Service Magazine - Women’s History Month Edition This Women’s History Month, Service Magazine is proud to honor the resilience, brilliance, and tenacity of women with a special issue dedicated to health, leadership, and empowerment. 🌸 Cervical Cancer Awareness: Learn about the latest advancements in prevention, early detection, and treatment, along with powerful survivor stories that inspire hope. 💼 Exemplary Leadership: We spotlight women who are breaking barriers, leading with innovation, and setting new standards in industries where female voices are transforming the landscape. 💪 Surviving Endometriosis & Brain Cancer: Two courageous journeys of women battling chronic illness while reclaiming their lives and purpose. Discover the strength behind their stories and how they advocate for others facing similar struggles. 📈 Getting Your Business Certified: A step-by-step guide to navigating the process of becoming a certified women-owned business. Learn how this certification can open doors to funding, contracts, and networking opportunities. 🎤 A Tribute to Angie Stone: Celebrating the legacy of the legendary singer, songwriter, and trailblazer in soul and R&B. We explore her impact on music, culture, and the generations of artists she has influenced. This issue is a powerful testament to the strength, success, and struggles that shape women’s history. Join us in celebrating the voices that continue to change the world!
JULY 2025
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What’s Inside
Readers Welcome: Dear Readers By Dr. Roselyn V. Aker-Black Dr. Roz’s Disability Story Spotlight on Dr. Roz’s Recovery Team Disability Inclusion is not an option Disability Challenges Make your summer fitness feel like fun, 3 super swaps that turn activities into actual exercise Resources for those differently abled
Processing the mental shift from being able bodies to differently able
Service Shout Outs: Advertisements
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DEAR READERS,
As the Editor of Service Magazine, I am thrilled to welcome you to our vibrant July issue. This month, Service Magazine honors the strength, stories, and visibility of individuals living with disabilities. July marks Disability Pride Month—a time to uplift the voices often pushed to the margins, to educate, and to celebrate the resilience that lives in so many of us. I know this journey intimately. In 2020, I suffered a mild stroke that temporarily stole my voice. Then, in 2021, I faced long COVID complications that led to a serious bone infection. I spent three weeks hospitalized, underwent three emergency surgeries, and wore a medical boot for two years. If that weren’t enough, I was also diagnosed with a non-cancerous tumor in my face. The final blow came when I lost part of my leg and became an amputee.
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DEAR READERS,
I had to relearn how to speak. I had to face myself in the mirror and choose to believe that my life—and my purpose—did not end with my diagnosis. In fact, it was just beginning again, in a new form. I didn't lose my value. I found a deeper understanding of it. This issue is for those who have had to fight to be seen, to be heard, and to be understood. It's for the caregivers, the advocates, the allies, and most importantly, for the warriors who live with visible and invisible disabilities every single day. Inside, you’ll find stories of triumph, tools for accessibility, mental health support resources, and features on changemakers redefining what it means to be “able.” Because ability isn't just physical—it's emotional, spiritual, and intellectual. And every single person, regardless of their challenges, deserves the dignity of being seen in full. To every reader who has ever felt different, isolated, or underestimated—I see you. I am you. And together, we are unstoppable.
With love and light, Dr. Roselyn Aker-Black
Editor-in-Chief, Service Magazine #DrRozInspires #DisabilityPride
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DR. ROZ’S DISABILITY STORY BY: DR. ROSELYN AKER-BLACK
In 2021, I was diagnosed with COVID after attending an event where everyone was required to submit a negative COVID test. I wore a mask the entire time I was at the event and still contracted COVID. Once I tested negative for COVID, I decided to get a pedicure. The nail technician nicked me, which led to a staph infection. Because my immune system was still suppressed from COVID, it couldn’t fight off the infection. I immediately saw a podiatrist to figure out why my foot was turning black and blue. We treated my foot weekly—sometimes twice a week—to prevent amputation. I was then diagnosed with osteomyelitis, which in layman’s terms is a bone infection. I was hospitalized for three weeks and underwent two emergency surgeries, followed by three days in rehab. Upon discharge, I was sent home with a PICC line in my arm to administer antibiotics—four hours a day, twice a day, for six weeks. I also received antibiotic infusions to ensure the infection was completely gone. We were successful in saving my right leg from amputation. Fast forward to November 2024—I began experiencing swelling in my left leg, along with the same symptoms I had before. I have always been medically and health compliant, so I immediately scheduled appointments to investigate the issue. On November 5, 2024, I had my first appointment to assess the swelling. I received a shot and an X-ray to establish a baseline. My first surgery took place on December 11, 2024. It was a pelvic exam to ensure the swelling wasn’t affecting my heart. Thankfully, there was no blockage—praise God. On December 18, 2024, I underwent another procedure on my leg to check for arterial blockage. There was mild blockage in my arteries, so I was referred to a vascular vein clinic. On January 2, 2025, I underwent both a nuclear and echo test due to some abnormalities in my EKG. Fortunately, my heart was pumping at 88%. We agreed to monitor it closely, as concern arises when it drops below 55%. I wore a heart monitor for 30 days and underwent several MRIs before receiving my first radiofrequency ablation on January 14, 2025. On January 23, 2025, I had my second ablation procedure. However, by January 28, there was still no improvement in my leg’s swelling. During my third ablation treatment, the swelling remained.
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6 I am now pushing myself to learn how to live with my new leg. It’s not easy, but I’m fighting daily to figure out my new normal—while still grieving the loss of my mom. Once I healed from the final surgery, I was transferred to the National Rehabilitation Hospital for intensive physical and occupational therapy. I was discharged on April 15, 2025, and completed my rehab at Larkin Chase Center. I received my prosthetic leg on May 29, 2025—the same day my mother passed away. I was discharged from Larkin Chase Center on June 6, 2025, to attend my mother’s funeral in Georgia on June 9. I was told that the amputation would happen that same day. During the first amputation, they were only able to remove 98% of the infection (gangrene). My final amputation to remove the remaining 2% took place on March 11. While I am a Type 2 diabetic, my bone infection and resulting amputation were not related to diabetes. I have always been medication compliant, participated in a healthy nutrition program, and walked my dog for 45 minutes—three times a day—while I still could. I was essentially walking on a fractured ankle for four months—still showing up for work and honoring my commitments to events. I was sent home with instructions to wear compression socks, elevate my leg, and be grateful there were no blood clots. Still unsatisfied with the lack of answers, I asked my nurse friend, Kefa, to monitor my leg until my next appointment. He came every other day to wrap my foot and leg to try to reduce the swelling. It helped—for a little while. On February 22, I woke up extremely weak. I called Kefa, who encouraged me to call 911. They performed a LAMB assessment to rule out another stroke. (Oh, by the way—I had a mild stroke in 2020 that left me with right brain damage.) My temperature was 103.7°F. They rushed me to the hospital—in only my gown and socks, with no coat, in the dead of winter. At Washington Adventist Hospital, my podiatrist, Dr. Saed, met me there. He performed an emergency surgery. When I woke up, he told me the bone infection had returned—with a vengeance—in my ankle. He had to remove my entire ankle bone. Essentially, I had no ankle. I was in unbearable pain. Dr. Saed told me he wasn’t sure he could save my foot. I was then transferred to MedStar Metropolitan Hospital Center, where they performed their own surgery to evaluate the situation.
MEET MY RECOVERY TEAM
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Dr. Jacqueline Russell, MD Life-long learner, scientist, researcher, EMT, Nurse, passionate patient safety advocate, and cardiothoracic surgeon looking to impact healthcare in a meaningful way with my cumulative experiences and varied education. Dynamic, results-oriented professional with a demonstrated history of leadership, education, and motivation of diverse, goal-driven, successful healthcare teams. Dr. Russell was my surgeon for my amputation! We instantly connected because of her genuine ability to care about her patients! She knew I was terrified, but she made it a point to check on me every single day, no matter how many hours she worked. I trusted her immediately because she explained every part of the procedure to me! She answered all of my questions with care. Even if she wasn’t my surgeon for one of my surgeries, she peeped her head in on my surgery to check on me to make sure I felt safe! Dr. Russell made a tough situation bearable. Her respect for her patients are unmatched! Medstar has a gem in Dr. Russell!!!
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MEET DR. JACQUELINE RUSSELL
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MEET MY RECOVERY TEAM
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HOWARD A. GILMER, DO, IS THE MEDICAL DIRECTOR FOR THE AMPUTEE REHABILITATION PROGRAM AT MEDSTAR NRH. DR. GILMER EARNED AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE IN BIOLOGY FROM EASTERN NAZARENE COLLEGE IN QUINCY, MA, ATTENDED MEDICAL SCHOOL AND EARNED A DO FROM THE NEW YORK COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE IN OLD WESTBURY, NY, COMPLETED AN INTERNSHIP AT LONG BEACH MEDICAL CENTER IN LONG BEACH, NY, AND HIS RESIDENCY IN PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION (PM&R) AT MEDSTAR NRH IN 2001. DR. GILMER HOLDS SEVERAL PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS, HAS CONDUCTED RESEARCH WITH TRANSFERENCE VALUE TO HIS POSITION HERE AT MEDSTAR NRH AND IS A KNOWLEDGEABLE SPEAKER ON TOPICS RANGING FROM ARTHRITIS TO ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS. DR. GILMER’S FAVORITE QUESTIONS WERE, WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU POOPED AND WHAT IS YOUR PAIN LEVEL? NO ONE WAS GETTING CONSTIPATED ON HIS WATCH!
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MEET DOCTOR GILMER
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MEET MY RECOVERY TEAM
T DR. AUSTIN KANE VON HEERINGEN IS A LICENSED PHYSICAL THERAPIST IN WASHINGTON, D.C., WITH A STRONG BACKGROUND IN ORTHOPEDIC AND POST-SURGICAL REHABILITATION. A NATIVE OF THE D.C. METRO AREA AND A FORMER COLLEGIATE SWIMMER, HE BRINGS AN ATHLETE’S MINDSET TO HIS CLINICAL APPROACH; PRIORITIZING MOVEMENT QUALITY, RECOVERY, AND LONG-TERM FUNCTION. HE EARNED HIS DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY DEGREE FROM SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE, WHERE HE ALSO COMPLETED HIS UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES IN HEALTH SCIENCE. DR. VON HEERINGEN HAS TREATED PATIENTS ACROSS A WIDE RANGE OF SETTINGS, FROM HIGH-VOLUME OUTPATIENT CLINICS TO INPATIENT REHAB UNITS, DEVELOPING PERSONALIZED PLANS THAT RESTORE STRENGTH, MOBILITY, AND INDEPENDENCE. IN ADDITION TO HIS CLINICAL WORK, HE LEADS GROUP FITNESS CLASSES, REINFORCING HIS BELIEF IN EXERCISE AS A CORNERSTONE OF HEALTH. HE IS PASSIONATE ABOUT HELPING INDIVIDUALS RETURN NOT JUST TO BASELINE, BUT TO A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGH MOVEMENT, EDUCATION, AND SUSTAINED WELLNESS. DR. AUSTIN IS THE VERY REASON I WAS ABLE TO STAND UP ON ONE LEG! HE TAUGHT ME SO MANY GREAT TECHNIQUES AND EXERCISES! HE PUSHED ME TO BELIEVE IN MY OWN STRENGTH!
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MEET DR. AUSTIN
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Raquel Godin is the Amputee Care Coordinator with Hanger Clinic for Maryland and DC. After losing both legs below the knee, and multiple fingers on both hands, my passion is to promote Amputee Life skills. In my role I connect with patients who are new to limb loss, providing them with support and resources during their prosthetic journey. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to help patients to see the possibilities after limb loss. Raquel walked into my room 2 days after my surgery! She was a ray of sunshine, very fashionable and I had no idea she was about to tell me she was a double amputee! After she told me her story, I was hopeful that I could still have a fulfilling life. MEET MY RECOVERY TEAM
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Meet Raquel Godin
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MEET MY RECOVERY TEAM
Paul A. Hagens, Jr. is vice president, Human Resources, responsible for compensation and benefits, employee and labor relations, and recruitment services. His recent appointment, in early 2018, follows his earlier tenure at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, when he was director of Employee and Labor Relations from 2007 to 2013. During that time he was involved in all facets of the collective bargaining process, including union negotiations, grievances, arbitrations, disciplinary process, developing and implementing hospital policies, and providing consultation on personnel matters to all levels of management. Hagens served as the vice president of Human Resources at Doctors Community Hospital in Lanham, MD, from 2013 to 2018. He oversaw all human resources functions, as well as employee health, security, guest services, telecommunications, and central transport. He has demonstrated success throughout his career and believes that being a servant leader is the key to building engaged, collaborative teams focused on delivering exceptional patient first health care. Hagens has more than 20 years of human resources experience, with more than half in healthcare leadership roles. He holds a degree in Finance from Towson University and completed his MBA in 2019. Paul’s wife is my chapter sorority sister! When he found out, I was in his hospital, he checked on me weekly, ensuring that I had everything I needed! bless his heart, he had no idea that I was a talker and that I would talk his head off! He encouraged me so much and told me stories of people healing in my situation! I don’t know how I could ever repay his kindness! I’m grateful to know him and his wife and to consider them family!
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Meet Paul Hagens
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Meet MY RECOVERY TEAM
PhD: Educational Leadership, Andrews University 2011 MSN: Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, Rush University 1980 BSN: Andrews University 1977 Autobiography:
I have the treasured blessing of being the only daughter of parents who were educators in the segregated South within a farming community of my home state of Georgia. It was through the daily observation of their commitment to create distinct educational opportunities for the black children in our farming community (who sought to learn with minimal, discarded or no resources and against all odds) that my own passion for excellence in learning was nurtured. Later, my advocacy for access to excellence in learning for all people was intentionally affirmed as my parents then became the first academic leaders of our community’s integrated school. Empowering their hearts and defining their legacy was their faith in Christ which compelled them to love, esteem and refine the gifts and abilities of each life entrusted to their sphere of responsibility. I share this commitment to celebrate the power and potential of each student who learns at WAU such that they become our world’s most distinctive competent moral leaders. Professional Activities: “Anchoring Change in Higher Education Narratives from Senior Executives at Malcolm Baldrige Award-Winning Institutions is the focus of my doctoral studies because I believe in the power of mentorship. Through these studies – I gained insights from distinctive academic leaders specific to proven strategies for progressive, intentional and significant organizational transformation which continue to inform my leadership today. Furthermore, I enjoy the healing and vibrant living insights which emerge from my training as a family nurse practitioner – as through these understanding I work to affirm a culture of learning that encourages others to fully experience their life’s calling. Since my husband is from the Democratic Republic of the Congo – together, we enjoy celebrating his culture even as we seek to be a blessing to the members of our global family. For fun, I enjoy music, orchids and exploring the outdoors, which makes the seasons of the DC metropolitan area especially delightful.
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Meet Dr. Cheryl KISUNZU
Dr. K is my provost and she came to visit me often in the hospital, praying with me and the staff working with me! she comforted me when I felt as if I interrupted my student’s educational endeavors. Her compassion and love for me can not be explained! it meant the world to me!
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Meet my Recovery Team Dr. Joyce Johnson is a native of Memphis, Tennessee, currently residing in Fort Meade, Maryland, with her husband, Washington Johnson II, the Director of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries in the North American Division. They are the thankful parents of one son, Washington Johnson III, a fourth- year medical student at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Johnson is a seasoned educator, having held P-12 and higher education roles in both instruction and administration. These have included core faculty positions at The Chicago School, Jackson State (Mississippi), Capella, and Strayer Universities, and administrative roles at Oakwood University, and the Oakland, California and Jackson, Mississippi public school districts. Additionally, prior to transitioning to academic education, Johnson acquired extensive corporate leadership experience with FedEx Express Corporation over 17 years, where her career culminated as the Manager of Management Education for the company’s Leadership Institute. Her combined leadership and educational experience have been favorably acknowledged throughout her career, having received multiple awards, including the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching from Capella University and the Five Star Award for leadership excellence from FedEx Express Corporation. Johnson earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Memphis and holds a Ph.D. in Leadership from Andrews University’s School of Education in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is very honored for the opportunity to serve as Dean of Washington Adventist University’s School of Graduate and Professional Studies (SGPS). Embracing this position as a divine calling, she embarks on this journey with unwavering faith and an unshakeable conviction that she is being led toward extraordinary opportunities. Johnson enjoys engaging in her online Bible School, meditative reading, walking, and spending quality family time.
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Meet Dr. Joyce Johnson
Dr. Johnson is my Dean and she came to visit me often in the hospital, praying with me and the staff working with me! she comforted me when I confided in her about all the personal things that were happening in my life. Her compassion and love for me can not be explained! it meant the world to me!
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MEET MY RECOVERY TEAM Mr. Frederick Udo served as my Rehabilitation Nurse. He attended vital management Team(VMT) to secure his nursing degree. He is a Charge Nurse and his expertise is Geriatric nursing Mr. Fred states, that working in rehabilitation and to experience patients having needs met brings happiness, ,joy, and zeal to do more with a great sense of inner peace within. Mr. Fred was instrumental in helping me be successful after I left the intensive therapy at NRH. He made sure that my remaining foot was healthy, was instrumental in helping me stand on my own and eventually instrumental in helping me to understand how to manage my new leg! He did all of this while allowing me to get on his last nerves, when i was trying something new like showering without the leg, I often put him in headlocks because I was afraid of falling and when I fell two days before I got my leg, he helped me off the floor and back to safety. He is family now, like the rest of my team!
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MEET MR. FRED
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MEET MT RECOVERY TEAM DR. NICOLE WARNER IS A TRANSFORMATIONAL K–12 EDUCATION LEADER, LITERACY EXPERT, AND LEADERSHIPCOACH WITH OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE ADVANCING EQUITY, INSTRUCTIONAL EXCELLENCE, AND EDUCATOR DEVELOPMENT ACROSS SCHOOLS, DISTRICTS, AND NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS. SHE CURRENTLY SERVES AS A NATIONAL COACH AND CONSULTANT TO SEVERAL ENTITIES, SUPPORTING SCHOOL AND DISTRICT LEADERS IN SIX STATES ON LEADERSHIP, CULTURE, EQUITY, AND ACADEMICS. HER CLIENTS INCLUDE FRANKLINCOVEY EDUCATION, THE MARYLAND INITIATIVE FOR LITERACY AND EQUITY, AND THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT LEADERSHIP ACADEMY, AMONG OTHERS IN PUBLIC EDUCATION FUNDING. AS A LITERACY EXPERT AND PEER REVIEWER, SHE HAS ADVISED BOTH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE MARYLAND STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ON LITERACY AND TEACHER LEADERSHIP STRATEGIES TIED TO OVER $125 MILLION IN PUBLIC EDUCATION FUNDING. DR. WARNER BEGAN HER CAREER AS AN EDUCATION POLICY RESEARCHER WITH THE MCKENZIE GROUP AND A PROGRAM LEADER AT THE ACADEMY FOR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, WHERE SHE LED NATIONAL EFFORTS IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT. SHE LATER BECAME AN AWARD-WINNING CLASSROOM TEACHER THROUGH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION’S TRANSITION TO TEACHING PROGRAM —AN EXPERIENCE THAT SPARKED HER ENDURING COMMITMENT TO URBAN EDUCATION. SHE WENT ON TO SERVE AS A CERTIFIED READING SPECIALIST, CURRICULUM WRITER, DISTRICT ACHIEVEMENT COACH, AND NEW LEADERS RESIDENT PRINCIPAL IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
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BEFORE LEADING A TITLE I COMMUNITY SCHOOL AS PRINCIPAL FOR A DECADE. IN THAT ROLE, SHE DROVE DOUBLE-DIGIT GAINS IN LITERACY AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER ACHIEVEMENT, LAUNCHED EQUITY-CENTERED CULTURE INITIATIVES, AND BUILT A
PIPELINE OF TEACHER LEADERS THROUGH COACHING, PARTNERSHIPS, AND DATA-INFORMED STRATEGIES.
MOST RECENTLY, DR. WARNER SERVED AS THE SENIOR DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI PROGRAMMING AT NEW LEADERS, WHERE SHE DESIGNED NATIONAL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS FOR OVER 8,000 SCHOOL LEADERS. A FULBRIGHT-HAYS FELLOW (CHINA) AND NATIONALLY CERTIFIED MENTOR PRINCIPAL, SHE HOLDS A DOCTOR OF EDUCATION IN EDUCATION LEADERSHIP AND POLICY STUDIES FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK; TWO MASTER’S DEGREES IN EDUCATION FROM HOWARD UNIVERSITY AND BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY; A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN SOCIOLOGY FROM HAMPTON UNIVERSITY; AND PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATES IN EDUCATION FINANCE (GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY) AND DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION. DR. WARNER WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN RESEARCHING ALL OF MY DOCTORS, PROVIDING MY FAMILY WITH A PLAY BY PLAY AFTER MY SURGERIES, ENSURING THAT I WAS ADJUSTING WELL TO THE PAIN MEDICATION, SHE PACKED MY BAGS TO TRAVEL HOME TO MY MOTHER’S FUNERAL. PROVIDED ME WITH BOOKS TO READ, HELD MY HAND WHEN I WAS IN EXTREME AGONY, AND SHE HELPED TO COORDINATE MY VISITOR SCHEDULING!
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DR. NICOLE WARNER
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MEET MY RECOVERY TEAM DR. RENAY BUTLER IS A TRANSFORMATIVE SPEAKER, ENTREPRENEUR, AND AWARD-WINNING BUSINESS COACH, RENOWNED FOR BRIDGING BUSINESS, TECHNOLOGY, AND LEADERSHIP. SHE TEACHES PEOPLE TO THINK BIG SO THEY CAN WIN BIG. RECOGNIZED GLOBALLY, SHE HAS BEEN NAMED ONE OF THE WORLD’S 10 VISIONARY LEADERS, TOP 10 MOST INFLUENTIAL BLACK WOMEN IN BUSINESS, AND MARYLAND’S TOP 100 WOMEN THREE TIMES. WITH A DISTINGUISHED CAREER AS AN IT TECHNOLOGIST AND ENTREPRENEUR, SHE BRINGS EXPERTISE IN STRATEGY, LEADERSHIP, AND INNOVATION. AS CEO OF RENAY BUTLER, INC., SHE EQUIPS ENTREPRENEURS WITH STRATEGIES AND TOOLS TO LAUNCH, EXPAND, AND SUSTAIN THRIVING BUSINESSES. DR. BUTLER IS THE FOUNDER OF GOAL GRINDERS, INC, A NONPROFIT DEDICATED TO EMPOWERING AND TRAINING TEENS IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP, LEADERSHIP, AND STEM. DR. BUTLER CO- AUTHORED OPEN YOUR G.I.F.T.S: 42 LESSONS ON FINDING AND EMBRACING YOUR BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE WITH ACTRESS/COMEDIAN KIM COLES. YOU CAN FIND DR. BUTLER ON ALL SOCIALS AT @IAMRENAYBUTLER OR WWW.RENAYBUTLER.COM DR. RENAY MANAGED MY HOSPITAL AND REHAB STAYS. SHE TOOK CARE OF ALL THE ADMINISTRATIVE THINGS THAT I COULD NOT DO BECAUSE I WAS IN PAIN AND HEVILY MEDICATED. SHE STOOD BY PROXY FOR MY FAMILY IN GEORGIA, MANAGED MY BILLS, MY FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS, MY HOUSING WHEN I WAS RELEASED FROM REHAB.SHE DECORATED MY ROOM IN REHAB AND ONCE I WAS RELEASED FROM REHAB. SHE LITERALLY BECAME MY PARENT’S FIFTH DAUGHTER.
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DR. RENAY BUTLER
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MEET MY RECOVERY TEAM DR. MIA ALEXANDER-DAVIS IS A PROUD NATIVE OF FLINT, MI. SHE EARNED A BACHELOR OF ARTS FROM FISK UNIVERSITY IN NASHVILLE, TN, A MASTER OF FINE ARTS FROM REGENT UNIVERSITY IN VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, AND A DOCTORATE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AT WALDEN UNIVERSITY. SHE ALSO HAS A CERTIFICATE IN DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION FROM YALE UNIVERSITY. MIA’S PASSION FOR CREATIVE ARTS HAS SPANNED MORE THAN TWO DECADES. SHE HAS PRODUCED FICTION AND NONFICTION WORKS. HER CHARACTERS SPEAK WITH A CLARITY AND HUMILITY THAT DRAWS YOU IN AND FORCES YOU TO REFLECT ON LIFE AND ITS BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY. IN HER NEWEST WORK FACELESS VALUE, A COLLECTION OF ONE-ACT PLAYS, MIA EXPLORES OUR CAPACITY TO LOVE, FORGIVE, AND EXPLORE. HER CHARACTERS SPEAK A TRUTH THAT IS OFTEN REFLECTIVE AND ENGAGING. MIA ALSO STOOD IN BY PROXY FOR MY FAMILY, HOUSING THEM WHEN THEY CAME TO TOWN. SHE PACKED UP MY HOME WHEN I THOUGHT I WAS MOVING BACK TO GEORGIA, BEGAN A GO FUND ME FOR ME. DECORATED MY ROOM AT THE REHAB AND ONCE I GOT OUT OF REHAB. SHE EVEN VOLUNTEERED HER TIME TO DO A SIP AND PAINT AT THE REHAB FOR THE RESIDENTS. WHEN MY MOM PASSED, SHE HOSTED A CELEBRATION OF LIFE PARTY FOR ME IN THE REHAB TO HELP ME COPE WITH LOSING MY MOM. SHE SUPPLIED ME WITH HAIR PRODUCTS, GATHERED MY MAIL AND PACKAGES, SHE MANAGED MY STORAGE OF MY THINGS AND BECAME MY PARENT’S 6 DAUGHTER. TH
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DR. MIA ALEXANDER -DAVIS
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MEET MY RECOVERY TEAM
DAPHNE DOYLE BENBOW IS THE PRESIDENT AND CEO OF D_SQUARED EVENTS AND MY SOROR! EXECUTIVE LEVEL, GLOBAL MARKETING PROFESSIONAL WITH MORE THAN TWELVE YEARS OF COMBINED AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE IN SPECIAL EVENTS, COMMUNICATIONS, CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND DEVELOPMENT. PROVEN SUCCESS IN WORKING WITH THE CORPORATE, NON-PROFIT, FEDERAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT, ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS INDUSTRY SECTORS.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE •EVENTS PLANNING/MANAGEMENT •FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT •MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS •CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
SAMPLE CLIENT LIST THE MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. NATIONAL MEMORIAL •NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION •STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS LLC/GREAT FOODS •CVS/CAREMARK •2013 HIP HOP INAUGURAL BALL & PARTY/DESHO PRODUCTIONS •HIP HOP SISTERS NETWORK/BBD WORLDWIDE •NCNW BLACK FAMILY REUNION/MAHOGANY ENTERTAINMENT •HOWARD UNIVERSITY, GLOBAL VISIONARIES LUNCHEON •BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY, BIG CAMPAIGN DAPHNE HELPED TO ORGANIZE AND INFORM MY CHAPTER SORORS OF THE VISITATION RULES AND WHAT I WAS DEALING WITH WHILE HOSPITALIZED. SHE ALSO ORGAZIZED OTHER SORORS TO PAY FOR MY ROUNTRIP TICKET FOR MY MOTHER’S FUNERAL.
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MEET DAPHNE DOYLE- BENBOW
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MEET MY RECOVERY TEAM
LESLIE GOFNEY, PHARMD , RPH RECEIVEDA DOCTOR OF PHARMACY DEGREE IN 1994 FROM HOWARD UNIVERSITY, COMPLETED POST-DOCTORAL PHARMACY PRACTICE RESIDENCY AT THE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER IN TUCSON, AZ CONCENTRATING ON BOTH AMBULATORY AND CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE, AND RECEIVED A BACHELOR OF ARTS IN BIOLOGY DEGREE IN 1985 FROM HAMPTON UNIVERSITY - PERFORMED COMPLEMENT-SPECIFIC, IMMUNOLOGIC RESEARCH AT THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH/ NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES (NIH/NIAID), WAS A 1988-89 NIH MANAGEMENT INTERN, HAS HELD CONSULTANCIES, LEADERSHIP POSITIONS AND SERVED ON PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY BOARDS WITH HOECHST LABS, IMMUNEX CORPORATION, WASHINGTON HOSPITAL CENTER, AND AMGEN - OVER 27 YEARS, HELD POSITIONS IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY, HOSPITALS, AND IN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH AS PRINCIPAL MEDICAL LIAISON IN GASTROENTEROLOGY AT PHATHOM PHARMACEUTICALS (2020-2025), SENIOR MANAGER FOR MEDICAL AFFAIRS IN WORLDWIDE COMPLIANCE & BUSINESS ETHICS AT AMGEN (2012-2020), SENIOR MEDICAL SCIENCE LIAISON IN IMMUNOLOGY/RHEUMATOLOGY/DERMATOLOGY AT AMGEN (2002-2012), MEDICAL SCIENCE LIAISON AT IMMUNEX CORPORATION (1998-2002), PHARMACOTHERAPY MANAGER AT THE WASHINGTON HOSPITAL CENTER (1996-1998), AND NIH RECEIVED HONORS IN RECOGNITION OF HER PUBLICATION IN THE SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL PHARMACOTHERAPY, COMMUNITY SERVICE WITH THE RED CROSS (HURRICANE KATRINA) AND DORCAS MEDICAL MISSIONS (GHANA PATIENT CARE), VOLUNTARISM AS PHARMACIST IN COMMUNITY CLINICS OFFERING INDIGENT PATIENT CARE, AND IS A MULTI-GALLON BLOOD DONOR AT THE NIH SINCE 1998. 32
MEET MY RECOVERY TEAM
SOROR LESLIE DROPPED EVERYTHING TO BE AT THE HOSPITAL WITH ME FOR ALL FOUR OF MY SURGERIES. SHE WAITED UNTIL I WAS OUT OF RECOVERY AND BACK IN MY ROOM TO EXPLAIN TO ME ALL OF THE MEDICATIONS I WAS GIVEN AND THE SIDE EFFECTS THAT I WOULD EXPERIENCE. SHE WROTE OUT DETAILED QUESTIONS TO ASK MY DOCTORS. SO THAT MY DOCTORS KNEW THAT I HAD SOMEONE ADVOCATING FOR ME! DR. LESLIE HELD MY HAND AND WALKED ME THROUGH ONE OF THE WORST EXPERIENCES OF MY LIFE!!
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MEET DR. LESLIE GOFNEY
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MY PI CHAPTER LINESISTERS, THE LADIES OF 33 MISSION IMPOSSIBLE HAVE SHOWED UP FOR ME IN WAYS THAT I CAN’T EXPLAIN! MY LINESISTERS SENT ME WEEKLY CARE PACKAGES, CARDS AND GIFTCARDS. THEY BOUGHT ME WORKOUT CLOTHES, TENNIS SHOES, ADULT COLORING BOOKS, PAIN RELIEVERS, JOURNALS, CROSSWORD PUZZLES, BOOKS, MY FAVORITE CANDIES, MEALS, STARBUCKS, SMOOTHIES,AND MONEY! 26 YEARS AGO, THESE WOMEN ENTERED MY LIFE AS WE ALL BECAME MEMBERS OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY TOGETHER. THEY IMMEDIATELY VOTED ME IN AS PRESIDENT FOR THE 99-2000 ACADEMIC YEAR! SOME ATTENDED MY WEDDING, MY FATHER AND MY MOTHER’S FUNERAL! THESE LADIES HAVE BEEN THERE PRAYING OVER ME. THEY ALL HAVE BUSY LIVES AND FAMILIES THAT THEY CARE FOR, BUT THEY TOOK THE TIME OUT TO CALL ME, PRAY WITH ME, SEND ME ENCOURAGING WORDS, AND MEMES. SOME TRAVELLED TO SEE ME AND BROUGHT THEIR MOM TO SEE ME BECAUSE THEY KNEW I NEEDED SOME MOTHERLY LOVE! I AM FOREVER GRATEFUL FOR DECEMBER 6, 1998 AS THE DAY THAT WE ALL BECAME SISTERS FOR LIFE! SKEEWEE MY PRETTY FINE SORORS! #FISKUNIVERSITYDIDTHIS!!! #FINEPI
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MEET SOME MEMBERS OF 33 MISSION IMPOSSIBLE PI CHAPTER 1998, FISK UNIVERSITY, NASHVILLE, TN
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I TRANSFERRED INTO XI ZETA OMEGA CHAPTER IN 2001 AFTER GRADUATING FROM FISK AND SHOPPING THE GRADUATE CHAPTER MARKET! I AM SO HAPPY THAT XI ZETA OMEGA CHOSE TO LOVE ON ME (RAISE ME IN ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC. AND TRUSTED ME WITH BEING A LEADER IN THE CHAPTER! MY GOODNESS, THESE LADIES KNEW THAT MY FAMILY WAS IN GEORGIA AND VISITE ME DAY IN AND DAY OUT IN THE HOSPITAL AND IN REHAB. THE NURSES WOULD SAY, THE PINK AND GREEN LADIES ARE HERE! MY SORORS PUT MONEY IN MY HAND, PRAYED OVER ME, GAVE ME BEAUTIFUL JOURNALS, BLANKETS, COMFORTERS TO DECORAYE MY ROOM, FLOWERS, PUZZLES BOOKS,SPA TREATMENTS, CARDS, GIFT CARDS, SHOWED UP AT MY SPIRIT TUNNEL WALK LEAVING THE REHAB, PURCHSED MY ROUND TRIP TICKET HOME TO MY MOTHER’S FUNERAL, SCRATCHED MY HEAD, SANG TO ME, SENT ME ENCOURAGING WORDS, BROUGHT MY SLICED APPLES DAILY, SHOWED UP FOR EVERY SURGERY, KEPT MY BUSINESS CLOSE TO THE VEST, BROUGHT ME HOLY WATER, WINGS FROM STANS, AND EVEN BOUGHT THE HOSPITAL STAFF DINNER ON MY BEHALF. THE WORKERS IN THE HOSPITAL STARTED ASKING ME HOW COULD THEY BECOME MEMBERS OF THE PINK AND GREEN SISTER LOVE SQUAD! THANK YOU XI ZETA OMEGA CHAPTER FOR LOVING ME FOR THE PAST 25 YEARS!
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MEET XI ZETA OMEGA CHAPTER OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA
SORORITY, INC OF WASHINGTON, DC
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I WAS HONORED TO SPEAK ON A PANEL DURING COVID FOR HOWARD UNIVERSITY AND MET OUR PRESIDENT AND FIRST FOUNDER OF BLACK DOOR SOCIETY. SHE ASKED ME TO JOIN A BLACK WOMEN’S COLLECTIVE THAT WOULD SERVE AS A VEHECLE TO HELP BLACK WOMEN IN BUSINESS. I IMMEDIATELY SAID YES AND WAS INITIATED AS A FOUNDER AND CURRENTLY SERVE AS THE VICE PRESIDENT OF BLACK DOOR SOCIETY, LLC. MY BDS SISTERS HAVE SUPPORTED ME THROUGH THIS PROCESS WITH DAILY PRAYERS, AFFIRMATION MEMES, AND VISITS TO THE HOSPITAL AND REHAB. MY SISTERS HAVE PUT MONEY IN MY HAND, BOUGHT ME PRAYER JOURNALS. THESE SISTERS SAT AND WAITED UNTIL I GOT OUT OF MY EMERGENCY SURGERY! I COULDN’T BE MORE PROUD TO SAY THAT I AM A MEMBER OF THIS AMAZING ORGANIZATION!
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MEET SOME OF MY BLACK DOOR SOCIETY, LLC SISTERS MARYLAND
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MEET MY RECOVERY TEAM
MY FAMILY IS CHEF’S KISS! MANY WERE NOT AWARE THAT MY MOTHER DID NOT KNOW RIGHT AWAY THAT I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL, AS SHE WAS IN THE HOSPITAL AS WELL. WE DECIDED TO TELL HER ONCE I WAS OK WITH MY LAST SURGURY. I WAS ACCUSTOMED TO TALKING TO MY MOTHER EIGHT TO TWELVE TIMES A DAY. NOT BEING ABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH HER WAS SO HARD! WHEN WE FINALLY TOLD HER BECAUSE I COULD NOT GO ANOTHER DAY WITHOUT TALKING TO HER. SHE TOLD THE WHOLE FAMILY, DONT YOU EVER KEEP ANYTHING AWAY FROM ME THIS IMPORTANT! THEN SHE LOOKED IN THE CAMERA AND SAID, ROCK, BABY GIRL ARE YOU REALLY OK! MY MOTHER WAS MOTHERING FROM HER SICK BED! MY FAMILY STOOD IN THE GAP WITH PRAYERS, LONG CONVERSATIONS, AND EVEN TRAVELED HERE FOR MY SURGURY. MY GREAT NEPHEWS CALLED TO SING TO ME THAT THE DEVIL IS A LIAR. THE NIECE AND NEPHEWS SENT ME TEXT MESSAGES OF ENCOURAGEMENT AND MY SISTERS WERE AMAZING WITH STANDING IN THE GAP FOR ME BECAUSE I COULDN’T SPEAK TO MY MOTHER. I AM GRATEFUL FOR MY FAMILY!
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MEET MY RECOVERY TEAM
MY FAMILY IS CHEF’S KISS! MANY WERE NOT AWARE THAT MY MOTHER DID NOT KNOW RIGHT AWAY THAT I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL, AS SHE WAS IN THE HOSPITAL AS WELL. WE DECIDED TO TELL HER ONCE I WAS OK WITH MY LAST SURGURY. I WAS ACCUSTOMED TO TALKING TO MY MOTHER EIGHT TO TWELVE TIMES A DAY. NOT BEING ABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH HER WAS SO HARD! WHEN WE FINALLY TOLD HER BECAUSE I COULD NOT GO ANOTHER DAY WITHOUT TALKING TO HER. SHE TOLD THE WHOLE FAMILY, DONT YOU EVER KEEP ANYTHING AWAY FROM ME THIS IMPORTANT! THEN SHE LOOKED IN THE CAMERA AND SAID, ROCK, BABY GIRL ARE YOU REALLY OK! MY MOTHER WAS MOTHERING FROM HER SICK BED! MY FAMILY STOOD IN THE GAP WITH PRAYERS, LONG CONVERSATIONS, AND EVEN TRAVELED HERE FOR MY SURGURY. MY GREAT NEPHEWS CALLED TO SING TO ME THAT THE DEVIL IS A LIAR. THE NIECE AND NEPHEWS SENT ME TEXT MESSAGES OF ENCOURAGEMENT AND MY SISTERS WERE AMAZING WITH STANDING IN THE GAP FOR ME BECAUSE I COULDN’T SPEAK TO MY MOTHER. I AM GRATEFUL FOR MY FAMILY!
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MEET THE AKER CLAN, MY PARENT’S LEGACY!
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SENIOR PARTNER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR AT BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP
DWIGHT HELPS C-SUITE EXECUTIVES OF COMPLEX GLOBAL ORGANIZATIONS IMPROVE ENTERPRISE PERFORMANCE. FOCUSED ON ACCELERATING ECONOMIC GROWTH AND ENHANCING CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT, DWIGHT DELIVERS LASTING OP MODEL TRANSFORMATIONS BY COMBINING DIGITAL AND TECH ADVANCES WITH RAPID LEADERSHIP AND ORG DEVELOPMENT. DWIGHT ALSO SERVES AS A SENIOR FELLOW AND ADJUNCT PROFESSOR WITHIN THE KELLOGG EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AT THE KELLOGG SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT, NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY. UNTIL RECENTLY, DWIGHT SERVED AS ASIA PACIFIC MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ACCENTURE'S STRATEGY CONSULTING PRACTICE FOR PRODUCTS. ELECTED CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF GOVERNORS, OF THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF SINGAPORE IN MAY 2016, DWIGHT SERVED A RECORD 4 TERMS. FROM SINGAPORE, HE WORKED TO HELP ACCENTURE'S LARGEST ASIAN-BASED CLIENTS IMPROVE THEIR COMPETITIVENESS AND PERFORMANCE IN CONSUMER GOODS AND RETAIL; LIFE SCIENCES; TRAVEL & TRANSPORT SERVICES; AUTOMOTIVE; INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE. DWIGHT RECEIVED AN MPA FROM THE JOHN F. KENNEDY SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT AT HARVARD UNIVERSITY, AN MBA IN MARKETING FROM THE J.L. KELLOGG GRADUATE SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT AT NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY, AND A BS IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE.
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HE IS AN INDUSTRY LEADER IN APPLYING ZBB TO SALES AND MARKETING, AND BUDGETING FOR GROWTH. PRIOR TO THIS ROLE, DWIGHT WAS GLOBAL MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ACCENTURE’S HEALTH AND PUBLIC SERVICE STRATEGY PRACTICE, LEADING PROJECT TEAMS AROUND THE WORLD IN HELPING CLIENTS DEFINE THEIR STRATEGY, REORGANIZE, INCREASE EFFECTIVENESS, REDUCE COSTS, AND TRANSFORM THEIR OPERATIONS TO BECOME HIGH PERFORMING PUBLIC SECTOR ORGANIZATIONS. PRIOR TO ACCENTURE, DWIGHT CONSULTED WITH MCKINSEY & COMPANY AND BAIN & COMPANY FOCUSING ON MARKETING STRATEGIES FOR FORTUNE 500 PRODUCTS COMPANIES AND SUPER- REGIONAL BANKS. HE BEGAN HIS CAREER AS A PRODUCTION ENGINEER AT DUPONT, THEN PROCTER & GAMBLE, BEFORE PURSUING HIS MBA AT KELLOGG. DWIGHT RECEIVED AN MPA FROM THE JOHN F. KENNEDY SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT AT HARVARD UNIVERSITY, AN MBA IN MARKETING FROM THE J.L. KELLOGG GRADUATE SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT AT NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY, AND A BS IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE. MY BIG COUSIN FOUND OUT THE DAY BEFOR MY LAST AMPUTATION SURGERY THAT MY SISTERS WOULD NOT BE IN ATTENDANCE AT THIS SURGERY, HE ABSOLUTELY REFUSED TO LET ME WAKE UP FROM SURGERY WITHOUT FAMILY BEING PRESENT! HE CAUGHT A PLANE AND SURPRISED ME. I LITERALLY CRIED! THIS COUSIN IS THE SOLE REASON WHY I AM DR. ROZ. HE ENCOURAGED ME TO GO TO COLLEGE, HE HELPED ME OUT TREMENDOUSLY WHEN I MOVED HERE TO DC. HIS KINDNESS AND ENCOURAGEMENT HAS BEEN UNWAVERING! I AM SO APPRECIATIVE OF HIM!
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MEET DWIGHT HUTCHINS
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SERVICE MAGAZINE YOUR STRENGTH ISN’T JUST IN DOING THINGS ON YOUR OWN—IT'S IN ADAPTING, ADVOCATING, AND THRIVING IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY. 💬 AFFIRMATION: "I AM STILL ME. I AM STILL POWERFUL—EVEN IF I NEED SUPPORT." 50 8 🌱 1. ACKNOWLEDGE THE GRIEF YOU ARE NOT “JUST BEING DRAMATIC.” THE LOSS OF PHYSICAL ABILITY IS REAL. YOU MAY GRIEVE WHAT YOU ONCE COULD DO— DANCING, RUNNING, DRESSING WITHOUT HELP, OR SIMPLY WAKING UP WITHOUT PAIN. THIS GRIEF MAY APPEAR AS: DENIAL ("THIS ISN'T REALLY HAPPENING TO ME.") ANGER ("WHY ME?") BARGAINING ("IF I GET BETTER, I’LL NEVER COMPLAIN AGAIN.") DEPRESSION ("WHAT’S THE POINT OF TRYING?") ACCEPTANCE ("THIS IS MY NEW REALITY, BUT I CAN STILL HAVE PURPOSE.") 💡 TIP: JOURNALING OR THERAPY CAN HELP GIVE VOICE TO THESE FEELINGS WITHOUT SHAME. 💡 2. REDEFINE INDEPENDENCE AND STRENGTH SOCIETY OFTEN TIES WORTH TO PRODUCTIVITY AND INDEPENDENCE. BEING DIFFERENTLY ABLED MAY REQUIRE YOU TO REIMAGINE SUCCESS AND HONOR INTERDEPENDENCE—WHICH IS ACTUALLY MORE HUMAN AND MORE POWERFUL THAN ISOLATION. THE MENTAL SHIFT FROM BEING ABLE-BODIED TO BECOMING DIFFERENTLY ABLED—WHETHER DUE TO ILLNESS, INJURY, OR A PROGRESSIVE CONDITION—IS ONE OF THE MOST COMPLEX, EMOTIONAL, AND IDENTITY-ALTERING EXPERIENCES A PERSON CAN FACE. THIS TRANSITION AFFECTS NOT ONLY YOUR PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES BUT ALSO YOUR SELF-IMAGE, RELATIONSHIPS, AND SENSE OF INDEPENDENCE AND WORTH. HERE’S A BREAKDOWN OF HOW TO PROCESS THIS SHIFT WITH COMPASSION, CLARITY, AND COURAGE: PROCESSING THE MENTAL SHIFT BETWEEN ABLED BODY TO DIFFERENTLY ABLED BY: TORREY C. GREEN
3. REWRITE YOUR IDENTITY NA RRATIVE YOU ARE NOT YOUR DIAGNOSIS, INJURY, OR CONDITION. BEING DIFFERENTLY ABLED IS JUST ONE PART OF YOUR RICH, MULTI- DIMENSIONAL STORY. YOU CAN RECLAIM YOUR NARRATIVE BY ASKING: WHAT HAVE I GAINED IN EMPATHY, PERSPECTIVE, OR RESILIENCE? HOW CAN I USE THIS EXPERIENCE TO HELP OTHERS? WHAT DREAMS STILL EXCITE ME—AND HOW CAN I ADAPT TO PURSUE THEM? 🎤 REAL TALK: YOU MIGHT FIND STRENGTH YOU NEVER KNEW YOU HAD— AND A DEEPER PURPOSE YOU NEVER EXPECTED. 👥 4. FIND OR BUILD COMMUNITY ISOLATION IS A REAL THREAT IN THIS JOURNEY. YOU MAY LOSE SOME RELATIONSHIPS, BUT YOU’LL ALSO BUILD NEW ONES—ESPECIALLY WITH OTHERS WHO TRULY GET IT. CONNECT WITH: PEER SUPPORT GROUPS (IN PERSON OR ONLINE) DISABILITY ADVOCATES LOCAL CENTERS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING (VIA DIAL.ACL.GOV) INSTAGRAM OR TIKTOK CREATORS WITH DISABILITIES SHARING REAL- LIFE EXPERIENCES 🌍 REMINDER: YOU’RE NOT ALONE—AND YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE TO FIGURE IT ALL OUT BY YOURSELF.
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T � �🏽♀️ 6. CARE FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH CHRONIC PAIN, PHYSICAL CHANGES, AND SOCIAL STIGMA CAN CONTRIBUTE TO ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, AND PTSD. SEEK: THERAPY WITH A TRAUMA-INFORMED OR DISABILITY- AFFIRMING PROVIDER MINDFULNESS OR BREATHING TECHNIQUES MEDICATION IF NEEDED EMOTIONAL OUTLETS (ART, STORYTELLING, MUSIC, COMMUNITY ACTIVISM) 💗 TRUTH: MENTAL HEALTH IS NOT A LUXURY—IT'S A LIFELINE. ⚖️ 5. EMBRACE ADAPTIVE LIVING WITHOUT SHAME TOOLS, PROSTHETICS, MOBILITY AIDS, PERSONAL ASSISTANTS —THESE ARE NOT SIGNS OF WEAKNESS. THEY ARE FREEDOM TOOLS. USING THEM DOESN’T DIMINISH YOU—IT EMPOWERS YOU TO MOVE THROUGH LIFE ON YOUR TERMS. 🛠️ MANTRA: “ADAPTATION IS INNOVATION. I DON’T NEED TO ‘PROVE’ ANYTHING TO BE WHOLE.”
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🔁 7. HONOR THE ONGOING NATURE OF ADAPTATION THE JOURNEY DOESN’T END AT ACCEPTANCE. YOU’LL HAVE DAYS WHEN YOU FEEL STRONG AND OTHERS WHEN GRIEF SNEAKS BACK IN. THAT’S NORMAL. HEALING IS NOT LINEAR. GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO EBB AND FLOW. 📅 REALITY: YOU ARE STILL EVOLVING. GIVE GRACE TO THE VERSION OF YOU THAT’S LEARNING HOW TO LIVE AGAIN. 🏁 FINAL THOUGHT: YOU’RE NOT LESS—YOU’RE TRANSFORMED. YOU DIDN’T ASK FOR THIS PATH, BUT NOW THAT YOU’RE ON IT, YOU GET TO DECIDE WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOUR LIFE. YOU CAN STILL EXPERIENCE JOY, LOVE, CONNECTION, AND PURPOSE. YOUR LIFE IS NOT ON PAUSE—IT’S JUST TAKING A DIFFERENT ROUTE TO YOUR GREATNESS.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Torrey Green is a graduate of Fisk University with a bachelor of arts in Sociology. Torrey has had an array of positions providing services to at risk populations. Currently, Torrey serves as a community impact worker for Kaiser Permanente. Torrey believes that God has blessed him, so that he can be a blessing to others.
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NATIONAL DISABILITY AWRENESS MONTH SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK
DISABILITY INCLUSION IS NOT OPTIONAL BY; DR. ZAKIYA O. MAYBERY
DISABILITY INCLUSION OFTEN GOES UNNOTICED UNTIL IT BECOMES A PERSONAL NECESSITY. A SUDDEN DIAGNOSIS, A FRIEND WHO STRUGGLES IN SILENCE, OR A LOVED ONE WHOSE WORLD SHIFTS OVERNIGHT; THESE ARE OFTEN THE WAKE-UP CALLS. HOWEVER, BY THEN, EXCLUSION HAS ALREADY CAUSED SIGNIFICANT HARM. DISABILITY IS NEITHER RARE NOR NICHE. IT AFFECTS MORE THAN 1 IN 4 ADULTS IN THE U.S., YET ENTIRE INDUSTRIES, INSTITUTIONS, AND EVERYDAY SPACES STILL OPERATE AS IF DISABLED PEOPLE DO NOT EXIST. DISABILITY IS NOT ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL. IT CAN BE VISIBLE OR INVISIBLE, ENCOMPASSING MOBILITY IMPAIRMENTS, SENSORY CONDITIONS, NEURODIVERGENCE, CHRONIC ILLNESSES, AND MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES. WHAT UNITES THE DISABLED EXPERIENCE IS THE FIGHT FOR ACCESS, DIGNITY, AND BEING TAKEN SERIOUSLY. AS THE COUNTRY APPROACHES THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) JULY 26TH , THE CALL FOR DISABILITY INCLUSION IS LOUDER THAN EVER. IT IS TIME TO STOP TREATING DISABILITY AS AN AFTERTHOUGHT.
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NATIONAL DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH BREAKING THE SILENCE: DISSABILITY INCLUSION IS NOT AN OPTION
PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY IS A DISABILITY ISSUE
INCLUSION IS NOT JUST PHYSICAL; IT IS EMOTIONAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, AND SYSTEMIC. A SPACE IS NOT TRULY INCLUSIVE IF PEOPLE DO NOT FEEL SAFE DISCLOSING THEIR NEEDS OR ASKING FOR ACCOMMODATION/S. PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY MEANS THAT PEOPLE DO NOT HAVE TO MASK, OVER- PERFORM, OR EXPLAIN THEIR WORTH JUST TO BELONG. WHETHER IT IS A THIRD GRADER WITH ADHD OR A CORPORATE EXECUTIVE MANAGING CHRONIC PAIN, EVERYONE DESERVES A SEAT AT THE TABLE WITHOUT FEAR OF RETALIATION OR SHAME. AND LET’S BE CLEAR: MENTAL HEALTH COUNTS, TOO WITH JULY ALSO MARKING BLACK MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH, THIS CONVERSATION BECOMES EVEN MORE URGENT. THE STIGMA SURROUNDING MENTAL HEALTH; ESPECIALLY IN COMMUNITIES OF COLOR; OFTEN DELAYS OR PREVENTS PEOPLE FROM GETTING THE SUPPORT THEY NEED. HOWEVER, MENTAL HEALTH IS PART OF THE DISABILITY INCLUSION CONVERSATION. ANXIETY, PTSD, DEPRESSION, AND NEURODIVERGENCE CAN ALL IMPACT ON HOW PEOPLE NAVIGATE SCHOOL, WORK, AND COMMUNITY LIFE. THIS MEANS THAT ORGANIZATIONS, EDUCATORS, AND LEADERS MUST BE PREPARED TO MEET PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE; WITH GRACE, ACCESS, AND FLEXIBILITY.
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NATIONAL DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH
DISABILITY INCLUSION IS NOT AN OPTION
WHAT INCLUSION ACTUALLY LOOKS LIKE
SERVICE MAGAZINE 8.BEING CONSCIOUS OF EXCLUDING BEHAVIORS; LIKE TALKING OVER OTHERS, MAKING ASSUMPTIONS, OR LABELING SOMEONE “DIFFICULT” WHEN THEY’RE JUST NAVIGATING THE WORLD DIFFERENTLY. 57 11 TRUE DISABILITY INCLUSION IS PROACTIVE, NOT REACTIVE. IT DOESN’T WAIT FOR A CRISIS OR COMPLAINT, IT’S EMBEDDED IN HOW WE SHOW UP, SPEAK UP, AND STRUCTURE EVERYTHING FROM POLICIES TO CONVERSATIONS. CHECK OUT 10 HELPFUL TIPS BELOW: 1.ACCESSIBLE WEBSITES, MEETING FORMATS, AND PHYSICAL SPACES (THINK SCREEN READER COMPATIBILITY, ALT TEXT, VIRTUAL OPTIONS, RAMPS, AND ACCESSIBLE SEATING) 2. JOB DESCRIPTIONS THAT WELCOME NEURODIVERSE TALENT (LET’S DITCH THE “MUST BE DETAIL-ORIENTED” DEFAULT). 3. EVENTS WITH CAPTIONING, SENSORY CONSIDERATIONS, AND SEATING OPTIONS. 4.LEADERS WHO LISTEN, ACCOMMODATE, AND ADAPT; WITHOUT MAKING PEOPLE BEG FOR BASIC SUPPORT. 5.MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS THAT REFLECT REAL-LIFE NEEDS, NOT JUST EMERGENCY EAPS. (EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS). 6.POLICIES THAT PRIORITIZE ACCESS FROM THE START; NOT AFTER A COMPLAINT IS FILED. 7.LEADERS AND TEAM MEMBERS ADJUST THEIR COMMUNICATION STYLES (SLOWING DOWN, AVOIDING JARGON, PROVIDING MULTIPLE WAYS TO ENGAGE USING COLLABORATION TOOLS INSTEAD OF JUST EMAILS).
NATIONAL DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH
DISABILITY INCLUSION IS NOT AN OPTION
1.Reconsidering phrases like “read the room, “which assume everyone processes tone, body language, or energy the same way—newsflash: many don’t, and that’s okay. 2.Accountability: This includes holding leaders and organizations accountable for creating and maintaining inclusive environments. Additionally, there should be mechanisms in place to address any harm caused by biased language or behavior. When someone brings such issues to your attention, it is crucial to respond promptly and take corrective actions to prevent future occurrences. Resources for Empowerment & Advocacy
Whether you’re newly navigating disability or want to be a better ally, here are a few places to start:
- Job Accommodation Network (askJAN.org) - ADA National Network (adata.org) - National Alliance on Mental Illness (nami.org) - Disability Visibility Project (disabilityvisibilityproject.com)
- Crip Camp (Netflix/YouTube) – A powerful look at the disability rights movement Disability inclusion is not charity. It’s not performative allyship. It’s not just for HR compliance. It’s justice. It’s leadership. It’s humanity. And if your space still doesn’t reflect that? It’s time to change the spaces perhaps.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
DR. ZAKIYA O. MABERY DR. ZAKIYA CONSIDERS HERSELF A “TRIPLE DIVERSITY THREAT”—BLACK, A WOMAN, AND LIVING WITH MULTIPLE DISABILITIES. SHE PROVIDES EXCEPTIONAL INSIGHTS THAT HELP ORGANIZATIONS FOSTER MEANINGFUL SOCIAL CHANGE FOR THEMSELVES, THEIR CUSTOMERS, AND THE COMMUNITIES THEY SERVE. AS A SPEAKER WHO SHARES POWERFUL STORIES FROM HER LIVED EXPERIENCE, SHE BRINGS AUTHENTICITY, EMPATHY, AND VISION TO EVERY STAGE AND BOARDROOM. IN THE FALL OF 2009, DR. ZAKIYA’S LIFE STORY WAS FEATURED IN THE AWARD-WINNING DOCUMENTARY ABLE AND WILLING, WHICH AIRED AND CIRCULATED INTERNATIONALLY. SHE ALSO CONTRIBUTED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF MASTERING SOFT SKILLS FOR WORKPLACE SUCCESS, A SOFT SKILLS CURRICULUM CREATED BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR’S OFFICE OF DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT POLICY (ODEP). DR. ZAKIYA IS PASSIONATE ABOUT INFLUENCING C-SUITE EXECUTIVES, MIDDLE MANAGEMENT, AND FRONTLINE EMPLOYEES ALIKE BY FOCUSING ON STORYTELLING, INTERSECTIONALITY, AND SYSTEMS-LEVEL CHANGE IN DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND ACCESSIBILITY. FORMERLY KNOWN AS B. GLOBAL DIVERSITY CONSULTING, HER BUSINESS HAS EVOLVED INTO THE ONI PROJECT—A NAME CHANGE THAT REFLECTS BOTH PERSONAL GROWTH AND A DEEPER COMMITMENT TO PURPOSE-DRIVEN WORK ROOTED IN HEALING, IDENTITY, AND CULTURAL TRANSFORMATION. IN ARABIC, “ONI” MEANS DESIRED ONE—SYMBOLIZING HER JOURNEY OF RECLAIMING POWER, HONORING HER ANCESTORS, AND LEADING BOLDLY WITH PURPOSE AND INTENTION
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How to Negotiate your disability Status with an Employer
DR. ROSELYN AKER-BLACK
Negotiating your disability status with an employer can be a delicate but empowering process. Whether you're newly disabled or navigating an existing condition, this conversation can lead to accommodations that improve your performance, protect your rights, and support your well-being. Here’s how to approach it effectively and confidently: Know Your Legal Rights (ADA & Rehabilitation Act) Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you are entitled to reasonable accommodations at work.
You’re not required to disclose your disability unless you’re requesting accommodations. Employers cannot discriminate or retaliate against you for disclosing a disability or requesting accommodations. 📌 Helpful Resource: Job Accommodation Network (JAN) Choose When and What to Disclose You’re in control of: When you disclose (e.g., during onboarding, after a diagnosis, when challenges arise) What you share (e.g., just enough information to support your request, not your full medical history) 🧠 Tip: Focus on how your condition affects job-related tasks rather than naming the condition itself if you're uncomfortable.
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Prepare Before the Conversation Document how your disability affects your job duties Identify accommodations that could help you succeed (flexible hours, remote work, screen readers, reduced travel, etc.) Gather medical documentation if needed (not always required but can help) 💡 Think like this: “Here’s the challenge I’m experiencing, and here’s what would help me meet my job requirements effectively.” Set Up a Private Conversation Schedule a meeting with HR or your direct supervisor (depending on your company culture) Keep the tone professional and solution-focused You might say: "I'd like to talk to you about something that's affecting my ability to work as efficiently as I’d like. I have a health condition that qualifies as a disability under the ADA, and I’d like to discuss a few reasonable accommodations that would support my productivity and well-being."
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