As the year draws to a close, we can all reflect on the journey we’ve traveled, both personally and professionally, throughout 2024. It’s been a year of triumphs, challenges, and, most importantly, lessons learned. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, but I’m equally grateful for the growth and resilience I’ve gained along the way.
Personal Wins: A Year of Healing and Hope
On a personal note, this year has been one of the most profound of my life. As many of you know, my daughter’s battle with cancer has been a defining experience. It’s impossible to put into words what it’s like to see your child go from the shock of a cancer diagnosis to the joy of reclaiming her health. I’m overjoyed to share that my daughter is not only healthy, but she’s dancing again, has started a debate club at her school, and is reclaiming her life.
This journey has taught me more than I could ever have anticipated — about resilience, strength, and the power of hope. Her recovery is a testament to her incredible willpower, and as a family, we’ve learned to cherish every moment, knowing that health is a precious gift. This is a victory that transcends any professional achievement, and it has kept me grounded and focused on what truly matters.
My two other daughters are beginning college and middle school, and my time spent with all of my children has been a huge win this year, especially as they were able to attend conferences with me for the first time. I was excited for the opportunity to show them the work I do, which I am so passionate about.
Professional Wins: Growth and Recognition
Professionally, this has been a year of significant growth for both myself and my organization. One of the earlier moments I reflect on is sojourning as a delegate on a DC Chamber of Commerce’s International Trade Mission to the Middle East and Asia. This was not just an opportunity to represent the DMV and its businesses but also a chance to broaden my own horizons, travel the world, and make valuable connections that will help us move forward in our mission to provide exceptional healthcare services. I was also a global keynote panelist at a business conference in Berlin and have been touched by the number of women who reached out because they were inspired by my entrepreneurial journey.
More noteworthy milestones this year include Medicalincs being recognized as a Top 100 MBE in the Capital Region by NMSDC and Healthlincs being a CHRC Grant recipient, its first multi-million-dollar grant. In addition, I’m thrilled to share that Medicalincs has officially become SBA 8a certified. This achievement is a testament to the hard work of our entire team and the commitment we have to maintain the highest standards of care while expanding our reach and impact. The certification opens up new doors for growth and collaboration, and we’re eager to continue making a difference in the healthcare industry.
Another daring and bold venture was co-founding BIND Associates – an association of business integrated network in the diaspora focused on U.S – Africa trade. All BIND Member organizations including mine, pulled together and established key partnerships, went through key milestones, and wrapped up the year as a finalist bidder with the U.S government, to advance in 2025!
The Biggest Lesson of the Year: Life Happens
As much as I want to celebrate these wins, I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the lessons this year has brought me — particularly the realization that plans can fail and life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges your way. I’ve learned that no matter how carefully you plan, you must leave room for life to happen. There’s no such thing as a perfect year, and you can’t predict the road ahead, but you can control how you respond to the bumps and detours that come your way.
This year, I learned that embracing flexibility and giving myself permission to adapt was essential for maintaining my focus and sense of balance. Whether it was personal health battles, business hurdles, or unforeseen events, I’ve learned that the key to staying on track is to allow yourself the grace to adjust when things inevitably don’t go according to plan.
As a leader, this has been a powerful realization. We spend so much time setting goals and creating roadmaps for success, but we often forget that life isn’t linear. When things go off course, it’s not about abandoning your goals — it’s about adapting and continuing to move forward, even if the path looks a little different than you imagined.
Looking Ahead to 2025: Putting the Plan Into Practice
As I reflect on the lessons learned, I’ve set my sights on what I hope to achieve in 2025. My goal is to take this newfound understanding of flexibility and resilience and put it into practice in both my personal life and business. I want to create plans that are not just about achieving goals but also about staying present and adaptable in the face of life’s twists and turns. I hope to implement systems that allow us to be more agile, more responsive, and ultimately more sustainable as an organization.
In my personal life, I’m excited to carry the lessons of this year into my relationships and my own self-care. I’m committed to being more present, more flexible, and more focused on the things that bring me joy — especially with my family. I’m learning to embrace the unpredictability of life and focus on the things I can control while letting go of the things I cannot.
A Year of Gratitude and Growth
As 2024 comes to a close, I am filled with gratitude for the health of my daughter, the strength of my team, and the support of our community. Despite the challenges, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and even more excited for what’s to come.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us this year. Whether through words of encouragement, collaborative partnerships, or your continued trust in our services, your support has made all the difference.
Here’s to a new year full of opportunity, growth, and the courage to embrace life’s beautiful unpredictability. I’m looking forward to what 2025 holds — and to continuing this journey with all of you by my side.
Wishing you all a joyful and prosperous New Year!
Warmly,
Dr. Nkem Okeke