"I Am Because We Are" Ubuntu Philosophy in Practice
In 2012, at age 26, I received a diagnosis that would change my life forever: left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy, a rare congenital heart defect. What followed was a ten-year journey through advanced heart failure, six years with an LVAD keeping me alive while I waited for a donor heart.
In 2025, we proved what's possible when communities lead their own health. We conducted 1,302 cardiovascular screenings across 19 locations, served 879 unique individuals. We identified 22 people in hypertensive crisis and referred each person to care. We did this on FY2025 expenses of $144,540.
Most importantly, we built a model that works. A four-phase framework any community can replicate. As we enter 2026, we are transitioning from a proven community model to a sustainable infrastructure.
Somaneh “Bouba” Diemé, Founder & Chief Inspiration Officer
A clear dose-response relationship: more visits, better outcomes. Participants with 6+ visits saw average BP drops of −12.4 / −6.1 mmHg with a 74% improvement rate. Optimal engagement: 4–6 week screening intervals maintained over 6+ months.
Become the trusted bridge between communities at high risk of heart disease and the care system, and prove it works. 2026 targets include 1,000 unique individuals, ≥25.5% retention, ≥74% BP improvement at 6+ visits, the first paying provider contract, and a three-year-outcomes white paper.
The question is no longer whether this model works. The question is how to scale it beyond Boston.
