Gianni Lacey-Howard (Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation) Post Bacc (Gap Year)

Gianni Lacey-Howard is a passionate advocate for equitable healthcare and a dedicated citizen of the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation of North Carolina. A 2023 Duke University graduate with a degree in Sociology (Medical Sociology concentration) and a minor in Chemistry, Gianni is currently in her gap year, preparing for a future in primary care. She is deeply committed to addressing the social determinants of health in rural and BIPOC communities, while also leading research initiatives that explore the structural influences on Indigenous health, particularly in North Carolina.

Through the Healers Community Circle, Gianni is bringing her vision to life with Threads of Resilience: Honoring Matriarchs and Motherhood Through Ribbon Skirt Making. This project celebrates the strength of Indigenous matriarchs and the sacred role of motherhood, connecting generations through the cultural tradition of ribbon skirt making. By pairing mothers, daughters, and grandmothers with skilled artisans in seven in-person workshops, Gianni's project fosters intergenerational mentorship, cultural pride, and community healing. The final creations will be showcased in a community event, highlighting the transformative power of traditional arts in promoting holistic health and resilience.

Gianni’s work not only uplifts cultural practices but also explores how these traditions can be integrated into healthcare models to support emotional healing, strengthen identity, and build trust in tribal communities. As part of the Healers Community Circle, she’s excited to expand her professional network, gain mentorship, and continue re-imagining medicine in ways that honor Indigenous knowledge and promote well-being.