ADIA LOUDEN, PhD Candidate, Writer. Researcher. Storyteller. Soul-Searcher. I am a doctoral candidate in the Department of Maternal and Child Health at the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. My distinct life purpose is to center the narratives of Black communities, closing the gap between Black people and access to safe and inclusive environments that promote well-being. I leverage my passion for writing and public health to advance health and equity for Black youth, families, and communities. I completed a Master of Public Health degree in Epidemiology and a Certificate in Maternal and Child Health at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Beyond academia, I work as a versatile, independent freelance writer and content creator, assisting companies, organizations, and individuals committed to advancing public health, well-being, and their unique stories. My research focuses on Black life, Black child and family health, neighborhood health, racial equity, and reducing violence in Black communities. Through a combination of scholarship, community engagement, activism, and creative expression, my goal is to 1) bridge gaps between data and lived experiences to drive systemic change and 2) inform interventions that foster safety, equity, and well-being for Black communities.