Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Wanji Banda. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Wanji, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Feeling like the odd one out in the room can indeed present both challenges, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Often, I’ve found myself in these instances when I’m part of an underrepresented background or community, or when surrounded by individuals with more professional experience than me. However, I’ve come to recognize these moments as chances to celebrate my uniqueness and turn it into an asset rather than a setback. Instead of feeling isolated, I now see myself as a voice for underrepresented perspectives, offering a fresh outlook and enriched discussions.
By honing in on my capabilities, expertise, and unique perspective, I’ve been able to make meaningful contributions to discussions and provide valuable insights. Through conversations with peers, I’ve learned to silence the self-doubt and recognize my rightful place at the table. It’s crucial not to be intimidated by being the only one in the room, as often, we are our own harshest critics.
Furthermore, I’ve discovered the importance of seeking feedback from those I admire or aspire to emulate. Engaging with individuals or groups whose accomplishments I admire has provided me with invaluable guidance on how to navigate similar paths. By actively seeking feedback and learning from others, I’ve been able to continually grow and evolve in my journey. After various experiences,I have learned to view being the only one in the room as an honor, a chance to stand out and make a lasting impact.
Ultimately, my success in these moments is rooted in my ability to remain authentic, confident, and resilient, regardless of the diversity around me.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Having been born and raised in a developing country, my passion for health and wellness runs deep. In my role within community health, I strive to address the multifaceted aspects of well-being, including social determinants such as healthcare systems, economic stability, and social context. Collaborating with community-based non-profits has afforded me the opportunity to design and evaluate programs aimed at empowering communities.
What truly drives me is the chance to directly engage with communities, providing resources and raising awareness on critical health issues like maternal mortality, women’s health, HIV/AIDS, and self-advocacy in healthcare. Growing up in a culture where women faced limited autonomy and disproportionately high rates of illiteracy, morbidity, and mortality, I am deeply committed to advocating for improved healthcare services for women.
Recently, I embarked on a new venture by launching a social media page – Wanjibanda_MPH – dedicated to promoting health education and awareness. Through this platform, I aim to foster self-advocacy, mentorship, provide resources for immigrant health, champion global health advocacy, and continue my advocacy efforts for better Black maternal health outcomes.
My ultimate goal is to create a space where individuals can empower themselves, access vital resources, and work together towards achieving better health outcomes for all.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
When I reflect on my journey, the skills and areas of knowledge that stand out as particularly impactful are adaptability, resilience, and continuous learning.
Adaptability has been crucial in both my professional and personal life. Being able to embrace change, pivot when necessary, and navigate unfamiliar territory has been key to my growth and success. As expected, I experienced culture shock when I moved to the United States, but I also had to quickly adapt to my new environment which tested my cultural values and norms. Professionally, I embrace change and view it as an opportunity for innovation. I am also willing to adjust my approach based on my peers’ circumstances or feedback.
Both professionally and personally, I have had to be open minded, proactive, and seek out new opportunities and skills.
Resilience has been essential in overcoming challenges and setbacks along the way. It’s important to develop the ability to bounce back from disappointments, rejections, or failures, and to persevere in the face of adversity. While my passion is fueled by growing up with various determinants of health, Drawing from my upbringing surrounded by diverse health disparities, my passion drives me to continually strive for improved opportunities for underrepresented communities.
Lastly, continuous learning has been a cornerstone of my journey, as there is always room for growth and improvement. Whether it’s acquiring new skills, expanding my knowledge base, or seeking out mentorship and guidance, I’ve found that investing in lifelong learning has been invaluable.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes! I am actively seeking partnerships and collaborations with individuals and organizations whose mission aligns with community mobilization in maternal health, overall women’s health, self-advocacy, global health, and community outreach. I am eager to work with individuals and groups who share a commitment to making a positive impact on these important health issues. Together, we can amplify our efforts and create meaningful change in communities around the world.
If anyone reading this would like to collaborate or connect with me, please feel free to do so via
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/wanji-banda-mph
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: WanjiBanda_MPH
Contact Info:
- Website: Coming soon
- Instagram: Wanjibanda_MPH
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/wanji-banda-mph
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
Professional yellow dress photos @The Silver Monarch Photo by Alee Plata IG: https://www.instagram.com/thesilvermonarch.photo?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
