Columbia Heights, MN — Manka Nkimbeng is using research and policy to address health inequities in African immigrant communities. She was raised by her grandparents in Cameroon where access to healthcare was limited. After immigrating to America, she continued to see the ways in which healthcare systems do not work well for everyone, which inspired her career in public health. She works as a researcher and assistant professor at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health where she developed a dementia education program for African immigrants and implemented public health education for Black immigrants. The Bush Fellowship will enable her to continue closing equity gaps in healthcare through coalition-building and conflict resolution. She also will develop an advisory committee for feedback and build her self-care practices.
What has informed your approach to leading change in your community?
Seeing a need in my community. I have also always been drawn to older adults because I was raised by my grandparents. For example, I saw a need for better research that focused on the African community. This made me want to initiate the research myself.
What is the most important quality of a leader?
Cultural humility is the most important quality. You’re called to be introspective, to know yourself, observe and listen to what is said, how it’s said, and what’s not said. Being intentional and learning how to read the room to understand the people you’re engaging with makes you a better leader. This all leads to trust.
What is your favorite quote or expression?
“The only thing necessary for evil to thrive is for good people to do nothing.” A lot of the work around leadership that I do is because there is a need. If not me, then who will bring about change and step up? I believe that it’s better to do something than nothing.
