Dr. Chongwa’s Path to Purpose - A Global Advocate for Inclusive Public Health

Dr Chongwa's Career Journey and Notable Achievements

Dr. Chongwa’s journey to becoming a global public health leader is defined by dedication, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to health equity. Long before stepping into her current leadership role in March 2025, she had already built a portfolio of experience that positioned her as a transformative figure in health policy and social advocacy. At Birmingham City Council, Dr. Chongwa was at the forefront of public health efforts, notably steering initiatives that addressed pressing community health needs. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic proved crucial, as she helped coordinate emergency responses and mobilise resources to mitigate the health crisis. Her ability to lead in uncertain times showcased her strategic thinking and calm under pressure—qualities essential to any high-stakes leadership role.

Sunrise Foundation, Ireland

Prior to her time in Birmingham, Dr. Chongwa served as a Project Manager at the Sunrise Foundation in Ireland. There, she led several health and education initiatives targeting children from underprivileged backgrounds, particularly those from families affected by diabetes. Many of these children had experienced trauma, and Dr. Chongwa was instrumental in designing programs that not only met their medical needs but also offered emotional support and educational opportunity. She organised large-scale conferences focused on advancing diabetes care, where she delivered presentations that resonated deeply with both practitioners and patients. Dr. Chongwa worked closely with survivors of childhood trauma and chronic illness, encouraging them to share their stories in public forums. Through this, she empowered others to speak up and seek support, contributing to a growing culture of openness and resilience.

Empowering Through Education

Dr. Chongwa’s commitment to education extended beyond academic settings. She collaborated with medical professionals to improve patient outcomes through self-management training for those living with diabetes. Recognising that empowerment begins with understanding, she taught patients how to use glucometers effectively and interpret their results. This hands-on guidance not only improved clinical outcomes but also restored a sense of control and confidence in those managing chronic illness. Her work underscored the deep-rooted health inequalities that many underserved communities face. By exposing these systemic issues, she advocated for policy changes that prioritised access to care and emphasised the importance of patient education. Her approach blended grassroots outreach with high-level policy engagement—an uncommon but powerful combination.

Champion For Diversity

In every role she held, Dr. Chongwa championed diversity and inclusion. She led initiatives that encouraged healthcare institutions to adopt culturally sensitive practices and recognise the value of inclusive leadership. Her advocacy for diversity was not symbolic; it was a strategic imperative grounded in evidence that inclusive teams produce better health outcomes and foster trust within communities. She worked tirelessly to make sure that leadership within healthcare systems reflected the populations they served. By mentoring emerging professionals from diverse backgrounds and pushing for institutional reforms, she laid the groundwork for a more equitable future in healthcare governance.

Lesson to Learn:

Leadership is Rooted in Service. Dr. Chongwa’s story is more than a résumé of impressive accomplishments—it is a blueprint for transformative leadership in public health. She demonstrates that effective leadership is not just about titles or technical expertise, but about listening to communities, lifting marginalised voices, and enacting policies that create lasting change. From managing public health crises to building trauma-informed care systems, Dr. Chongwa has shown that empathy and evidence-based practice can go hand in hand. Her legacy serves as a reminder that real change begins with those who are willing to stand in the gap, challenge the status quo, and act as bridges between the powerful and the powerless.

Her journey offers a profound lesson: True leadership is service in action, and when guided by compassion, it becomes a force that can reshape systems and restore dignity to the most vulnerable.