Her Story
About Deshawnda
Deshawnda Garnett is a Family Nurse Practitioner and the owner of True Wellness, a mobile nurse practitioner practice she founded in McDonough, Georgia. Her career in healthcare began after earning her bachelor's degree in nursing, when she took on roles as a registered nurse in med-surg and the DICU at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. From there, her experience broadened considerably, spanning work in a sickle cell clinic, service as the sole medical provider for nursing home patients, and home visits for patients covered by Medicaid — a foundation that shaped her hands-on, community-focused approach to care.
After completing her master's degree to become a Family Nurse Practitioner, Garnett went on to earn certification as a medical examiner, which led her to establish True Wellness in 2017, with the practice becoming fully operational in 2018. Through True Wellness, she brings convenient, mobile healthcare services directly to her clients, including DOT physicals, pre-employment and sports physicals, drug and alcohol testing, and occupational health screenings, along with wellness offerings such as lymphatic massage. Her business slowed temporarily during the COVID-19 pandemic but has since rebounded, and she continues to look toward opportunities such as government contracting to grow her reach.
A member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Garnett has built her career around perseverance, trustworthiness, and a genuine commitment to serving underserved communities, all while striving to maintain a healthy work-life balance. She has been selected for recognition as part of Influential Women 2026, representing the state of Georgia. Reflecting on her path, she often encourages other women entering healthcare not to let anyone else's timeline or doubts about their gender define their own journey toward their goals.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Deshawnda
01What do you attribute your success to?
I credit my success to perseverance and refusing to let setbacks define me. I've also leaned heavily on the guidance of experienced nurse practitioners who came before me, and I'm motivated every day by the impact I get to make in my patients' lives.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never give up on your dream. Don't let anyone's opinion about your gender tell you what you're capable of — I've heard plenty of that myself, and it doesn't have to be true for you. Move at your own pace; if it takes someone else two years and it takes you five, that doesn't make your journey any less valid. This is your dream, so don't give up on it.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I see is that many organizations still prefer to work with larger, more established companies because of their marketing reach and visibility, which often leaves smaller and women-owned businesses overlooked. At the same time, I see real opportunity in pursuing government contracting and expanding the range of services I offer to meet that gap.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Perseverance, service to underserved communities, and trustworthiness are central to how I practice. I also place a high value on maintaining work-life balance, because being present for both my patients and my own life matters to me.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.