At 45 years old, Dr. Octavia Cordon is at the point in her life where she wants to focus on her health and feeling better.

She says she wanted to be involved with this project because she “wanted to be a part of something that speaks for Black women.” The New York City native now calls Charleston, West Virginia her home.

Dr. Cordon says she wishes more people in West Virginia knew the main health issues that Black women face. She finds the Mountain State’s drug epidemic especially heartbreaking, and she wishes more Black West Virginians supported one another. She is, however, encouraged by meeting new people who are making much needed changes.

For Dr. Cordon, Black Joy means “being able to feel comfortable within your skin.” She is an entrepreneur and business owner, and in her free time, she enjoys traveling.