Dr. Leah S. Cullins, 39
Owner/Family Nurse Practitioner, Louisiana Healthcare Services; Assistant Professor, Southern University School of Nursing
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS:
- Sub-investigating 30 pharmaceutical trials, the findings of which ultimately led to the FDA approval of pharmaceuticals that are available, prescribed and administered nationwide.
- Becoming a National Institutes of Health-National Institutes of Nursing Research Fellow.
- Participating as a Fellow in the Emerge Louisiana program, preparing women interested in running for public office.
COMMUNITY:
Founder and chartering president of 100 Black Women of Metropolitan Baton Rouge—currently serving as immediate past president—and is also a member of the Southern Women’s Leadership Roundtable-Pennington Family Foundation, Ryan White Program Advisory Council, YMCA Board, It Takes a Village, Junior League of Baton Rouge and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
WHAT IS YOUR BIRTHDATE?
June 20, 1979
NAME ONE BOOK THAT HAS INSPIRED YOU PROFESSIONALLY
The Miracle POWER of Your Mind: The Joseph Murphy Treasury
WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
A Ballerina. I loved to dance growing up and still love dancing.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB, HOW OLD WERE YOU AND WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM
I was the French fry girl at McDonalds. Got the job on my 15th Birthday. I was so excited to get that job. I learned the importance of hard work, persistence, positivity, and productivity. I learned to focus on what was in front of me. This job created the foundation of perseverance on which I stand in all that I do. I learned to be responsible for others and myself, be reliable and that smiling was a part of providing good customer service. I remember receiving the prettiest smile award for always smiling.
WHAT IS THE STRANGEST JOB YOU’VE EVER HAD?
Albertson’s Bakery Clerk– I served Hot French Bread every hour on the hour! Even had a jingle I had to say.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE FOR A BUSINESS LUNCH IN BATON ROUGE, AND WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DISH THERE?
Another Broken Egg—My favorite dish is the grilled salmon with sautéed spinach and a side of sliced pickles and tomatoes.
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
My greatest achievement is becoming a mother.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST FULFILLING MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
When a patient told my mother that I had saved his life three times. It made my mother proud and reminded me of why I work so hard.
WHAT WAS YOUR PROFESSIONAL “AHA” MOMENT?
When I started practicing as a nurse practitioner I started in Women’s Health, I discovered early on the disproportionate number of women not receiving proper medical care in our city and state, especially those infected with HIV/AIDS. Being able to provide proper healthcare and to see a positive change in real time was and still is amazing. That inspired me to continue to advocate for those affected by AIDS/HIV and ensure they are adequately educated. It showed me how much impact one person can have when he/she truly cares. This “AHA” Moment is the reason I strive to be an extraordinary Woman’s Health Provider, Educator, Innovator and Specialist for HIV affected women.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED THE HARD WAY?
I learned not to depend on anyone else to manifest my dreams. They are called “My” dreams for a reason. Learning to see people for who they are by their work and not what and who they profess to be or what others say about them. Humans say many things but the fruit of their work and life speaks volumes.
WHAT GIVES YOU PROFESSIONAL INSPIRATION?
Every student that I have helped in anyway, big or small, to successfully graduate from Southern University School of Nursing. It inspires me to continue to learn daily and then impart my knowledge unto my students. One candle lights another and it has a domino effect. I am also inspired each time a patient says thank you or expresses how I have helped them improve his/her health.
WHAT IS THE BEST COMPLIMENT YOU’VE EVER GOTTEN FROM A COLLEAGUE OR BOSS?
When my retired nursing professor returned a paper I had written about my three, five, and ten years goals. She expressed how proud she was because I had either attained or surpassed every single goal. She told me that I was walking in my destiny. That served as confirmation for me and attests to the biblical scripture Habakuk 2:2 Write the vision, make it plain.
ARE YOU ACTIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA? IF SO, ON WHICH PLATFORMS ARE YOU MOST ACTIVE?
Yes, Facebook and Instagram.
HOW MANY TEXTS DO YOU SEND ON AN AVERAGE DAY? HOW MANY EMAILS?
Ummm I typically send 50-60 texts a day and approximately 20-30 emails. I always strive to address all emails before the day’s end.
HOW LOW WILL YOU ALLOW YOUR REMAINING PHONE OR COMPUTER BATTERY LIFE GET (IN %) BEFORE YOU HAVE AN ANXIETY ATTACK?
20%
HOW MANY UNREAD MESSAGES ARE IN YOUR INBOX RIGHT NOW?
None … I have read them all.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE APP AT THE MOMENT?
Pinterest-It has everything and anything on it. I get so inspired. All of my friends have been using this app for a while. I just recently downloaded it. Although I’m still getting the gist of pinning, I am definitely hooked!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT OF THE PAST DECADE?
Wi-Fi Hotspots! They make using your laptop accessible almost anywhere.
WHAT TECHNOLOGY DO YOU WISH WAS NEVER INVENTED?
Red light cameras! I think sometimes they do more harm than good because commuters will either speed recklessly or erratically brake without warning in attempt to avoid getting caught running a red light.
WHAT TIME DO YOU GET UP ON WORKDAY MORNINGS?
6:00 a.m.
BREAKFAST AT HOME? BREAKFAST ON THE GO? BREAKFAST AT YOUR DESK? NO BREAKFAST AT ALL?
Breakfast on the go and at my desk.
THE SAYING GOES: “BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD.” SPECIFICALLY, WHAT ARE YOU “BEING” TO MAKE BATON ROUGE BETTER?
I am an active and engaged resident who is devoted to helping others increase their quality of life not only physically, but also socially and economically. I am an advocate for those without a voice, the poor and a proud LGBTQ supporter.
