About Dr. Glenda

Dr. Glenda is a physician leader in internal medicine, and a trusted voice and go-to expert for her patients, family, friends, and communities around the world. She educates on issues around health care and health advocacy. Her mission to empower stems from being on both sides of the doctor-patient relationship and from an extraordinary life experience.

Early Beginnings

At the age of 15, Dr. Glenda left her native state of North Carolina, with a dream to become a medical doctor. She became the first black student to attend the prestigious Miss Porter’s School in Connecticut. Dr. Glenda went on to earn a biology degree from Tufts University in Massachusetts and her medical degree from the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine. She currently resides in Oakland, California.

Dr. Glenda knew early on that she wanted to be a doctor.

As the elected senior class president, Dr. Glenda stands in the front row on graduation day at Miss Porter’s School.

Dr. Glenda’s patient advocacy started early in her career as a physician.

That time in her early life was an important catalyst for learning how to speak up for herself, gain lessons in courage, and become a leader.

Servant Leader & Global Educator

A servant at heart, Dr. Glenda has traveled the United States, Latin America, Africa and the Caribbean to educate thousands of patients, families and underserved populations on how to navigate the complex health care system, understand the challenges of health disparities, and advocate for themselves to improve their health experiences, and ultimately their medical encounters. Dr. Glenda is also a global leader. She is the 16th National President of The Links, Incorporated and The Links Foundation, Incorporated, one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations. She is the first and only medical doctor to serve at the highest level of the organization. Her emphasis on health and wellness, with a focus on education and prevention, impacted the lives of not only her members, but also communities around the world.

Dr. Glenda discusses the healthy school garden established on a service trip with the Links to Jamaica.

As a volunteer in her local community, Dr. Glenda is a staunch health advocate.

Dr. Glenda presents the hospital community in Jamaica with a new ultrasound machine on behalf of the Links.

On a fact-finding mission in Ethiopia to evaluate access to healthy water for new mothers, Dr. Glenda engaged with students at a local school.

She meets people where they are, while imparting wisdom and leaving them with a mindset to be their own best champion.

DECADES-LONG CAREER IN HEALTH CARE

Dr. Glenda has held clinical positions with a number of prestigious health care organizations, has served in leadership roles within local and regional medical societies, has been a medical consultant for numerous groups, and has held her own medical practice. She is the recipient of many awards and recognitions from health, civic and corporate organizations.

Dr. Glenda has connected and collaborated with several influencers over the years. Here she is with the Reverend William Barber after an event focusing on minority health.

Dr. Glenda volunteers at a local COVID-19 vaccine site.

Dr. Glenda shares a conversation with iconic publishing mogul and former Essence Magazine editor-in-chief Susan Taylor.

Dr. Glenda’s personal motto is “take charge of your health,” and she wants to help you get there!