Today we’d like to introduce you to Lillian Hewitt
Hi Lillian, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey began over two decades ago in healthcare. I have built a robust career in neurodiagnostics. Working in this specialized field has provided me with deep technical expertise and a strong foundation in patient care. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills and leadership in neurodiagnostics, contributing to important advancements in the field. I had the privilege of coauthoring the “Guidelines for Qualifications of Neurodiagnostic Personnel,” which was published in the Clinical Journal of Neurophysiology in 2023. This work has been instrumental in establishing clear standards for the profession, and it reflects my commitment to advancing healthcare practices. I have over 10 years of experience in the cardiovascular field.
I served as a chaplain for five years, providing emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families during critical times. This experience taught me the importance of empathy, emotional resilience, and being fully present for others, which has significantly shaped my leadership style.
In 2019, my life took a profound turn when I was diagnosed with heart disease. This personal health challenge opened my eyes to the alarming disparities in heart health care, particularly for Black women despite eating healthy and exercising. Motivated by my journey and a deep desire to create meaningful change, I founded Black Women’s Heart Health, LLC. This organization is dedicated to empowering Black women to prioritize their heart health through culturally relevant education, community engagement, and personalized solutions. I spearheaded the development of the EmpowerHer Heart App, a tool designed to support heart health by providing resources, tracking wellness activities, and fostering a sense of community. Additionally, I launched the Heart Hub, a sanctuary for Black women to connect, share, and focus on their overall well-being.
My work through Black Women’s Heart Health has been both personal and professional. It brings together my expertise in healthcare, my leadership experience, and my passion for health equity. Through our initiatives, we aim to reduce health disparities and provide Black women with the tools they need to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Today, I continue to lead and expand the efforts of Black Women’s Heart Health while remaining deeply committed to advocating for heart health awareness and advancing standards in neurodiagnostics and cardiovascular field. My journey is defined by a commitment to creating sustainable, impactful solutions that not only address health disparities but also inspire and empower others to take control of their well-being.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has certainly not been smooth, but each challenge has shaped my journey and deepened my resolve. One of my biggest struggles was balancing my health with my professional aspirations. Being diagnosed with heart disease in 2019 was a pivotal moment. While it was a frightening experience, it also became the catalyst for my work in heart health. Managing my condition while continuing to work in neurodiagnostics and developing Black Women’s Heart Health, LLC, required immense resilience. I had to navigate the complexities of healthcare not just as a provider but as a patient, which gave me a profound understanding of what it means to truly care for others while also caring for yourself.
Building Black Women’s Heart Health, LLC, presented its own set of challenges. As a Black woman entrepreneur, raising capital, gaining visibility, and advocating for health equity in underserved communities was an uphill battle. There were moments when resources were limited, and I had to rely on my savings to keep the mission moving forward. Establishing trust in the community and creating culturally attuned programs that resonate with Black women required continuous learning, patience, and an unwavering commitment to the cause.
Another struggle was the emotional toll of leading in both my professional field and personal mission. Working in neurodiagnostics, I was committed to maintaining high standards, coauthoring the “Guidelines for Qualifications of Neurodiagnostic Personnel,” and pushing the boundaries of what the field could achieve. At the same time, I was driving the growth of Black Women’s Heart Health, managing the complexities of launching the EmpowerHer Heart App, and securing partnerships, all while dealing with the physical and emotional demands of heart disease. The weight of these responsibilities sometimes felt overwhelming.
However, through each challenge, I found strength in the community I was serving and in the purpose that drove me forward. I learned to seek out partnerships and mentorship, knowing that no meaningful change happens in isolation. Over time, these struggles not only tested my resolve but also equipped me with the knowledge, empathy, and resilience necessary to lead with authenticity and impact.
The road may not have been smooth, but it has been incredibly rewarding. Every obstacle has reinforced my belief that the work we’re doing through Black Women’s Heart Health is necessary and that empowering women, especially Black women, to take charge of their health is not just a mission—it’s my purpose.
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?
Black Women’s Heart Health, LLC is a pioneering organization dedicated to addressing the heart health disparities faced by Black women. Our mission is rooted in empowering Black women to take control of their cardiovascular health through education, community engagement, and culturally attuned resources. We are driven by a commitment to fostering long-term health and well-being through innovative solutions and personalized care. What sets us apart is our focus on holistic wellness, integrating both physical health and mental well-being into every aspect of our offerings.
Our flagship initiative is the EmpowerHer Heart App, an all-encompassing tool designed to support Black women in managing their heart health. The app provides personalized health tracking, wellness tips, and access to a supportive community, ensuring that each woman has the resources she needs to prioritize her cardiovascular well-being. Through the app, we connect users with health professionals, offer educational resources, and create a platform where Black women can share their experiences and support one another. The EmpowerHer Heart app is a cornerstone of our work, offering a unique blend of technology and community support, specifically tailored to meet the needs of Black women.
Another key offering is our Heart Hub, a physical space we’ve developed as a sanctuary for Black women. This hub serves as a place for wellness workshops, health education seminars, and community gatherings where women can connect, share, and learn how to better care for their hearts. What makes the Heart Hub truly special is its focus on creating a nurturing and empowering environment that addresses not only physical health but also spiritual, emotional and mental resilience. We believe that heart health is holistic, and we are proud to offer this dedicated space for Black women to thrive.
What truly distinguishes Black Women’s Heart Health, LLC, is our culturally nuanced approach. We understand that Black women face unique health challenges, often compounded by systemic barriers, and we are deeply committed to addressing those challenges through education, advocacy, and personalized support. Our work is not just about improving heart health—it’s about creating an environment where Black women feel seen, heard, and supported in every aspect of their well-being. We specialize in creating programs that resonate deeply with our community, offering solutions that are not only effective but also culturally relevant.
Brand-wise, we are incredibly proud of the trust we’ve built within the community and the impact we’ve already made. From hosting heart health awareness events to engaging in partnerships with local health departments and organizations, we are laying the groundwork for long-term change. The success of our fundraising efforts, the growing user base of the EmpowerHer Heart app, and the feedback from women who have felt empowered by our services are all testaments to the value of our work.
At Black Women’s Heart Health, we want readers to know that our organization is more than a service—it’s a movement. We are redefining what it means to care for the heart by centering Black women and their unique needs into conversation. We offer comprehensive support through our app, community engagement, and tailored health programs, and we are committed to expanding our reach and continuing to be a beacon of change in the realm of women’s heart health. Our vision is to ensure that every Black woman has the resources, knowledge, and community support necessary to live a heart-healthy life.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5 to 10 years, I see significant shifts in the healthcare industry, particularly around heart health and the integration of technology, personalized care, and community-driven solutions. Black Women’s Heart Health, LLC will be at the forefront of these changes, leading as the premier organization dedicated to improving heart health outcomes for Black women. As we continue to grow, we aim to become a trusted authority and a central hub for innovative heart health solutions that resonate with Black women, both locally and globally.
One of the most significant trends we anticipate is the increased use of digital health platforms and wearable technologies to empower individuals to take control of their health. Our EmpowerHer Heart app is designed to keep us ahead of this curve, offering personalized heart health management tools, data tracking, and community engagement features. Over the next decade, the app will continue to evolve with advancements in artificial intelligence, allowing us to offer even more tailored insights and real-time health monitoring for our users. This shift towards digital health will allow for greater accessibility, particularly for underserved communities, and we are committed to staying at the cutting edge of these innovations.
We foresee a greater emphasis on holistic wellness approaches within the healthcare sector, particularly around the intersection of mental, emotional, and physical health. For Black women, addressing stress and mental well-being is a critical component of preventing heart disease, and we are proud to have already integrated this approach through our Heart Hub and wellness programs. In the coming years, we expect that the healthcare industry will increasingly recognize the value of comprehensive care models that address both physical health and the broader social determinants of health. As an organization, we will continue to lead this movement by offering services that focus not just on treatment but on prevention, education, and long-term lifestyle changes.
Health equity will also remain a key focus, as disparities in healthcare access and outcomes for marginalized communities continue to gain attention. We anticipate a growing push for culturally competent care, with healthcare systems and providers recognizing the importance of tailoring services to the unique needs of specific populations. Black Women’s Heart Health, LLC will continue to be a leader in this space, advocating for Black women’s health, pushing for policy changes, and ensuring that our programs remain relevant and impactful. We see ourselves partnering with healthcare organizations, educational institutions, and policymakers to drive systemic change and reduce the heart health disparities faced by Black women.
Over the next decade, I believe the conversation around heart health will also expand beyond the traditional clinical setting. With more people becoming aware of the role lifestyle, environment, and stress play in heart disease, there will be a shift toward community-based care and preventive measures. Our focus on creating community hubs like the Heart Hub positions us to be at the forefront of this trend, offering a space where Black women can come together to learn, heal, and support one another in their wellness journeys.
Ultimately, I see Black Women’s Heart Health, LLC becoming the leading voice in heart health for Black women—setting new standards for care, leveraging technology to make health management more accessible, and creating a ripple effect of empowerment within the communities we serve. Our vision for the future is not just about improving heart health statistics; it’s about transforming the way Black women experience healthcare, making them active participants in their wellness, and ensuring that they have the tools, resources, and support to live heart-healthy lives.
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