A powerful memoir excerpt exploring how personal transformation, self-worth, and the courage to set boundaries can reshape your entire life. Ria Gibson shares her journey of choosing herself.
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Influential Woman · Healthcare
Ria Elizabeth Gibson
Healthcare Professional, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
Cleveland, OH 44108
20Years experience
2Articles published
In Conversation
Ria Gibson for Bold. Brilliant. Unstoppable.
Read the transcript
Ria Elizabeth Gibson: Speaker: Ria Gibson, Healthcare Professional, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical CenterWhat does being an Influential Woman mean to you?Ria Gibson: To me, a woman of influence is somebody who is confident in herself, no matter what the external appearance is like. A woman of influence means you are moving about the world, and you're making choices that will help improve not only the life of yourself, but the lives of others. Being a woman of influence means that you also take ownership and you are accountable for when things don't necessarily go well, you can take a step back and say, hey, what should I have done to have a better outcome in this situation. To me, a woman of influence is somebody who takes advantage of the opportunities that are presented her way. But you are focused on how will this improve those around me. You are focused on the positives, you are focused on looking at the glass half full, as opposed to half empty. You can acknowledge your past, and you can take those experiences and work toward the outcome that you want and that you deserve for yourself. I would also like to say that: Being somebody of influence is not to gain the popularity of others. It is to leave a lasting impression on those, to also want them to become better within themselves. You're just somebody who understands that one bad chapter in your book of life does not define your story. And so, as long as you can take ownership of that piece of information, there's no amount of Hardships, heartbreak, heartache, disappointment that can ever dim your light because you know and you understand that some experiences, they have to happen in order for us to get to the places we need to go. And that to me is what being an influential woman means. Thank you so much and I hope you have a great week ahead.What's one piece of advice you would give to younger women chasing their dreams?Ria Gibson: One piece of advice that I would give to younger women chasing their dreams is to get comfortable with being unliked, get comfortable with not sitting at tables that are not meant for you to be seated at, get comfortable with upsetting people with your choices, if you are passionate, if you are following your intuition to go for something that not many people go for. I would say that life is always going to come with some good and some bad, but do not allow the bad experiences, Detour you from going after what you feel is meant for you. And also, some doors are not open because that's not your door at that time. Again, sometimes the route to the goal may change, but The goal is always the same. So, remain confident, remain steadfast, remain determined, remain motivated, and surround yourself around people who want to see you win. And sometimes it won't come from people that you expected, it will come from those least expected. So, that is the advice that I would give to you as a younger woman chasing your dream. The possibilities are endless, go for what you know, as long as no one gets harmed in the process. Intentionally.
Full transcript available
Her Story
About Ria
Ria Elizabeth Gibson, BSN, RN is a healthcare professional with over 20 years of nursing experience dedicated to improving health outcomes through compassionate, evidence-based, and patient-centered care. She currently serves at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio, where she provides outpatient primary care services to veterans. Her role includes post-hospital and emergency department follow-up, chronic disease management and education, nurse triage, care coordination, medication adherence support, and patient advocacy.
Throughout her career, Ria has developed a diverse clinical background spanning medical-surgical nursing, skilled rehabilitation, geriatric care, psychiatric nursing, school nursing, travel nursing, and long-term rehabilitation. These experiences have strengthened her commitment to delivering holistic, individualized care while empowering patients to take an active role in their health.
Ria earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati in 2006 and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Public Health at Walden University, with an anticipated graduation in Spring 2027. She is also a Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Nutrition Wellness Coach through the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), allowing her to integrate clinical knowledge with practical strategies that promote nutrition, physical activity, preventive care, and sustainable lifestyle change. Driven by a passion for health education, Ria believes that lasting wellness begins with knowledge, prevention, and compassionate support. Her mission is to equip individuals with the confidence and resources needed to make informed decisions that improve both their physical and emotional well-being.
Beyond her clinical practice, Ria is an author, health advocate, and community educator. Alongside her lifelong friend and licensed clinical social worker, Dominique Toney, LISW, she co-authored It's Just PHAT Baby. This book explores weight struggles, body image, self-esteem, toxic relationships, resilience, and personal healing. Together, they have transformed their personal experiences into a platform for education and empowerment, hosting community events, appearing on podcasts, and speaking locally on topics including body image, self-esteem, healthy relationships, and emotional wellness. Through honest storytelling and meaningful dialogue, they encourage others to embrace healing, self-worth, and personal growth.
