Meet Dr. Nythea Campbell Tolbert | Educational Leader & Leadership Strategist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Nythea Campbell Tolbert and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. NyThea, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I am inspired first and foremost by my family. My children motivate me every day with their curiosity, resilience, and unique passions, reminding me of the incredible responsibility and privilege I have in guiding the next generation. Watching them grow and thrive inspires me to create a world where they—and all young people—can reach their fullest potential. My mother has also been a profound source of inspiration. As a single parent, she made incredible sacrifices and took bold risks, raising me with unwavering discipline and faith. Her belief that abiding by God’s word would never fail her shaped not only her parenting but the person I’ve become. Finally, I’m inspired by the resilience and potential of the communities I serve. Whether it’s through mentoring students, advancing equity in education and health, or building leadership capacity, I’m constantly reminded of the power of collaboration and the difference we can make together.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career has been rooted in public health and education, shaped by my experiences as both a homeschool educator and a leader in higher education. As an Educational Leader and Leadership Consultant, I focus on identifying and developing opportunities for underrepresented students and young professionals, guiding them to achieve their full potential in their careers, education and public health/medicine. What sets me apart is my ability to weave personal connection, mentorship, and a commitment to equity into all that I do.

I’m most proud of the programs and initiatives I’ve been a part of that have transformed lives, from leading TRIO and Public Health programs and mentoring first-generation college students to creating spaces where diverse voices can thrive. These moments remind me of the power of education and inspire me to keep building paths for others to succeed—similar to the paths that were created for me.

My story and brand are deeply rooted in resilience and faith. My journey began with a challenging start, but I stayed inspired to do more, to be more, and to excel beyond measure. I wanted to create a better life for myself and, most importantly, for my mom, whose sacrifices shaped the person I’ve become. Through faith, I’ve seen dreams come to fruition in ways that have exceeded anything I could have imagined.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is tied to one of my favorite quotes: ‘We don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are.’ As an empath, I’ve learned the importance of seeing others’ perspectives to understand the bigger picture and respond with thoughtfulness and intention.

What I want the world to know about my story and brand is that they reflect hope, resilience, and the power of faith. My work is about empowering people to dream boldly, overcome challenges, and create lasting change for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d invite her to step into my world as a busy mom of three and educator. She’d shadow me for a day—joining me at a tennis or martial arts lesson for my kids, sitting in on my Intro to Public Health class at Morehouse, or sitting in on virtual meetings with AAMC. We’d also dive into homeschooling, where I’d guide my children through lessons and share life lessons with them. Of course, we’d mix in some uniquely Atlanta/Georgia experiences, like dining at Elevation Chophouse, trying Buckeye’s, or enjoying brunch at Copeland’s after a church service. These are the beautiful, unconventional moments that make my life full—and they’d make for an unforgettable visit to Atlanta.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I want to give glory to God for His faithfulness and grace, which have been my foundation and guide throughout my life. I also want to honor my family—my husband for his unwavering support, my children for inspiring me daily with their love and resilience, and my mother, who raised me with incredible strength, discipline, and faith as a single parent. Lastly, I am grateful to the mentors who have poured into me with their wisdom and encouragement, shaping the path I’m on today.

Website: https://www.prototypeleader.com

Instagram: @nytheapilar

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/nythea

Twitter: @nytheapilar

Facebook: https://facebook.com/nythea

Image Credits
Cranium, LLC