Vedna Lacombe-Heywood is committed to community, advocacy, and creating a better future for underserved populations. Her journey, shaped by family influence and overseas mission trips, propelled her into various roles where she tirelessly worked for positive change.
Her League journey began locally in Plymouth, MA, and expanded to serving on the Massachusetts State Board in 2020. Elected to the National Board in 2022, she now serves as a national board director and trustee, championing democracy and civic engagement. Her roles include Advocacy and Litigation co-chair and UN observer liaison, amplifying marginalized voices in the political process. This commitment extends to her historic role as the first African American elected to Plymouth's town government, where she serves as a school board member.
Rooted in her Haitian heritage, Vedna serves as an Executive Board member of the National Haitian American Elected Officials Network, advocating for the Haitian diaspora in the US and Haiti. She also served as the vice-chair of the Massachusetts Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce. Her multifaceted background as a Surgical Trauma ICU nurse, trauma programs implementer, and bereavement specialist reflects her dedication to improving lives. Currently pursuing her MSN in Psychiatric mental health, Vedna's commitment to helping others during difficult times remains steadfast.
Vedna's leadership extends beyond traditional roles. She founded HELD (Healed, Empowered, Loved, Develop), an organization focused on aiding young women exposed to trauma. Through programming and community building, HELD empowers these women to recognize their value and develop leadership skills.
Vedna's dedication to community service has been recognized with multiple awards, including but not limited to the Governor’s Citation for Transformational Leadership/Social Economic Development, Kurlat Essence of the Nursing honoree, Massachusetts School Committee All-State award, and the Old Colony Memorial Person of the Year award. Her receipt of the 2023 Commonwealth Heroine Award further underscores her impact and commitment to uplifting underserved communities. She has also been featured in local and national media across radio, television, and news publications.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Vedna finds joy in family life with her husband, 11-year-old son, and their puppy Pancake. She enjoys various hobbies, including reading, singing, dancing, drawing, traveling, and writing poetry, with published works in esteemed literary journals like The African American Review from John Hopkins University. In all aspects of her life, Vedna Lacombe-Heywood strives to embody dedication to service, advocacy, and creating positive change. Her persistent efforts have made a lasting impact on communities near and far reflecting the ethos of "lifting as we climb" and inspiring others to do the same.