Meet Cornealia Palmer

We recently connected with Cornealia Palmer and have shared our conversation below.

Cornealia, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

My purpose in founding Empower Her Environmental Wellness, Inc. comes from my deep commitment to supporting and mentoring women, particularly those who need extra guidance and opportunities, while addressing the critical intersection of environmental wellness and personal well-being.

I saw firsthand how environmental challenges disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including women, families, and communities in Huntington, WV. This awareness, combined with my passion for mentorship, empowerment, and environmental justice, drove me to create a space where women—especially young women of color—could learn, grow, and take control of their well-being while advocating for healthier environments.

My journey has been shaped by personal experiences, observations of systemic inequities, and a desire to bridge the gap for those who aren’t always the “honor roll” students or the ones who easily find support systems. Instead of waiting for solutions from others, I took the initiative to build a community-driven organization that provides tangible resources like water testing kits, air quality monitors, and wellness programs while fostering leadership and advocacy.

I have always dreamed of establishing an organization focused on women but felt I couldn’t accomplish this without a degree. It wasn’t until my friend and mentor, Dwaign Tyndal, Executive Director of Alternatives for Community and Environment (ACE) in Roxbury, MA, gave me the “nudge” to start the environmental wellness nonprofit that I truly believed it was possible. After a day of questioning whether I should take this step, I opened my mom’s Bible and saw that she had written, “God said yes.” In that moment, I knew it was the confirmation I needed. From then on, I stepped forward in faith, knowing it was the right time to take action.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I founded Empower Her Environmental Wellness, Inc. to address crucial gaps in support and empowerment for women, particularly those affected by environmental challenges. The mission emphasizes not only raising awareness but also taking practical steps to improve environmental conditions that directly impact women’s health and well-being. Through mentorship, education, and community engagement, the organization aim to create a more sustainable and equitable future where all women, regardless of background, can thrive in healthier environments.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I’m not sure of 3 qualities or skills. Personal experience with the healthcare system was more of a factor as well as speaking with other women regarding their well-beings and experiences with the healthcare system.

The advice that I have for folks would be advice that I was given: Keep going! Don’t give up when it gets difficult, and it will get difficult at times. Always remember the reason why you are doing it. And, always keep your ego in check!

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Empower Her Environmental Wellness, Inc. is always looking for passionate individuals, organizations, and businesses to collaborate with! We seek partners who are committed to environmental justice, community wellness, and empowering women of all ages—especially those disproportionately affected by environmental challenges.

*Community Organizations & Nonprofits – Groups working on environmental health, women’s empowerment, public health, or youth development.
*Health & Wellness Professionals – Experts in public health, environmental science, mental health, or holistic wellness.
* Educators & Mentors – Individuals willing to support our mentorship programs for young women (ages 12-21) and women of all ages.
* Businesses & Corporate Sponsors – Companies interested in funding, sponsoring programs, or providing resources that align with environmental wellness.
* Researchers & Policy Advocates – Those focused on environmental racism, public health disparities, and community-led solutions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://empowerherenvironmentalwellnes.godaddysites.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerherwv/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561148368998