Dr. Lejeune Y.L.

As Public Health Faculty and Director of International Affairs at Charles Drew University

of Medicine & Science, I am moved by empathy and compassion to actively engage on

campus and in the community. I enjoy developing, coordinating and offering trauma

informed support services to those in need locally and abroad.

Why This Work Matters

My family members are educators, counselors, ministers, nurses, and social workers/activists

who have shaped me to always aim to make a difference. My father lost his home in hurricane

Katrina. Yet while he was concerned about keeping his own household stabilized and whole, he

used his skills and knowledge as a building contractor and community organizer to help low

income families and the elderly to access services, repair, and rebuild. 

My mother spearheaded a food distribution ministry and counseled countless people and families through traumatic circumstances and events. I have strong role models. The SH mission is grounded in a thoughtful and holistic response to an emergency situation with long term effects. Understanding the breadth and depth of the support needed, I value the opportunity to step up and do my part to make a difference, however possible.

On culturally responsive care: Care that utilizes empathetic listening as its point of departure. It,

therefore, recognizes and addresses specific needs that may be shaped by language, family

tradition, cultural norms, and community demographics.

Connection to Altadena

Altadena forms part of the greater Los Angeles community, reflecting historic cultural diversity

and resilience in terms of race and ethnicity. It is a historically black community that has become one of the most diverse communities in LA County in current times.

Meaningful tradition: I am impressed by the long term residency of families who have been there for generations. I am learning more about Altadena as a result of the fires and news coverage, and reflections from colleagues who lived there.

In my work: The fact that Altadena families and communities have been subjected to significant

tragedy and loss compels me to apply my experiences of working with compassion to assist

marginalized, destabilized, and economically impacted individuals and families in other cities or

countries to connect them to food, empowerment services, and healthcare.

A Defining Moment

I am part of a team tasked to close a large grant project that serves 25 thousand young girls and women in Zambia. Although the funding cut was unexpected and highly disruptive to the lives and 9 communities we served, I am confident that we created a network of HIV treatment and care services in two provinces that did not exist 8 years ago for that population. We also

developed a team of project leaders who felt seen and supported as we acknowledged them for their commitment and sacrifice. I know that our consistent and committed efforts over those

years saved and empowered countless lives who now have a better chance to forge on.

How this shapes my work: The long road ahead for Altadena will require the input of many

people and organizations along the way, over the short and long term. I believe it would be a

privilege to help and contribute to the future of Altadena. I’ve learned that some important large

scale changes can be slow, such as rebuilding a neighborhood or a home. However, small scale change is also essential. My positive attitude, encouraging words, or just being present can make an impact on someone’s day in an instant. I show up for families with both the long and short term needs in mind.

Vision for the Future

My hope for Altadena: Adults and children reconnected to their community. People having

worked through their pain and trauma and on a sustainable path to healing.

What I hope families feel: Restored, hopeful, replenished, grounded, seen, heard, safe, relieved.

Bringing to the Work

Strengths: I have over 30 years of professional and personal experience working with

individuals or communities impacted by health, social or economic crises in the US, Latin

America, Caribbean and Africa. I have communicated in English, Spanish or Portuguese (or

worked through interpreters) to be effective. I have also served as an unofficial language

interpreter as needed. I have helped to provide direct support or set up support systems by

engaging in person or remotely.

On collaboration: Being resourceful and willing to learn and serve as an active team member.

Being part of a group that understands and encourages the team members to be mindful of

pace, balance, self care, and methods to remain productive and effective.

Beyond the Work

What brings me joy: Listening to jazz and gospel music on I-Tunes, live music concerts and

theater, prayer and meditation, vacation travel, watching standup comedy, walking, thai food,

listening to inspiring podcasts, pickleball, dancing, crafts, enjoying a cup of tea or coffee.

Favorite genres: Rom-Com

When not volunteering: 

1) Serve as co-caregiver for my 102 year old grandmother

2) Work full-time to support students, manage grant projects, and engage with community partners

3) Actively involved with my sorority and church

4) Attend fun or enlightening cultural events

5) Socializing with friends.

Fun fact: I lived in Haiti 3 months, Mexico 10 yrs, and Namibia 6 yrs and travelled to over 50

countries—and as a result, I have shelves, bags and boxes full of handcrafted and cultural items to organize the best yard sale or cultural crafts store ever!!

Words I live by: "Keep your head to the sky, wind under your sails, and you will fly.”