The story starts with me…
Born in Monrovia, Liberia, and, raised in Houston, Texas by way of Paris, France. S. Mayumi Umi Grigsby intersperses her personal story and that of other Black women to both highlight the need for immediate action and to propose community-led solutions. Bilingual, in French and English, Ms. Grigsby is a graduate of Georgetown University and Northeastern University School of Law. She published her first book EmpowHERed Health: Reforming a Dismissive Health Care System in December of 2020 and describes herself as an author, advocate, attorney and joyful warrior.
What people are saying about the EmpowHered Health…
“
EmpowHered Health is a timely and much needed work that tackles the pressing issues surrounding healthcare and intersectionality. The stories shared are as sobering as they are empowering.
”
— JILLIAN GIBERSON
Author, Nevertheless: The Resilience of the Modern Woman
“
This is an important read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the impact of race in healthcare. The stories shared can teach all of us a lesson in self-advocacy and survival
”
— JEREMIE GLUCKMAN
Marketer & Author, In the Shadow of Big Tech
“
This book is an eye-opening conversation on the very real consequences of implicit bias in the medical system conveyed through heartbreaking personal stories. EmpowHered Health is a wake-up call.
”
— DANIELLE DUMAIS
Author, My Venus Flytrap Won’t Open
“
This book explores the surprisingly common failures of our modern medical system and includes the courageous, personal stories of women who had these experiences. Despite the somber topic, I love the way the author ties the stories back to actionable steps and silver linings including a call for the reader to explore her own inner journey aside from her healthcare needs.
”
— CADY NORTH
Founder & CEO, North Financial Advisors and Author, The Resiliency Effect
Awards
2014 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s Leadership Scholarship Award Boston, MA
Recipient - Award presented at the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s annual “Top Women of Law” event to honor academic accomplishments, leadership qualities and extensive involvement with community service
2014 Helena Rubinstein Fellow for Women’s Justice New York NY
Recipient – Award from the Center for Constitutional Rights through the Helena Rubenstein Foundation based on strong commitment to public interest law and advancing women’s justice
2014 The International Trademark Association’s Saul Lefkowitz Moot Court Competition New York NY
Winner - Best Brief and Third Place Team, Eastern Region
2013 Valerie Gordon Book Award Boston MA
Winner 20-year legal writing competition on the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, hosted by PHRGE at Northeastern (March 2013) Enforcing Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: A Stark Dichotomy (Anticipated Publication Winter 2016 - Extra Legal, Northeastern University Law Journal’s web publication)
2012 The President’s Volunteer Service Award Houston TX
Recipient - National Honor from President Barack Obama for outstanding volunteer service due to work with the U.S. Fund for UNICEF
Fellowships
2020 Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Emerging Leaders Program
2020 Bonfire, Graduate of the first cohort of a female-focused talent accelerator program
Empowering yourself to advocate for your health.
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