Ria is a member of the American Nurses Association and NAACP. She enjoys self-care activities, traveling, cardio and strength training, volunteering in her community, spending time with family and friends, music concerts, and exploring podcasts centered on leadership, mental health, relationships, and lifelong learning. Whether caring for patients, educating communities, or sharing her own journey, she remains committed to helping others live healthier, more empowered lives.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ria
01What do you attribute your success to?
At the heart of everything I do is a desire to help people feel seen, heard, and empowered. I attribute my success to my perseverance, my commitment to serving others, and my passion for promoting health, healing, and hope. These values continue to guide my personal and professional journey as I work to inspire others to live healthier, more confident, and purpose-filled lives.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the most valuable pieces of career advice I ever received came from my very first nursing professor, who told our class, "Build your foundation in medical-surgical nursing first." At the time, I understood it as practical career advice. Looking back over the past two decades, I now realize it was a lesson about life.
Everything we hope to accomplish requires a strong foundation. Medical-surgical nursing challenged me to think critically, prioritize, communicate effectively, and develop confidence under pressure. During my first year as a nurse, I was timid, anxious, and often questioned whether I was capable. Yet every patient encounter, every mistake that became a lesson, and every challenge I overcame strengthened that foundation.
Because of those early experiences, I have been able to experience a variety of nursing roles across multiple healthcare settings while remaining grounded. That foundation has not only shaped my career but also my approach to leadership, public health, education, and community advocacy. Today, I would encourage new nurses to embrace the learning process rather than rush through it. Ask themselves why they are choosing this career beyond the financial potential.
For some, confidence is not something we are born with; it is built one experience at a time. The strongest careers, much like the strongest buildings, are built on a solid foundation.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering healthcare is to invest in yourself just as intentionally as you invest in your career. Start financial planning early. It's okay to enjoy the rewards of your hard work, but developing healthy financial habits and building long-term security will provide opportunities and peace of mind. Remember that success isn't measured by material possessions; less is often more.
Be intentional about the company you keep, both personally and professionally.
Surround yourself with people who are positive, supportive, motivated, and committed to growth. The people in your circle can influence your mindset, your confidence, and the direction of your career. During difficult seasons, always remember your "why." There will be moments when you feel challenged, discouraged, or uncertain, but those experiences often become your greatest teachers. Learn from them, keep moving forward, and don't allow temporary setbacks to define your future.
Finally, protect your professional reputation. Never burn a bridge you may need to cross again. Healthcare is a small world, and your character, integrity, and professionalism will often speak louder than your résumé. Be mindful of how you communicate, how you treat others, and how you carry yourself. Your actions and your words both leave lasting impressions. Build a strong foundation, stay curious, lead with compassion, and never stop learning. The career you build today can open doors you never imagined tomorrow
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in healthcare today is the uncertainty many people feel about accessing and navigating their care. Patients are often concerned about changes in healthcare coverage and whether they will continue to receive the services they need. Members of the LGBTQ+ community, for example, may have questions about how changes in healthcare policies could affect access to certain aspects of their care, highlighting the importance of clear communication and equitable, patient-centered healthcare.
Economic pressures also play a significant role in health outcomes. Many individuals are forced to make difficult decisions between paying for necessities, such as housing, transportation, or food, and seeking preventive healthcare. As a result, some delay routine appointments, postpone recommended treatments, or rely on emergency departments for conditions that could have been managed earlier through primary care.
Another growing challenge is the influence of social media on healthcare decisions. While social media can increase awareness and education, it can also spread misinformation. Patients may see videos or posts about medications, treatments, or diagnoses and make changes to their healthcare without consulting a qualified medical professional. This reflects the need for healthcare providers to educate patients, encourage open dialogue, and help them distinguish credible, evidence-based information from misinformation.
At the same time, these challenges present an opportunity. As healthcare professionals, we have the responsibility to build trust, improve health literacy, advocate for equitable access to care, and empower patients to make informed decisions. By meeting patients where they are and addressing both their medical and social needs, we can improve outcomes and create a more compassionate, accessible healthcare system
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are wellness, health, empathy, integrity, and improving active listening. I believe that caring for myself enables me to better care for others, whether that means supporting patients, encouraging friends and family, or serving my community. Empathy and active listening allow me to build meaningful relationships, understand people's experiences, and respond without judgment.
I also value lifelong learning and personal growth. I believe there is always an opportunity to learn from every person and every experience, and I strive to remain open-minded, adaptable, and curious. Above all, I hope to leave people feeling heard, respected, and empowered. If I can positively impact someone's health, confidence, or outlook on life, then I know I am living out my purpose.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Ria
It's Just Phat Baby the Book
From self-preservation to self-love: how choosing yourself transforms everything.
