Currently I am a biology major with a Holistic Wellness Focus at Hill College and I am also studying Yoga with the Yoga University of the Americas. From here, I will finish my RN, obtain certification in Detox and Crisis Intervention, and complete a Nurse practitioner degree. I plan to use my education to continue to provide support and services to our houseless and marginalized communities both here in AZ and in my hometown of VA. Wanting to be of service and to be able to have more control in providing proper care is what encouraged me to return to school. Here in AZ, our houseless population is primarily BIPOC persons of all ages. In 2020, over 500 people died in the street of Phoenix alone during our summer months due to a lack of water access and resources. My aim is to continue working with groups such as Feed Phoenix, The Sidewalk Project- Phoenix, R.I.O.T. Phoenix, Sonoran Prevention Works, and BLM-Phx to provide free healthcare and mental healthcare (wellness coaching, crisis support, and intervention), meals (via a mobile bus/van), and water access to these zones as mental healthcare is more than just having someone to talk to. I also aim to have a brick-and-mortar practice where community members can be seen free of charge and to work with Feed Phoenix to create more shelters for our unhoused relatives. In Richmond, Virginia, my hometown, I had the privilege of having access to Project Yoga Richmond (which recently had to close its doors after a decline post covid). This non-profit organization utilized donations to make yoga accessible to all. I would like to continue their good work. As scientific research is catching up to the teachings of the Vedas, the Sutras, the Rishis, Sages, and Gurus, etc., more and more people are looking to Yoga to aid them in their health journey. As a Certified Yoga Protocol Instructor, my aim is to continue my education in Yoga to become a Yoga Therapist. Yoga is used in India as a form of effective healthcare bringing people out of disorders and diseases. My own self has been included in that healing as I have suffered from Fibromyalgia and Autoimmune disorders since 2009. Yoga requires no tools and can be free and accessible to all. For those in our unhoused population, I plan to use hatha yoga and kriyas to give them power over their health even in their current situation as the breath alone provides detoxification and cleansing to the body. And our BIPOC, I plan on implementing African Herbalism as well. Working with the community as a whole, I aim to help individuals find solutions to their health issues through education, nutrition-based lifestyle changes, support, and supportive herbs. As science has shown, over 80% of our disorders and diseases are linked directly to the gut. Providing education and support and aiding individuals in increasing the health of the microbiome and maintaining it will give people a renewed sense of health, more vitality, better mental clarity, and relief from chronic pain and inflammation. As many are suffering from chronic pain and inflammation, and with the WHO declaring Chronic Inflammation as the #1 Killer, especially in America, I believe the education that I am receiving will provide a beautiful and long-lasting impact on the communities that I work with.

I am a nurse who has worked with Alzheimer's and Dementia patients my entire career. I've been exposed to all levels from skilled nursing to hospice however, my exposure to dementia first started in the home. My grandmother suffered from dementia in her later years which affected my family's ability to properly care for her. This resulted in her having to move to a facility where the care was not the best. My family was low-middle income and thus could not afford better care. Upon her arrival at this facility, her condition sharply declined from the repeated UTI's and lack of attention. It was not long before she could not remember me (a child in which she had lived since I was 4 years old) and even sooner before she was in hospice. The lack of care my grandmother received went on to influence my caring nature as a nurse and as a human in general. As I continue my education, it is through my Holistic Wellness Pathway taught by Dr. Lori Rose at Hill College that I learned about the direct connection that Alzheimer's and Dementia have with our gut microbiome. Thus, I see Alzheimer's and Dementia as a preventable disease. My aim is to continue my research of this microbiome and work with individuals and their bio-individuality to create protocols that will aid them in healing and maintaining the gut thus ridding the body of, or defending the body against, the chronic inflammation that proliferates disease, especially Alzheimer's and Dementia. Very recently, after noticing that my mother (now in her 70s) having memory issues, began including a mushroom tincture that I crafted into her care regimen. After less than 1 months time, I have seen positive changes in her mentation. I am beginning to consider seriously doing a study on the effects of this tincture. With that, as I continue my path toward a Doctor of Nurse Practitioner, I would like to continue working with the substance-dependent and houseless communities as many are at risk for early onset Alzheimer's and Dementia due to environmental and health disparities by providing care, meals, mental and emotional support, and housing resources by having a clinic open to all and continue to work with groups such as Feed Phoenix, The Sidewalk Project, and Sonoran Prevention Works. Being so early exposed to Dementia really has been a driving force in my care and now that I am understanding the root causes of Alzheimer's and Dementia, I truly feel that I can help many. The Holistic Wellness Pathway at Hill College is preparing me for the boards of Holistic Nutrition, Wellness Coaching, and Herbalism. I plan to begin implementing this knowledge after this semester as we are allowed to begin seeing clients. I have already begun speaking with Directors of Nursing at many Assisted Livings to start having educational seminars for families, residents, and the care staff so that the residents may have a better opportunity for quality of life and that staff may implement changes that will help increase and/or preserve the mentation of our elders.

