Visionary. Scholar. Innovator. Activist. Revolutionary.

I am committed to changing the world.

Authentically Bri

I want to change the world. As a kid, I was often scolded by teachers for too much daydreaming. I couldn’t help myself! I envisioned inspiring thousands with my zest for life, leading others through the uncertainties of existence, and pioneering thoughts and ideas through innovation and savvy. I thought, if I could somehow let adults know it’s okay to let life be fun, I will have accomplished my life’s mission. As a young adult, those dreams never left, in fact, they only grew in intensity and magnitude.

My dreams have evolved as I’ve aged but the focus remains the same. I still want to inspire, have my own television show, and lead others in discovering their purpose and worth. However, I realized that in order to heal, I must first investigate and understand. This epiphany led me to the worlds of research, clinical practice, health communication, and community empowerment where I am currently nested.

I am passionate about rectifying racial health injustices and improving life trajectories for individuals and communities of color using interdisciplinary, translational research. We all have light and the world’s optimization is contingent upon the realization and expression of our brilliance.

Social justice for marginalized populations lays at the foundation of my passions and I strive to provide the community with the understanding and tactics to combat anti-Black discrimination and invoke systems level change. My goal is to develop, foster, and facilitate resilience and liberation in oppressed peoples and serve as a lifetime advocate for those without a voice by revolutionizing mental health research, discussion, and service delivery. I believe in the beauty and brilliance of Black and Brown minds and see it as my purposeful mission to liberate my people so that they may radiate in pursuit of their God given purpose.

Creating our legacies together threaded through love, guided by faith and infused with purpose & passion

My experiences have allowed me to develop as an experienced leader, researcher, and community advocate for underserved populations. My interests are in exploring the intersections between mental health and social determinants as they relate to discrimination and systemic inequalities such as incarceration and education.

A strong believer in actionable research, I see myself at the forefront of social reform via the use of evidence-based research to inform public policy, develop culturally-responsive community programs, and empower the public through artistry and innovation, media, and literature. While I don’t know exactly how I will do all of this, I know that as I climb, I must build for my community. My soul is nourished by a commitment to the deliverance of my people.

 

On a Less Serious Note

I’m from a small town in North Carolina and was involved in sports, theater, and music growing up. When I’m not embarking on social reform, I’m exercising, solving mysteries on investigation discovery, or adventuring with my four-legged best friend, Zola. I’ve seen every episode of America’s Next Top Model at least 30 times, and am stuck in the year 2004 when it comes to musical tastes. Like most 20-somethings, I feel lost most of the time despite my “deeply rooted sense of purpose.” My ambitions change daily- my life fluctuates between existential crisis and hyper-focus. I’m not your typical scholar- if you are expecting a long list of peer-reviewed publications or a black and white CV, you won’t find it here. I’m a woman determined to leave the world a better place than how I found it by accomplishing life’s daily callings to love, heal, and live extraordinarily!

Twitter: @BriannaABaker