We recently had the chance to connect with Latorius Adams and have shared our conversation below.
Latorius, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Recently, I had a moment that made me feel incredibly proud: being recognized as a North Carolina Central University 40 Under 40 honoree. This achievement means a lot to me, as it reflects the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my career and community. What made the moment even more special was having my daughter watch me being honored at the gala, surrounded by my family and friends. Seeing their pride and support was truly meaningful and reminded me of the importance of perseverance and staying true to my goals.
This recognition has motivated me to continue striving for excellence and making a positive impact in my field. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of celebrating milestones and achievements, no matter how big or small. To learn more about this honor and the other inspiring recipients, you can visit the official NCCU page here: [NCCU 40 Under 40 – Latorius Adams](https://www.nccu.edu/40-under-40-honorees/latorius-adams-10). I’m grateful for this acknowledgment and look forward to what the future holds.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, I’m Latorius Adams, a dedicated Social and Clinical Research Specialist at UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I’m passionate about advancing health education, community outreach, and patient advocacy, particularly in the areas of neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington’s disease and dementia. I hold a Master of Health Sciences from Western Carolina University and a Bachelor of Science in Health Education from North Carolina Central University. At UNC, I play a vital role in the Huntington’s Disease Program, where I focus on supporting patients and families affected by this complex neurodegenerative disorder. My work involves conducting psychosocial assessments to better understand the emotional and social impacts of the disease and developing personalized care plans tailored to each individual’s needs. A key part of my role is connecting patients and their families to clinical trials, resources, and support services that can improve their quality of life. I also dedicate time to educating the community, first responders, and local leaders about Huntington’s disease, which is a rare and often misunderstood condition.
I am proud of my strong partnership with HD Reach, a local nonprofit organization that provides invaluable support to families impacted by Huntington’s. Through this collaboration, I work to increase awareness, provide education, and ensure families have access to the resources they need. What makes our UNC Huntington’s Disease Program unique is its comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that combines cutting-edge research with compassionate, personalized care. We focus not only on medical treatment but also on emotional and social well-being, working closely with neurologists, social workers, and counselors to deliver holistic support. Our active community outreach efforts aim to destigmatize the disease and empower families with knowledge, making a meaningful difference in their lives.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is the one I have with my family and friends. My daughter is my biggest cheerleader every day; she sees me as the best mom ever, and the bond we share is truly unmatched. I strive to raise her to pursue whatever she desires in life and to hold her head high no matter what. I remind her daily, “You are the light,” because her intelligence and spirit constantly remind me of how blessed I am in all aspects of my life. Her presence has helped me see the blessings around me and the importance of perseverance and love.
My parents also played a crucial role in grounding me—teaching me the value of hard work and encouraging me to follow my dreams. Additionally, the wisdom I learned from my grandmother has been vital to me. She was one of a kind—very inspiring, caring, and loving. Even as an adult, I cherished the times I spent with her; those days are some of my most treasured memories, and I will never forget the lessons she imparted. But the relationship that has shaped me the most is with my group of friends. They have shown up for me through every challenge, supporting me in ways I will never forget—whether it was watching my daughter when I was working two jobs and in graduate school or simply being there when I needed a listening ear. Having friendships that are pure and blessed is priceless; they motivate me and serve as a shining light in my life, reminding me of the power of support, loyalty, and genuine connection.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me resilience, humility, and the true power of faith—lessons that success alone could never fully provide. As a single mom, I graduated undergrad when my daughter was just three weeks old, and I had to humble myself and work at Ruby Tuesday for nearly two years just to make ends meet until I secured a job in my field. Juggling two jobs, pursuing a master’s degree, and being fully present for my daughter was incredibly challenging, but I wouldn’t describe it as suffering—I see it as surviving and leaning heavily on my faith.
Those experiences taught me to be deeply grateful in every season of life. They humbled me, giving me strength I didn’t know I had, and filled me with compassion and empathy for others going through their own struggles. Suffering showed me that perseverance, faith, and humility can carry you through the darkest times and help you emerge stronger, more compassionate, and more grateful for every victory, big or small. It’s a lesson in resilience that success alone could never teach.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what really matters to me is **impact**. They know I’m deeply committed to making a real difference through my work and advocacy, always striving to create positive change that benefits others.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I genuinely feel like I am doing what I was born to do. I truly enjoy my career and find purpose in helping others. My Aunt Mae often says that when you enjoy what you do, it’s like a ministry rather than just work, and that resonates deeply with me. I have a true passion and dedication for providing resources and supporting anyone I can, whether it’s through my professional work or volunteering in my community. Helping others brings me joy and fulfillment, and I believe that living in alignment with my purpose allows me to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Image Credits
Rotcelis Jones Owner & Photographer
