I am honored to be nominated for the American Heart Association’s Woman of Impact campaign. Through this platform, I’m excited to amplify the work I pour my heart into year-round—helping people live healthier lives by providing compassionate care, advocating for health equity, and empowering families with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive. For nearly 20 years, I have had the privilege of serving my patients in a culturally rich community filled with people who have courage, compassion and resilience, and what I have enjoyed more than anything is working alongside these families to address the root causes of health disparities and prevent the chronic conditions that impact our community the most. This campaign is a chance to shine a spotlight on the critical health challenges in Washington, D.C., and, simultaneously, raise funds needed to drive lasting change.
As a pediatrician serving Southeast D.C. for over 17 years, I’ve seen firsthand how heart disease and stroke devastate families. Chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension are far too common, particularly in vulnerable Black communities where systemic inequities create significant barriers to health. Limited access to affordable, healthy food means families often rely on low-nutrient options that increase heart disease risks. Safe spaces for exercise and preventive care are scarce, leaving communities struggling with avoidable health crises.
Here's what we're up against:
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined.
- Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke, a leading cause of serious long-term disability. Black individuals in the U.S. face twice the risk of experiencing a stroke compared to the general population.
- In Washington, D.C., 1 in 3 residents lives food insecure, making it difficult for families to prioritize heart-healthy eating.
- Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of maternal deaths, responsible for more than one-third of fatalities. Black women face maternal mortality rates that are three times higher than those of white women.
- Each year, approximately 40,000 children in the U.S. are born with congenital heart defects (CHD), the most common birth defect. Many require lifelong medical care.
These aren’t just numbers to me—they represent real lives: mothers, daughters, fathers, and children whose futures are at stake. Heart disease doesn’t just impact individuals—it impacts entire communities like yours and mine. These challenges drive me every day to fight for change, educate others, and empower families to take control of their health.
Through education, advocacy, and outreach, we can help families recognize the early signs of heart disease and adopt sustainable habits to live healthier lives. Whether it’s reducing hypertension, preventing strokes, or addressing food insecurity, my mission is to create accessible opportunities for better health for every family.
Every dollar raised during this campaign goes directly to initiatives in the DC community that:
- Educate families on recognizing the symptoms of heart disease and stroke and reducing their risk factors.
- Fund lifesaving research to close health equity gaps and discover new solutions.
- Equip communities with tools to address barriers like food insecurity and lack of access to care.
Join Us at Our Weekly Events
Throughout this campaign, I’ll be hosting events to engage our community, provide resources, and inspire action. I hope you can join me:
- Week 1- Let’s Get Pumped - Kickstart Your Community Week (2/7-2/16)
- Week 2- Creating a Nation of Lifesavers - CPR Awareness Week (2/17-2/23) with special event - Red Carpet Affair; 7th Annual Heart Health and Health Disparities Awards Gala with Delta Sigma Theta FCAC (2/22/25)
- Week 3- Get I.N.S.P.I.RED - Join the Go Red for Women Movement Week (2/24-3/2)
- Week 4- EmpowHER - Maternal Health Week (3/3-3/9)
- Week 5- Grace & Gratitude - Celebrating Our Mind-Heart-Body Connection (3/10-3/16)
- Week 6- Beat the Street - Move More with a 5K for Heart Health Week (3/17-3/23)
- Week 7- "Coloring Outside the Lines as Research Goes Red" - Redefining Diversity in Clinical Trials - (3/24-3/30)
- Week 8- Meals that Heal - Heart Smart Nutrition Week (3/31-4/5)
- Week 9- Last Call & Lasting Moments - Meditation & Stress Management Week (4/6-4/10)
This campaign is more than a fundraiser—it’s a movement to improve the health and lives of the people here in the Greater Washington Region, and beyond. Your support will help families take charge of their health, address health inequities, and ensure a future full of longer, healthier lives.
Click the "Donate" button below to support our team. Together, we can build a healthier, stronger community—one heart at a time.