Spotlight: Because I Deserve It: What Chronic Illness Taught Me about Finding My Voice in the Healthcare System by Kenitra W. Dominguez

In 2021, Kenitra W. Dominguez was diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), a chronic condition that leads to increased pressure around the brain and has no known cause. Her experience being diagnosed was filled with confusion, anxiety and neglect. After hearing from countless friends that they’ve had similar experiences, Kenitra wrote a new guidebook that combines relatable anecdotes with actionable tips for readers to get the answers and treatment they deserve.

“Because I Deserve It: What Chronic Illness Taught Me about Finding My Voice in the Healthcare System” (July 2026) covers: questions to ask your doctors, ways to prepare for appointments, strategies for building supportive care teams, advocating for yourself at work, understanding disability protections, and more. It’s for anyone who has felt overwhelmed by the medical process, especially women of color who experience systemic racism and misogyny in healthcare.

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About the Author

Kenitra W. Dominguez is on the advisory board of the California Black Women's Health Project. She is the founder of Bay Equity HR, which helps nonprofits build equitable workplaces, with a special focus on helping Black women navigate workplace wellness, rights, and fair pay. "Because I Deserve It" is her first book. Learn more at: www.keniwdominguez.com