WHEN DID YOU REALIZE YOU WERE “GROWN UP”?
When I inherited the sole responsibility of paying to fill up my gas tank.
WHAT WAS THE BEST VACATION YOU HAVE EVER TAKEN?
The best vacation I still have is when I visit my grandmother in Delcambre, La. I can get away from hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy family and serenity. Family means so much to me and just to get away and rest around those you love and love you back unconditionally gives you the energy and encouragement needed to continue to work in your purpose.
FAVORITE GIFT YOU WERE GIVEN AS A CHILD?
A small pink suitcase that said, “Off to Grandma.” My great-grandmother gave it to me. I still treasure it.
WHICH TALENT OR SUPERPOWER WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE AND WHY?
I would most like to have a superpower that could cure HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS is a silent epidemic impacting women of color at alarming rates, especially in Louisiana. I would also love to Astral Project if that is really something that can truly happen.
WHAT’S A NICKNAME YOUR FRIENDS OR FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE FOR YOU?
Lil’ Leah because I am small or Pretty Leah because I’m always smiling.
WHAT ARE YOU SUPERSTITIOUS ABOUT?
Nothing.
WHO FASCINATES YOU?
Anyone who has come from less than ideal circumstances and has obtained greatness, i.e. the rose that grew from concrete. My mother is one of these people.
WHICH FICTIONAL CHARACTER DO YOU MOST IDENTIFY WITH?
Khalessi from the Game of Thrones. She is a queen who is a protector and rises up against adversity.
FAVORITE DRINK?
- Large Diet Dr. Pepper with 4 shots of vanilla from Sonic……
- Push Pop Mimosa from Olive or Twist
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BAND OR SONG?
It’s a tie between “Purple Rain” by Prince and “Bohemian Rhapsody” By Queen.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE?
Meet Joe Black-A minimalist, philosophical film about life, love and death. You must watch it with no distractions.
WHO WOULD PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE?
Essence Atkins (we favor each other physically and have similar personalities).
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 18-YEAR-OLD SELF?
Whatever you think will come into existence. The words that you speak will come into existence. Your thoughts and words have power. Always think and speak positively and progressively.
PETS?
None.
HOBBIES?
Reading, reading and reading; Spending time with friends and family; Volunteering in the community.
TELL US ABOUT A MOMENT THAT CHANGED YOUR LIFE.
I unexpectedly experienced the loss of a very close aunt who was more like a big sister to cancer. Watching this happen was a life-altering experience. This experience motivated me to live life to the fullest daily and to consistently show love to those I love. This was a devastating blow to my life and encouraged me to do all I can, while I can because later or eventually may never come. She was my go-to in everything I did, “My Person,” and losing her made me discover strength internally I didn’t know existed.
WHAT’S THE NEXT BIG PERSONAL OR CAREER CHALLENGE YOU PLAN TO TAKE ON?
Expanding the use of Telehealth in my practice, raising funds to operate a mobile clinic to provide healthcare and health education to those who cannot access it, and collaborating with other healthcare entities to ensure that every person in our city has access to quality healthcare.
Assisting in implementing more online programs in Southern University’s Nursing Program to assist those students who don’t have the luxury in sitting in the classroom. And last but not least, I see myself running for political office again.
WHAT CONCERNS YOU MOST ABOUT THE FUTURE?
What concerns me about the future is the amount of violence and lack of human compassion that is being shown in our city and around the world. The hatred that has been displayed is scary and it continues to grow daily. This pits group against this group when ultimately we all are trying to achieve the same goals in life.
WHAT GIVES YOU THE MOST HOPE ABOUT THE FUTURE?
The abundance of opportunities and access available to this increase ways to think outside the box. In this day and age, you literally can become anything you want to be and do whatever you want to do. Ambition, drive, focus, kindness, open-mindedness and hard work gets you a long way.
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE FOR FUTURE FORTY UNDER 40 HONOREES?
Always remember who invited you into the room. Never forget who assisted you in getting where you are. Never forget from whence you came. Enjoy the here and now; so many of us do not enjoy the successes of the present. However, as you rejoice, keep your eyes fixated on where you are going.
DO YOU PLAN TO BE IN THE CAPITAL REGION FIVE YEARS FROM NOW? WHY OR WHY NOT?
A number of out-of-town recruiters to have approached me, asking me to leave for various professional opportunities and projects, but have turned them down. Many people feel that you must leave our state to do well. I take pride in remaining here and I am honored to serve as a role model for others. Demonstrating success and opportunities are available in our city is imperative if we want to keep young, educated, talented and productive Baton Rougeans in the Capital Region. Additionally, this is home. My family is here. My practice is here. My roots are here. Southern University is here. I will be here. My campaign slogan when I ran for City Council was “Born Here… Raised Here… Still Here…” I believe I’ll add, “And, Always Will Be!”
IF NAMED QUEEN FOR A DAY, WHAT IS ONE CHANGE YOU WOULD MAKE IN BATON ROUGE?
I would ensure all residents had affordable healthcare, health screening and health education with routine testing for AIDS/HIV and Cancer. Once your health begins to fail that is an added stressor to an already stressful life.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN BATON ROUGE; WHAT WORKS AND WHAT NEEDS IMPROVEMENT?
Everything needs major improvement. You can never be too good in any area. Race relations is a big issue that needs to be addressed deeply and continuously.
DO YOU HAVE A BUCKET LIST? IF SO, WHAT ARE THE TOP 3 THINGS ON IT?
- Go skiing in Switzerland
- Visit the Blue Lagoon in Iceland
- Write A book
See the entire 2017 Forty under 40 class
