By: Lennard James
MEMPHIS, Tenn. Exceptional leadership is not defined solely by professional titles, recognition, or positions of influence. It is measured by the ability to inspire others, create opportunities, strengthen institutions, and make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. Dr. Jamila Smith-Young, an accomplished healthcare professional, educator, community advocate, and First Lady of Memphis, embodies those principles through a career built upon service, excellence, and purposeful leadership.
Her recognition as one of the Memphis Business Journal’s Superwomen in Business celebrates a woman whose influence reaches across healthcare, higher education, civic engagement, and community development. The honor acknowledges her professional accomplishments while highlighting her commitment to empowering others and creating lasting opportunities throughout Memphis.
Dr. Jamila Smith-Young represents a generation of women leaders who understand that influence carries responsibility. Whether providing specialized healthcare to children, preparing future nursing professionals, serving on community boards, or representing the city as First Lady, she approaches leadership with a commitment to improving lives and strengthening the institutions that serve families.
Her professional journey reflects the importance of preparation, perseverance, and continuous learning. With a bachelor’s degree in microbiology, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Public Health, a Master of Science in Nursing, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice, Dr. Jamila Smith-Young has established an impressive educational foundation that supports her work as a healthcare leader and academic mentor.
As a nurse practitioner specializing in endocrinology at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, she works in an environment where clinical expertise, sound judgment, compassion, and accountability are essential. Her responsibilities place her at the intersection of healthcare delivery and patient advocacy, allowing her to contribute directly to the well-being of children and families.
Her leadership extends beyond the hospital into higher education, where she serves as an assistant professor and mentor in the College of Nursing at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. In this capacity, Dr. Jamila Smith-Young helps prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals while emphasizing the importance of knowledge, professional responsibility, and equitable patient care.
One of her notable academic leadership responsibilities includes serving as the DNP faculty simulation co-coordinator for a $1.5 million grant through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The initiative, titled Training and Education to Advance Critical Health Equity Readiness Using Simulation, focuses on advancing healthcare education through innovative simulation-based learning.
Her involvement demonstrates the importance of leadership that connects education, innovation, and community needs. By helping prepare healthcare professionals to recognize and respond to health disparities, Dr. Jamila Smith-Young contributes to efforts designed to strengthen the future of healthcare delivery.
Throughout her career, she has earned recognition for professional excellence and community influence. In 2021, she was honored as a Healthcare Hero by the Memphis Business Journal, recognized as a CGI Power 30 honoree, and named among the Memphis Top 40 Under 40 Urban Elite Professionals.
These distinctions reflect a consistent pattern of achievement, demonstrating her ability to lead across multiple professional and civic environments.
Equally significant is her commitment to organizational leadership and community service. Dr. Jamila Smith-Young has served on the boards of the Memphis Museum of Science and History, the Hutchison School Parent Association, and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Blues City Chapter.
She also serves as the Advanced Practice Provider Community Outreach Chair for Le Bonheur, a responsibility that reflects her dedication to connecting healthcare professionals with the broader community.
Through these roles, Dr. Jamila Smith-Young demonstrates that effective leadership requires collaboration, relationship-building, and a willingness to invest time and expertise in organizations working to create positive change.
Her position as First Lady of Memphis, alongside Mayor Paul Young, provides another opportunity to expand her influence and advocate for issues affecting residents throughout the city.
Rather than allowing the ceremonial aspects of the role to define her contributions, Dr. Jamila Smith-Young brings an established professional identity and extensive experience in healthcare, education, and community engagement to her public responsibilities.
Her perspective as a healthcare provider offers insight into challenges affecting children, families, and underserved populations. It also creates opportunities to encourage partnerships among healthcare institutions, educational organizations, community leaders, and other stakeholders committed to improving quality of life.
Dr. Jamila Smith-Young’s leadership is also shaped by her responsibilities as a mother. She recognizes that the example established through personal conduct, professional achievement, and community service can influence how children and young people understand their own potential.
Her career demonstrates that leadership and family responsibilities can coexist through dedication, intentionality, and a clear sense of purpose.
As a professional woman who has achieved distinction in healthcare and education, she represents an important example for young women considering careers in science, medicine, public health, and organizational leadership.
The Memphis Business Journal’s Superwomen in Business recognition reinforces the significance of women whose accomplishments contribute to the economic, professional, and civic strength of the region.
For Dr. Jamila Smith-Young, the honor reflects more than individual achievement. It represents a broader commitment to helping others succeed, strengthening professional institutions, and creating pathways for future leaders.
Her influence is evident not only in the recognition she receives but also in the students she mentors, the families she serves, the organizations she supports, and the example she establishes throughout the Memphis community.
As the city continues navigating opportunities and challenges, leaders who combine professional knowledge with compassion, collaboration, and community engagement remain essential to meaningful progress.
Dr. Jamila Smith-Young stands as an example of leadership grounded in purpose, strengthened by education, and demonstrated through service.
Her recognition among the Memphis Business Journal’s Superwomen in Business celebrates a career of achievement while acknowledging the continued influence of a woman dedicated to helping shape a stronger future for Memphis.
Congratulations to Dr. Jamila Smith-Young, a distinguished healthcare leader, educator, mentor, and First Lady whose commitment to excellence and community service continues to inspire the next generation of leaders.
