Meet Shay Webb

We were lucky to catch up with Shay Webb recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Shay, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

My optimism truly comes from my faith. I lean on Romans 8:28—‘all things work together for good’—which has guided me through every stage of my life. That scripture reminds me that even when situations don’t look hopeful, God is still working behind the scenes.

I’ve experienced that firsthand. Living with type 1 diabetes since childhood taught me early on that challenges can shape your purpose, not limit it. Every time I advocated for myself or navigated a tough health moment, God used those experiences to prepare me for the advocacy work I do today.

My career has reflected the same truth. Whether it was stepping into leadership roles, presenting to policymakers, mentoring students, or pushing through moments of self-doubt, I’ve seen how each opportunity was part of a bigger plan. Leaning on the Word of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, gives me the confidence to keep moving forward even when I can’t see the full picture yet.

That same faith has empowered me as a Black woman in clinical research—a field where representation is still growing—and now, as someone earning a doctoral degree in a society where Black women make up only about 4.4% of all doctorate holders. Instead of letting those statistics discourage me, my faith helps me see them as a reminder of why my journey matters. I know God placed me here to break barriers, to make room for others, and to help create a more equitable future in healthcare and research.

My optimism isn’t just a personality trait—it’s a faith posture. My joy, my hope, and the vision I have for the future all come from trusting that God is ordering my steps.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Professionally, I sit at the intersection of clinical research, patient advocacy, and health equity. I have worked across clinical operations, medical writing, and policy advocacy—roles that allow me to bring the patient voice forward while also shaping how clinical trials are designed, communicated, and implemented. What excites me most about my career is that I get to build bridges: between patients and professionals, between research and real-world needs, and between communities that have historically been overlooked and the medical innovations that could transform their lives.

In addition to this work, I am currently collecting data for my doctoral capstone research, which focuses on the experiences of BIPOC adults with diabetes ages 18–45 who use continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). This research aims to better understand their needs, challenges, and opportunities for improved access to diabetes technology. Individuals who qualify and would like to participate can access the survey here:
https://campbell.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eeP5GzQyNViANzE

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve contributed to is a financial and health insurance toolkit for emerging adults living with type 1 diabetes, developed through community-based participatory action research. It was designed to help young adults navigate the complicated world of insurance, affordability, and access to care—barriers I personally understand. I’ve also created patient-centered clinical trial resources that strengthen communication between patients, providers, and researchers, as well as policy education materials used in legislative advocacy on Capitol Hill and at the North Carolina General Assembly. These creations all reflect my larger mission: building tools, resources, and pathways that make healthcare more accessible, equitable, and centered on real people.

One of the things I’m most grateful for—and something people often point out about me—is my gift for networking and connection. I genuinely love people. I love learning their stories, understanding their goals, and figuring out how to support or uplift them. That natural ability to connect has opened doors not only for me but for many of the students and emerging professionals I mentor. Mentoring has become one of the most fulfilling parts of my work. Whether I’m speaking at universities, guiding early-career researchers, or supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds, I take pride in creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and capable of achieving more than they imagined.

I also see mentoring as part of my brand: #ShayForPatients. It reflects everything I stand for—equity, compassion, advocacy, and empowerment. Branding isn’t just about what I do professionally; it’s about how I show up for others. I aim to demystify clinical research, amplify diverse voices, and help create opportunities for young people interested in healthcare, science, and policy.

Looking ahead, I’m expanding my work by building stronger community partnerships, growing my presence in patient advocacy, and increasing opportunities for students to get involved in clinical research early. These projects reflect my heart for service and my commitment to making research more inclusive, accessible, and patient-centered.

At the end of the day, I want readers to know that what I do is driven by purpose and rooted in service—service to patients, to communities, and to the future of healthcare. I’ve been blessed with the ability to connect people, encourage them, and help them find their place in this industry. And if my journey can inspire someone else to chase their own calling—or believe that their voice matters—then I know I’m on the right path

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, it’s hard to narrow my journey down to just three qualities or skills, but there are three pillars that have shaped me the most.

1. Faith, prayer, and obedience.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to pray about everything—big or small—and to trust God’s timing. Faith without works is dead, so I’ve always paired prayer with action: preparing, showing up, and being obedient even when I didn’t fully understand the ‘why’ yet. My faith has grounded me during uncertainty and guided every decision I’ve made. For anyone early in their journey, I encourage you to build your spiritual foundation now. Whether you journal, meditate, pray, or seek mentorship from faith leaders, develop a practice that keeps you anchored and centered.

2. Start early, try new things, and invest in your personal growth.
I say all the time that starting early changed my life. Exploring different opportunities helped me discover not just my passions, but also sub-passions—like financial literacy and healthy living. Over time, I’ve learned that health is wealth. As a Black vegan with type 1 diabetes, I don’t see many people who look like me represented, but taking care of my body, eating intentionally, and staying active has been life-changing. My advice to others: don’t wait to experiment. Take the class. Try the hobby. Learn the skill. Your passion often reveals itself while you’re in motion.

3. Listen to your elders.
Growing up, I was very close to my grandparents, which helped me appreciate older generations at an early age. Their wisdom shaped my worldview long before I realized it. Our elders have already written the playbook; they’ve lived through seasons we haven’t seen yet, and their insight can help you avoid unnecessary mistakes. For anyone early in their journey, make space for conversations with those who came before you. Their guidance is a priceless gift.

If you combine these three—strengthening your faith, investing in yourself early, and leaning on the wisdom of those who came before you—you give yourself a foundation strong enough to carry you through any path you choose

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

My mom has definitely been my biggest advocate from the very beginning—whether it was my health, my education, or navigating life, she has always been my cheerleader, encouraging me every step of the way. Her achievements also inspired my own journey: as a gifted speaker with an AA in Broadcasting, a BS in Business Administration, and a Master of Social Work degree, she demonstrated the power of going the extra mile and pursuing excellence in every area of life. Watching her pursue her education with excellence showed me that going the extra mile was not just important—it was expected. Someone who is neck and neck with her in impact is my grandmother. Over her 94 years, she has always offered a listening, non-judgmental ear and shared wise words that have guided me through life. She showed me the power of prayer and the importance of serving in church from an early age and ultimately guided me to accept Christ as my Savior when I was a teenager, thus demonstrating how faith paired with action can bring purpose, strength, and resilience.

Her story is incredible. Born in 1930 in rural Atkinson, North Carolina, she lost her father at just eight years old and was raised by my great-grandmother in the segregated South. Despite these challenges, she graduated high school at 14, attended DeShazor’s Beauty College because she was too young for university, and ultimately earned her BS in Education from Elizabeth City State University—a remarkable achievement at a time when it was uncommon for Black women to go to college. Beyond academics, she became a pianist, starting as a child, and performed for different churches in her community, using her talent to serve others and bring joy. She also instilled in me a love of learning—especially math. I wasn’t always a fan, but she pushed me, provided additional practice, and encouraged me to persevere, helping me succeed in a subject I once disliked. Her resilience, discipline, and dedication to faith, learning, and service laid the foundation for everything our family has accomplished.

Many people also wonder how I became comfortable with public speaking and often assume it’s something I learned later in life. In reality, it started with something so many of us who grew up in church—especially in the South—experienced. Being active in church, reciting weekly Bible verses, participating in Christmas plays, Easter speeches, and everything in between helped me develop confidence speaking in front of crowds long before I ever imagined doing it professionally. When I was around three years old, I would sing with my grandmother, who was a pianist. Those moments not only ignited my love for hymns and gospel music, but also nurtured my comfort with being in front of people.

Even though I started young, there was a turning point in my confidence. In middle school, I remember feeling nervous before going on stage. Before I walked out, my grandmother slipped a small piece of paper into my jacket pocket with Deuteronomy 31:6 written on it. That moment shifted something in me. Since then, whenever I step onto a stage or prepare to present, I carry that reminder with me: be strong and courageous—God goes with you wherever you go.
As my grandmother laid the framework with her achievements and example, and my mom continued to build by pursuing her own degrees and professional accomplishments, I am proud to continue that legacy by completing my doctorate in 2026. Their guidance, wisdom, and unwavering support have shaped not only my path but also my belief that with faith, perseverance, and dedication, anything is possible.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Shayd1t
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaywebb

Image Credits

University of North Carolina Wilmington
New Hanover County Health Department
Middle District Baptist Association
CliniSpan Health
Breakthrough T1D
NAACP
Order of the Eastern Star Rose Fidelity Chapter #651