Brian L. Hughes

About Brian L. Hughes

In the United States approximately 12 % of Black Americans have diabetes compared to 7.5% of White Americans. Diabetes and hypertension are common causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Black people are at 3-4 times higher risk of developing kidney failure compared to Whites and are at higher risk of death from chronic kidney disease.‍🦱 As a Black American man with hypertension, diabetes, and end stage kidney disease I’ve made it my mission to encourage Black American adults to embrace healthy lifestyle changes and self-care best practices to prevent kidney disease and its precursors -hypertension and diabetes.Through kidney health advocacy and educational keynotes and webinars I support health providers, healthcare nonprofit organizations, health insurers, community organizations and their corporate and cause-related partners to reduce chronic kidney disease racial health disparities.To carry out my mission, I\'ve:Completed The National Kidney Foundation® (NKF) Peer Mentor training program and serve as a peer mentor for other U.S. kidney patients to help then successfully navigate their journey.Become an American Kidney Fund ® Kidney Health Coach to build trusting relationships with people in my community to raise awareness about kidney disease and its risk factors and educate others about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.As an experienced marketing and change leadership strategist, I specialize in encouraging individuals to actively initiate and guide change within their own life, taking ownership of their lifestyle and self-care and actively making adjustments to their behaviors, habits, or mindset to achieve desired health and wellbeing outcomes.Ready to work to reduce chronic kidney disease (CKD) racial disparities? Prepared to help promote healthy lifestyle changes and self-care best practices for Black American adults? Let\'s connect and explore how we can collaborate on these important issues. Drop me a message, invite me to connect, or schedule a complimentary 30-minute discovery discussion.

Experience

1. Nkf Peer Mentor

   National Kidney Foundation

   Dec 2024 — Present · Jacksonville, FL, US

   Following completion of the National Kidney Foundation® (NKF) PEER Mentor training program I support others who are coping with kidney disease by answering their questions and simply talking with them about kidney disease, dialysis, transplant, or living kidney donation. NKF Peers is a 1-to-1 peer mentoring program, where kidney patients are connected with a trained peer mentor who has been there themselves. I find being a NKF PEER Mentor rewarding because of the potential positive impact I can have on another person’s life. It provides them with guidance, advice and support that helps them to develop new skills, build confidence and gain valuable experience for their health and wellbeing.

Education

• Columbia University

  Graduate School of Business, Marketing Concentration, Johnson & Johnson Company Fellowship

• Cornell University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Government and History