HAMPTON, Va. – A Hampton University student is theyoungest of eight women in the running for the local American Heart Association’s Woman of Impact award. The competition is an effort by the local association to highlight health advocates from each of the seven cities in Hampton Roads who are raising awareness about stroke and heart disease.
“You can build yourself up to have a healthy lifestyle,” said Williams-McLeod.
Willams-McLeod is a biochemistry major at Hampton University, and the co-founder of a food pantry to serve students on campus. She said she created the food pantry to provide students who are down on their luck with healthy food options.
“We try to keep it very healthy,” said Williams-McLeod. “We know college students oftentimes don't have the money to buy organic food. Sometimes students are skipping meals because the cafeteria is closed or because they're working and forget to eat. So the purpose of our pantry is to make sure nobody goes without a meal.”
Williams-McLeod said health equity is her passion, which is why she is committed to raising heart health and stroke awareness, especially among younger people.
“Start now. It’s never too early to take control of your health,” she said.
You can learn more about Williams-McLeod’s journey and join her team here.
