25 Women for 2023: Priscilla Jean-Louis is a fierce advocate for dementia patients
As owner, CEO and lead graphic designer of K&D Kreative Designs & Marketing Solutions, Priscilla Jean-Louis specializes in making people look good. As an Investigator-Auditor with Disability Rights Florida with a degree in Criminology from Florida State University, she makes sure people can do good.
And as a mother, daughter, and fierce advocate for those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, she helps people feel good. It’s easy to see why Priscilla Jean-Louis is one of Tallahassee’s 25 Women You Need to Know.
Sharing this year’s distinction with her daughter, Kaylin, who is one of Tallahassee’s 5 Young Women to Watch, Priscilla is humble and candid. “I rely on my faith, and when God said to make ministry out of the moments, I said, ‘okay!’”
Making ministry out of the moments is her life’s work. In 2017, she became the primary caregiver for her mother who lives with dementia. A year later, she also took on caring for her grandmother who also lived with the disease. “I felt that God was calling me to share my experience with others who were going through the same thing,” she explains.
That led her to Facebook, where she began posting the funny things her mother would say. “She should have been a comedian,” she laughs. “People would be waiting to hear my “mama moments.’”
Over time, she also began to share the moments that weren’t as funny. “My mission is to help people become more educated about Alzheimer’s and dementia, so they know that when they become a caregiver, it is not all fun and games, but they can do it.” Using the hashtag #MyFavoriteGirl, Priscilla chronicles their journey towards healing with humor, compassion, and authenticity.
Her encouraging spirit brought her to Chicago, where she and Kaylin shared their lived experiences with the National Alzheimer’s Association to help other caregivers. “Many times there are youth sharing the responsibilities of caring for a family member,” she explains. “We need more resources for youth who are serving in this way, so they can know they are not alone and also care for themselves.”
In 2021, she launched her podcast, the My Favorite Girl Caregiver’s Corner Podcast, where she brings inspiration, education, resources, and hope to help strengthen other caregivers. “I want them to have the tools and support they need to keep going, keep caring, keep loving, and by all means, to keep caring.” Priscilla is also active with the local Alzheimer's Association Tallahassee Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Sister Girls Network, and several other organizations in Leon County.
She is inspired by those who modeled selfless service. “I grew up seeing my mom serve others, caring for the community, and instilling that in me,” she shares. Her two daughters follow in her footsteps. “It is heartwarming to me because we can share that value together. It makes my heart feel really good, and it all circles back to my mom.”
Priscilla hopes to leave a legacy of caring and optimism. “Sometimes it seems that there are many who could care less about others, but I hope we can put others above ourselves,” she says. “Perspective is everything, and even in the toughest of situations, if you look you can find some good,” she reminds us. “You may have to look a few times, but you can find it!”
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 25 Women: Priscilla Jean-Louis helps educate caregivers about dementia
