Daily Inspiration: Meet Delisa Branch-Nealy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Delisa Branch-Nealy

DeLisa , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I will. Refer y0u to my bio on the book cover.

DeLisa, is a dynamic and compassionate professional, has built an extroaordinary life marked

by her contributions to healthcare, the arts and community service. Her journey began at

Howard University College of Nursing, from which she graduated in 1986. She then served in

the United States Air force Nurse Corps until 1990, laying a strong foundation for her healthcare

career. Her expertise in surgical nursing was further developed at New York Hospital Cornell

Medical Center in 1991.

DeLisa’s personal life is enriched by her marriage to Michael Nealy, a fellow Howard University

alumnus who graduated from the School of Journalism in 1987 and later earned his MBA from

Fordham University in 1994. They married in 1992 and later moved to the San Francisco Bay

Area in 1994. Since 1997 DeLisa has been a part of CPMC Davies Campus, home of the

world-renowned Buncke clinic, know for its pioneering work in microsurgical surgery. Together

with Michael they raised three children, fostering a loving and supportive family environment.

The Nealy household thrives on a shared love for music and education. DeLisa and her

husband, Mike have hosted several jazz parties in their home, celebrating their passion for

music and fostering a cultural and educational ambiance. Their three children have been

immersed in this musical heritage learning saxophone, drums, and flute repsectively. The

emphasis on education extends beyond music, as the family traveled the world together, visiting

places like London, Rome, Dakar, Sydney, NYC, Berlin, and Paris to name a few, enriching their

global perspective and cultural understanding.

DeLisa’s artistic endeavors in African Dance took a significant turn in 1992 when she appeared

in the music video for the theme song “Revolution” from the Spike Lee movie” Malcolm X”. this

experience marked an early highlight in her dance career. In 2001, her passion for dance led

her to teach a beginning West African dance class in Albany, CA, where she met Julia

Chigamba. This meeting was pivotal, leading her to becoming an official dancer/singer and

musician with Julia’s company The Chinyakare ensemble and performing in various prestigious

events, including the San Fancisco Ethnic Dance Festivals.

DeLisa’s commitment to the arts extends to her role as President of the Kumusha Foundation

since 2016,where she has been insrumental in promoting cultural educationand community

engagement with its founder Julia Chigamba, her leadership and dedication have been vital in

advancing the foundation’s mission and impact.

In addition to her remarkable career in healthcare and the arts, DeLisa is a dedicated health

coach and is on a spirutal path of healing. She studies Sacred heart fire Reiki under the

guidance of her teacher, Devi Jade. This practiceintegrates the mind ,body, and spirit aspects of

healing,enriches her approach to health and wellness. Through her business and YouTube

channel, “DeLisa’s Life Dance”, she empowers others with this holistic perspective.

DeLisa is currently Transitioning to a full-time role as a coach,speaker, and author, contributing

to a book in Lisa Nichol’s upcoming publication. Her life story, embpodying integrity, honesty,

and respect for others, showcases how passion, dedication and kindness can significantlimpact healthcare,the arts and community service. Her multifaceted achievements and

contributions make her a source of inspiration and a beacon of positive change in the world.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have had a lot of struggles shared in my chapter in Against All Odds.

My mother died when I was 15 1979
My father remarried while I was still in HS and to another home in 1980
After HS my father moved me to Alabama I was completely out of my Comfort Zone.

I was stationed in USAF in Biloxi MS
My College life at HU was a challenge as well balancing Nursing Classes and ROTC and HU Dance Ensemble I was a part of

My early nursing career was challenging in 1986

So many struggles along the way but I am here and thriving

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I actually am a RN professional nurse in Surgery and I am a wife and mother and I am a professional AfricaN Dancer and performer with Julia Chigamba and The Chinyakare Ensemble
www.chinyakare.com
I am a new Entrepreneur Health Coach and now New Author
I am here to serve humanity in many ways

What does success mean to you?
Living your life and feeling good about it. Living my dream and filling.my personal goals

Pricing:

• Introductory Speaking Rate of $1000 for 1hour
• For travel outside of Bay Area $2100 for an engagement
• 1/2 Day Coaching/Workshops 3-4 hours $2000
• Bundle Packages can be discussed

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.delisaslifedance.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delisaslifedance/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063641588779&mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC9ujftwKaZfVJ7A9lQJMKg

Image Credits
Andy Nealy, Mandy Tawbush