Have you ever been told you don’t belong because of how you look, speak, or where you come from? As an immigrant who has journeyed from Cameroon to Canada and finally to the United States, I have faced these challenges firsthand.
My experiences have not only shaped my identity but also ignited a passion for advocating for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). Today, I am compelled to share why I believe Vice President Kamala Harris is the leader we need as the 47th President of the United States.
Advocating for DEIB: More Than a “DEI Hire”
My journey began in Cameroon, where at 21, I flunked out of the University of Yaoundé because I refused to learn French, a language essential for my success there. This failure was my first lesson in cultural responsiveness.
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Later, in Delaware, despite my qualifications, I was told I couldn’t apply for a job because of my heavy accent and gender. These experiences fueled my passion for DEIB, driving me to fight against the systemic barriers that many people like me face today.
Vice President Harris’s opponents often dismiss her as merely a “DEI hire,” but this reductionist view ignores her profound contributions and leadership. She is profoundly more than a DEI hire. With four years in the White House, she has gained invaluable experience serving next to the President Biden. Her significant accomplishments in her career, including fighting fraud and corruption, makes her the leader we need to oppose regressive policies like Project 2025.
Championing Women’s Rights and Motherhood
As a mother of a differently labeled child and a young adult daughter, I am deeply invested in the future of women’s rights. My personal journey through pregnancy, marked by seven pregnancies but blessed with two miracle children, underscores the importance of reproductive rights. Do we want leaders who dictate our daughters’ reproductive choices, or do we want advocates like Kamala Harris who fight for healthcare, reproductive rights, and family support?
Harris’s unwavering commitment to these issues resonates with my experiences and those of countless women across the nation. Her advocacy ensures that our daughters and future generations have the autonomy and support they need to thrive.
Addressing Mental Health and Health Disparities in Underserved Communities
The COVID-19 crisis, while devastating, exposed the longstanding health disparities in underserved communities, particularly among people of color. As a nurse with 26 years of experience, I have seen these inequities firsthand. The pandemic highlighted the urgent need for resources and support in these communities, not just during crises but consistently.
Mental health, often a taboo subject in African communities, is another critical area where
Harris’s leadership can make a difference. Her advocacy for better mental health services aligns with the needs of our communities. It is not just the message but the messenger that matters. With her empathy and action-oriented approach, Kamala Harris is a leader who can address these challenges effectively.
A Call to Action
As we stand at this pivotal moment, it is clear that Kamala Harris represents the leadership, empathy, and commitment to justice that our country needs. Africans in America let’s rally together. It takes a village to create meaningful change. Let’s mobilize, volunteer, and support Kamala Harris’s campaign with the same passion and commitment that drives our journeys.
Dr. Eunice Gwanmesia, Ph.D., MSN, MSM-HCA, RN
DEIB Strategist | Nurse Educator | Award Winning best-selling Author | Speaker
CEO of Eunity Solutions, LLC
