Denise Octavia Smith draws you in with her slow, quick smile. She and I are both Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Leaders. Last year, as we participated in a roundtable discussion, I noticed that she dug deeper when we introduced ourselves. And, my initial hesitation and rebellion at being at yet another “sharing session” soon evaporated.
Not only is Denise a storyteller but she is also a great listener. Moreover, her smile and energy drew us closer, and for the next hour, our shields were lowered, and the group began to morph into a community.
No, we did not agree on everything. However, the shared vision of creating a Culture of Health in America allowed us to be vulnerable, transparent, and accountable to each other.
Today, I introduce you to Denise Octavia Smith, Warrior Woman and Founding Executive Director for the National Association of Community Health Workers.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Well, I am the Founding Executive Director of the National Association of Community Health Workers (CHWs). For the last 15 years, I worked as a CHW in Hartford, Connecticut. During that time, I worked with various health and community organizations on several initiatives. Notably, we’ve worked together to:
- Provide access to healthy foods
- Deliver education on prevention and wellness
- Navigate the healthcare system
- Build capacity and advocate for people living with HIV/AIDS
- Offer mentoring to Black and Hispanic teen boys
Additionally, when I worked as a Research Associate at the UConn Health Disparities Institute, I led the Equal Coverage to Care Coalition. And, this was really important work because it resulted in measurable improvements in health insurance literacy and advances in health insurance legislation. Moreover, it allowed us to design curriculum and have community conversations using art to advance health equity for boys and men of color.
Recently, I became a Robert Wood Johnson Culture of Health Leader. In this role, I am helping to create a Culture of Health in American. This is very meaningful and impactful because it allows individuals to have self-determination and dignity, and communities can meaningfully contribute to system design and governance. Moreover, our overarching goal is for our society to eliminate structural barriers to improve health equity and well-being.
You have had an amazing career journey. Tell us about your career path, and how you got to where you are now.
My path has been winding and wonderful! I began my first career as a performing artist. At 15, I had my first professional show in a regional theatre. Then, at 17, I had a lead role in the first American musical to tour China (1987). I had a long and exciting career in music and theatre for the next 10 years. Around 1996, I reconnected with an old friend, a playwright, who was working on a production that would entertain and educate the audience about HIV/AIDS. So, I drove across the country from Connecticut to California to direct this production. And, this opportunity required me to work with clinicians and outreach workers to better understand HIV risk and prevention factors. After this, I began a shift from performing arts to working in small nonprofits as a CHW.
I returned to Connecticut in 2001. Shortly afterwards, I was diagnosed with a rare chronic disease that was debilitating and life altering for me and my family. Eventually, I emerged from that experience as an advocate for patient rights and respect. Moreover, I found ways to express my newly found passion and calling. And, this part is really important. In my role as a CHW, I always use art in community interventions and engagement.
As life would have it, I was called upon to lead CHWs and other diverse stakeholders in various initiatives and coalitions in Connecticut. Later, similar opportunities became available on the national stage. Through these experiences, clarity on my language and approaches to advance health equity and social justice emerged.
What are some of the professional accomplishments of which you are most proud?
I am so proud of my new role, as the Founding Executive Director of the National Association of Community Health Workers (NACHW). The board of directors for NACHW is composed of CHWs, allies, and supporters who have made lifelong commitments to impacting community health. So, they are my peers and mentors! And, it is truly an honor to be trusted with establishing the foundation for this organization’s work!
Additionally, I am proud that in 2013, I developed the certification, training and continuing education for hundreds of CHWs in Connecticut. So, why was this so important? Well, we needed to support the enrollment of 30,000 individuals into the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace.
As a female leader, what is one significant barrier that you faced in your career? How did you overcome it or are trying to overcome it?
Balancing my life as a mom of four (three teenage boys and one girl) was a personal and professional challenge for me. Indeed, I still struggle with my work/life balance from time to time.
Currently, my new position involves a great deal of travel. So, being away from my family is always tough because as a mom I want to be there for every experience even when I’m NOT needed. And, it has taken a lot of prayer and coaching from my husband to embrace my “now” and trust that God’s got it!
Tell us about a time you failed.
Ha-ha. Only one time?
A real failure for me happened when I took a new job and didn’t manage my time and stress well. I was working 80-hour weeks for about six straight months. And, you know the sad part? Everyone else was working that many hours as well!
Now, let me walk you through this. A really big issue was that at the time, I was still learning to manage my chronic disease. Moreover, I had three boys who were 13, 12 and 10, and a daughter who was 4! Unfortunately, I wasn’t leaning on the people in my life like I needed to! Consequently, I got very sick and my family suffered, especially my sons who really needed me to be present and not stressed out.
Eventually, I learned to humble myself and realized that there is NO work that comes before my health and that of my family. So, I have learned to accept my frailty and be at peace.
What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your lifetime?
The biggest leadership lesson I’ve learned is to show deep trust and respect the people who I work with! And, why is that important? Well, for the end goal to result in a sense of accomplishment and mutual success, everyone has to be invested and have agency to realize their part of the whole. So, without this, you might as well just be a bully, telling people what’s best, and demanding that they do it!
