Meet Byanka Tucker | Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Byanka Tucker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Byanka, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After working in public health for 15 years, I had accumulated a deep well of knowledge, especially around policy. Becoming a consultant was something my colleagues and I had talked about often, almost like a dream we shared but rarely acted on. Public health is a deeply rewarding field in terms of impact, but when it comes to compensation and work culture, it can be incredibly unbalanced. Despite seven consecutive years of “exceeds expectations” on my annual reviews, I hadn’t received a raise since 2020. That, paired with the highly political environment (one that often rewards silence over honesty) began to wear on me. My core values are transparency, equity, and equality, and I found myself in a system that didn’t align with any of them.

After over a year of advocating for fair compensation and raising concerns about pay inequity, I was fired in October 2024. On paper, it may have looked like a setback, but in hindsight, it was divine timing. For the three months leading up to that moment, I had been quietly and almost obsessively working on a business plan. I didn’t know if or when I’d use it, but something in me felt compelled to keep building it piece by piece. Ten days after being let go, I launched my company. At the time, it felt like I launched out of necessity, but now I know it was all part of my life’s plan.

The outpouring of support from healthcare providers, former colleagues, and even people I’d never met was overwhelming in the best way. It reminded me that my work and my voice still mattered, just in a new and more authentic way. What felt like an ending turned out to be the beginning of something deeply aligned with who I am and what I believe in.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Healthcare Advisors of Georgia is more than just a consulting firm. We’re a mission-driven organization focused on advancing equity, integrity, and strategy in healthcare. With over 15 years of public health experience behind me, I launched this company to help organizations navigate the complexities of healthcare policy, program development, and systems improvement with clarity and confidence.

What sets us apart is our values-first approach. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we partner with clients to co-create strategies that are not only effective but also equitable and sustainable. We lead with transparency, we advocate for fairness, and we bring real-world expertise to every table we sit at.

Was it easy? Absolutely not. Being an entrepreneur is not for the weak.

Coming from a background where I’ve been fully self-sufficient since my first job out of college, the idea of relying solely on myself for income, healthcare, and overall stability was incredibly daunting. For me, stability has always been the priority (sometimes even at the cost of happiness). I used to believe that staying in an unfulfilling job was better than facing uncertainty. Stepping away from that mindset was one of the hardest but most necessary shifts I’ve made.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to learn is how to trust myself and trust my gut, trust my experience, and trust that I’m equipped for this. I’ve also had to be honest with myself about what I don’t know yet. Constantly learning, researching, and expanding my knowledge base isn’t just for me. It’s for the clients who trust me to guide them.

Another unexpected but beautiful challenge has been unlearning the damage caused by my previous work environment where I often felt like I wasn’t enough, no matter how hard I worked or how much I exceeded expectations. Undoing that narrative and reclaiming my confidence has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

Entrepreneurship isn’t easy, but it’s real, it’s freeing, and it’s worth it.

I’m most proud of the impact we’re already making. Whether it’s helping healthcare providers optimize their programs, supporting nonprofits in reaching marginalized populations, or simply being a voice of reason in a chaotic policy landscape. And I’m deeply proud that this business was built on purpose, not just profit.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As an Atlanta native and true Southern belle, I take hosting seriously, especially when it comes to making sure my guests are FED and fully immersed in the culture. If my best friend were visiting for a week, we’d have a mix of good food, local flavor, and unforgettable experiences.

Day 1: Welcome & Soul Food Sunday
We’re starting strong with soul food, of course. First stop? Either my house or my godparents’ house. There’s nothing like a home-cooked Southern meal with greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, and either pot roast or fried chicken to say, “Welcome to Atlanta.” After that, we’d head to the Beltline to walk off all that deliciousness and take in the art, energy, and people. We’d grab smoothies at Ju-C Bar at Krog Street Market for something refreshing and local.

Day 2: Southern Roots & Community Vibes
I’d take them down to where I’m from… Clayton County (Clay-Co)! We’d get involved in the community. That might mean volunteering at the library, attending a festival, or stopping by a senior center. Before we head back, we have to go to Cookiegrams of Georgia. I’ve been going there since I was four years old, and even though I’m not big on sweets, their cookies are unmatched.

Day 3: Midtown Living & Beltline Beauty
While they’re welcome to crash at my place in Midtown, I’d want them to enjoy their own luxurious space at The Bellyard Hotel at the Interlock. They have beautiful rooms, great vibes, and centrally located. From there, we’d spend the day exploring art galleries, checking out Ponce City Market, or grabbing a bite at Drawbar.

Day 4: Shop & Show Out
Time for a little retail therapy at Perimeter. We’d dine at Marcel or Bask (two of my favorite upscale steakhouses with old-school charm). After dinner, we’d head to Overstory for rooftop cocktails and city views. If we’re feeling nostalgic instead, we’ll lace up and go skating at Cascade or Golden Glide because yes, ATL still skates.

Day 5: Live Music & Lounge Vibes
You can’t visit Atlanta without experiencing its live music scene. We’d head to St. James Live, TENATL, Apache or Kat’s Cafe for a night of jazz, soul, or R&B. They are grown and sexy with incredible energy. We’d follow up with cocktails at JoJo’s Beloved or May Peel. Secluded and timeless speakeasies.

Day 6 & 7: Choose Your Adventure
Honestly, my friends call me The Rolodex for a reason. Whether they want to check out Little 5 Points, brunch at The Garden Room, hike Arabia Mountain, or just hang at a rooftop pool… I’ve got options. The city has something for every mood, and I make it my mission to match the vibe.

Atlanta isn’t just where I’m from, it’s who I am. I love sharing it with people in a way that feels intentional, joyful, and real.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
To my heart, Marvin: You’ve been my sounding board, my legal department, my cheerleader, and my calm in the storm. You hugged me in my kitchen when I wept on rough days at my former job. You listened to me talk through business plans, processes, pricing, analytics, and research for months on end. You wrote every single client contract. You encouraged me at 3 and 4 a.m. when I was up perfecting every detail. Your love and support are the reasons I pushed myself to be the best businesswoman I can be.

To my best friend of 20 years, Chauncey: Thank you for always being in my corner. With you, I’m never without prayer, hope, or an affirming word. Your presence is grounding and spiritual, and I’m so grateful to walk through life with you beside me.

To Christopher: When I wanted to fall apart after being fired, you said, “Okay. You get the weekend to cry or party or whatever you wanna do… but on Monday, you gotta be a boss. You haven’t been working on that business plan for nothing.” That lit a fire in me. You are the battery in my back, always pushing me to keep going.

And finally, to my godparents, Darrell and Angela: Watching you build a multimillion-dollar business over the past 25 years has been nothing short of inspiring. You’ve given me guidance freely, generously, and with so much love. Thank you both for showing me what’s possible and supporting me every step of the way.

I am who I am because of the village behind me.

Website: https://www.healthcareadvisorsofgeorgia.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/byanka-danee-21707936b

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