Presenter Spotlight: Ebony Everett

Meet Ebony Everett, who is joining us on the 2nd Annual Mental Health and Cultural Competence Symposium at Sea, conducing her workshop: Providing Culturally Responsive Care for African Americans Living with Schizophrenia and Mood Disorder.

Who is Ebony?

Ebony Everett is a compassionate professional dedicated to helping others live fuller, more independent lives. She brings warmth, empathy, and a deep sense of purpose to everything she does. As a proud military child and advocate for community connection, Ebony’s life has been shaped by service, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.

What does Ebony do?

Ebony serves as a Case Manager with the Department of Community Health under the Independent Care Waiver Program (ICWP), where she works with adults who have physical disabilities. In this role, Ebony helps individuals maintain their independence and well-being. Outside of work, Ebony prioritizes self-care, whether through meditation, working out, walking, or simply spending quality time with loved ones. Her dedication to balance and well-being reflects the same values she encourages in others.

How does Ebony work?

Ebony approaches her work with intention, integrity, and compassion. She believes in meeting people where they are and empowering them to move forward with confidence. Her daily work is guided by advocacy, collaboration, and a commitment to equity. She aims to ensure that every client feels seen, supported, and valued. Ebony’s leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills allow her to navigate complex systems while keeping her clients’ best interests at the heart of every decision.

Why mental health?

Ebony entered the mental health field because she has always been passionate about supporting others in achieving emotional well-being and improving their quality of life. She is driven by a desire to reduce stigma, create safe and affirming spaces for healing, and promote culturally responsive care. For Ebony, mental health work is a calling that allows her to combine her natural empathy with her advocacy for lasting social change.

What drives Ebony?

Ebony is motivated by her love of community and her belief that everyone deserves to feel empowered, understood, and cared for. She finds fulfillment in mentoring, volunteering, and being part of causes that promote social justice and personal growth.

Why does Ebony’s session matter?

Ebony’s session addresses a critical issue in mental health: the disproportionate diagnosis of schizophrenia among African Americans and the disparities in access, treatment, and outcomes that follow. Many individuals face barriers to care and lack the family or community support needed to navigate treatment systems effectively. Ebony’s perspective challenges these inequities and invites attendees to think critically about how cultural awareness and advocacy can transform outcomes for marginalized populations.

What are some fun facts about Ebony?

• She’s a military child! Both her parents and godmother proudly served in the Armed Services.

• She loves traveling (including gold mining in Alaska!) and collects shot glasses from each of her destinations.

• She was at the 50th Anniversary March on Washington, where she met individuals who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

• She’s an only child with a big heart for family, friends, and community.

• She also loves photography, line dancing, and relaxing at the beach.

Connect with Ebony on LinkedIn! Plus, keep an eye out for her new travel agency BlackDiamondEscapes, which is coming soon!