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The ways that Daphnee Ozual (HJ ‘23) shows up to make change are countless. She’s always been someone who will advocate for herself and others to try and attain a more just world, in small ways and large, and that comes from a deep rootedness in Lynn and the Black community. Daphnee is working hard to transform the world we live in into the one she wants to see by identifying and meeting the needs of her neighbors, grounded in compassion and generosity.

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Daphnee grew up in Lynn, MA, the youngest of five children. Her mother was a source of inspiration for her: always open to assisting neighbors, feeding anyone who needed a meal, and using her language skills to act as an interpreter. Her mother’s resilience, and her willingness to always help others, have influenced Daphnee’s approach to the world today. “There are people who fought for you to be here,” she says, and that’s part of why she continues to work for change. She saw from a young age how institutional racism harms the Black community, and she has always wanted to fight for justice. 

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How does she do that? By rooting deeply in her community in Lynn and using what she has to help where she can. In addition to volunteering at the YMCA and food pantries, canvassing for political candidates, and being a member of Union Capital, Daphnee is also working on more intensive, longer-term projects. Through the Lynn Public Library, she is organizing an adult reading program, particularly for formerly incarcerated people. She’s a big believer in the power of reading, and wants to share that with people who may not have as much access to it. Daphnee is also working to create a health and wellness coalition in Lynn, and organize a wellness expo. “I’m trying to do what I can with what I have,” she says; “It’s important to know what issues affect your community, and work to find solutions.”

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Daphnee’s time with GenUnity started when she joined the Fall ‘23 Housing Justice Program. She found it a great opportunity to be with like-minded people, who simultaneously brought a tremendous diversity of experience. After completing the program, Daphnee received a Pilot Grant to support her work with health equity and wellness in Lynn. When applications opened for the Andrew Dreyfus Impact Incubator, Daphnee decided to apply to learn more about creating an action plan. In the Incubator, Daphnee developed new ideas about partnerships she could form in Lynn with other organizations and individuals, and is now working towards coalition building.

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The biggest piece of advice Daphnee has for others hoping to have a positive impact is to listen and show up. “Even if you don’t think it’s affecting you, show up,” she says, so that your voice can be heard and you can hold power accountable for what it does. She encourages people to “find a community that you see yourself in, that supports you, and find things that boost your spirit.” You can’t do this work if your own spirit isn’t filled, she believes, and so taking care of yourself is also paramount. Ultimately, it’s about being grounded and rooted in the community you love–and that’s what’s made Daphnee such an effective community leader in Lynn and beyond.

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