Dr. Tysha Powell: Her Bold Journey to Help Others Take Control of Their Own Health

Dr. Tysha Powell brings 24 years of experience in healthcare, technology, and benefits administration to her role as an entrepreneur. Her own fight with type 2 diabetes has led her to help others prevent, manage, and even reverse their diagnosis with her nonprofit, MyHealth Squared Foundation. Helping others take control of their health is a mirror for her own determination. This determination, she believes, is inspired by the sacrifices of her family and the generations before her. She explains, “Because of them, giving up has never been an option. I carry their strength with me, and I refuse to let their sacrifices be in vain.” This is evident reading her own words in the interview below.

What inspired your journey into the work you do today?

My journey into this work was born out of both professional experience and a deeply personal transformation. It wasn’t until I faced my own health crisis that my purpose became crystal clear. After nearly slipping into a diabetic coma, I found myself on the other side of the healthcare system—not as a provider, but as a patient. That experience gave me a new perspective. I realized that many people don’t just need access to care; they need individualized guided support, empowerment, and understanding to reclaim their health. Through education, mindset shifts, and action plans, I reversed my type 2 diabetes and began living a healthier, non-diabetic life. That transformation became the foundation of MyHealth Squared Foundation. Today, I am committed to helping others—especially those disproportionately impacted by type 2 diabetes—understand the root causes of their condition, develop personalized strategies, and believe in the possibility of reversing or preventing diabetes.

Looking back, is there a moment or experience that shaped who you’ve become professionally?

Early in my career, I was laid off during a corporate restructuring. I came to understand that the decision wasn’t based on my performance or outcomes, but simply on seniority. That experience taught me an invaluable lesson: while I could give my all to an organization, I also needed to stay focused on my own professional goals. Because of that mindset, I’ve always kept my eyes on the bigger vision for my life—not the ones imposed by society, family, or external expectations. As I look to permanently leave corporate America in the upcoming years, I’m excited to fully transition into leading my foundation, which reflects my true purpose and ultimate goals.

On tough days, what keeps you going?

What sustains me on tough days is my faith and belief in God. When I look back over the challenges I’ve faced, I see how God has always been faithful and has carried me through. Remembering that gives me strength. In difficult times, I choose to lean even closer into His presence, trusting that He will guide me forward.

Are there causes or communities you feel deeply connected to—and why?

I am deeply passionate about educating underserved and underinsured communities so they can become advocates for their own health and reduce unnecessary exposure to the healthcare system. I feel a strong connection to these communities because I see the stories of me and my loved ones reflected in their struggles. Too many physical, social, and educational determinants create barriers to something as basic as access to care. I have witnessed the impact in areas such as Black maternal health, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. Through active education and advocacy, I aim to help shift these statistics and reduce the incidence of these conditions in meaningful ways.

What would you say to a woman who feels unsure about her voice or her place?

I encourage her to be kind to herself and honor the woman she already is. I also remind her to lean into her greatest fear, because often, on the other side of that fear lies the strength, confidence, and purpose that the woman she is destined to become possesses.

What’s a belief or myth about women’s success you think we need to unlearn?

One belief we need to unlearn is the idea that a woman must sacrifice one area of her life to succeed in another. Too often, success is portrayed as an either/or choice—career versus family, ambition versus fulfillment, personal life versus professional growth. In reality, women can create lives that are both successful and balanced. It may take intention, boundaries, and support, but it is possible to thrive in every area without being forced to diminish or neglect another.

Who are the women who’ve shaped or inspired your journey?

The women who have inspired my journey begin with my mother and grandmothers, whose strength and grace embody the essence of Southern Black womanhood. One grandmother was gentle and nurturing, and the other bold and unshakable. My mother held the perfect balance of both—open, giving, and forgiving. My pastor, who has been my spiritual guide since the age of 12, shaped my character and taught me to walk with poise, class, and elegance. Later in my career, a VP at a Fortune 6 company became a mentor. She showed me how to navigate corporate America with wisdom while never compromising my values or authentic self.

Do you have a quote, mantra, or guiding truth you return to often?

“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man” - Heraclitus

Any final thoughts?

We are living in a time when many women’s rights and autonomy are being challenged. My message is this: Hold fast to the fullest, most authentic version of yourself. Embrace her boldly and pursue her passionately and persistently. No matter the obstacles, never shrink from becoming the woman you are destined to be.

The Future of Connection for Women

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Bridget Basinger

I wrote my first short story in elementary school and haven’t stopped writing since. Over the years, I have participated in different projects to pursue my passion for writing and correcting people’s grammar. A few of them have included creating a lifestyle blog, working as an assistant editor with a local magazine, and helping a clothing company start-up with its story branding. I am expanding these skills as an Editorial Assistant at Her Nexx Chapter because I believe in purposeful writing that empowers others to use the abilities they have already. Everyday moments, well-scripted movies, and classic books fuel my inspiration for what you read here.