California Black Women's Health Project

Sonya Aadam (she/her)

“Alzheimer's and other dementias are projected to overwhelmingly impact the Black population, particularly Black women. Anti-Black racism, bias, and neglect across the social determinants of health would lead us to believe that the Healthcare system will fail my community in effectively addressing, preventing, diagnosing, and treating Alzheimer's. Based on the projected impact of this disease, I will be impacted by this problem either as a patient or a caregiver.”

The California Black Women's Health Project is dedicated to addressing the looming crisis of Alzheimer's and dementia, which disproportionately affects Black women and families. As these conditions are projected to rise, the organization recognizes the urgent need for proactive solutions. The California Black Women's Health Project calls for immediate efforts to tackle this growing health challenge and ensure a better future for Black women and their families.

Sonya Young Aadam is deeply committed to the health and uplift of Black women and families, guided by the value of "lifting as we climb." Since joining the California Black Women’s Health Project (CABWHP) as CEO in October 2014, she has dedicated herself to advancing health equity. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, Sonya brings over 20 years of experience in strategic planning, financial analysis, and management, with previous roles at companies like Barclays Bank, Disney, and Viacom/MTV Networks. She is also a trusted leader and advocate, serving on advisory groups and coalitions focused on health equity and justice.

In 2023, Sonya was honored as an “Unsung Hero” by the NAACP Image Awards for her work supporting the 1.2 million Black women and girls in California. A woman of faith, Sonya enjoys karaoke and international travel, and is a proud wife and stepmother.