Jamie’s Journey from Roots to Heights

Jamie’s educational journey reflects her dedication to learning and growth. These early years laid the foundation for her academic pursuits, shaping her passion for knowledge. Jamie’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication and a heart filled with compassion. Petersburg, Virginia, was not just her hometown but the fertile ground from which her remarkable story sprouted. Jamie stood out as an exceptional student and natural leader from her earliest days. It began in the nurturing environment of Wyche’s Kindergarten and continued through the halls of Stuart Elementary (now Pleasants Lane Elementary), Blandford Elementary, and Peabody Middle School. When she graduated from Petersburg High School in 1988, she did so with distinction, ranking among the top decile of her class, which boasted over 350 bright minds. Her academic prowess was so remarkable that the Governor of Virginia at the time, signed her high school diploma in recognition of her outstanding achievements.

Jamie’s thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there. A relentless pursuit of excellence marked her educational journey. She embarked on a life-changing path in the Fall of 1988 when she attended Howard University in Washington, D.C. This dream of hers had come true! Howard was where her passion for science and healthcare was ignited. Her journey led her to complete a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Chemistry (Pre-Med) in 1993. Her dedication to her calling to serve others led her to Norfolk State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s in Nursing in 1997. Jamie’s thirst for knowledge was insatiable, and she continued to build her educational foundation. She achieved a Master of Public Administration in Healthcare Administration from Troy University in 2001. She then earned a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Leadership/Management from VCU and TUI in 2010, including an international trip to Santiago, Chile, to study Business Management abroad. Today, Jamie stands on the brink of a remarkable accomplishment – she’s “All but Dissertation,” actively working toward completing her Ph.D. in Public Administration with an impressive 3.7 GPA. Her journey is set to reach a remarkable milestone (i.e., graduation) in the Spring of 2024.

As her academic achievements flourished, so did her professional journey. Jamie’s dedication and leadership led her to roles of great responsibility, including Vice President positions in local and national healthcare companies, including two integrated health systems. Her commitment to excellence was underscored by her role as the Program Leader of Quality Assurance for the State of Virginia. In 2013, her dedication and expertise were acknowledged when she was referred to as the “Top Quality Professional in the State of Virginia.”

In her professional journey, Jamie’s passion for serving the underprivileged and those in need became a driving force. Therefore, she founded the nonprofit organization, The B.R.A.V.E. Project INC™, to impact the lives of those struggling in Petersburg, Virginia, and other needy areas. Her organization is dedicated to addressing the pressing issues the underprivileged face and offering them a glimmer of hope and support.

Jamie’s extensive experience in operations management, contract management, and tactical business leadership allows her to serve as a creative and experienced leader in her pursuit of helping others. Although her career includes leading Commercial, Medicaid, Medicare, and Exchange quality, risk, and population health programs, with a combined value exceeding $20 million, her niche is serving those in need as over 20 years of her experience has been in the nonprofit sector and serving the Medicaid and Medicare populations. Her unique ability to analyze qualitative and quantitative data allows her to uncover strategic insights and identify best practices and pain points. 

Her unwavering commitment to serving the community extends beyond her professional life. Jamie is a leader in the boardroom and a compassionate advocate for the underprivileged and those facing healthcare disparities. As a Board of Directors Member of the American Cancer Society (ACS) since 2019 highlights her dedication to the cause. She represented Virginia at the Annual ACS Conference in 2022, further emphasizing her commitment to creating positive change in healthcare.

Jamie’s journey is a profound testament to her unwavering passion, dedication, and commitment to making a difference in the world. Her remarkable academic achievements, coupled with her influential career in healthcare, have all culminated in creating The B.R.A.V.E. Project INC™, an organization devoted to serving those in need and leaving an enduring legacy of compassion and change.

Leading Transformation in Quality and Population Health: A Legacy of Impact

As “The Caring C.E.O.,” Jamie brings a unique blend of experience and dedication that resonates in every aspect of her life. With a career spanning over three decades, she is a true leader in the Quality and Population Health industry, not just in Virginia but beyond. She has been at the forefront of the healthcare industry, creating waves of positive change that ripple through communities.

A Legacy of Leadership and Transformation

With over 30 years as a healthcare professional and executive, her journey has been marked by a continuous commitment to excellence. From serving as Virginia’s Virginia Department of Health Program Manager overseeing Quality Assurance for every managed care organization (i.e., Aetna, Anthem, Coventry, UnitedHealth, Virginia Premier, and numerous other healthcare organizations) to assuming pivotal roles as the Vice President of Quality and Population Health at both national (Anthem Health Plan) and local (Virginia Premier Health Plan) managed care companies in the State of Virginia, her impact has been profound. In 2014, the State’s Medicaid Agency referred to me as the Top-Quality Leader in the State.

Pioneering Initiatives for a Healthier Tomorrow

Throughout her career, she has orchestrated transformative initiatives that touched the lives of countless individuals. Jamie has vetted and implemented programs, systems, and other large-scale initiatives, leaving an indelible mark on the healthcare landscape. Her reach extends to doctor’s offices, health departments, immunization registries, hospitals, and nearly every corner of the healthcare realm. The driving force behind these efforts has always been to elevate the quality of life for individuals and communities.

A Champion of Collaborative Change and the Community

Jamie’s journey isn’t just a solitary pursuit; it’s rooted in collaboration and partnerships. She has worked with patients, members, citizens, doctors, nurses, administrators, and various healthcare entities to bring tangible improvements. Jamie has stood as a bridge between healthcare professionals and the communities served, ensuring every voice is heard and every need addressed!

Jamie’s profound dedication to community betterment shines through her longstanding Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated membership. Since 1995, she has participated actively in this esteemed organization, founded on January 15, 1908, at Howard University in Washington, DC. Alpha Kappa Alpha stands as a beacon of service and empowerment as the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African-American college-educated women. Jamie’s engagement with this sorority reflects her unwavering commitment to the principles of upliftment, education, and positive transformation. Her continuous involvement echoes her lifelong mission to create a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and communities, a testament to her unyielding dedication to fostering positive change.

Jamie is in a loving relationship with her childhood best friend and partner, Gary, the Co-Founder of The B.R.A.V.E. Project Inc.  Jamie is the proud parent of Kevin, who is, in her eyes, the best son in the world, and her unwavering love for him knows no bounds.

As the Founder, Chairman of the Board, and C.E.O. of The B.R.A.V.E. Project INC, Jamie’s core mission and vision are deep-rooted in “Serving Others.” She inherently believes “serving others” is her assignment in this life. Her goal is to further the quality of life and care of all who need healthcare and aid in this life while sharing her time in communities in need of services, especially the underserved communities like her home City of Petersburg, VA.