Elon Darthard has always been drawn to the intersection of health, community, and resilience. A Master of Public Health graduate from the University of Southern California (USC), she has dedicated her career to addressing medical literacy, health promotion, and community-based interventions for underserved populations.
Through her nonprofit, Persevering Minds, she is making a tangible impact—most recently in disaster relief efforts following the devastating Los Angeles fires.
In an interview with the Sentinel, Elon shared how Persevering Minds began as a deeply personal mission.
“My sister, Kiari, was an athlete who suffered multiple basketball-related injuries. I went with her to so many doctor visits and saw firsthand how difficult it was to navigate the healthcare system. It made me realize how much medical literacy impacts people’s ability to get the care they need,” she said.
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That realization inspired her and Kiari to start Persevering Minds while still in high school with the goal of helping underserved communities access the medical knowledge and resources they need to make informed health decisions.
Most recently, Persevering Minds has turned its focus to disaster relief. After the Altadena fires left many families displaced, Elon and her team mobilized quickly to provide direct aid.
“We knew we had to act fast,” Elon told the Sentinel. “It’s been a huge community collaboration — getting the necessary resources in place, from mental and physical health support to bedding, food, and water.”
Elon herself was directly impacted by the fires but remained focused on helping others.
“I recognize this experience on a human level,” she said. “So many people lost everything. I was fortunate to make it out, but there’s a lot of work that needs to be done to support this community, which has such a rich Black history.”
To aid in recovery efforts, Persevering Minds launched the Mind-To-Work Initiative, which aims to restore hope and stability for those affected by the fires. The organization also created the Build Your Own Relief Box program, allowing individuals to receive customized relief packages tailored to their specific needs.
One of the nonprofit’s most recent collaborations was with the USC Black Alumni Association for the 2025 Alumni Day of SCervice. Volunteers assembled and delivered relief boxes to Altadena residents as part of the effort.
“We thought it was the perfect opportunity to support a fellow Black alum as well as the community that has been impacted by the fires,” Elon said.
Beyond her local efforts, Elon’s advocacy is being recognized on a global scale. She recently spoke at the United Nations in New York City during the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women where she discussed the importance of medical literacy, public health advocacy, and the role of grassroots organizations in creating meaningful change.
Elon’s work with Persevering Minds exemplifies resilience and purpose. Whether through disaster relief, health education, or speaking on international platforms like the UN, she remains committed to ensuring that underserved communities receive the support they need.
As her organization continues to expand, so does its impact—proving that real change begins with action, service, and the unwavering determination to persevere.
