In this issue, we feature one of our newest board members, Laprisha Berry Daniels who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Michigan State University and Master’s degrees in Social Work and Public Health from the University of Michigan. She has over 20 years of public health experience, with 15 of those being in progressively responsible leadership roles, where she has mobilized resources and formed strategic partnerships to develop, implement and evaluate efforts focused on eliminating health disparities.
How has the Detroit URC helped you advance your organization’s mission?
As I represent Detroiters served by DWEJ and their interests, I am able to center community voices as the Board collectively makes decisions about development of new community-based participatory research projects and related activities.
What do you gain from serving on the Board?
I want to give some well worded response. But the truth is justice work is difficult and tiring and rewarding. In the last 7 months being part of the Board has helped me connect to other community organizations who are serving the same community with the same level of commitment and that has given me the energy and inspiration I need to do the work.
Did you have any prior involvement with the Detroit URC prior to becoming a Board member?
One of my first public health positions was with a Detroit URC affiliated partnership, Community Action Against Asthma. I was the Research Project Manager. So this is somewhat of a homecoming.
What initiatives are you currently working on?
Currently, DWEJ is meeting with local artists monthly to co-develop a program that will engage youth, in grades 6 through 12, in developing visual and performance art that raises awareness around student-identified and locally-relevant environmental justice issues.
What are your organization’s goals for next year?
DWEJ is focusing efforts on reducing environmental health disparities, specifically those related to asthma, lead poisoning and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Our approaches to reducing these disparities involve combining education about illness related to environmental hazards with political action to reduce the environmental factors that lead to disease. We focus collaboration, outreach, education and advocacy efforts on improving the natural and built environment so that the physical, spiritual, mental, and economic health of Detroiters is improved, protected and maintained.
What are you most excited about in your new role?
In the farming world there is a time that you let the land rest. DWEJ had a period of rest. The ED role at DWEJ was vacant for a year before I arrived. I am excited about putting my hand to the plow as DWEJ re-engages with the community in ways that are intentional and innovative.
What do you wish more people understood about DWEJ?
DWEJ started as a grassroots organization and we are honoring our founders and foundation by returning to our roots. I can't wait to see what grows.