Influential Woman · Nursing and Community Health
Dr. Carolyn McKinney
Nurse Practitioner and Community Health Educator
Houston, TX 77047
In Conversation
Carolyn Mckinney for Bold. Brilliant. Unstoppable.
Read the transcript
Dr. Carolyn McKinney: What does being an influential woman mean to me? To be an influential woman is to be adaptable, enjoy variety, have many interests, create favorable impressions on another. Comply with social norms, highly intelligent and well organized and skilled in handling the roles, rules and structures of organizational life to use power and authority appropriately within the framework of established norms, policies and procedures. Written and unwritten to be supportive and support individual initiatives and the need for flexibility as well as adapting to fit the situation. And be able to function in a subordinate role if and when necessary.
What's one piece of advice you would give to younger women chasing their dreams?
Dr. Carolyn McKinney: I would give the advice to a younger woman chasing her dream is to relax and just understand that you are never going to be all, that it is a continuum to becoming. That you should evaluate your current health to include your physical health, your social health, and your emotional health. Evaluate your work-life balance and the potential for burnout if there will be any. And then once you have reconciled with any areas that you're not pleased with at that moment, then you need to go ahead and consider other options, such as using your voice to stay calm, pull your plans and presence into where you are in the moment. And feel good about what you're saying. Realizing that it is the sum total of your whole being, I would also say watch your thoughts, they become words, watch your words, they become actions. Watch your actions, they become habits. Watch your habits, they become character, and watch your character because it becomes your destiny.
Her Story
About Dr. Carolyn
Carolyn McKinney is a seasoned nursing and community health professional whose career has been defined by service, leadership, education, and a commitment to improving the lives of others. Her passion for nursing began early through her experience as a candy striper, ultimately leading her to pursue a nursing degree at Prairie View A&M University. She began her professional career in the emergency room at Ben Taub General Hospital and went on to hold leadership and educational roles, including director, nursing manager, and preceptor, at organizations such as Jefferson Davis Hospital and Houston Community Health.
Throughout her distinguished career, Carolyn continued to expand her expertise through advanced education and professional development. She earned a master's degree in educational supervision, obtained her nurse practitioner certification, and completed a PhD focused on community health and Christian assessment. Her diverse experience includes community health, hospice care, nursing education, and healthcare administration. She also contributed to the development of adult daycares, community health centers, and home health facilities and served as a surveyor for the Health Department, further demonstrating her dedication to quality care and community well-being.
Although Carolyn retired from her professional career in 2013, her commitment to service has remained strong. Through her volunteer work with Portfolio Services Inc., she continues to support nursing homes, community centers, older adults, school supply and food distribution initiatives, the homeless community, and VA nurses throughout the Houston area. Her lifelong dedication to healthcare, education, and community service reflects a career built on compassion, leadership, and a genuine desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dr. Carolyn
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to stay present and fully engaged in the moment. I try to approach every situation with an open mind, especially when I am not initially enthusiastic about something. In those instances, I take the initiative to conduct research, seek insight from experienced professionals or leaders in the field, and gather different perspectives. This allows me to make informed decisions, conduct a thorough assessment, and approach each opportunity with greater confidence and clarity.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to embrace challenges and view difficulties as opportunities for growth, learning, and development rather than obstacles to avoid. Learn to turn negative experiences into positive outcomes by reframing struggles as stepping stones toward greater success. Stay present and fully engaged in each moment, especially when making important decisions, and take the time to thoroughly research and understand every aspect of an opportunity before committing. Most importantly, know your background and understand where you come from, because having a strong sense of your own journey helps you recognize your value while also appreciating the unique strengths and experiences of others.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field is learning to openly acknowledge and share the challenges we face. We do not always talk enough about our struggles, yet those experiences often bring our greatest lessons, growth, and blessings. I believe we should welcome challenges rather than shy away from them, remain present through the difficult moments, and take the time to learn from each experience. By doing so, we can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and use what we learn to create positive outcomes for ourselves and others.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are understanding where I come from, maintaining a strong work ethic, and following through on my commitments. I believe in doing my very best, finishing what I start, and continuing to move forward, even when challenges arise. I also believe that many of the obstacles we face are ones we place before ourselves, so maintaining a positive mindset and refusing to be limited by self-imposed barriers is essential. Above all, my faith and belief in a higher power guide me, providing strength, perspective, and confidence in the path ahead.
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