Tell us a bit about your background. How did you get started in health?    

I was a really curious kid growing up. I didn’t have much exposure, so I was interested in many things. I didn’t have guidance or role models that looked like me. I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I grew up.  

I stumbled into research. I got my first job after completing my master’s at Mount Sinai in the Cardiology department and have been working in research ever since. 

What drives you to do the work you do?  

My biggest motivation is my passion for helping people and most importantly, my community. Their representation is needed in research to help find answers and develop medicine tailored to our needs.  

There is, however, a history of malpractice against people of color in research. My goal is to change that by creating a safe place for participants where they are well-informed and know exactly what they are signing up for. 

Is there something memorable about your career you wish to share? 

This moment right now. 

How has your experience in health impacted your views regarding the pandemic?  

The pandemic was a time of great uncertainty. A lot of distrust and misinformation made many question whether it was real.  

Real or not, as someone who worked in healthcare, I knew I needed to keep my family safe 

What drew you to the PAX LC trial as a project manager?  

I started working on COVID research in 2021, and when I had the opportunity to research long COVID, I jumped on it.  

This is ground-breaking work, and I am so excited to be at the forefront to share my expertise and make a real impact. 

What excites you most about your work with Kindred and the PAX LC study?  

I’m so excited to connect with a group of women who look like me and talk about science and research. Thanks to Kindred, I have this opportunity.  

Everything excites me about the PAX LC study. We’re doing great work, but what excites me the most is working with the Kindred COVID network.  Through the research, I hope we can help them return to their lives.  

Tell us about your vision for the PAX LC trial? 

My vision for the PAX LC study is to recruit the 100 participants while ensuring that the study population represents everyone.   

Last question: Just wondering, did you have any childhood heroes?  

My childhood heroes growing up are still my heroes today: my mother and three sisters.  They were the only women in my life who taught me the value of hard work, and how to be fierce and never back down. This has helped me get to where I am today, and keeps me going.  

 "The BIPOC Guide to Disrupting Research Barriers," a special kTalk event, will be held sometime in October. Stay tuned for more details.  Dive into the science of language, inclusive communication in healthcare, and the importance of elevating BIPOC voices in research. This event will include an interactive Q&A session where you can get your questions answered by the experts. Registration is required, and space is limited. Register here.