Answering the Quiet Call: A Woman’s Journey to Purpose on the Global Stage
Why Not You? A Nurse Leader's Journey to Global Purpose and Impact
There comes a moment in life when the question is no longer, “Am I ready?” but rather, “Why not me?”
For me, that moment arrived in 2023.
With more than 40 years of experience in nursing, leadership, and service—including my work as a nurse, nurse scientist, educator, and elected public servant—I felt a deeper calling. It was not a call rooted in comfort or familiarity. It was a spiritual call to step onto the global stage and serve in ways I had never fully imagined.
And I said yes.
Releasing Fear and Stepping Forward
Like many women, I had questions:
Where do I begin?
Who are my contacts?
Is this truly my strength?
How do I sustain work that is outside my formal expertise?
These are real questions—and they can be paralyzing if we allow them to be.
But I learned something powerful:
You do not need to have every answer before you begin.
Purpose is not revealed all at once—it unfolds through action.
When I released fear, I discovered that the path meets you as you walk it. The right people appear. The right knowledge comes. The right opportunities align.
Finding Time When There Is None
As a nursing leader with a full and demanding career, one might ask, “How did you find the time?”
The answer is simple:
I made the time.
Late evenings.
Weekends.
Quiet moments when others were resting.
I paced myself with intention and grace, understanding that meaningful work does not require burnout—it requires commitment and rhythm.
Purpose does not compete with your life; it integrates into it.
The Power of Community and Alignment
I did not walk this journey alone.
I sought out like-minded individuals—people who believed in service, humanity, and the power of collective impact. I shared my vision openly, including with my professional home, the university where I work, my sorority, and my church. Each embraced and supported this global philanthropic mission.
That alignment mattered.
When your purpose is clear and your intentions are grounded, others will recognize it—and they will join you.
Building What You’ve Never Built Before
Although I have served on nonprofit boards, I had never started my own organization.
So, I gave myself permission to learn.
Unrushed.
Intentional.
Focused.
From that space, Nyame Dua Foundation, Inc. was born—a philanthropic endeavor rooted in service, humanity, and global connection.
This work speaks to my heart and soul. It has expanded my purpose beyond borders and reminded me that our impact is not limited by geography—it is expanded by courage, trust, and openness to the unknown.
The Superpower of Being a Nurse
I often say:
My superpower is that I am a nurse.
As a nurse, nurse scientist, and Caritas® Coach, I am trained not only to care—but to see, advocate, and act.
Nursing has opened doors that allow me to connect resources with those who need them most, both locally and globally.
It has given me the ability to serve humanity in its most vulnerable and most powerful moments.
What Leadership Has Taught Me
Leadership is not about titles.
It is about answering the call.
It is about:
- Acting with grace and harmony
- Standing firm in your purpose
- Refusing to allow others to diminish your calling
- Trusting that what is meant for you will find you
Over the years, I have learned that when your work is aligned with purpose, it will get done.
The right people will surround you.
The path will clear.
The impact will grow.
A Message to Women Everywhere
To every woman questioning whether she is ready:
You are.
To every woman wondering if she has the right experience:
You do.
To every woman asking, “Can I really do this?”
Yes. You can.
Do not wait for perfect timing.
Do not wait for permission.
Do not shrink your vision to fit someone else’s comfort.
Never allow anyone to temper your calling.
Your gifts will find time.
Not just any time—the right time, the quality time your purpose requires.
Why Not You?
As a woman who has given birth to and raised two phenomenal young women, I asked myself a simple question:
Why not me?
And now, I offer that same question to you.
Because when you say yes—
your life expands,
your purpose deepens,
your heart enlarges,
and your impact reaches farther than you ever imagined.
For me, it is my everyday nursing work, inspiring others, my commitment to my faith, and my nonprofit, Nyame Dua Foundation, Inc.—Grounded in Spirit. Growing in Service.
It is a GREAT day to walk in your purpose!