The dream version of my future self is one who is a steward of the land, provides free health and nutritional care to my reachable communities, and is free of the chronic inflammation and fibromyalgia I am currently enduring.

In 2009 I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia as a direct result of trauma related to domestic abuse. Even after I was able to get a court-ordered restraining order, I've had to deal with the debilitating effects of fibromyalgia often. The disability affected my ability to work, my mental and emotional health, my relationships and ability to hold friendships, and my ability to get an education. As a nurse, after 4 years, I had to leave the clinical side due to my inability to give care. With continued education and the practice of Yoga, Ayurveda, African herbalism, and diet and lifestyle change, I am beginning the process of coming out of this health state. I understand the effects of domestic violence and I even more so understand the long-lasting effects that still linger after the dust has settled. Here in AZ, many women end up within the houseless population due to both domestic violence and substance abuse. Here in AZ, our houseless population is primarily BIPOC and LGBTQ+ persons of all ages. In 2020, over 500 people died in the street of Phoenix alone during our summer months due to a lack of water access and resources. My aim is to continue working with groups such as Feed Phoenix, The Sidewalk Project- Phoenix (a harm-reduction non-profit), R.I.O.T. Phoenix (a harm-reduction non-profit), Sonoran Prevention Works, and BLM-Phx to provide free healthcare and mental healthcare (wellness coaching, crisis support, and intervention), meals (via a mobile bus/van), and water access to these zones as mental healthcare is more than just having someone to talk to. I also aim to have a brick-and-mortar practice where community members can be seen free of charge and to work with Feed Phoenix to create more shelters for our unhoused relatives who are dealing with domestic and substance-dependent situations. In Richmond, Virginia, my hometown, I had the privilege of having access to Project Yoga Richmond (which recently had to close its doors after a decline post covid). This non-profit organization utilized donations to make yoga accessible to all. I would like to continue their good work. As scientific research is catching up to the teachings of the Vedas, the Sutras, the Rishis, Sages, and Gurus, etc., more and more people are looking to Yoga to aid them in their health journey. As a Certified Yoga Protocol Instructor, my aim is to continue my education in Yoga to become a Yoga Therapist. Yoga is used in India as a form of effective healthcare bringing people out of disorders, diseases, and addictions. My own self has been included in that healing. Yoga requires no tools and can be free and accessible to all. For those in our unhoused population, I plan to use hatha yoga and kriyas to give them power over their health even in their current situation as the breath alone provides detoxification and cleansing to the body. Working with the community as a whole, I aim to help individuals find solutions to their health issues through education, nutrition-based lifestyle changes, support, and supportive herbs. As science has shown, over 80% of our disorders and diseases are linked directly to the gut. The stress our AA women face leads to increased inflammation, and with the WHO declaring Chronic Inflammation as the #1 Killer, especially in America, I believe the education that I am receiving will provide a beautiful and long-lasting impact on the communities that I work with. Men are now outliving women due to stress. I aim to do whatever I can to shift this narrative.