Which woman has had the most significant impact on you as a Warrior Woman? Why did you choose her?
My mom! If there was a face to “bombastic,” then it would be mom’s face. She is bombastic, intelligent, creative, and commanding. Moreover, she is a team player and a leader who is determined and able to take the long and close view of the work! My mom has modeled a life of triumph over adversity, and adaptation for achievement. She leads with her values and implements with her intellect, which is a special blend that I highly admire. Well, I am sure you have heard the phrase, “those who can’t do, teach? Well, my mom can do AND does teach!
Who are some of your female mentors? How have they contributed to your success?
Wow, that’s a big question. First, I think of Nikki Giovanni, poet, professor, and activist. Second, I think of Angela Davis, activist. And, third, I think of my grandmother, Barbara Jean Groce. All of these women warriors have helped me to live my truth
Define a “Warrior Women.” What are some traits that you think a Warrior Woman should possess?
A Warrior Woman is like a storm coming from a distance. She is growing and building her momentum in a place you may not be able to see. So, she may start small; however, deep inside she knows her power. She is living her purpose and it is completely aligned with who she was created to be.
This warrior woman is a protector and a change agent. She is a strategist and a healer. Indeed, she is a listener who is also able to stand and rally the troops as she leads them into battle. Yes, she is a force of nature and intricately tied to nature.
How do you encourage and lead other women to be Warrior Women?
I lift up and reflect who they present themselves to be. Additionally, I create environments where they can realize their power and vision. So, I celebrate them when they feel like they are on the backside of the desert and when they are in the spotlight.
Moreover, I treat them as sisters and mentors and students and friends. I desire their purpose to be realized and I tell them that!
What career advice would you give to the next generation of Warrior Women?
I would advise these young warrior women to walk circumspectly around everything they know about themselves. Furthermore, they need to also walk circumspectly around their community, values, environment, and “expertise.”
And, why is it important for them to know those things? Well, when they eventually know, it challenges them to cast off what is not working. Moreover, they must ask probing questions that will cause them to seek out nourishment to grow.
So, don’t be afraid of new places, new people, or new decisions. And, whatever you do, live in a state of forgiveness because you will learn from your mistakes and heal faster.
What are some of your hobbies? What do you do in your down time?
Ooh. I LOVE to read nonfiction books of history and I LOVE sci-fi movies! Additionally, I LOVE to dance and to cook. And, hold on to your seat. I LOVE to walk through a city that I don’t know and feel like it’s mine! I LOVE the new!
If you could have dinner with one famous person—dead or alive—who would it be?
Jesus. So, I would ask Him if the life story that has been told of Him is the life He actually lived. Additionally, I would ask if the legacy He wanted to leave on earth has been realized. Lastly, I would ask if the writings properly represent His spiritual path.
Tell us about your self-care routine.
I begin every day with thanks! Well, I am very delicate with myself. So, what do I mean by that? For me, it means giving myself time to wake up and come to awareness.
I LOVE the morning. So, I open the blinds, find the sun, and look out at the nature that I can see from wherever I am. I smell my cup of coffee (I LOVE the smell of coffee)! Then, I begin my day. Likewise, I end my day in prayer and thanks. And, I go to sleep trusting God for the next day, should I be fortunate enough to see it.
In what areas do you struggle the most in your self-care?
Well, I struggle with getting enough exercise. I do it 2-3 times a week. However, it always feels so good afterwards that I wish I made time for it every day!
Name one song on your playlist that keeps you motivated.
Girl, just one song? OK . . . Move on Up by Curtis Mayfield!
What book are you currently reading (give author and title)?
Well, I am currently reading Black Panther Party [Reconsidered] edited by Charles Jones
What’s your go to comfort food?
A vegan cupcake. Or, I can also dive into movie popcorn!
What’s your biggest shopping vice? (e.g. clothes, shoes, purses, make up, bath products)
Shopping at the thrift store! Ha-ha. Girl, you’d be surprised what you can do with $10!
What’s your dream vacation?
Oh, that’s an easy one. When I close my eyes, I see my lifetime love (my husband) and I walking on the shores of Fogo, Cape Verde. We smell the sea mist while watching the sunset across the waters. And, we thank our ancestors. Yes, we always give thanks.
What would you like to share about your family life?
I am a wife and mother of four. Indeed, I LOVE and adore my children. And, my hope is that the world will be kind to their brown bodies and celebrate their unique souls!
Thank you for this opportunity!
Now, It’s Your Turn
Well, I hope you enjoyed this interview with Denise Octavia Smith. I think that you will also enjoy our post on sisters gotta hustle to stay healthy and how to set SMART exercise goals.
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Warrior Woman Playlist
Our Warrior Woman playlist is part of our music is healing project. The playlist features songs of liberation, freedom, empowerment, and resilience by female artists. It was compiled by Brittney Drakeford.
It is available on Spotify and Apple Music. Please follow and be inspired!
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