Qiana Cressman shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Qiana, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
From my tenure within the nonprofit sector, I’ve learned that while you’re helping humanity, it’s important to make sure you don’t burn yourself out. Burnout can often rob us of our joy. You can’t get from an empty cup, and you need to take care of yourself to properly take care of others. I care for myself and find joy through a very healthy family life and scheduled vacation time. I encourage my team and myself to invest in themselves.
It’s often easy to lose yourself when you get engulfed in your career, The self care and investing in yourself allows for proper space to reflect, and it has been instrumental in showing clarity, intention and passion that has allowed me to advance in leadership.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Qiana Cressman is a nationally recognized healthcare and philanthropy executive,
celebrated for her transformational leadership, innovative strategy, and unwavering
commitment to health equity. With over two decades of experience spanning
nonprofit, public health, and maternal health sectors, Qiana began her distinguished
career as a clinical laboratory scientist and has spent more than a decade partnering
with major healthcare systems and medical practices. She has successfully raised
more than $75 million through strategic fundraising initiatives, spearheaded
groundbreaking campaigns, and significantly improved lives and communities
nationwide.
Before joining the Centering Healthcare Institute as Co-CEO, Qiana served as
Executive Director for American Heart Association in Tampa Bay. In this role, she
introduced the region’s first maternal healthcare initiative focused on hypertension
management and nutritional security, establishing partnerships with Federally
Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and leading hospitals. Her strategic leadership has
driven remarkable outcomes, including achieving a 75% reduction in blood pressure
among underserved populations, pioneering innovative donor programs, and
generating substantial organizational revenue growth.
At Centering Healthcare Institute, Qiana brings bold vision and strategic insight to
disrupt inequitable systems and enhance maternal health outcomes. A sought-after
thought leader and mentor, she regularly speaks on leadership, equity, and
innovation in healthcare. Her impact and dedication have garnered national
recognition, including being honored as Woman of the Year by the YWCA and
named one of Pennsylvania’s Top 20 Power Players.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
From my time working within a hospital system to conduct science and research, I was astonished by disparities I noticed – and these disparities had a direct impact on limiting care for people. My observations spurred my passion to support policy and awareness that would affect change for those who needed it the most. Ultimately, this led me to use my scientific background to raise funds to serve patient populations and health organizations, and it has shaped how I see the world and what I hope of the world. I will always be an advocate for patient populations who struggle to have their voice heard in our healthcare system.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could give advice to my younger self, it would be:
1. Master good people skills and seek out opportunities of advancement. Good communications skills – how to communicate and articulate your ideas – are critical to have as you grow and develop. Equally, it is important to invest in coaching as you progress in your career. Personal development and career development have a positive perspective and allow you to grow and evaluate yourself in a healthy way.
2. If you’re having a hard time in developing your purpose, start volunteering and working for an organization which allows you to see the skills that you have. Later in life, this showed me that I was comfortable in my skin and leading leaders by taking on a volunteer committee position
3. Being intentional about being connected to organizations that you like.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
I believe that we are not limited to how our journeys unfold. Who we are is an evolution, and we should take time to learn ourselves – learn who we are (through personality test assessments). Learning ourselves allows us to truly uncover our passions and our strengths.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I truly believe I am doing what I was born to do. My motivations are wanting to see all moms and birthing people have equitable access to quality care – to have better outcomes – and longer and healthier lives, so they can be holistically healthy. As Interim CEO of Centering Healthcare Institute, I advocate our mission to improve health outcomes and transform care through group healthcare. Our evidence-based model brings expecting parents and birthing people together in small, supportive groups led by a consistent care team, where participants receive comprehensive prenatal care in a group environment that fosters connection, shared learning, and mutual support.
Through Centering Healthcare Institute, there is much opportunity to touch more lives; however, we need the support of partners and funders to scale our organization and services. We are reliant on members and funders to support moms, birthing people and their families.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://centeringhealthcare.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centeringhealth/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/centering-healthcare-institute
- Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/centeringhealth/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CenteringHealthcare/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CenteringHealthcare
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