I see leadership as an action that has influence over the character and actions of others. I believe leadership is a quality that can be honed and I am working to become a better leader through action. Here in AZ, our houseless population is primarily BIPOC and LGBTQ+ persons of all ages. In 2020, over 500 people died in the street of Phoenix alone during our summer months due to a lack of water access and resources. My aim is to continue working with groups such as Feed Phoenix, The Sidewalk Project- Phoenix, R.I.O.T. Phoenix, Sonoran Prevention Works, and BLM-Phx to provide free healthcare and mental healthcare (wellness coaching, crisis support, and intervention), meals (via a mobile bus/van), and water access to these zones as mental healthcare is more than just having someone to talk to. I also aim to have a brick-and-mortar practice where community members can be seen free of charge and to work with Feed Phoenix to create more shelters for our unhoused relatives. Our systems have been failing these vulnerable populations so, I plan to step up as a community leader in these ways. In Richmond, Virginia, my hometown, I had the privilege of having access to Project Yoga Richmond (which recently had to close its doors after a decline post covid). This non-profit organization utilized donations to make yoga accessible to all. I would like to continue their good work. As scientific research is catching up to the teachings of the Vedas, the Sutras, the Rishis, Sages, and Gurus, etc., more and more people are looking to Yoga to aid them in their health journey. As a Certified Yoga Protocol Instructor, my aim is to continue my education in Yoga to become a Yoga Therapist. Yoga is used in India as a form of effective healthcare bringing people out of disorders and diseases. My own self has been included in that healing. Yoga requires no tools and can be free and accessible to all. For those in our unhouse population, I plan to use hatha yoga and kriyas to give them power over their health even in their current situation as the breath alone provides detoxification and cleansing to the body. Working with the community as a whole, I aim to help individuals find solutions to their health issues through education, nutrition-based lifestyle changes, support, and supportive herbs. As science has shown, over 80% of our disorders and diseases are linked directly to the gut. Providing education and support and aiding individuals in increasing the health of the microbiome and maintaining it will give people a renewed sense of health, more vitality, better mental clarity, and relief from chronic pain and inflammation. As many are suffering from chronic pain and inflammation, and with the WHO declaring Chronic Inflammation as the #1 Killer, especially in America, I believe the education that I am receiving will provide a beautiful and long-lasting impact on the communities that I work with and the leadership I provide will encourage others to move our cities into a healthier direction. Our political leaders have shown us time and time again that all we have is us.

Currently I am a biology major with a Holistic Wellness Focus at Hill College and I am also studying Yoga with the Yoga University of the Americas. From here, I will finish my RN, obtain certification in Detox and Crisis Intervention, and complete a Nurse practitioner degree. I plan to use my education to continue to provide support and services to our houseless and marginalized communities both here in AZ and in my hometown of VA. Here in AZ, our houseless population is primarily BIPOC and LGBTQ+ persons of all ages. In 2020, over 500 people died in the street of Phoenix alone during our summer months due to a lack of water access and resources. My aim is to continue working with groups such as Feed Phoenix, The Sidewalk Project- Phoenix, R.I.O.T. Phoenix, Sonoran Prevention Works, and BLM-Phx to provide free healthcare and mental healthcare (wellness coaching, crisis support, and intervention), meals (via a mobile bus/van), and water access to these zones as mental healthcare is more than just having someone to talk to. I also aim to have a brick-and-mortar practice where community members can be seen free of charge and to work with Feed Phoenix to create more shelters for our unhoused relatives. In Richmond, Virginia, my hometown, I had the privilege of having access to Project Yoga Richmond (which recently had to close its doors after a decline post covid). This non-profit organization utilized donations to make yoga accessible to all. I would like to continue their good work. As scientific research is catching up to the teachings of the Vedas, the Sutras, the Rishis, Sages, and Gurus, etc., more and more people are looking to Yoga to aid them in their health journey. As a Certified Yoga Protocol Instructor, my aim is to continue my education in Yoga to become a Yoga Therapist. Yoga is used in India as a form of effective healthcare bringing people out of disorders and diseases. My own self has been included in that healing. Yoga requires no tools and can be free and accessible to all. For those in our unhouse population, I plan to use hatha yoga and kriyas to give them power over their health even in their current situation as the breath alone provides detoxification and cleansing to the body. Working with the community as a whole, I aim to help individuals find solutions to their health issues through education, nutrition-based lifestyle changes, support, and supportive herbs. As science has shown, over 80% of our disorders and diseases are linked directly to the gut. Providing education and support and aiding individuals in increasing the health of the microbiome and maintaining it will give people a renewed sense of health, more vitality, better mental clarity, and relief from chronic pain and inflammation. As many are suffering from chronic pain and inflammation, and with the WHO declaring Chronic Inflammation as the #1 Killer, especially in America, I believe in mutual aid, this money would go partially to these groups that I work with and partially to my continued education.

