I am a multifaceted leader, wife, mother, advocate, photographer, and entrepreneur whose work is rooted in creating lasting impact within the sickle cell community and beyond. Living and thriving with sickle cell disease for more than 45 years, I have transformed my lived experiences into a lifelong mission of advocacy, empowerment, artistic expression, and building meaningful connections.

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I had the honor of serving as Chair of the NHLBI Cure Sickle Cell Initiative's Community Input Panel until the project's completion and as the former Chair of the UT Southwestern American Society of Hematology Community Advisory Board, where I helped shape strategies to improve the lives of individuals living with sickle cell disease. I also served as Co-Chair of the Sickle Cell Community Consortium's Sickle Cell Mental Health and Wellness Initiative, partnering with community-based organizations, patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals across the United States to elevate the importance of mental health and wellness for sickle cell warriors.

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Mentorship is one of the most meaningful parts of my work. I am passionate about encouraging and empowering women living with sickle cell disease by providing the tools, support, and confidence they need to build resilience and define success on their own terms. With more than 25 years of professional experience in customer service, marketing, administrative support, leadership, and standard operating procedure (SOP) development, I bring strategic thinking, problem-solving, and organizational expertise to every initiative I lead.

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To help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, my friend and colleague, Elle Cole, and I co-created the I Believe in Therapy campaign. Together, we also co-authored the I Believe in Therapy workbook, a practical resource designed to encourage individuals to embrace therapy as a valuable tool for healing, self-discovery, and emotional well-being. Through both the campaign and the workbook, we aim to normalize conversations about mental health while equipping people with tools to support their wellness journey.

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As the owner of Artfully Avant, LLC, I combine my passion for photography with my commitment to storytelling. Through my lens, I capture stories of resilience, hope, and humanity, challenging perceptions of what it means to live with a chronic illness. In partnership with Cayenne Wellness Center, I had the privilege of photographing and curating Scar Stories. This powerful visual exhibition shares the experiences of individuals living with sickle cell disease and explores the significance of the title "warrior." Through Artfully Avant, I strive to foster empathy, understanding, and meaningful conversations through fine art photography.

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Everything I do is grounded in the belief that advocacy, artistry, and mentorship have the power to transform lives. Whether I am advocating for systemic change, mentoring the next generation of leaders, speaking on behalf of patients, or capturing authentic moments through my camera, my goal is to challenge assumptions, inspire action, and amplify voices that deserve to be heard.

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Above all, I am committed to helping create a world where people living with chronic conditions are not defined by their diagnoses but are seen for their strength, their stories, and their limitless potential. I will continue using every platform available to ensure that individuals with sickle cell disease and all chronic illnesses are seen, heard, valued, and empowered to thrive.