Our greatness has always come from people who expect nothing and take nothing for granted, folks who work hard for what they have, then reach back and help others after them. — Michelle Obama, Former First Lady, United States of America

GOD-ORDERED STEPS 

Dr. Nichole Pettway was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts.

Or, as she tells it, a “vibrant and close-knit community.”

Now a proud resident of the historic Bay Area, Dr. Pettway, by all accounts, is making her presence felt mightily on the West Coast, most notably as a Corporate America professional.

“I discovered this opportunity while seeking to expand my influence and commitment to community wellness and recovery,” Dr. Pettway said.

The “opportunity” to which this San Francisco-based philanthropist is alluding is her forthcoming role as Deputy Director of The Wellness Empowerment and Resiliency Campus and Trauma Recovery Center.

MAKING MASSIVE HEADLINES 

Located at Eastmont Mall in nearby Oakland, Dr. Pettway will be working for Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency (BOSS).

Established in 1971, BOSS’ strategic mission is centered in large part on helping homeless, poor, and disabled people achieve health and self-sufficiency, thus fight against the root causes of poverty and homelessness. Moreover, BOSS customarily strives to help individuals with severe and persistent mental illness who had become displaced because of public hospital closures.

For instance, programs and services expanded over the past five decades to include services for unhoused, disabled, and low-income individuals, families, particularly neighborhoods in Alameda County.

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Currently a Program Manager for the Social Medicine Department at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, Dr. Pettway will assume her new role on March 4, something she doesn’t merely take lightly, she acknowledged.

“This role aligns deeply with my passion and lifelong dedication to advocacy and providing support for the most vulnerable populations,” Dr. Pettway told Making Headline News this week. “It’s a blessing to continue this work on a larger scale, guiding recovery and empowerment strategies.

“I give credit to God for guiding my path, my supportive family, and the mentors who have enriched my journey.”

For what it’s worth, Dr. Pettway’s fervent rise to entrepreneurial and Corporate America success comes amid humble beginnings.

“From barely being able to read, I eventually went back to school and got my high school diploma and then I really got embraced by the atmosphere of education,” Dr. Pettway told MHN during a September 2024 interview.

Consequently, Dr. Pettway would further her education, completing seven certifications, thus ultimately acquiring a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management.

It wasn’t long thereafter that she garnered a Clinical Master’s Degree, this before eventually being dubbed a recipient for an Honorary Doctoral Degree in Humanities.

NATIONAL HONORS 

Interestingly enough, Dr. Pettway in June 2024 was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy from the prestigious Trinity International University of Ambassadors and was christened with the honor during a ceremony in Atlanta.

Much to her delight she acquired the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and the United Nations Pioneer of Peace Award during the event, which was centered on honoring nominated individuals who have enriched the world to recognize their distinctive achievements, contributions to society or entrepreneurial efforts.

As for the fervent buzz surrounding her forthcoming new role, Dr. Pettway said:

“I am thrilled to embark on this new journey, eager to contribute my expertise to enhance the lives of individuals and families recovering from trauma, and excited about the new challenges and opportunities that await.”

More than anything, Dr. Pettway said, she fully welcomes the lofty challenges that await her in the coming weeks.

Generally, BOSS is an organization dedicated to helping vulnerable individuals in the community achieve independence and self-sufficiency. For over 12 years, under the leadership of Donald Fraser, this organization has been instrumental in developing and providing programs that address homelessness, poverty, and social injustice.

“In my new role, I will oversee the development and implementation of holistic wellness and resilience programs, contribute to strategic planning and community engagement, and ensure the delivery of effective trauma recovery services,” Dr. Pettway told MHN.

An esteemed clinician and fervent advocate for mental health, Dr. Pettway is recognized as a thought leader in social justice and health equity. Her personal journey, detailed in her book, Against All Odds: A Triumphant Journey from Addiction & Incarceration, serves as an inspiration to those facing similar challenges.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Pettway is deeply committed to mentoring young women and actively supports arts and culture initiatives, guiding others towards positive life choices and helping them avoid the pitfalls that once ensnared her. Her multifaceted approach ensures that she not only talks about change but also actively participates in making it a reality.

HAPPY FEELINGS 

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For more information about San Franciso Author Dr. Nichole Pettway, to inquire about her books, a public appearance, book signing or interview requests, connect with her via Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/nichole.pettway.5?mibextid=2JQ9oc; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnicholepettway/; LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nichole-pettway-cadde-iii-b-s-ma-amft-79731527. Website: https://www.nicholepettway.com/. Send email to: [email protected].

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