Derra Howard, President
In May of 2017, I was let go from my last job as an educator because of my epilepsy. My administration didn’t take the time to accommodate me. I had to move home with my parents to regroup and start over.
My battle with epilepsy began at 9 years old. I remember being at school. I was going to the snack line and it was like walking into a black tunnel. Then, I woke up in the hospital. My parents didn’t have a support group that they could go to. After being diagnosed with epilepsy, I adjusted it.
After college, I joined the workforce. I quickly learned that epilepsy would be a stigmatism for me and my jobs. I have lost jobs that I loved as well as friends. It has been over 20 years since I’ve been diagnosed with this condition. As of April 2022, my seizure are active after almost four years. I’m navigating my “new normal” while maintaining my life and career.
I decided to start Saving Grace Epilepsy Foundation in 2020 to provide support for people with epilepsy.
Today, I'm an Epilepsy Advocate, Influencer, Entrepreneur, and working on my MFA in Scriptwriting at Regent University.
Rose B. Howard, Vice President
Rose Howard is a native of Houma (Dulac), La. She graduated from Nicholls State University in Marketing. Rose will bring brand awareness to seizure safety, fight for the rights of seizure patients, and combat job discrimination. Her goal is for people with epilepsy to live a normal life.