Today we’d like to introduce you to Quisha Umemba
Hi Quisha, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story is one of purpose, passion, and perseverance. I started my career as a Registered Nurse, driven by a deep desire to care for others. Over time, my journey led me to public health, where I found my true calling—working at the intersection of individual well-being and community health. I realized that improving outcomes on a broader scale required addressing systemic challenges like health inequities and gaps in workforce training.
I’ve always believed that the best solutions come from empowering others. Early in my career, I saw how education and training could transform not only patients’ lives but also the lives of healthcare professionals. This inspired me to focus on workforce development, designing practical and engaging training programs that would make a real difference. Eventually, I became known as “The Trainer’s Trainer,” a title I wear proudly because it reflects my commitment to helping others grow and succeed.
As the CEO of Umemba Health, I’ve dedicated my work to equipping public health professionals with the tools and strategies they need to thrive. Through initiatives like PublicHealthPreneur Academy and my Ready.Start.Launch Framework, I’ve helped countless individuals build their skills, grow their businesses, and make an impact in their communities.
Along the way, I’ve authored books, developed innovative curricula, and launched a thriving consulting business. But what motivates me most is seeing the ripple effect of this work—how empowering one person or one organization can create lasting change for so many others.
Of course, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Balancing entrepreneurship, leadership, and family life is no easy feat. But every step has been guided by my commitment to my core values: empowering others, advancing health equity, and creating a lasting impact.
Today, I continue to serve as a leader, a teacher, and a catalyst for change, helping public health and healthcare professionals amplify their potential and expand their reach. My hope is that my story inspires others to pursue their purpose with courage and determination.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s safe to say the road has been anything but smooth—but I wouldn’t have it any other way. The challenges I’ve faced along the way have shaped me into the person and professional I am today.
One of the biggest struggles was stepping out of my comfort zone to start my own business. Transitioning from a traditional career in nursing and public health to entrepreneurship felt like walking into the unknown. I had to unlearn the security of a steady paycheck and embrace the uncertainty of building something from the ground up. But that leap of faith taught me resilience, creativity, and the importance of betting on myself.
Another challenge was balancing the many hats I wear—as a nurse, public health practitioner, entrepreneur, wife, and mother. I’ve often felt the pull of wanting to give 100% to everything and everyone, which isn’t always possible. Learning to set boundaries, delegate, and prioritize self-care has been a journey in itself.
I’ve also faced moments of doubt and imposter syndrome, especially when taking on large-scale projects or working with high-profile clients. There’s always that small voice questioning, “Am I enough?” Over time, I’ve learned to quiet that voice by focusing on the value I bring and the impact I want to make.
Navigating the world of public health and entrepreneurship has brought its share of systemic challenges as well. Whether it’s addressing health disparities or advocating for underrepresented voices in the workforce, these aren’t issues that are solved overnight. But they fuel my passion and remind me why I started this journey in the first place.
Through all the struggles, I’ve leaned on my faith, my family, and the belief that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. The obstacles have taught me lessons that I now pass on to others—whether it’s through my training programs, consulting, or mentorship. In the end, the road may not be smooth, but it’s been deeply rewarding.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Umemba Health, we believe in the transformative power of education and empowerment to create healthier, more equitable communities. Our mission is to improve public health outcomes by equipping organizations and professionals with the knowledge, skills, and strategies they need to thrive.
We specialize in workforce development, training, and consulting, with a unique focus on public health and healthcare systems. What we’re known for is our ability to design engaging, practical training programs that are immediately applicable in real-world settings. Whether it’s professional development workshops, competency-based training, or leadership coaching, everything we offer is designed with the goal of empowering individuals to make a tangible impact.
What sets us apart is the heart and purpose behind our work. We don’t just deliver services—we create solutions that address systemic challenges like health inequities, workforce gaps, and leadership development. Our programs blend traditional, experiential, and transformational approaches, making learning both impactful and memorable. I’m often called “The Trainer’s Trainer” because of my ability to break down complex concepts into digestible, actionable steps that professionals can use right away.
I’m most proud of how our brand reflects our values: purpose-driven, people-centered, and profit-focused. Our tagline, “Make People Matter,” is more than a slogan—it’s our guiding principle. It reminds us that at the core of public health are the individuals and communities we serve.
We offer a wide range of services, including:
Public health workforce training and technical assistance
Strategic consulting to help organizations achieve their health equity goals
Curriculum development tailored to specific audiences and needs
Leadership coaching for public health professionals
And community engagement services that amplify impact on the ground.
For entrepreneurs and consultants, we offer coaching and programs like the PublicHealthPreneur Academy, which helps individuals turn their expertise into profitable businesses while advancing public health.
What I want readers to know is that we’re not just here to provide training or consulting—we’re here to spark transformation. Whether we’re helping an organization develop a culturally tailored program, training Community Health Workers to better support their communities, or guiding an aspiring entrepreneur to launch their public health consulting business, our focus is on creating sustainable change.
Umemba Health is a brand built on passion, commitment, and a deep belief in the potential of public health to transform lives. We’re here to educate, empower, and expand the possibilities for individuals, organizations, and communities.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
When it comes to risk-taking, I’ve learned that growth rarely happens inside the comfort zone. Taking risks isn’t easy—it’s uncomfortable, uncertain, and sometimes downright scary—but it’s often necessary to achieve something greater. I don’t think of myself as a natural risk-taker, but I do believe in stepping out on faith and trusting the process.
The biggest risk I’ve taken in my entrepreneurial journey was leaving a comfortable 6-figure corporate job. It wasn’t a stressful position, and I could have easily stayed there, collecting my paycheck and continuing life as usual. But deep down, I knew I wasn’t fully living my purpose. I had this nagging feeling that I was called to do more—to make a bigger impact in public health and to help others amplify their potential.
Walking away from that security to start my own business wasn’t just risky—it was terrifying. There was no guarantee of success, and I knew the road ahead would be unpredictable. But I also knew that staying in a position of comfort wouldn’t lead to the kind of legacy I wanted to leave. I had to remind myself that the risk of staying stagnant was greater than the risk of moving forward.
Risk-taking, for me, is all about calculated decisions. It’s not about jumping blindly—it’s about trusting your vision, doing your research, and preparing as much as you can, even when you can’t predict every outcome. I view risk as an investment in possibility. It’s a willingness to bet on yourself, your values, and your dreams, even when the odds aren’t clear.
What I’ve learned is that risks often lead to growth in ways you don’t expect. Leaving my corporate job not only allowed me to build a business I’m passionate about, but it also taught me resilience, creativity, and a deeper trust in my abilities. It’s opened doors, created opportunities, and allowed me to serve others in ways that are far more meaningful than I ever imagined.
For anyone considering a risk, my advice is to think about what’s on the other side of that decision. What’s the best possible outcome? What’s the worst? And most importantly, what’s the cost of staying where you are? Sometimes, the biggest risk is not taking one at all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://quishaumemba.com
- Instagram: @quishaumemba
- Facebook: @quishaumemba
- LinkedIn: @quishaumemba
- Other: https://umembahealth.com
