Awa Diarra is a Bronx Native and current sophomore at Tulane University majoring in psychology with a minor in health and wellness. Growing up, Awa was driven by a profound passion for addressing mental health challenges, particularly within minority communities. Having witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by those in her community, she harbors a deep commitment to understanding mental health intricacies and making a positive impact. Awa envisions a future in clinical social work with a focus on children in order to combat the institutionalized taboos surrounding mental health, specifically within marginalized communities. Awa's journey at IWES holds the promise of not only shaping her future endeavors but also gaining valuable insights into the nuanced landscape of mental health work. As she navigates her journey, Awa seeks to grow as a catalyst for change, contributing meaningfully to the field and fostering resilience regardless of societal stigmas.

💡 To learn more about Awa and their work at IWES, check out their blog post here.

(Served February-September '24)

Baton Rouge native, and aspiring community advocate and policymaker, Aarinii Parms-Green is a sophomore at Xavier University of Louisiana majoring in Political Science and Psychology, with a history minor. She is a researcher, activist, educator, and writer who aspires to eradicate the education gap in order to address income inequality and promote the health of Black youth and communities. She aims to achieve this by creating and implementing work around policy that is informed by her local community, experiences as a Black woman, and the Black voices that often go unheard. After finishing her degrees, Aarinii intends to further her education and seek research projects that reflect the mental health impacts of being the first daughter in a Black family, and subsequently the impacts it has on the Black community in general. She understands firsthand the pressures associated with being the first daughter - the stress and responsibilities - and she has a passion for helping other people in the same position. As a Xavier Exponential Honors student, and a Fellow with the Black Student Leadership Network, Unum Academy, and Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program, her work is grounded in increasing economic, educational, and health resources and opportunities. Aarinii has been giving back since high school and she hopes to open an educational center for law, creating a political and social environment for Black youth to better protect themselves.

(Served February-July '24)

Tyronae Smith is a native New Orleanian, hailing from the Lower Ninth Ward. Growing up, she has always been on the receiving end of what New Orleans had to offer and now she is ready to give back, tenfold. While pursuing her undergraduate degree in Political Science from Dillard University, Tyronae has served as a community leader on and off her campus. She served as the president of her campus' LGBTQ+ Pride Organization, became a Sexual Health and Wellness Ambassador for the Human Rights Campaign HBCU Program, and has conducted research at two Research-1 institutions promoting social and health equity via her research contributions. Tyronae is aspiring to become a policy analyst and enact change in her community.

(Served February-September '24)

Nyla Williams is a History and Art Management major at Xavier University of Louisiana. Growing up in Louisiana, she has always been intrigued by the unique mix of African, French, and Spanish influences on the state’s culture. Nyla centers her academic research on how Black Louisiana culture impacts and is impacted by Eurocentric influences. She has had the opportunity to become a freelance researcher for multiple organizations, and some of her recent projects include genealogical identification; investigating historical health care disparities in African American communities; and exploring the creation, eradication, reemergence, and commercialization of jazz music in New Orleans. Upon graduating from Xavier, Nyla plans to pursue a Masters in Library Information Science to become a certified Archival Preservationist. She aspires to become an agent in Black American cultural preservation by advocating for the inclusion of Black history in archives.

Kyla Willis is pursuing her passion for health equity at Xavier University of Louisiana, where she is majoring in public health. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Kyla witnessed health disparities in her community firsthand, which inspired her desire to drive change. This steadfast dedication led Kyla to become an advocate and an active voice in her community, emphasizing the need for culturally competent care and greater representation in the healthcare workforce. Kyla aims to develop initiatives that provide health education, resources, and messaging designed to reach and resonate with marginalized groups in her own community. Through the use of her platform and degree, Kyla strives to eliminate barriers to access by implementing localized programs that make quality care available regardless of race, gender, income, or identity. In the future, she plans to work within Chicago’s public health infrastructure, conducting critical research on the impact of systemic factors on wellbeing outcomes.

💡 To learn more about Kyla and their work at IWES, check out their blog post here.