An Exemplary Leader and Successful Business Owner
Hailing from North Brunswick, New Jersey, Zena Simmons has been an individual who always prioritized her education and is a person of many interests. She is a successful Public Health Professional and Insurance broker. Of her professional interests, obtaining an educational credential to back up her work has made her journey more meaningful and has added to her expertise. She graduated from Pepperdine University with a B.S in Sports Medicine, Masters of Public Health in Urban Health Disparities and Masters of Science in Biomedical Sciences from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science; she is currently a student at the University of California, Davis – School of Medicine. She entered the insurance field, knowing it would be a career she would maintain for a long time but also something she would manage alongside her medical and public health career. “I enjoy helping people and sharing knowledge, so working with insurance allows me to help people navigate these services that many would not otherwise understand,” she says. Zena’s hard work plus talent have definitely contributed to her success. Things do not just come with the snap of a finger; it takes consistency, perseverance and patience. She has had a strong work ethic for her entire life, and her knowledge has grown substantially over time, making it easier to learn new skills and innovate new businesses and projects. The biggest challenge for her is usually finding a balance between the different careers she juggles and maintaining other essential aspects of life. Finding time for yourself and also knowing when to take a break and recharge is essential!
A strong passion for learning and gaining new experiences is the reason why Zena values her global health work and international study experiences with a passion. There are never-ending opportunities to learn and gain new perspectives through travel and global work. She shares that working in communities of need worldwide has been among the most rewarding and gratifying experiences of her career- work- and she plans to continue it throughout her life. Her greatest inspiration has been her family as she strives to make those people proud who have supported her throughout her life, especially her mother, who has been her greatest role model. Zena shares that she has always been inspired by other leaders with similar educational backgrounds and missions. Witnessing the impact many of those individuals have had in education, community health, business, systems, and policy encourages her to continue to work to make a difference in the world and have a positive impact!
“I identify as someone that is more self-motivated rather than competitive. Competitive people tend to compare themselves to others and others’ progress. I compare my progress to my past progress and set individual goals,” exclaims Zena Simmons. Being an individual is something she always takes pride in. Having an idea and carrying it out defines her, and when she sets out a goal for herself, she likes to accomplish it all by being herself and focusing on the desired outcome.
Zena Simmons has been a recipient of several honors throughout her life ranging from being honored for humanitarianism, academic excellence, business success, global work and leadership. She has received around 17 awards throughout her education and career and remains committed to making a difference and inspiring. Some of these awards include; Speed SNA Award | Bankerslife | 2022, Medical Student Award | Physicians Medical Forum | 2021, Dr. Prentiss Taylor Award | National Medical Fellowships | 2020, National Honors Society Award by National Honors Society in 2011, French Honors Society Award by French Honors Society in 2012, Make A Difference Award | NBTHS HS | 2010, Humanitarian Award | Linwood MS | 2006 and many others.
A strong leader is an individual that focuses on the greater good and positive outcomes and who is committed to setting a positive example, according to Zena. It is someone who is brilliant in multiple ways and has made an effort to understand the population’s needs. A good leader is someone who can bring people together and can adapt to ensure results are produced. With this, she concluded that being a well-rounded leader is something that she always takes great pride in. Having several interests and skills keeps her happy to continue engaging in the many ventures she sets out to accomplish.