Influence by Example: It's Just PHAT Baby — A Journey Beyond the Scale
By Ria Gibson, Co-Author of It's Just PHAT Baby
I didn't set out to become influential. I set out to survive myself.
For most of my life, I was taught to be the "good girl"—the agreeable, quiet, accommodating, conflict-avoidant one. I learned early that my value came from keeping the peace and not making waves.
I also learned that being overweight meant shrinking myself emotionally to compensate for the space my body occupied. I internalized the belief that my voice, my needs, and my boundaries were optional. That conditioning followed me into adulthood, shaping how I loved, how I tolerated various levels of disrespect, and how I explained away behaviors that deserved confrontation rather than excuses.
By October 2021, I had ended my engagement. I was four to five months post-bariatric surgery and in the middle of editing It's Just PHAT Baby, the book I co-authored with my high school best friend, Dominique.
I didn't know it at the time, but I was standing at the intersection of two transformations—one physical and one internal—and both demanded honesty.
Ending my engagement was not an act of anger; it was an act of self-preservation. For the first time, I chose myself.
Therapy helped me see what I had never been taught: boundaries are not walls; they are definitions. They define what I will allow, what I will not accept, and what I need in order to feel safe and respected.
As Dominique and I revisited the stories from our book during the editing process, I began to see my patterns clearly. Our shared experiences with weight and the scale—the shame, the invisibility, and the feeling that our light had to be dimmed in certain rooms—mirrored the emotional shrinking I had experienced in relationships, not just romantic ones.
We spent years believing we belonged on the sidelines, unseen.
Writing and editing our book forced me to confront that lie.
Truthfully speaking:
The number on the scale does not determine your worth. It does not determine the type of love you deserve.
Dominique and I proudly share our stories because we know someone else is searching for permission to choose themselves, too.
Someone needs to know that boundaries are not selfish. Heartbreak can become a turning point. And self-worth has never been negotiable.
So, if my journey influences anyone, I hope you remember this:
The sidelines are no longer good enough.
Stop waiting to be chosen.
Choose yourself.
A nurse's transformative journey from professional success to personal healing, discovering that true wellness encompasses emotional health, boundaries, and self-worth beyond the physical.
Influence by Example
From Surviving to Healing: A Nurse's Journey to Self-Worth and Authenticity
As my personal life unraveled before and during COVID, my professional life quietly flourished.
Nursing has always given me purpose. For more than two decades, I have had the privilege of caring for people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Whether at the bedside, in rehabilitation, behavioral health, schools, or now serving veterans in primary care, I have educated patients, advocated for their needs, coordinated care, and encouraged them to prioritize their health.
Ironically, I found it much easier to advocate for others than I did for myself.
Every day, I encouraged patients to speak up, ask questions, set goals, and take an active role in their healthcare. Yet outside of work, I struggled to set boundaries, communicate my own needs, and believe I deserved the same compassion I freely extended to everyone else.
Nursing, therapy, books, and podcasts have taught me that healing is rarely linear. Recovery takes patience, honesty, and support. Somewhere along the way, I realized those same principles applied to my own life.
My weight-loss journey, the end of my engagement, therapy, the gym, and writing It's Just PHAT Baby became their own form of treatment. Together, they challenged me to stop merely surviving and begin healing.
Today, I view health through a broader lens. Wellness is not simply the absence of disease or a number on a scale. It includes emotional health, healthy relationships, self-worth, boundaries, purpose, and the courage to choose yourself.
That perspective has made me not only a better nurse but also a better advocate, author, and educator.
The truth is this:
We must define our own self-worth before someone else defines it for us.
Our titles, our weight, our past, and where we come from do not determine the love, respect, or opportunities we deserve. They should never dictate how brightly we choose to shine.
My last heartbreak became the catalyst. My therapist became the guide. Our book became the mirror. Together, they revealed the difficult truth that I had weak boundaries, but they also revealed the liberating realization that boundaries can be learned, strengthened, and redefined.
I committed to healing not only my body but also my mind, my heart, and my sense of self. The version of me that tolerated disrespect, accepted the bare minimum, and silenced her own voice gradually faded, just as the weight did.
For me, influence is not about perfection or public recognition. It is about authenticity and the willingness to share both the beautiful and the difficult parts of the journey.
It means telling the truth about what it takes to unlearn harmful conditioning, choose yourself even when it hurts, and rebuild a life rooted in self-respect.
It means showing others that healing is possible, growth is lifelong, and that your voice, your experiences, and your worth have always mattered—even if you were taught otherwise.
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