progress rarely comes from comfort, and that courageous conversations are often the catalyst for meaningful change.

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

The best advice I’ve received is to stay grounded in purpose, not position. Titles change, strategies evolve, and systems resist—but when your work is rooted in clarity of purpose and service, it becomes easier to navigate complexity and stay committed to the long game of equity.

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

I have been a member since 2025. I was drawn to CBHN because I wanted to learn more about health care-related government processes, policies, and legislation that impact the Black and Brown communities so that I could be more intentional with my advocacy work.

What is your current profession?  

I am a Senior Analyst Account Executive for a major healthcare company. I serve on the boards of several organizations and am a proud member of the Coalition of 100 Black Women Los Angeles Chapter.

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

There are so many. From access to fair, ethical, affordable, and trustworthy care to loss of life for those with mental, maternal, and infant health needs. Then add misconceptions, prejudices, money, and more.

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

I have been able to prioritize the health of Black Californians by creating space for uncomfortable conversations, taking time to share facts and information, and getting in the room with those who have the power to drive change.

What inspires you to keep doing the work you do?  

We all have a story or experience that pushes us to do whatever we can to make even the slightest effort for better outcomes. For me, it started with navigating and advocating for my family members with their health issues. What an eye-opener!

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

Use my voice constructively and respectfully, without allowing the limitations, mediocrity, or power of others to diminish it.

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

You do not get to decide how much value your gifts have. Just give them wholeheartedly, and you will eventually learn just how much they are worth.

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.  

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.