Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lakesha Quarles. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Lakesha, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I get my resilience from a combination of faith, life experience, and the responsibility I feel toward others who depend on me. I’ve faced challenges that forced me to adapt, grow, and find solutions even in difficult circumstances. Over time, I’ve learned to see obstacles as opportunities to build strength, not just setbacks. My drive comes from knowing that giving up isn’t an option—I have goals to reach, people to inspire, and a purpose that’s bigger than my struggles.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am the Program Director for the Medical Assisting program at ECPI University in Greenville, SC, and the owner and founder of Sunflower Births, where I serve as a doula and maternal health advocate. My work bridges education, healthcare, and community service—three areas I am deeply passionate about.
In my role at ECPI, I prepare future medical assistants for the real-world demands of healthcare through rigorous training, mentorship, and a strong emphasis on professionalism and patient care. What excites me most is watching my students grow into confident, capable healthcare professionals who make a tangible difference in their communities.
Through Sunflower Births, I provide support to expecting families, with a focus on addressing disparities in maternal health outcomes for Black and Brown women. My mission is to ensure that every mother feels informed, supported, and empowered throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journey.
What makes my work special is that it’s all centered around service—whether I’m training the next generation of healthcare professionals or providing hands-on support to mothers, the goal is the same: to improve health outcomes and uplift communities.
Currently, I’m excited about expanding my phlebotomy training course, which is designed to prepare students for national certification and immediate entry into the workforce. I’m also gearing up for Sunflower Births’ 3rd Annual Community Day, which will offer free health screenings, baby clothing giveaways, and mental health resources for families.
At the heart of everything I do is the belief that education, advocacy, and compassion can change lives—and I’m committed to being part of that change every day.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three things that have shaped my journey the most are resilience, adaptability, and relationship-building—and each of them came from lived experiences, not just textbooks.
Resilience came from moments when life didn’t go according to plan. There were times I faced personal setbacks, professional hurdles, and unexpected detours, but quitting was never an option. I learned early on that if I kept showing up, even when it was hard, I could turn obstacles into opportunities. That mindset has carried me through every challenge—from balancing school and family to leading programs and advocating for maternal health.
Adaptability was something I didn’t realize I had until I needed it. Healthcare is an ever-changing field, and education can shift overnight—especially during moments like the pandemic. I’ve had to pivot lesson plans, reimagine program structures, and quickly learn new technologies or approaches. Every time I adjusted, I grew. I found that flexibility wasn’t about losing your vision; it was about finding new ways to reach it.
Relationship-building is probably the most rewarding skill I’ve developed. Whether it’s mentoring a student who’s unsure of themselves, working alongside community partners, or building trust with a new mother in the delivery room, the relationships I’ve formed have been the heart of my work. Those connections are what turn a job into a calling.
For anyone just starting, my advice is this:
When challenges come—and they will—lean into them. That’s where your resilience is built.
Stay curious and open to change. The world will evolve whether you’re ready or not, so be ready.
Never underestimate the power of genuine relationships. Skills will open doors, but people will help you walk through them.
My journey hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been purposeful. And I think that’s what makes all the difference.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
Right now, my biggest challenge is navigating the demands of my Doctorate in Healthcare Administration program while balancing my professional responsibilities, family life, and community commitments. The doctoral journey is incredibly rewarding, but it’s also a true test of time management, discipline, and endurance. There are moments when the workload feels overwhelming—especially when I’m deep into research and writing—yet my professional and personal worlds keep moving at full speed.
To overcome this, I’ve become very intentional with my time. I create structured schedules, block out dedicated study periods, and set realistic weekly goals to keep myself on track. I’ve also learned the importance of leaning on my support system—my family, colleagues, and fellow doctoral students—for encouragement and accountability.
Most importantly, I remind myself that this is a temporary season of hard work for a long-term reward. Keeping that perspective helps me push through late nights, tight deadlines, and moments of self-doubt.
This challenge is stretching me in ways I never imagined, but it’s shaping me into a stronger leader, educator, and professional.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sunflowerbirthsllc.com
- Instagram: sunflowerdoula_kesh
- Facebook: SunFlowerBirths, LLC
- Linkedin: Lakesha Quarles
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