Entrepreneur Includes Heart Advocacy, Women’s Wellness in Social Media Content Creation, Comedy

According to the CDC, “Over 60 million women (44%) in the United States are living with some form of heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States and can affect women at any age.” https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/women-and-heart-disease.html

ShantaQuilette Carter-Williams (“Dr. Q”), PhD, MBA, is on a mission to amplify the voices of women who are often dismissed in healthcare spaces.

“Through humor, storytelling, and education, I work to close gaps in heart health, stroke awareness, and women’s health equity so people can advocate for themselves before a crisis occurs,” said ShantaQuilette, the founder of Quiddity Media and Entertainment, SQ Develle Enterprises LLC, and Girl B Natural.

Before entering health advocacy and media spaces, the now award-winning health equity advocate, comedian, author, globally recognized speaker, and executive producer spent years in federal service working in forensic accounting and compliance. Her life shifted after surviving a heart attack and multiple strokes following years of misdiagnosis.

“That experience transformed my purpose and led me to build a platform rooted in truth, education, humor, and healing,” ShantaQuilette explained. “I was misdiagnosed for nearly eight years. During that time, I repeatedly sought medical care because I knew something was wrong. I was told I was stressed, overworked, anxious, or simply doing too much. No one identified the underlying cardiovascular disease that was developing. That prolonged dismissal delayed treatment and ultimately led to serious cardiac and neurological events.”

ShantaQuilette mentioned that her symptoms were subtle but persistent. They included extreme fatigue; shortness of breath; chest discomfort that did not present as sharp pain; brain fog; dizziness; and an overall sense that her body was not functioning properly.

“Because these symptoms did not match the typical male-centered heart attack narrative, they were repeatedly minimized,” she added.

ShantaQuilette’s heart health was directly connected to her strokes. She later learned that she had an undiagnosed, preexisting cardiovascular condition.

“I was eventually diagnosed with ASCVD, or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which was related to long-standing cholesterol issues that were not properly addressed. I did not present with classic high blood pressure warning signs, which contributed to delayed recognition and intervention.”

ShantaQuilette’s recovery was extensive and ongoing. The stroke impacted her mobility, speech, stamina, and cognitive processing. Recovery required rehabilitation and long-term lifestyle adjustments. Ultimately, it led to her retirement from the IRS because her health and healing had to become her priority.

“Under medical supervision, I made significant lifestyle changes. I lost over 160 pounds, which was a critical part of improving my cardiovascular health. I addressed cholesterol through dietary changes, reduced sodium and processed foods, eliminated alcohol, incorporated consistent movement, and focused on stress reduction and rest. These changes were guided by doctors who finally listened and treated my health comprehensively,” she added.

She became interested in heart health or women’s health equity, and her advocacy is rooted in lived experience.

“I realized that many women, particularly Black women, experience the same medical dismissal I faced. I became committed to using my voice, platform, and expertise to educate, advocate, and push for equity in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. However, prior I was focused on metastatic breast cancer through my nonprofit, the Pink Peppermint Project.”

However, ShantaQuilette become involved with the American Heart Association through her advocacy work, speaking engagements, and community-based education around heart disease and stroke awareness.

“As a member of the Board of Advisors Committee, I provide patient-centered insight, help shape culturally responsive education strategies, and advocate for equitable messaging that reflects real-world experiences of women and underserved communities,” she stated.

When ShantaQuilette attempted to figure out what was wrong with her health, she wished that she had known that heart disease in women often presents quietly.

“I did not know that fatigue, brain fog, and subtle discomfort could signal serious cardiovascular disease. Most importantly, I did not know that being dismissed was a systemic issue and not a personal failure. It’s also important to know your family history.”

Today, ShantaQuilette’s health is stable and actively managed. She remains connected to her medical team, lives intentionally, and prioritizes prevention. ShantaQuilette educates people through digital platforms, global speaking engagements, panels, conferences, and community conversations.

“On @heyshantaqtv (https://www.youtube.com/@heyshantaq8213), I combine humor, storytelling, and education to discuss heart disease, stroke warning signs, and health disparities in a way that is relatable and empowering.”

She added, “I am grateful to be alive and able to advocate for others.”

Learn more about ShantaQuilette via https://www.HeyShantaQ.com and follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyshantaq.