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.

Alright, Wanji thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Growing up in a developing country, there was a prevailing notion that America held boundless opportunities for personal and academic growth. The United States was on everyone’s wish list, in movies and books, it was portrayed as a place where the impossible became possible. In December 2010, I boarded my first flight bound for the United States, specifically Houston, Texas, to join my father, step-mother, and sister. My father had already relocated to Lubbock, Texas in 2001, where he completed his PhD in Chemical Engineering before establishing our home in Houston, Texas. In retrospect, I’m not sure whether the anxiety of soaring high above the clouds, exceeded the excitement of finally arriving in the land of opportunities. Nevertheless, my father and I embarked on a grueling 16+ hour journey from Zambia to Houston, Texas.

Moving to the United States marked the most significant risk I had ever undertaken, primarily due to numerous unknown factors. Despite the heartache of leaving my family and friends in Zambia, we recognized that this risk offered me an equal footing in terms of education. While in Zambia, I was nearing the end of my junior year of high school which had to be repeated for a smoother transition into the American education system.

My first two years in the U.S. proved to be the most challenging and emotionally taxing period of my life. The experience of culture shock was akin to embarking on a journey to a world that is both fascinating and unfamiliar. My everyday norms and customs were put to the test, both in school and within the broader community. I vividly recall my first encounter with chicken nuggets, and the feeling of betrayal because they did not taste like chicken. Building friendships was a daunting task as everyone seemed to have built comradery amongst their cliques since freshman year.. I distinctly remember a track & field experience where a classmate humorously asked if I ran fast because we were chased by lions in Africa.

My background in British English proved to be a significant academic challenge in my speech, grammar, and spelling. For example, we spell color as colour, defense as defence, flavor as flavour and gray as grey. I was also unfamiliar with the diverse range of classes, using computers, and taking standardized tests to the extent that I had to retake the Math TAKS exams multiple times (emphasis on the multiple times). My most prevalent culture shock was witnessing my peers openly dating in high school. Dating within a high school setting in Zambia could lead to suspension due to our strong focus on academics and morality. Additionally, it took me a few years to grasp the concept of individualism, as African culture is built on collectivism.

Inspite of how risky this move was mentally and physically; it has been an invaluable and humbling experience. My mother often reminded me that the sky wasn’t the limit. Residing in a country that offers so many educational opportunities has been truly remarkable. Unfortunately, as an immigrant, oftentimes people underestimate and doubt your ability. We’ve been pushed to shorten our names for ease of pronunciation or enunciate our accents to be better understood. Nonetheless, I successfully passed my Math TAKS exams whilst making the honor roll a few times. I graduated from high school, earned an Associate degree in Biological Sciences, a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences, and a Master of Public Health degree from Baylor University, a prestigious American university.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m originally from Kitwe, Zambia, and my upbringing in a Christian household has deeply influenced my values. My maternal grandfather, a pastor, instilled in me a sense of community service. Furthermore, my family has a strong public service background. Before becoming the first lady of the church, my grandmother was a nurse. Similarly, my stepmother and sister are also devoted nurses whilst other family members work in academia. As a child I constantly observed my family’s dedication to serving and caring for others. Hence, I wanted to join the movement, especially after learning about the existing disparities in maternal and infant health.

My passion for improving access to health services and health education led me into the health and wellness sector. Today, I’m fortunate to work in both healthcare and public health. As a program and outreach manager at Elevated Co, I partner with non-profit, for-profit, or community leaders to implement or evaluate various community programs. These programs focus on health education, health promotion, and social justice.

In my role as a healthcare finance manager, I ensure continued access to Medicaid and Medicare funding for the elderly and people with disabilities needing long term care, while also optimizing revenue through billing. I believe my diverse skillset, resilience, critical thinking and problem-solving approach sets me apart.

One of my proudest achievements is the launch of A Black Mother’s Story (BMS) – a Black maternal health awareness event. In the United States, there’s a disturbing racial disparity in maternal mortality, with Black women being three times more likely to experience pregnancy-related complications. Through Elevated Co, BMS was designed as a platform for healthcare providers and community members to discuss the reduction of Black maternal mortality. What I want people to know about my work is that I am dedicated to improving health and wellbeing in every community. My work aims to empower individuals and communities to adopt healthier behaviors and make informed choices.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

In addition to training and knowledge, building a genuine personal and professional network is invaluable for success in my field. Last year I attended a health and wellness conference in the metaverse, where one of the speakers emphasized that “your network is your net worth”. In some cases, the quality of your network can have an impact on your career growth, industry insights, business opportunities, or access to certain resources. It’s in this network that you can find mentorship and guidance from experienced individuals who can support you through your personal or professional development.

Also, collaborating with individuals from diverse fields can broaden your perspectives and help you think creatively. Learning from people in different domains can connect you to a robust social support system and enhance your transferable skills which can help you further succeed in this field.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My academic journey and integration into the American system exemplify my resilience. I transitioned from a young girl who endured one-hour walks to and from primary school, all while facing discouragement from a teacher who told me I wouldn’t achieve anything in life. In 7th grade, this same teacher asserted that I wouldn’t pass the Zambian national exams necessary for progressing to the 8th grade. Despite these early setbacks, I persevered.

I went on to attend two different boarding schools and experienced bullying. Upon moving to the United States, I faced the challenge of adapting to standardized exams like the TAKS, I found myself behind in math, and confronted the prospect of a delayed graduation. Additionally, the disparity between the Zambian grading system and the American system complicated the establishment of my GPA. In turn, this affected my college applications.

At the last attempt, I passed my math TAKS exam and graduated high school with dual-credit courses. In a pivotal decision, my father and stepmother enrolled me in a community college, providing me with the opportunity to adjust to the American education system, while continuing my academic journey. Although I had previously taken college courses in high school, I still encountered academic challenges. Notably in my inorganic and organic chemistry classes. However, my determination carried me through, and I proudly graduated with honors. I received acceptance offers from multiple universities but ultimately decided to transfer to Sam Houston State University.

Balancing full-time work, academic responsibilities, and involvement in student organizations presented new challenges. Many doubted my ability to succeed, but I persisted and earned my pre-med degree in Biomedical Sciences. Tragically, my life took a devastating turn when I lost my mother just two months after graduating. It was a period during which I briefly lost sight of my passion and goals.

After several prayers and reflection, I realized my passion was to tackle health disparities through health education and awareness globally. In a twist of fate, a quick Facebook ad about the MPH@Baylor program ignited a new goal within me. With just two weeks left before the application deadline, I took a leap of faith and applied to Baylor University. I found it special when I received my acceptance letter on the day of my mother’s second-year memorial.

As I embarked on my new academic journey, the challenges posed by the pandemic were further worsened by my work in skilled nursing, where I faced the loss of several patients. In 2022, I achieved my MPH and wouldn’t change a thing about my academic journey. Although difficult, these challenges reinforced my commitment to my goals. They also gave me the ability to bounce back from setbacks, foster adaptability, and stimulated my problem-solving abilities. Lastly, I am reminded that we have a higher calling and to “just keep swimming – Dory”.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: Wanji Banda
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/wanji-banda-mph
• Other: wanjimbanda@gmail.com