A Personal Commitment to Ending Alzheimer’s: Insights from the Community Leaders Summit

Empowering change through leadership, advocacy, and innovation.

As a volunteer Board Chair of the Alzheimer's Association Louisiana Chapter , the opportunity to attend the 2025 Community Leadership Summit in Atlanta was not only an honor but a deeply personal experience. From January 23 to 25, 2025, I joined a community of passionate leaders from across the country for an inspiring and educational event themed ‘The Power of Us. The Power of Now.’ With my personal connection to Alzheimer's disease, having lost my mother, both grandmothers, and my godmother to the disease, this summit was both a reminder of the work we still have ahead and a beacon of hope for the future.

In my role as Board Chair, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside dedicated individuals to help raise awareness, provide resources, and drive research efforts for Alzheimer’s disease. But this summit, with its focus on leadership, advocacy, and research, gave me an even greater sense of purpose and motivation in our collective mission to end Alzheimer’s. My journey as a caregiver, advocate, and board member makes every step I take toward supporting the Alzheimer's Association? feel more meaningful.

The Summit’s Impact: Educational Sessions and Networking

The Alzheimer’s Association’s Community Leadership Summit is a critical event where volunteers, advocates, and leaders from across the United States come together to strengthen their knowledge, build skills, and align on the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association. The sessions held throughout the three days were not only informative but empowering. Workshops such as “Sharing Our Story,” “Leading in Your Community with Presence,” “Engage ALZ,” “Sphere of Influence,” and “Avenues of Awareness” equipped us with the tools and strategies needed to elevate our advocacy efforts at a local, state, and national level.

These sessions were particularly meaningful to me as they focused on how we, as leaders, can use our personal stories and experiences to inspire others to act. Alzheimer's is not just a disease; it’s a cause that touches millions of lives, including mine. I had the privilege of sharing my own caregiving story for my mother, which resonated deeply with many others in the room. The knowledge and insights gained through these sessions will undoubtedly help me lead with more conviction in my role as Board Chair, allowing me to better serve my community.

New Treatment Developments and Clinical Trials

One of the most uplifting parts of the summit was learning about the groundbreaking research and clinical trials currently underway to treat and ultimately cure Alzheimer’s disease. In the midst of the devastation Alzheimer’s brings, knowing that we are on the cusp of significant breakthroughs provides hope for all families affected by the disease. I was particularly encouraged to hear about the treatments in clinical trials and the new medications showing promise in slowing the progression of the disease. This momentum brings with it the realization that we are closer than ever before to finding a cure.

These advancements are a testament to the critical work being done by the Alzheimer’s Association and its commitment to supporting research that drives us closer to the end of Alzheimer’s. I left the summit feeling both hopeful and motivated, knowing that the work we are doing today will have a lasting impact on future generations.

A Personal Commitment to the Mission

My dedication to the Alzheimer’s Association stems from my own personal experience with the disease. I served as the primary caregiver for my mother as Alzheimer’s stole her memories, her joy, and ultimately her life. It was a long, difficult journey, one that was made even harder by the lack of awareness and resources available to families at the time. I often wish I had known about the Alzheimer’s Association sooner. The support, education, and resources they provide are invaluable for those living with the disease and their caregivers.

Alzheimer’s didn’t just take my mother; it took my grandmothers and my godmother as well. The impact this disease has had on my family is profound. For years, I watched helplessly as Alzheimer’s slowly took my mother’s life. She was once the heart and soul of our family, the one who organized every holiday, who loved cooking our favorite dishes, and who made sure everyone felt loved and cherished. Alzheimer’s robbed her of all those things, leaving us to pick up the pieces.

As I reflect on the losses my family has faced, I also recognize the immense strength that caregivers like me contribute to this fight. Alzheimer’s doesn’t just affect the person with the disease; it impacts everyone involved. Caregiving can be isolating, overwhelming, and exhausting. That’s why organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association are so crucial—they provide a lifeline for caregivers and families navigating the challenges of the disease.

Serving in Leadership Roles

Since joining the Alzheimer’s Association Louisiana Chapter Board, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside a dedicated team to raise awareness and provide critical support to those impacted by Alzheimer’s in Louisiana. In the last year, I’ve had the honor of serving as the Chair of the Louisiana Chapter Board of Excellence, where I work alongside fellow leaders like co-chair Courtney Gerald Elkins and our executive director, Delores Hurst, MMC , to ensure the chapter’s mission continues to grow and succeed.

Louisiana, where 92,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s disease and 203,000 caregivers are providing support, is a state that desperately needs the resources and support the Alzheimer’s Association provides. Every day, families like mine are affected by Alzheimer’s. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to balance caregiving with personal and professional responsibilities. That’s why the work we do at the Louisiana Chapter is so crucial—it’s about supporting families in their time of need and providing them with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of Alzheimer’s care.

I'm proud of the work we’ve accomplished so far and am committed to contributing to the growth of the chapter’s strategic goals. With the support of the Louisiana Chapter team, we will continue to advocate for better care, more research, and a brighter future for those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease.

The Future of Alzheimer’s Advocacy and Research

One of the most significant takeaways from the summit was the sense of collective purpose. We are united in our fight to end Alzheimer’s, and this cause will continue to grow in momentum and impact. As we witness advancements in clinical trials and treatments, we are reminded that the end of Alzheimer’s disease is not just a possibility—it’s an inevitability. With the Alzheimer’s Association’s unwavering commitment to research, advocacy, and care, I'm confident that we will one day live in a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementias.

As I continue my work with the Alzheimer’s Association and my personal commitment to supporting those impacted by this disease, I am reminded of the powerful role that each of us plays in this fight. Whether we are caregivers, advocates, or researchers, we are all part of something bigger than ourselves. And together, we will continue to work toward the day when Alzheimer’s is no longer a threat to our families, our communities, and our world.

A Unified Vision for Alzheimer’s Advocacy and the Future of STEM

Attending the 2025 Alzheimer’s Association Community Leadership Summit reinforced my dedication to advocating for those impacted by Alzheimer’s. The event underscored the importance of leadership and collaboration in advancing our mission to end Alzheimer’s. I’m proud to be part of this movement and committed to pushing forward, step by step.

In my role as Chief Communications Officer for STEM NOLA | STEM Global Action , I’m also excited to help expose, engage, and inspire the next generation of scientists, doctors, and researchers who will one day find the cure for Alzheimer’s. STEM education is crucial in today’s world, and through hands-on experiences, we’re empowering young people—especially in under-resourced communities—to drive innovation. The future leaders in STEM will play a pivotal role in Alzheimer’s research, and I’m thrilled to be part of that effort.

For those facing Alzheimer’s, I encourage you to reach out to the Alzheimer's Association? for support. Together, we can make a real difference in the fight to end Alzheimer’s.