General Information

Name	Dr. Cheryl
Last Name	Okoli
Nickname	cherylshalomeagleswings-care

Background

Organization	Shalom: Eagle's Wings & Renata Wellness and Recreation Retreat
Professional Title	Owner/Health Executive and/or Administrator Consultant, Health Consultant, Coach, and Author
Bio and Background	I have a Doctorate in Health Administration- hence the DHA. Think of me as a doctor that looks after YOU and your organization in the following five pillars: leadership, workforce development, partnerships, organizational culture and climate, and financial practices! To put things in perspective, I also have over 20 years of combined health care experience at the frontlines, academia, management, and as a self-employed consultant. My health care clinical experiences are: -Mental Health -Rehabilitation -Operating room -Primary Care -Seniors Care -Dementia care -Home Care -Assisted/supportive living, and -Women’s health (specifically uterine fibroids). I integrate knowledge and experiences from my various backgrounds in my advocacy, intersectoral collaboration, and consultation endeavours- all to advance the health of individuals, communities, and workplaces. I am also a conflict resolution coach and host of the show “The Dancing Negotiator with Dr. Cheryl Okoli, DHA” currently on the Win Win Women TV platform.
Why I am a Force for Health® Member...	I believe in bridging gaps in health care by employing evidence-based frameworks, the Quintuple Aim Goals and conflict resolution through quality improvement strategies. Population health from a global and at a community level is an area that I am very interested in. I am an out-of-the box thinker and the vision and mission of Force for Health aligns with my philosophy. You can find out more about me at the links below. https://www.shalomeagleswings.care https://www.renata.care/
How I use the Force for Health Network Tools	I’m getting acquainted with the various tools but they sound very promising 🙂
My inspiration	My Lord and Saviour Jesus- Without Him I am nothing and have no purpose on this earth. My family- They are forever my champions on this earth!
Location	Canada
What would you like people to know about your community?	I love Canada as it is my birthplace and it is very safe overall. We are very fortunate to have a publicly funded health care system. It is not perfect but we have much to be grateful. I’m interested in stars to form constellations to bridge gaps in care primarily in western Canada but I’m a global citizen 🙂 Please visit my websites for additional information about my interests.

My Citizenship Health Factors

Some of the factors that have been challenging for me have been...	-Getting funding to support interventions for population health. Feel free to contact me if you can assist with providing funding and/or grants.
It's important for me to be part of my community's health because...	I liken my community to a pond, I, a pebble, and the ripples created by the pebble in the pond, to health! I consider myself a change agent that effects positive change in my community. Achieving health (physical, mental, social, cultural, and spiritual) in its fullness requires an intersectoral collaboration, effective leadership, and astute stewardship. I like to say that : “You are needed in this world to be a solution. Be the best that you can and do not rob the world of a precious gem, YOU!” I like to walk the talk and practice what I preach especially as it pertains to population health at the community level.
Some of the strength of my community health factors are:	-Generous overall -Sense of solidarity to rally around a need.
Some of the challenges in my community regarding certain health factors are:	-The opioid issue -Homelessness -Burnout among health care workers
I believe I can help improve my community's health by...	-Speaking up regarding issues that people might shy away from. -Raising public awareness of resources available to them -Being a model/solution to the issues plaguing my community by providing timely interventions. Some examples (not an exhaustive list by any means), assisting in helping organizations that address the opioid and homelessness issue and running forth with Renata Wellness and Recreation Retreat. You are very welcome to raise public awareness to help address burnout by signing the petition at the link below. Anyone can sign and share regardless of industry. Thank you in advance 🙂 Petition · Provide a retreat for health care providers experiencing bullying/harassment/burnout – Canada · Change.org

Advancing the DREAM

Advancing the DREAM - What it means to me

Advancing the dream in my opinion means helping and speaking up when you can about inequities. Having said that, I’m cognizant of the fact that silence at times doesn’t mean ambivalence or apathy, rather it is a strategic weapon. It behooves all of us to know when to speak and when to be silent.

We need to overcome “fear of man” and empower colleagues, citizens, and the upcoming generation to be positive change agents. We ALL have a cross to bear and it might be different shapes, nevertheless we need to be courageous and integrous whenever health inequities are encountered. In other words, standing up for justice or equality will cost us in one shape or form.

In addition, just because someone isn’t helping your cause doesn’t mean they disapprove, rather it could mean:

-They are unable to for various reasons (e.g., financial)

– It is not their fight.

-It is not the right time

This is my humble reflection on the topic. Thank you for the opportunity.

Dr. Cheryl Okoli, DHA

My Action Pledge to Advance the DREAM?

In 2024 I will partner with organizations that champion my mission of healing organizations, one employee at a time, regardless of ethnic background.

cherylshalomeagleswings-care