Leandra helped to implement the Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP) in the Lakeshore community. To enhance the programming she conducted in person healthy meals cooking demonstrations in an accessible kitchen and created a post program support group to continue communication among the graduated DEEP participants. Leandra also collaborated with the National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability (NCHPAD) to create an educational curriculum for an inclusive grocery store tour that is still in process.

As a result of the program, 42 Lakeshore members were given the diabetes education program and as a result have not only gained knowledge about the disease and healthy practices but have also created a community of peers to continue the conversation about healthy living and diabetes.

The adaptations provided to participants will be proposed to the original content creators so that these improvements can continue. Additionally, the education curriculum Leandra helped create is currently in production which will lead to several videos teaching people best practices while navigating the grocery store. Once the grocery store tour is piloted, the curriculum for in person tours and videos will be left with Lakeshore foundation to use as they see fit.

“I’ve learned that assisting in nutrition-related community-based projects for underserved populations resonates with me, not only as a professional, but also on a personal level. This experience has impacted how I plan to conduct research in the future related to health equity.”