Safia Sandra Uwera
Safia Sandra Uwera is an accomplished entrepreneur and strategy and operations leader based in Emeryville, California. With a Master of Business Administration from Colorado Technical University, she brings a unique combination of operational expertise, strategic insight, and hands-on leadership to her work. Safia has extensive experience across business operations, marketing, customer service delivery, healthcare administration, and sales leadership, focusing on translating complex challenges into clear strategies that improve service delivery and enable organizations to scale effectively.
Throughout her career, Safia has operated at the intersection of strategy and execution. She has led operational initiatives, optimized workflows, and strengthened customer and client experiences in both frontline service and executive leadership roles. As founder and program director of Ikaze Behavioral Center, she developed service processes, coordinated multidisciplinary teams, and implemented operational frameworks to enhance efficiency and service quality. Her experience also spans sales management, where she guided client strategy, negotiated contracts, and drove business growth through market analysis and relationship building.
Currently, Safia is the CEO and founder of Own Path Maternal Support, a doula agency dedicated to supporting new mothers and babies. She also co-manages a solar energy business in Africa with her husband. Safia’s professional philosophy centers on aligning strategy with execution, fostering consistency, and building systems that create meaningful impact. Known for her resilience, vision, and commitment to empowering communities, she continues to combine her expertise in operations and entrepreneurship to create scalable solutions that address real-world challenges.
• Certificate of Induction
• AI Literacy for Business Leaders
• Colorado Technical University - MBA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to consistency, patience, and perseverance. By staying committed to my goals, approaching challenges with resilience, and maintaining steady effort over time, I have been able to achieve meaningful results.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received came early after moving to the U.S. People encouraged me to pursue healthcare roles, such as nursing or CNA positions, because they were the most accessible way to find work. Following that guidance, I began my career in healthcare, and that experience ultimately shaped my professional path.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to stay focused and believe in yourself. Trust your abilities, remain committed to your goals, and don’t let doubt or external pressures steer you away from your path. Confidence and perseverance are key to achieving success.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is waiting too long to take action on your business dreams. Many talented individuals hesitate out of fear or uncertainty, which can delay growth and opportunities. The key opportunity lies in taking bold, timely steps—embracing risk, learning from experience, and moving forward with confidence to turn your vision into reality.
What 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 honesty, respect, and integrity. I strive to build trust through transparent communication, treat others with dignity, and consistently uphold strong ethical principles in everything I do.
Locations
Own Path Maternal Support
Emeryville, CA 94608