Publication Date: July 7, 2026
You walk into your doctor’s office as one person.
You walk out as someone else.
That’s what happened to Kenitra W. Dominguez when she received a life-altering diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). An ambitious, driven overachiever, Kenitra had to recalibrate her identity and redefine what success meant for her. She also discovered just how difficult it can be to access competent, compassionate care, especially as a Black woman navigating a biased and overburdened medical system.
Because I Deserve It is a personal, practical, and empowering guide for anyone living with a chronic condition, especially those who have felt overlooked, dismissed, or silenced. Drawing from her own journey, Kenitra shares what she wishes someone had told her at the start. This book offers guidance especially for women of color, who often face unique challenges in the medical system. You’ll learn how to:
- Adopt the critical mindset you need
- Research your condition and build your medical team
- Push back against systemic barriers and get the care you deserve
- Prepare for appointments and communicate clearly with your doctors
- Request workplace accommodations and navigate shifting dynamics with friends, family, and clients
- Redefine success and purpose in a life that no longer looks the same
If you have been diagnosed with a chronic condition and feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and not sure where to begin, this book is for you. Learn from a pathfinder who knows that finding the best possible care should never be a luxury. It’s your right. You deserve nothing less.
Receiving a life-changing diagnosis of a critical condition proves to be even more challenging for women of color.
That is why Kenitra Dominguez wants to share her story of how chronic illness taught her to find her voice in the healthcare system. Her book, Because I Deserve It, chronicles her journey with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).
She issues a call to action to become your own advocate, which may make some women uncomfortable, especially if they are used to being marginalized.
Over the span of eight chapters, the author highlights key elements for managing a chronic illness, including conducting research, selecting a team, and navigating various appointments.
Her experiences in the emergency room illustrate the importance of asking questions. As someone who shares this chronic condition, I was outraged at the medical system’s repeated failure to provide her with assistance.
Because I Deserve It offers an excellent resource for women of color ready to take charge of their health.
Hi, I’m Keni Dominguez, a People Ops/HR Advisor, and Salary and Offer Negotiation Coach. I volunteer with 81cents as a Pay Equity Advisor to support under-represented individuals through negotiations and career conversations. Also, I am a member of the Board of Directors for the non-profit organization Workplace Fairness. I attended UC Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco and received a Master’s Degree in Work Law and Social Justice.Â
I work with purpose-driven startups and non-profit organizations to move towards equity by focusing on their most valuable resource — their team. Leading with a people-centric philosophy, I help you build the infrastructure to scale your organization through Lean HR Operations strategic support.
I advocate for workers’ rights, treat employees with dignity and respect, and promote equitable pay practices. By leading with empathy and centering on equity and inclusion, our collaboration can help build a healthier workplace culture for global organizations.
