Malikka

A. Hello everyone, I’m Malikka. My close friends call me Ma’at. A

Philadelphia Native with a passion for community outreach health and urban engagement. I am a

Registered nurse by profession,

I am the founder of Womb Oasis

LLC a company dedicated to women’s health and fertility using holistic person Centered care. I am also the cofounder of Solutionary INC a non-profit dedicated to educating urban centers about health and wellness, civic engagement, conflict resolution and firearm safety.

A. I had the opportunity to be a patient and undergo a pretty intense surgical procedure when

I was a preteen. The care that the nurses provided me was something I will hold with me always. Being a patient can be a terrifying experience. You’re in a foreign environment you're vulnerable and you're reliant on someone else for your every need.

A. The greatest barrier in my career has been finding those helping hands to pull me to the next level of my career. I remember as a nursing student I joined a few black nursing associations.

I’ll never forget one of the elders telling me that nursing was very “clicky” and very

“white”. She told me to be careful because nursing was a very small field, and my reputation may impact my career choices down the line. I’ve encountered many disparities within healthcare and bias both within nursing educational institutions as well as hospitals. I’ve found that connecting with more seasoned nursing professionals has helped to propel both my career and educational goals forward.

A. I’ve been blessed to have some very powerful women in my life. I must thank my mother first for her grace and poise. She was my first example of dedication and selflessness. My great grandmother affectionately known as “Greatest” was the mountain doctor of our family. She had remedies for almost any ailment: broken bone toothache or splinter. I was blessed to have some excellent educators in my early years

Ms. Bell (kindergarten guru)

Ms. Marshall (showed me a world of science) and

My 4th grade teacher Ms.

Young who taught me compassion, understanding and who continues to show me a mother’s love beyond elementary school. Finally, I must give many thanks to my career mentor and angel on earth Ms. Stephanie Wroten.

Stephanie scooped me up when I was depressed and had given up on my dream of nursing. She poured so much into me that I know it’s her confidence in me that allows me to pour into the cups of others.

A. Never in a million years would

I have imagined something like this. How do you feel about it? I have many mixed

emotions about the pandemic. It has been the 1st time in my almost 11year career where I have felt like I may not want to be a nurse any longer. In the beginning the news networks cheered on medical staff for their dedication to serving but behind the scenes that didn’t translate into extra manpower supplies compensation or consideration. The world stood still, and we continued to work. The bad cases of Covid-19 are unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I’m thankful for the opportunity to bear witness to it with my own eyes and I’m even more thankful that many people pulled through.

A. This year I would like to see both my LLC and non-profits boom.

I’d also like to re-enroll in my masters-FNP program (I took a break during covid) and expand my nursing portfolio to include travel assignments.

A. Nursing as a career is very vast and it's well suited for individuals who enjoy exploring many avenues of healthcare. I’ve worked within the prison systems, I’ve worked in public health, I’ve done nurse consulting, and in the private sector

I’ve been a doula for more than 15 years.

A. The hardest part for me continues between friendships and family because when covid hit I was at the front lines. I’m honestly looking forward to normalcy. As a nurse I’m used to working with patients with some pretty scary communicable diseases. I was a bit taken aback by the level of fear related to illness swept across the nation. The Covid-19 was also enveloped in riots and racial tension that directly impacted the city where I live and work. It was and is a lot to juggle emotionally without a break.

to be encountering health disparity, Health bias, or an inclusion issue. I feel obligated to address it, tackle it and fix it. It is disheartening every time I encounter a weakness that impacts black and brown communities. It weighs heavy on me. It is often these scenarios that I take home with me. I may worry about the level of care or safety that my patients experience after my shift is over.

A. Nursing is a wonderful profession don’t doubt yourself.

Surround yourself with people who will speak life into you on your lowest days and find a mentor. Read medical books, nursing books, chemistry books and hop on YouTube there are great tools at your fingertips.

A. Covid-19 was a lot at the start of the pandemic I was dating, and I told my suitor we’d revisit courting when the pandemic was over. I didn’t want to be responsible for giving anyone covid. I was enrolled in a master’s program at the start of covid I withdrew from my classes because the stress of the front lines was too much. I created space

A. I encourage everyone to do their own research. All the vaccine shots have been released for emergency use. The CDC NIH and manufacturers are gathering data daily on the effects and efficacy of the Shots.

A. Everyone can follow me at:  Womboasis.com  @womboasis