Currently I am a biology major with a Holistic Wellness Focus at Hill College and I am also studying Yoga with the Yoga University of the Americas. From here, I will finish my RN, obtain certification in Detox and Crisis Intervention, and complete a Nurse practitioner degree. I plan to use my education to continue to provide support and services to our houseless and marginalized communities both here in AZ and in my hometown of VA. Here in AZ, our houseless population is primarily BIPOC and LGBTQ+ persons of all ages. In 2020, over 500 people died in the street of Phoenix alone during our summer months due to a lack of water access and resources. My aim is to continue working with groups such as Feed Phoenix, The Sidewalk Project- Phoenix, R.I.O.T. Phoenix, Sonoran Prevention Works, and BLM-Phx to provide free healthcare and mental healthcare (wellness coaching, crisis support, and intervention), meals (via a mobile bus/van), and water access to these zones as mental healthcare is more than just having someone to talk to. I also aim to have a brick-and-mortar practice where community members can be seen free of charge and to work with Feed Phoenix to create more shelters for our unhoused relatives. In Richmond, Virginia, my hometown, I had the privilege of having access to Project Yoga Richmond (which recently had to close its doors after a decline post covid). This non-profit organization utilized donations to make yoga accessible to all. I would like to continue their good work. As scientific research is catching up to the teachings of the Vedas, the Sutras, the Rishis, Sages, and Gurus, etc., more and more people are looking to Yoga to aid them in their health journey. As a Certified Yoga Protocol Instructor, my aim is to continue my education in Yoga to become a Yoga Therapist. Yoga is used in India as a form of effective healthcare bringing people out of disorders and diseases. My own self has been included in that healing. Yoga requires no tools and can be free and accessible to all. For those in our unhoused population, I plan to use hatha yoga and kriyas to give them power over their health even in their current situation as the breath alone provides detoxification and cleansing to the body. Working with the community as a whole, I aim to help individuals find solutions to their health issues through education, nutrition-based lifestyle changes, support, and supportive herbs. As science has shown, over 80% of our disorders and diseases are linked directly to the gut. Providing education and support and aiding individuals in increasing the health of the microbiome and maintaining it will give people a renewed sense of health, more vitality, better mental clarity, and relief from chronic pain and inflammation. As many are suffering from chronic pain and inflammation, and with the WHO declaring Chronic Inflammation as the #1 Killer, especially in America, I believe the education that I am receiving will provide a beautiful and long-lasting impact on the communities that I work with.

My unique contribution will be the continued support and services I plan to give to our houseless and marginalized communities both here in AZ and in my hometown of VA. Here in AZ, our houseless population is primarily BIPOC persons of all ages. In 2020, over 500 people died in the street of Phoenix alone during our summer months due to a lack of water access and resources. My aim is to continue working with groups such as Feed Phoenix, The Sidewalk Project- Phoenix, R.I.O.T. Phoenix, Sonoran Prevention Works, and BLM-Phx to provide free healthcare and mental healthcare (wellness coaching, crisis support, and intervention), meals (via a mobile bus/van), and water access to these zones as mental healthcare is more than just having someone to talk to. I also aim to have a brick-and-mortar practice where community members can be seen free of charge and to work with Feed Phoenix to create more shelters for our unhoused relatives.