Dr. Akilah Cadet, DHSc, MPH, is a Black disabled woman who has dedicated her life to resisting oppressive structures and systems. She is the founder and CEO of Change Cadet, an organizational development consulting firm that supports underrepresented communities in the workplace. In addition to her work, Dr. Cadet openly shares her experiences at the intersection of oppressed identities on social media and as a writer in various online publications. She is now telling her story in a new book of personal essays called “White Supremacy Is All Around,” which was released on February 6, 2024.
The book aims to validate and support other BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) and people with disabilities, as well as motivate white people to confront racism, ableism, and other forms of systemic oppression in their daily lives.
Specifically, one chapter in the book recounts Dr. Cadet’s experience with medical gaslighting while seeking a diagnosis and care for multiple health conditions. This harrowing experience demonstrates the presence of white supremacy in places designed for healing. Despite feeling an irregular heartbeat, Dr. Cadet was dismissed and told that her symptoms were due to anxiety. It wasn’t until she advocated for herself and demanded to be taken seriously that she finally received an accurate diagnosis of supraventricular tachycardia.
As a Black disabled woman, Dr. Cadet has faced countless traumas in the medical system, including being misdiagnosed and misunderstood. She has persevered through chronic pain, ongoing heart issues, and a rare genetic condition called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Despite these challenges, Dr. Cadet continues to advocate for herself and others, using her voice and platform to raise awareness and create change. Her strength and resilience serve as an inspiration to others facing similar struggles.
Dr. Akilah Cadet, DHSc, MPH, is a diversity educator and activist with extensive professional qualifications, including a Bachelor of Science in Health Education in Community-Based Public Health, a Master of Public Health, and a Doctorate of Health Sciences in Leadership and Organizational Behavior. Her vast experience and personal journey make her an unparalleled advocate for marginalized communities in the healthcare and workplace spaces.
