We recently connected with Jamie Nicole and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jamie, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
As the founder and executive director of The AIP BIPOC Network (ABN) , a 501c3 organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) autoimmune community, my journey has been deeply influenced by being the only one in the room who looks like me. Navigating spaces where my identity stands out has presented both challenges and opportunities for growth.
In those moments, I’ve learned to embrace my uniqueness and leverage it as a catalyst for change. Instead of feeling isolated, I view it as an opportunity to amplify voices that are often marginalized. My personal experiences as a black female living with multiple autoimmune diseases have ignited my passion for holistic health and advocacy within minority communities.
The establishment of ABN wasn’t simply about filling a void; it was about creating a platform for representation and empowerment. Our mission extends beyond mere awareness or access—it encompasses equity, inclusivity, and empowerment for all members of the BIPOC autoimmune community.
With every room I enter, I carry the responsibility of representation, recognizing that my presence matters not only for myself but for those who will follow in my footsteps. Through our unwavering commitment to nurturing a community where everyone can thrive, we’re reshaping the narrative surrounding health and ensuring that no one is left behind.
Being the only one in the room has taught me resilience, but more importantly, it has underscored the power of community. Together, we are rewriting the script on what it means to live with autoimmune diseases as a person of color, and I am honored to lead this charge toward positive change.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Certainly. I’m a multifaceted individual with various interests, but currently, my passion and focus lie in my work as a health equity advocate, particularly through my involvement with ABN. This commitment stems from deeply personal experiences and shapes a significant part of who I am. ABN stands at the intersection of health, equity, and empowerment, addressing the profound impacts of centuries of systemic racism on communities of color – specifically for the BIPOC community with autoimmune disease.
Autoimmune diseases are complex, and while genetics play a role, environmental factors such as diet, toxins, and stress can also trigger these conditions. That’s where the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) comes in—an approach that focuses on lifestyle changes to manage autoimmune diseases. But simply knowing about AIP isn’t enough. We recognized the need to bridge the gap between awareness and action, especially within BIPOC communities. These communities frequently encounter distinctive hurdles stemming from systemic disparities in healthcare, education, and resource accessibility. That’s why our mission extends beyond mere education about AIP; we’re dedicated to equipping our community with the practical know-how and resources needed to effectively adopt it. By proactively addressing the Social Determinants of Health and the Cultural Impacts of AIP, we aim to alleviate health inequities and empower individuals to overcome barriers to wellness.
ABN delivers comprehensive support, emphasizing inclusivity, cultural relevance, and accessibility. Through workshops, interactive sessions, informative materials, and peer support networks, we empower individuals to successfully incorporate AIP principles into their daily lives. Our aim is to deconstruct systems of oppression and promote health and wellness within BIPOC communities by addressing social determinants of health and cultural barriers to the Autoimmune Protocol.
Our initiatives, such as The AIP BIPOC Roundtable (ABR) and The AIP BIPOC Community (ABC), provide platforms for education, collaboration, and support. ABR brings together experts and activists to tackle health disparities and cultural barriers to AIP adoption, while ABC serves as an online sanctuary for individuals navigating their autoimmune wellness journey.
One of our flagship events, the “ROCK the Block” Community Health and Resource Expo, debuted in 2023 and will return on June 29, 2024, in Houston, TX. This annual expo promotes health and wellness in underserved communities, offering activities, screenings, education, and resources to empower individuals and families.
At ABN, we’re not just talking about autoimmune management—we’re actively working to make it accessible and achievable for everyone. Together, we’re rewriting the narrative on health and well-being in BIPOC communities, one empowered individual at a time.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey as a health equity advocate, three qualities stand out as particularly impactful:
Empathy: Developing a deep sense of empathy for the experiences of marginalized communities has been essential in my work. Understanding the unique challenges faced by BIPOC individuals navigating healthcare systems allows me to approach advocacy with compassion and a genuine desire to make a difference. To develop empathy, I recommend actively listening to diverse voices, engaging in community discussions, and seeking out opportunities for cultural humility training.
Resilience: The journey towards health equity is often met with obstacles and setbacks. Cultivating resilience has been crucial in overcoming these challenges and staying committed to my mission. It’s important to acknowledge that progress may be slow and that setbacks are a natural part of the process. Building resilience involves practicing self-care, seeking support from allies and mentors, and maintaining a long-term perspective on your goals.
Intersectional Understanding: Recognizing the interconnectedness of various social determinants of health, such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, and access to resources, has been fundamental in my advocacy work. Taking an intersectional approach allows me to address the complex and multifaceted nature of health disparities within BIPOC communities. To develop an intersectional understanding, I suggest engaging in ongoing education on social justice issues, collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and actively seeking out perspectives that challenge your own.
For those who are early in their journey as health equity advocates, my advice is to prioritize learning, self-reflection, and building meaningful relationships within the communities you aim to serve. Be open to feedback, stay humble in your approach, and never underestimate the power of collective action. Remember that change takes time, but every small step towards equity is a step in the right direction.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Collaboration and partnership are core to our mission at The AIP BIPOC Network. We believe in the power of collective action, knowing that impactful change often arises from working with like-minded organizations and individuals.
We are particularly interested in collaborating with those who share our commitment to health equity and the empowerment of BIPOC communities facing autoimmune diseases. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, community organizer, researcher, advocate, or simply passionate about making a difference, we welcome opportunities to unite on initiatives that advance our shared objectives.
Our focus is on collaborations that prioritize health equity, cultural relevance, and accessibility. Whether your expertise lies in healthcare, community engagement, advocacy, or any related field, we’re eager to explore ways to collaborate in pursuit of our shared goals.
We value diversity, inclusivity, and innovation, and we’re excited about partnering with individuals and organizations that embrace these principles. Together, we can amplify our impact, extend our reach, and effect positive change within BIPOC communities affected by autoimmune diseases.
We invite you to connect with us to explore collaboration opportunities. Together, we can achieve remarkable results and foster a more equitable and inclusive healthcare landscape for all.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aipbipoc.org
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/aipbipoc
- Facebook: www.facebook,com/aipbipoc
- Linkedin:www.linkedin.com/company/the-aip-bipoc-network
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/aipbipoc
