Meet Colette Afriyie (Colette Alethia)

Colette Afriyie (A-Free-Yea) is a Dementia Care Advocate, Brain Health Educator, and Founder of the Afro Cognitive Health Collective, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Black community through culturally responsive dementia education, advocacy, and care partner support. Through her work, Colette is committed to breaking stigma, increasing awareness, and improving access to resources for families navigating dementia.

With over a decade of experience in customer service and a professional background in radio broadcasting, Colette brings a unique voice to her advocacy work, combining storytelling, education, and community engagement. She is also a trained Personal Support Worker, with specialized training in the Positive Approach to Care model developed by Teepa Snow, which focuses on person-centered, compassionate dementia care.

Colette’s passion for this work is deeply personal. After her mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, she experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating care, accessing resources, and finding culturally relevant support. This journey ignited her commitment to ensuring that other families, particularly within the Black community, do not have to navigate dementia alone.

A key part of Colette’s work also focuses on women’s brain health. She speaks about the importance of early prevention and provides practical, accessible tips to help women protect their cognitive health. Women are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, with Black women facing an even greater risk. Through education on lifestyle, stress management, and proactive brain health practices, Colette empowers women to take control of their health and reduce their risk over time.

Through the Afro Cognitive Health Collective, Colette creates safe and supportive spaces for care partners, facilitates educational workshops, and collaborates with community organizations to bridge gaps in care. She is also a speaker and community leader who uses her platform to advocate for early brain health awareness, emphasizing prevention, education, and culturally grounded approaches to care.

Colette’s work sits at the intersection of culture, compassion, and care, as she continues to empower individuals and families to navigate dementia with dignity, knowledge, and support.