Meet Leona Harper

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

Hi Leona, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success is God. God is in everything—my family, my friends, my loved ones, my everyday experiences, and even myself. In times when things have looked the worst for me, God gave me exactly what I needed. He granted me patience, perseverance, love, kindness, strength, and knowledge. God placed guardian angels in my life so precisely and meticulously that I always had the support I needed.

When I struggled with the loss of my father during my sophomore year at USC, it was my faith in God that helped me cope and stay focused on my goals. Through the challenges of balancing my studies, dealing with the emotional toll of my father’s illness and passing, and the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, I leaned on my faith to keep going.

During the intense periods of my Masters program at Emory University and now as I work towards my Doctorate of Nursing Practice, it has been my faith in God that has provided me with the strength and determination to succeed. Whether it was through the support of family and friends, or the internal resilience and perseverance I found within myself, I believe that God has been the guiding force behind my journey.

My story and my brand are a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and the belief that we are never truly alone in our struggles. By trusting in God’s plan, I have been able to navigate the toughest challenges and continue striving to make a positive impact in healthcare.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA, where I attended Marist School for high school. Afterward, I moved across the country to attend the University of Southern California (USC). While I loved the personal growth I experienced at USC, being away from my family was challenging, especially when my father fell ill and passed away during my sophomore year. Witnessing his struggles with hospital care inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare.

Determined to make a difference, I immersed myself in my studies, attending USC during the school year and taking summer classes at Georgia State to stay ahead. I completed all the prerequisites for nursing school while at USC. Unfortunately, my senior year was disrupted by COVID-19, leading me to return to Atlanta and graduate online a year early.

I then applied for the Masters of Nursing program at Emory University and was accepted Early Decision. The accelerated 18-month program was intense, with countless days spent in clinical rotations and 12-hour shifts starting at 6 a.m. Upon graduation, I was offered the opportunity to apply for the Doctorate of Nursing Practice. Unsure at first, I decided to trust that if it was meant to be, it would happen. I was accepted and have been working towards graduating this December while gaining experience by volunteering at a dermatology office.

The journey has been far from easy. Balancing rigorous academic demands with personal challenges required resilience and dedication. The most significant lesson I’ve learned is the importance of perseverance and faith in one’s path. My experiences have shaped my commitment to improving healthcare delivery, inspired by my father’s struggles.

I want the world to know that my story is one of determination and passion for making a positive impact in healthcare. My brand represents a commitment to compassionate, empathetic care, inspired by personal experiences and driven by the desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families.

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?
Some of my favorite places to eat in Atlanta are Roc South Cuisine, Sushi Itto, Taki Japanese Steakhouse, Magnolia Room, Mori House, La Parilla, Playa Bowls, Atlanta Fish House, New York Prime, Little Alley Steakhouse, and of course, Waffle House.

Some of my favorite places to go are Chattahoochee River Tubing, Stone Mountain, Roswell Mill Waterfall, the Battery for a Braves Game, Silverspot Cinema or AMC Phipps Plaza for a good movie, Cascade to go roller skating, Cascade Nature Preserve, Lake Allatoona to rent a boat for the day, Piedmont Park for a nice picnic, Botanical Gardens, UGA for a football game, Phipps Plaza and Lenox Mall for shopping, and Six Flags.

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?
I would like to shoutout my mother, Yoko Harper, for instilling an independent and hardworking mindset within me. I would also like to shoutout my mentor, Chinyere Gonzalez, for guiding me and pushing me in the right direction when I was lost. Finally, I would like to shoutout all my friends, family, and loved ones for supporting me and being there for me as I have progressed through life.

Instagram: gottalovelulu

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leona-harper 

Image Credits
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