Pamela Lashay Peak

I attribute my success to a combination of perseverance, practical learning, and the support of those around me. My professional journey began shortly after high school, when I earned a certificate in basic accounting. At the time, my focus was on building stability and acquiring practical skills that could support long-term growth. That foundation eventually led me to Gardner-Webb University, where I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Gardner-Webb became more than a place of learning for me—it offered support during one of the most challenging periods of my life, following the loss of my mother. The flexibility and encouragement I received allowed me to continue moving forward when stopping would have been easier. Today, I serve as a Compliance Specialist at Impact Health, a role that reflects the culmination of my professional experiences. In this position, I assist with program compliance, policy updates, contract management, and the responsible use of grant funds. My work involves close collaboration with partner organizations and staff, ongoing policy review, and meticulous attention to detail. At its core, compliance is about stewardship—ensuring resources reach the people and communities they are intended to serve. One of the most meaningful aspects of my career has been my work with the Healthy Opportunities Pilot program. Through this work, I have had the opportunity to advocate for sustainable funding, equitable resource allocation, and program accountability. My advocacy extended beyond the workplace when I was invited to speak at a legislative caucus at UNC Asheville, where I highlighted the importance of continued support for the program. Experiences like these have reinforced for me that policy work is not abstract—it has a tangible impact on families and futures.

I would tell young women entering this field not to let where they start define how far they can go. Stay committed to learning, be willing to pivot when necessary, and trust that consistency and integrity will open doors you never imagined. I know firsthand that challenges don’t have to limit your potential—both of my parents struggled with addiction, and I became a teen mother, yet through education and perseverance, I became a homeowner at 19 and began building my career. It’s crucial to pursue what you’re passionate about, take advantage of the resources around you, and never give up, no matter how steep the journey may seem.

In public health and compliance, one of the biggest challenges isn’t simply meeting requirements—it’s advocating for programs in environments where resources are limited and decisions are often influenced by politics. Working in compliance means navigating constant change: policies evolve, funding requirements shift, and the margin for error is small. Another challenge is that compliance work often happens behind the scenes, which can make it difficult for others to fully understand its value. When done effectively, however, compliance prevents harm, protects communities, and ensures programs are sustainable over the long term.

The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are being family-oriented, goal-oriented, detail-oriented, and passionate. Beyond my professional role, I serve on the Scholarship for Single Parents Committee, where I help distribute scholarships to single parents pursuing education. Supporting young families aligns closely with my values and reinforces my belief that access to education can break cycles of hardship and create lasting generational change. Additionally, earning my Community Health Worker certification has strengthened my commitment to community-centered solutions and deepened my dedication to improving the well-being of those I serve.