​My advocacy journey began soon after the birth of my son, when I was asked to mentor young mothers of premature babies as part of a research initiative. Recognizing a significant gap in mental health support, I advocated for mental health screenings and counseling services for all participants, a shift that altered the trajectory of the research. This experience marked the beginning of my dedication to integrating mental health into neurodiversity research.

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Navigating my son’s autism diagnosis, opened the door to extending mentorship to mothers of children with autism and intellectual disabilities. Over the years, I have provided mentorship, training, and consulting services to families, medical professionals, and service providers. My work focuses on the unique aspects of neurodivergence and mental health, striving to equip communities with the knowledge and resources needed to support neurodivergent individuals effectively.

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In 2017, I had the honor of presenting at the United Nations World Autism Awareness Day, highlighting the importance of educating public service professionals on autism and intellectual disabilities, particularly in marginalized communities, to prevent negative outcomes. I have also trained police officers and first responders as part of the Crisis Intervention Team’s quarterly training program, emphasizing the critical role of understanding intellectual disabilities in high-stress situations.

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I am also a representative of the National Black Disability Coalition and serve on the Board of Directors for NAMI NC, the Durham Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities, and several other key organizations. Through these roles, I continue to advocate for mental health, neurodiversity, and social justice.

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