We’re looking forward to introducing you to Mrs. Delayna Watkins. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Delayna, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, the greatest joy in my life has come from becoming a new grandma. My beautiful grandson, Remiel has completely stolen my heart! There’s something so special about seeing the world through his little eyes—it’s pure delight. Whether it’s his gummy smile, baby giggles, or just holding him close, he reminds me daily to slow down and savor the simple, sweet moments.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I began my nursing journey at an early age, and over the years I’ve had the privilege of experiencing health care from every angle—from the bedside to the boardroom. Those experiences shaped me into the women’s health advocate I am today, deeply committed to creating spaces where women feel seen, heard, and supported. That vision came to life with the Women’s Wellness Lounge, a community hub that blends the science of health with the soul of women’s lived experiences.
Along the way, I’ve been blessed with opportunities that remind me just how important this work is. Recently being selected as a community partner for the University of Maryland’s Going National Initiative allowed us to help shape patient-centered research on a national level—making sure women’s voices are no longer left out of the story. With our Girl It Up and Glow program, I get to see young women step into their own wellness journeys with confidence, learning lessons many of us didn’t get until adulthood. And through our partnerships with the PIVOT Program and RnD Associates, we’re advancing reproductive health and HIV prevention with PEP and PrEP initiatives that save lives and change futures.
At its heart, my story—and the story of the Women’s Wellness Lounge—is about empowering women at every stage of life, from adolescence to menopause and beyond, to know that their health, their voice, and their well-being matter.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the moments that most shaped how I see the world happened early in my nursing career. I was caring for a woman who was going through a major health challenge, and in between all the medical routines she quietly said, ‘I just wish someone would listen to me, not just treat me.’ That stuck with me. It opened my eyes to how often women’s voices, especially women of color, are overlooked in health care. From that moment on, I knew my purpose wasn’t only about treating symptoms—it was about making sure women feel heard, validated, and empowered in their own wellness journeys. That single conversation planted the seed for everything I do today through the Women’s Wellness Lounge and beyond.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was a point when I almost gave up. In the early stages of building the Women’s Wellness Lounge, I hit wall after wall—funding challenges, long hours, and the constant question of whether people would really see the value in what I was trying to create. It felt overwhelming, and there were days I wondered if my vision was too big.
But what kept me going were the women who would share how much they needed a space like this. Every time someone said, ‘I wish this had existed for me years ago,’ it reminded me that I wasn’t just building a program—I was answering a calling. That shift in perspective helped me realize that the work wasn’t about me alone; it was about the countless women who needed a voice, a resource, and a safe place to land. That’s what gave me the strength to keep moving forward.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am unwaveringly committed to advancing women’s health equity. For far too long, women—especially women of color—have been left out of critical health conversations, from reproductive care to menopause to preventive health. My vision is to change that by ensuring women are seen, heard, and supported at every stage of life. I believe true equity means that no woman has to navigate her health in silence or in isolation, but instead has access to resources, education, and compassionate care. No matter how long it takes, I will continue working toward a future where women’s voices and experiences are at the center of health care, and where thriving—not just surviving—becomes the standard.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I understand deeply—something most people don’t fully realize—is how interconnected a woman’s health is with every part of her life. It’s not just about physical well-being; it’s about identity, relationships, purpose, and even how she shows up in her career and community. Too often, health care looks at women in fragments—treating a symptom here or a stage of life there—without honoring the whole person. Through my work and my own journey, I’ve learned that when women are supported holistically, they don’t just improve their health—they reclaim their power, their voice, and their joy. That truth drives everything I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.delaynawatkins.com
- Instagram: @delaynawatkins
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/delaynawatkins
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/delaynawatkins
