‘Whatever I go through, I’m going to grow through’: Award-winning OB-GYN inspires women at luncheon

The Black Women Lead luncheon also honored seven SC State leaders.

ORANGEBURG, S.C. -- An award-winning obstetrician-gynecologist, philanthropist and TV personality gave women at South Carolina State University a lesson in how to turn life’s pain into purpose during the annual Black Women Lead Luncheon on Tuesday.

Dr. Jacqueline “Dr. Jackie” Walters burst on the small screen as one of the stars of Bravo’s hit reality series “Married to Medicine,”

where she earned many fans for her distinct style, which included her compassion and sense of reason while raising awareness on important health issues.

Her life, however, has not been without challenges.

Walters is a two-time breast cancer survivor who turned her pain into a passion for nurturing the emotional and physical needs of women and men diagnosed with breast cancer.

“I just want to use my life as a teaching tool. I take my setbacks and make them setups. Whatever I go through, I’m going to grow through,” Walters said. She was the featured speaker at the luncheon held at SC State’s I.P. Stanback Museum.

She is the founder of the 50 Shades of Pink Foundation, an organization established in 2013 with a mission to treat the inner and outer beauty of survivors. The organization hosts an annual fundraising event in October that generates awareness of its work through gifting, sponsorship of various health initiatives and family workshops. 

Walters said it was important for women to lead not just with purpose, but intentionality despite life’s pressures and uncertainties.

“That is why we’re here today. This room is filled with intention, women who were chosen to be here,” she said.

Just as coal can be turned into diamonds and sand into glass, women can also be transformed into what they were meant to be by first knowing their voice, Walters said.

“We all have some raw materials. It’s just what we do with them. Leadership starts on the inside. If you don’t know your voice, you become an echo of somebody else’s voice,” she said.

“Guard your mind like it’s sacred garden. Be mindful of who you’re spending time with. What I fuel my mind fuels my life,” the physician said.

Walters also reflected on her academic and professional journey.

Walters graduated from the University of Mississippi and Alcorn State University, earning dual Bachelor of Science degrees. She later earned her medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and in 1997 completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the Medical Center of Central Georgia and Mercer University.

After residency, she started in private practice where she became affiliated with Northside Hospital in Atlanta. She has remained in private practice for 23 years and maintains a high-profile clientele, including singer and reality star Kandi Burruss. 

Shifting back to her message of personal growth and discipline, Walters encouraged the women to embrace the process of becoming and stop comparing themselves to others. 

She said that while they were all under construction, “it doesn’t mean nothing is happening.”

“Build integrity in those invisible moments where nobody’s watching. Small choices will develop strong character,” Walters said. She also stressed the importance of serving before you lead.

She then pointed to a biblical example to underscore her message.

She compared Jesus’ capacity to serve others even though he was the preeminent savior of the world.

“He showed us how to do it,” Walters said. 

She said serving others should keep individuals humble along their journey in life. She, for example, wipes down tables in her office instead of automatically assuming someone else should. 

“If I’m too good to do it, how can I expect someone else to do it? Stop and ask: Who can I serve?” Walters said.

Students react to message of empowerment

Students in attendance said the message resonated deeply with their own goals and aspirations.

SC State student Hadyn Hines, vice president of Dedicated Outstanding Ladies Living Strong, or D.O.L.L.S., said Walters’ message was meaningful.

“I learned to keep going no matter the struggle. I feel like I can relate to her because I am interested in medical school. So I learned a lot of tips and tricks, that it will be a long journey to becoming a doctor. I’m just thankful for the knowledge she gave us today,” Hines said. 

Another student said the message encouraged resilience in the face of adversity.

“I just feel so fulfilled with hearing about the amazing passion and drive. ... That’s something that just continues on. So I’m just so blessed to be here and be here in this room with everybody, especially Dr. Jackie, who just do such incredible work,” Rejoice Anaele said. She is a senior business economics major at SC State and vice president of the SC State Student Government Association. 

A third student said the remarks offered both encouragement and practical guidance.

“I got plenty of affirmations from Dr. Jackie. She made sure that we knew that we’re still human at the end of the day. We don’t have to be so hard on ourselves. Always lead with a purpose, and there’s always a process to get anywhere,” Alicia Dankwa said. She is a chemistry/pre-health major at SC State and secretary of D.O.L.L.S.

SC State leaders honored at luncheon, speak on what it is to be a woman

University leaders were also recognized during the event for their impact and leadership.

Honorees from the university who received plaques for their work and leadership included:

• Kemberly Greene, associate vice president for institutional advancement.
• Dr. Tamara Jeffries, vice president for student affairs.
• Dr. Manicia J. Finch, vice president for enrollment management.
• Shondra Abraham, university chief of staff.
• SC State First Lady Agatha Conyers.
• Nashiba Boyd, university general counsel.
• Dr. Judith Salley, a professor and chair of the SC State Department of Biological and Physical Sciences.

 Ahead of the luncheon, the honorees shared what being a woman meant to them.

“Being a woman is a multifaceted and multidimensional being. It’s just truly a state of being and consistently changing and evolving. A being that is responsible for many things at many times in many contexts in many places,” Greene said, citing being a mother and friend as examples.

Conyers reflected on how her perspective has changed over time.

“So, in essence, being a woman is just being strong, tall, powerful and not denying yourself in any room,” the First Lady said.

She said the meaning of being a woman has changed throughout her lifetime and noted that her daughter described it as understanding your power even in uncomfortable places.

Boyd emphasized the weight of responsibility that often comes with the role.

“It means carrying the ultimate burden because you have to be the mother, you have to be an example, you have to be a leader, you have to be the backbone of all things in your workplace, in your home place, in your life,” Boyd said.

“So being a woman means lifting at all things at all times, just lifting,” she said.

Jeffries highlighted the balance of care, leadership and support.

“It also means being a master at multitasking, whether it’s nurturing children, a family, taking care of parents, or excelling in her chosen career. It means being there for other women and empowering those women just by listening, sharing ideas and being there through life’s various challenges,” Jeffries said. 

“I think God knew exactly what he was doing when he created women. He created a human being that is full of compassion, strength, resilience and grace,” she said.

Salley spoke to the influence and example women provide.

“Being a woman gives you power to love, to influence, to empower others, to be a role model, be the best that I can be so that others can see me and what I do. And never imitate but look at my experiences and who I am and follow in those footsteps,” Salley said. 

Abraham focused on resilience and inner strength.

“Being a woman means walking in your strength when no one knows the weight of what you carry. Being a woman also means that you’re resilient, you’re brilliant and you’re powerful. Women often lead with grace, not allowing anyone to shrink their power,” Abraham said.

Finch emphasized vision and adaptability.

“You have to have a holistic but a very realistic view about where you are, where you’re going and what needs to happen. You’ve got to be able to move processes. You’ve got to be able to not only think holistically, but function in a holistic environment that may require you to be multifunctional,” Finch said