NAME OF COMPANY
The Black Girl Health Collective
WHAT HBCU DID YOU ATTEND?
Delaware State University
WHAT MADE YOU ATTEND YOUR HBCU?
I was raised in a family with deep roots and ties to Delaware State University. My grandmother, aunties, uncles, mother and father all attended DSU. My grandmother and my aunt went on to work for DSU for over 30 years. DSU afforded an avenue for my grandmother to raise her three daughters on her terms, but also over generations influence the pathway and relationships of our family.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN DURING YOUR TIME A YOUR COLLEGE?
Existing in a small town during your teenage and impressionable years, there is often a belief that to be successful, gain independence and worldly experience you have to move away. That is a myth.During my time in college, I learned that community is everything. There is nothing like being cultivated in a space where everyone looks like you and possesses the same shared cultural experiences. During my time at DSU, I was able to build relationships and friendships that shaped the foundation of the person I am today. Attending an HBCU gave me the self assurance to not only take up space but hold it, in environments where we have no representation. HORNETS!
WHAT WAS YOUR DECISION TO PLEDGE DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY INC?
My decision to pledge DST came after witnessing the qualities and demeanor of my Aunt who is also a Delta. This led me to research Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., whose foundational premise and beliefs are in alignment with mine. Supporting local communities, advocating for wellness and health and also amplifying political awareness and involvement are areas I’ve committed my career and life to.
HOW DID YOUR HBCU EFFECT YOUR LIFE?
Attending DSU challenged all of my prior societal conditioning. There is nothing like attending an HBCU. The relationships and skills developed and learned during matriculation and after carried me personally and professionally. It doesn’t matter what HBCU you attended, your family. (Although, we all know DSU is the best!)
SHARE 3 OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL THING YOU HAVE DONE SINCE LEAVING COLLEGE?
Serving as Regional Director of Clinical Services, helping to establish access to primary care in the Fairfield and New Haven Counties of Connecticut. Becoming a Creative Patient & Reproductive Justice advocate, and full spectrum Doula and EDI practitioner. Developing The Black Girl Health Collective and Black Girl Health Con, as pathways to radically reimagine community health and education. Our goal is to actively impact the access and experience of communities and practitioners navigating systems through resource generation, services, and the amplification of programs and organizations. Oh! and we like to have FUN and sometimes party while doing it.
WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE A YOUNG DELTA SIGMA THETA?
Be yourself. Sometimes it can be intimidating navigating in an organization where so many women exude confidence and excellence. You were chosen for a reason SOROR! Embrace community, mentorship and sisterhood!
WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU WITH IN 5 YEARS?
Within the next 5 years, I plan on growing the BGHC network and offerings to provide multidisciplinary support. We plan to develop Black Girl Health Con into a 2-3 day experience in different cities across the country. On a personal level, I intend to continue to focus on engaging and amplifying the experiences of our rural folks and communities struggling with access to care.
HOW CAN READERS CONNECT WITH YOU ?
You can follow me and the BGHC’s work at www.blackgirlhealthcollective.org or on Facebook or Instagram.. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn.