Black is Beautiful Mini Blog Series Health Care Edition Part 3: Meet CAMBRIA!

Hello, Renrenspeakers! Happy Saturday and third week of Black History Month! How have you been honoring Black people so far this month? I hope one of the numerous ways has been through reading these blog posts that I have for yall! Today I have an incredible person on the blog who I admire so much. Cambria is up next in the Black is Beautiful mini blog series! Before we launch her interview, I am gonna take us back to memory lane and briefly highlight our connection!

Like everyone on the mini blog series thus far, I met Cambria at UC San Diego (college was an opportune time to make connections, I am telling ya!). I was always drawn to Cambria’s kind, sweet, and chill spirit. We were in organizations together such as the Black Student Union and had other mutual leadership roles in Black spaces in college. I remember when she switched over to my major, Human Development, our bond started to grow. We took the same Human Development classes together and got to know each other on a deeper level. It was so refreshing to see another Black face in my classes. Cambria was always a great hype woman and support system, encouraging and affirming me when school got challenging. She really shines as a light in all of her endeavors and radiates such positive, infectious energy. She is also SUCH a hard worker, yall. I am telling ya, she is a go-getter for real. With that being said, I hope that you all get to see her light exude as we delve right into her story!

IreneWhat is your name/pronouns?

Cambria: Cambria Anderson, she/hers

IreneGive us a quick synopsis of who YOU ARE! 

Cambria: I’m from Victorville, CA and currently living in Washington, D.C. attending Howard University College of Dentistry. I went to UC San Diego and graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Developmental Sciences and a minor in African American Studies. I’m currently in my second year of school at Howard and my goals are to become a cosmetic dentist and open a clinic where dental care is offered with access and affordability in mind, and to create mentorship and career opportunities for Black dental students in the SoCal area. 

When I’m not in class, simulation lab, or neck deep in lecture notes, I like to watch movies, read, get active, get creative with a decor project for my apartment, or try something new in the DMV area. My “why not, might as welllll” attitude about going outside gets me in trouble with my friends all the time lol, but there are so many community events, markets, film screenings, mixers, day parties, etc that I’ll take every opportunity to experience when I get it. I also have a DC bucket list that I’m trying to work through before I graduate in 2025 – so far I’ve seen all the monuments and the museums are up next!

IreneChoose three words that come to mind when you define “Blackness”. Define each word in its relation to Blackness. Why did you choose these three words?

Cambria:

Beauty: Across the diaspora, there’s so much beauty in our various cultures, languages, histories, styles, etc. There’s so much to appreciate about the Black experience globally and what we have been able to retain and create in the face of oppression and anti-Blackness and its best attempts to strip us of that.

Creativity: I feel like this is self explanatory, the way our minds work is just…wow lol. We are literally so dope at everything we do!

Pride: My last word is an affirmation from the movie Cool Runnings that came to mind. When I think of Blackness, I see pride, I see power, and I see bad*ss mothers who don’t take no crap off of nobody.

IreneWhat is the MOST beautiful thing about being Black to you?

Cambria: That it’s something that you have to experience to really know. Our style, how we create community anywhere and everywhere, the way we talk, inside jokes, our expressions and figures of speech, even the way we can communicate with each other without saying a single word. It’s a gift to be Black to be honest, and even though so many try to imitate it, it can never be duplicated – we’re the blueprint for real!

IreneHow has your experience been as a Black person in your respective field thus far? 

Cambria: Going to Howard for dental school has had a positive impact on my start in the field. Learning from Black faculty and being surrounded by Black peers is empowering and creates a supportive environment, and it is so motivating to see rooms filled with people who look like you opposed to my undergrad environment where I was often one of the only Black students in the room. Black dentists make up about 3-4% of all dentists in the U.S., so I am really soaking up every moment here at Howard before I start to work in the field because it won’t always be like this. Also, my classmates and I are starting to see patients this summer, and I am excited to understand more of what it means to care for my community. From what I’ve experienced, patients place a lot of gratitude and trust in us and that adds so much meaning to what I am able to do for them.

IreneHow do you plan on showing up for the people as a Black person in your respective field? 

Cambria: In college I volunteered in the UCSD PDS free dental clinics, and we served the elderly, children, and those who were homeless, uninsured, and veterans. As a result, the majority of our patients who represented these groups were Black. I credit this as the moment that shaped my goals and gave me a vision for the kind of dentist I want to be. My priority is to address disparities in oral health and create access among marginalized communities by opening a community clinic like those I served in, leading community workshops that educate on preventative oral health practices and destigmatize dentistry as painful and anxiety-inducing, and creating a network with other professionals both within and outside of the healthcare field to refer out patients for other necessary services to address overall health as part of a holistic process. I also want to form partnerships with Black dental student organizations at UCLA, USC, Western University, and Loma Linda University to offer mentorship and clinical experience through service in my clinic. My hope is to create a community for dental students like the one I’ve been able to experience through my time at Howard because it’s been key in my learning and growth thus far, and because I remember what it’s like to find comfort and a sense of relief in seeing another Black person in a mostly non-Black space. 

IreneAny advice, gems, or words of encouragement for future Black people who want to pursue your field? 

Cambria: Never lose sight of your ultimate goal because despite the obstacles and detours, not following the traditional track, or not having the strongest GPA or DAT scores, what’s for you is for you and you will become the dentist you dream of being! Make sure to seek out mentorship from dentists in the field who will allow you to shadow and gain experience under them, and keep in contact with them because their wisdom is invaluable. Finally, find and remember your why. This is a difficult career to pursue and in those moments where you feel discouraged, tired, or unmotivated (and you will, unfortunately) you have to be able to go back to your sole reason for doing this and remind yourself of the big picture. Remember that these moments do not define your potential or the trajectory of your career, and that you’re destined for all the greatness that you dream for yourself. Nothing or no one can take that away!

IreneWhat is one of your favorite songs that fit/exemplifies that Black is Beautiful?

Cambria: Golden by Jill Scott is probably one of my favorite feel good songs that just reminds me to walk in my power as a Black woman, and of course Brown Skin Girl by Beyoncé.

IreneHow can we support a fellow amazing Black person like yourself? Do you have any projects, businesses, creations, etc. that you are working on that you would like to speak briefly about and/or that we can support?

Cambria: Unrelated to my career goals, I have a podcast with my friends called Four Deep and we just dropped our first episode on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube! We are four young Black women in their 20 somethings who aren’t afraid to get deep with it as we discuss life, relationships, careers, and personal development. You can follow us on Instagram, @fourdeeppod.

IreneCan folks connect with you to learn more about you/support you? If so, please drop your social media info down below!

Cambria: Feel free to follow me on Instagram, @flygalcam or email me at cnande96@gmail.com / cambria.anderson@bison.howard.edu!

First of all, SUPPORT CAM ON HER PODCAST! I am a podcast junkie, so to see my friend have her own podcast sharing gems and fly girl content is just the icing on the cake. I give her props for balancing a quality podcast while attending dental school full time. It is not an easy thing to do, but of course, if anyone can do it, it is Cambria. Also, it sounds like Cambria literally has the most optimal occupational balance as a dental student. What I’m hearing is that she is the girl to hit up when in D.C. because she has all the plugs! I am also just literally so proud to see the journey that she’s taken to get to dental school because as we have witnessed thus far through the blog posts I’ve been sharing or just through other Black people’s accounts, it is not easy to be Black pursuing a health care profession. The fact that we make up no more than 5% of each respective field is so problematic, so to see people like Cambria actively shifting those statistics is so empowering.

Thank you all so much for tuning into the blog! I really hope that yall enjoyed Cambria’s interview as much as I did. It gave me a kick of inspiration and motivation to continue along my own journey as an occupational therapy student. Part 4, and unfortunately, the last post for my Black is Beautiful mini blog series is live next Saturday, so please remember to be on the lookout! Again, subscribe to my blog and follow me on Instagram at Renrenspeaks for updates! Continue to love on Black people!

Peace and love,

Irene

Black is Beautiful Mini Blog Series Health Care Edition Part 2: Meet CAMERON!

Hello, Renrenspeakers! Happy second week of Black History Month! What is one thing that has brought you joy this past month? For me, it has been connecting with incredible Black individuals at my school and through this blog! We are BACK with another blog interview. Next up in the series is my friend, Cameron who is doing phenomenal things in the field of medicine. Before we start the interview, let me throw yall back to how Cameron and I connected!

I met Cameron during my time at UC San Diego and always thought he was such a cool dude that was very kind and poised. We were also in the Black Student Union together, and we really got to bond over our mutual love for health care. I remember he interviewed me for his enlightening research project back in 2017 regarding Black students and Black health, specifically looking at what social and environmental factors influenced their aspirations to pursue medicine and other health professions. Of course, he contributed GREAT discourse at UC San Diego and to the field of medicine in general! I won’t get too much into it because I want HIM to highlight his many projects and publications. Cameron is a super cool guy, yall, and I am so glad we were able to reconnect to collab on this series for BHM! I am excited for yall to read more about his story down below!

IreneWhat is your name/pronouns?

Cameron: Cameron Clerkley, He/Him

IreneGive us a quick synopsis of who YOU ARE! 

Cameron: Chill, funny and down to earth (so I’ve been told), Bay Area raised (Hayward), sports head (especially basketball), passionate about family, community, serving others and mentoring, love going to movies and concerts, and world traveler.

IreneChoose three words that come to mind when you define “Blackness”. Define each word in its relation to Blackness. Why did you choose these three words?

Cameron:

  1. Afro-Diaspora – This can represent anyone around the world who identifies with their roots in Africa (since descendants from Africa are everywhere).
  2. Royalty – This represents how I see Black identity because we deserve to think of ourselves in that light as exceptional individuals who deserve praise for our excellence.
  3. Oppressed – This, unfortunately, is because regardless of how you personally identify, if others see you as Black, you are subject to the forms of discrimination for being Black, a universal Black experience that has transcended centuries and geological boundaries.

IreneWhat is the MOST beautiful thing about being Black to you?

Cameron: My hair – I love how thick and creative it is. It is difficult to manage at times, but it makes me feel good and proud and unique in the world.

IreneHow has your experience been as a Black person in your respective field thus far? 

Cameron:

  1. Lonely – There aren’t too many Black physicians on my clinical rotations or even just roaming the hospital, but my goal is to help fix that.
  2. Empowering – Because every time another Black person sees me in the hospital, we greet each other or they share words of encouragement to me and the impact of my presence.

IreneHow do you plan on showing up for the people as a Black person in your respective field? 

Cameron: My presence and excellence will demand respect for Black individuals that are not traditionally represented in medicine, and my mentorship to the future generations will hopefully increase our representation in the field.

IreneAny advice, gems, or words of encouragement for future Black people who want to pursue your field? 

Cameron: You are enough and you are capable, you are unique and that in itself will take you far, you have so much to offer that is unique to being Black, lean into that and ignore anyone who tells you not to – anything you pursue in life will have challenges, so might as well shoot for the moon and pursue your passions/things that bring you joy.

IreneWhat is one of your favorite songs that fit/exemplifies that Black is Beautiful?

Cameron:

  1. Say it Loud – James Brown 
  2. Brown Skin Girl – Beyonce, Wiz Kid

IreneHow can we support a fellow amazing Black person like yourself? Do you have any projects, businesses, creations, etc. that you are working on that you would like to speak briefly about and/or that we can support?

Cameron: Share my article to anyone who would identify with/learn from the experiences shared and/or have the capacity to support the cause of uplifting aspiring Black doctors (link- SSVMS – Pursuing Medicine While Black )

IreneCan folks connect with you to learn more about you/support you? If so, please drop your social media info down below!

Cameron:

  1. @camclerkley11 on Instagram
  2. clclerkley@ucdavis.edu / camclerk11@gmail.com 

Irene: Anything else you want us to know about you or anything you want to share with the readers? Feel free to drop it down below!

Cameron: Irene Kwangaba was a big contributor to the insight and inspiration of my article and entire medical journey since I met her in undergrad. We need more blogs like this one and more people doing similar work as this.

I am telling yall, how cool is Cameron! I hope you all enjoyed learning about Cameron as much as I did and the amazing ways that he is uplifting Black doctors through whole publications! To see it flourish from a UC San Diego research project to a publication in Sierra Sacramento Valley Medicine is such an accomplishment. UC Davis is blessed to have Cameron as part of their student body, I hope they know that!

Thank you all once again for tuning into the blog today! Remember to support Black people not only this month but every single day, as our voices deserve to be lifted and celebrated consistently. Part 3 of my Black is Beautiful mini blog series – health care edition – will be released next Saturday with another amazing person that I am so excited to highlight! Also, make sure you all follow the Renrenspeaks Instagram page for updates on all of the great things Renrenspeaks.com has in store for you all! Stay Black, friends!

Peace and love,

Irene

Black is Beautiful Mini Blog Series Health Care Edition Part 1: Meet VICTORIA, MPH!

Hello, Renrenspeakers! Happy first week of melanin month! I hope yall are as hype as I am to begin the Black is Beautiful mini blog series – health care edition! The first person starting us off for the series is my sis, VICKY! I am going to brag a bit about her before we get into her interview.

I met Vicky in 2015 when I was a little baby freshman at UC San Diego. She was a senior in college, and we were involved in multiple Black organizations such as The Black Student Union and the African Student Association. I always admired her joy, her friendliness, and her ability to make everyone feel included and heard. She would check in with me and ask how I was doing and how she could support me during a rough transition to the university. She went on to do amazing things and overcame so many challenges still smiling and hopeful. So today, I am so thrilled to highlight the lovely Vicky!

Irene: What is your name/pronouns?

Vicky: Victoria Gichohi (She/Her/Hers)

Irene: Give us a quick synopsis of who YOU ARE! 

Yes, I’m the Community Engagement Manager for Rocket Doctor & Co-Founder of Black Girls Leadership Academy (BGLA). I’m from Compton, California born, raised & still a current resident. I’m passionate about finding resources to make people’s lives more sustainable and providing efficient health access to all populations.

Irene: Choose three words that come to mind when you define “Blackness”. Define each word in its relation to Blackness. Why did you choose these three words?

Vicky: Multi-faceted. Resilience. Innovative 

Multi-faceted – Black folks, (Black, African, Caribbean, the entire diaspora) we all have come from Mother Africa for sure. Yet, we have beautiful shades of our complexion. We speak over 100 languages and even more dialects. We are represented in many fields. So to hear statements like, “Oh all Black people do this or that” is really out of pocket because although we may have similar experiences and upbringings, we still are very much complex. And I believe there is beauty in that too. Your Black experience has been different than mine and I can acknowledge, respect, learn, and embrace it too! 

Resilience due to the fact that no matter what has been thrown our way, we come from generations and generations and still have the strength to continue on, which leads to my last word, Innovative. In spite of all the racist tactics and limited resources, we are innovators and pioneers. The majority of the tools and systems we have are due to the mind and imagination of a Black individual and oftentimes we don’t know it, myself included. From STEM to dance, we are truly global innovators!

Irene: What is the MOST beautiful thing about being Black to you?

Vicky: Lol it’s so many things. Our hair, our skin, our swag or juice. We are truly remarkable within our diaspora. Our strength. Our sense of community. Like us Black folks just got a little light and spark within us that I hope we individually do not lose it.

Irene: How has your experience been as a Black person in your respective field thus far? 

Vicky: My experience being a Black person has been pretty positive. I haven’t been taken advantage of or felt disrespected. However, I think because of my experience in management, at times, I am disregarded. I have taken sub-comments very seriously i.e. “Oh don’t you have an MPH?” and/or taken for granted in terms of salary because of my MPH. Black women in my field are growing more and more. I believe the pandemic sheds so much light on the hard labor Black women have and are constantly doing for this country (Medical Assistants, Doulas, Physicians, Receptionists, etc…) We are on the front lines and deserve and demand respect at all costs.

Irene: How do you plan on showing up for the people as a Black person in your respective field? 

Vicky: Representation is so key! How are we ever going to create an equitable society if we aren’t seeking the positions? If we aren’t at the table then who will be? Who will continue to advocate for our communities like Mari Copeny aka  “Little Miss Flint”  or Kizzmekia Corbett, the Black woman behind the COVID-19 vaccine? We are leaders, cultivators, and changemakers, grant writers, fundraisers, and rarely get recognition for it.

As for me, I will continuously urge our generation to combat and create equitable measures for all populations that they serve and invite communities to the table on how to make a more sustainable community. With my org, BGLA, we are creating this through mentorship being led by another Black professional and allowing mentees to focus on leadership development in improving disparities that already exist in their respective communities.

Also, I hope to start a clinic back home in my father’s home country of Kenya, specifically Nakuru, and be able to provide access to families that rarely receive the care they need.

Irene: Any advice, gems, or words of encouragement for future Black people who want to pursue your field? 

Vicky: The field is growing tremendously! If you have empathy and care about health and providing help to others, this is the field for you. Unlike typical clinical healthcare, you can go into so many areas. You can go into policy, epidemiology, get hands-on experience as a doula, nutritionist, navigator for patients, counselor, investigator, researcher, communications, social media and more. This field is truly a place where you can grow and combine any passion you are gifted with into your work.

Also, NETWORK and be able to be a community advocate. You have to learn how to talk to many people from all walks of life, even having small conversations in other languages. Be consistent and honest. Community Members will not engage if you are not transparent and consistent. They don’t want to see you just for one time and you dip and leave their city or neighborhood. You have to have empathy and be of service to them while also including them in the conversation. Go on the ground. Volunteer. Do the work necessary in order to build and grow.

Irene: What is one of your favorite songs that fit/exemplifies that Black is Beautiful?

Vicky: Wow, great question! There are so many to choose from. If I have to take it back it, would be Lovely Day by Bill Withers, and if I had to speed it up, currently it would be Alright by Kendrick Lamar, Solange’s Almeda and of course Beyonce’s Brown Skin Girl. In my opinion, all four of these songs celebrate Black beauty, Black love in all its forms, and motivate us. In a world where we are scrutinized and taunted, we have to have platforms and songs to remind us of the gems we are, how much we contribute to the world, and that we matter! We really do and I love these songs as anthems! 

Irene: How can we support a fellow amazing Black person like yourself? Do you have any projects, businesses, creations, etc. that you are working on that you would like to speak briefly about and/or that we can support?

Vicky: Be sure to check out Black Girls Leadership academy at www.blackgirlslead.org and also on all social media platforms @BlackGirlsLeadershipAcademy

Irene: Can folks connect with you to learn more about you/support you? If so, please drop your social media info down below!

Vicky: Yes no problem you can follow me on social media at @shhvictoria or message me on LinkedIn @Victoria Gichohi

Irene: Anything else you want us to know about you or anything you want to share with the readers? Feel free to drop it down below!

Vicky: I appreciate all the amazing work and efforts you are doing Irene in showcasing and highlighting incredible Black Women in our field and work!

Wow, I hope that you all are as inspired and refreshed as I am after reading about Vicky’s journey and all of the gems she dropped today. It is amazing to see a fellow Black woman breaking grounds in the field of public health. I will say, BGLA is such a beautiful organization that I was able to recently be a part of at the ELEVATE Summit that they hosted late January. If you are reading this and are a Black girl interested in leadership development or professional growth, I highly recommend getting involved! Also, Almeda is a forever anthem, I totally agree!

Thanks for tuning into the blog, Renrenspeakers! Keep that alert button on and stay plugged in on the Renrenspeaks Instagram page for the next post dropping next Saturday for Part 2 of my Black is Beautiful mini blog series – health care edition! Stay unapologetically Black, my Black readers!

Peace and love,

Irene