FLORENCE AREWA

PGMAG: Florence, welcome to today’s interview with Lady Anita.

FA: Thank you, Lady Anita. It’s a pleasure to be here and to engage in this important conversation.

PGMAG: Please briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

FA: I am Florence Arewa, a public health advocate, strategist, and the founder of WeThriveTogether Outreach. My work is centred on fostering sustainable, community-driven solutions that enhance health, well-being, and socioeconomic opportunities for underserved populations.

Throughout my career, I have operated at the intersection of public health and social impact, championing inclusive growth, proven practice, and a shift in perspective—moving beyond traditional health interventions to address the broader determinants that shape life outcomes.

PGMAG: What inspired you to start WeThriveTogether Outreach, and what impact has it had so far?

FA: WeThriveTogether was born from the recognition that too many communities— particularly those facing systemic barriers—are excluded from mainstream conversations and decision-making processes that directly impact their futures. More critically, there is a widespread lack of understanding that non-medical determinants of health—such as economic stability, education, and social connections—are the real drivers of life outcomes.

Our mission is to bridge this gap by fostering inclusive growth through strategic collaboration, connecting grassroots networks with treetop networks to create holistic solutions. We ensure that lived experiences don’t just inform policy, but also shape how programs are designed, delivered, and adapted to meet real needs.

Our impact has been multifaceted—whether through influencing program delivery shifts, equipping community leaders with strategic knowledge, or developing scalable, sustainable support models. At the core of our work is the belief that true empowerment comes from knowledge-sharing— ensuring that individuals and communities have the tools to lead their own lives rather than being passive recipients of support.

PGMAG: As a female leader, what were some of the challenges you encountered on your journey to the boardroom, and how did you overcome those obstacles?

FA: Leadership spaces—have historically been structured in ways that do not fully accommodate diverse voices, particularly those of women of colour and this is not an exception in public health spaces. One of my greatest challenges was navigating established networks where representation was limited and opportunities were often gatekept.

I continue to overcome these obstacles by being intentional and strategic—leveraging data, building alliances, and consistently demonstrating value. More importantly, I refused to be defined by the limitations others projected onto me. Instead of waiting for a seat at the table, I focused on creating new spaces where diverse perspectives don’t just have a place but are actively shaping decisions.

PGMAG: Please tell us more about your organisation (WeThriveTogether Outreach).

FA: WeThriveTogether Outreach is committed to fostering sustainable, community-led solutions that address gaps in public health messaging and social inequalities. Our work is rooted in collaboration— bringing together experts across various public health disciplines, community leaders, and institutions to co-create strategies and co-deliver interventions that drive meaningful change.

Our approach is structured around three core pillars:

• Innovation – We explore new models of community engagement that challenge conventional public health narratives.

• Sustainability – Rather than simply "reaching" communities with interventions, we connect with individuals and communities, equipping them to take ownership of their well-being and lead their own lives.

• Collaboration – We recognise that lasting change is only possible when diverse stakeholders work together, sharing expertise and resources to amplify impact. We also believe that public health challenges are to vast, no one person or group can address it alone.

Through this model, we’ve influenced programmatic shifts, empowered local leadership, and driven sustainable community transformation.

PGMAG: As one of the global speakers for the upcoming Powerhouse Global Conference/Awards event, what should the participants expect from you?

FA: The theme of this year’s conference—Innovation, Sustainability & Collaboration— aligns perfectly with my work. Participants can expect a thought-provoking discussion on how we can move beyond reactive, short-term solutions and instead cultivate proactive, systemic change.

I will challenge us to rethink sustainability—not just in the environmental sense, but in leadership, economic empowerment, and community resilience. I want to leave attendees with questions that prompt reflection—not just answers, but a shift in mindset that sparks long-term change.

Most importantly, I will emphasise that true innovation is born out of collaboration. The most transformative solutions don’t happen in isolation—they emerge when diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and interdisciplinary expertise come together with a shared vision.

PGMAG: What are your top three keys to winning in life?

FA:

• Strategic Positioning & Vision – Success isn’t just about hard work; it’s about **foresight, adaptability, and intentional positioning.

It’s about proactively identifying or foreseeing opportunities, preparing to seize them, and making strategic decisions that drive long-term impact.

• Resilience & Adaptability –Setbacks are inevitable, but they don’t define you—your response does. I have faced failures, disappointments, and unforeseen obstacles, but I have always used them as stepping stones to recalibrate, adjust, and forge ahead with renewed determination.

• Networks & Collaboration – While I have experienced rejection and setbacks from individuals and institutions, my greatest successes have come from the power of networks. Aligning with the right people, nurturing meaningful relationships, and leveraging collective wisdom are fundamental to achieving sustainable success.

PGMAG: If you knew what you know now, what would you do differently?

FA: I would embrace the power of"NO" much earlier. In the early stages of leadership, there’s a tendency to say yes to every opportunity, every request, every project—often at the cost of strategic focus. Over time, I learned that clarity and impact require discernment. Now, I say "no" with confidence and without feeling compelled to justify it. Every ‘yes’ must align with my broader vision and values.

PGMAG: What would you say to your younger self?

FA: Florence, own your space— unapologetically! The world will try to dictate where you belong, what’s possible for you, and how far you can go. Don’t internalise those limitations. Instead, define success on your own terms, create your own blueprint, and never shrink to make others comfortable.

Above all, never dim your light to accommodate the discomfort of others. You are meant to stand out—embrace it.

PGMAG: Thank you for sharing your brilliance with us through this interview.

FA: Thank you, Lady Anita.

It has been a privilege to share these insights, and I look forward to continuing the conversation at the Powerhouse Global Conference.

PGMAG: Please share your website/links with us.

FA: Certainly. You can learn more about WeThriveTogether Outreach and our work at www.wethrivetogether. co.uk Additionally, you can get in touch via info@ wethrivetogether.co.uk for public health leadership, sustainable impact, and collaborative innovation.