What are one or two of your greatest business and/or community achievements?

One of my greatest achievements has been advancing community-based public health initiatives that make wellness more accessible and culturally relevant across Acadiana. Through my work with Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center, I have supported tobacco cessation outreach and, for more than five years, led community-level nutrition education programs that help individuals make informed lifestyle changes to prevent chronic disease and better self-manage conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. This work emphasizes practical, sustainable strategies that respect culture while supporting long-term health.

Equally meaningful has been my leadership beyond my professional role. I serve on the Board of Directors for Healthy St. Landry Alliance, am a graduate of Leadership Lafayette Class XXXVII, and contribute to the planning of Festival de Fit, an upcoming community wellness and culture festival currently in development. These roles reflect my commitment to collaboration, service, and strengthening community health.

What’s your favorite thing about what you do for a living?

My favorite part of what I do is working directly with people and seeing small moments of progress turn into real confidence and hope. Whether it’s a student, a family, or a community member, I love helping others realize that healthier living is possible—and that they don’t have to walk that journey alone.

Your PhD research focuses on maternal nutrition disparities among African American women while you lead chronic disease prevention initiatives locally. What sparked your focus on maternal nutrition, and what change do you most want to see?

Black women experience harder pregnancies than their counterparts. National averages will show that black women experience higher rates of chronic diseases that are preventable during their pregnancies, which makes them experience higher rates of infant death.

I would love it if we could cut these numbers down. I would love to see black women have access to nutrition education and nutritious foods that are relevant to their culture that they can consume on a daily basis and still meet their nutritional needs.