Change Makers Inspiring Us

The Change Maker Stories That Inspire Us:

Meet Tanya Ambrose of Columbia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanya Ambrose

Hi Tanya, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello, my name is Tanya Ambrose, and I’m a Public Health Practitioner working in maternal, reproductive, and sexual health as a Health Educator. I am also a Birth and Postpartum Doula, host of the Tea With Tanya: Transforming Every Aspect podcast, and the Founder and CEO of Scrub Life Cares, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving women and youths in underserved communities. Our mission is to promote health education, with a primary focus on menstrual equity, period poverty, and providing comprehensive reproductive and sexual health education. We aim to eliminate the stigma surrounding these topics while ensuring that individuals have access to the resources and knowledge they need to thrive.

I was raised in the Caribbean on the beautiful island of Antigua, and my journey here in the US began when I migrated to continue my tertiary education in 2009. After completing an associate’s degree in Liberal arts. I went on to pursue a nursing degree. Going to nursing school did come with its challenges, but I am not one to back down from a challenge. Back in 2016, I failed out of nursing school by just 0.05 points, a small number that at the time felt enormous. The program required a two-year wait to reapply, and I was heartbroken. I searched online for guidance on what to do next, but found little to help me. So, I created a blog to share my journey as an aspiring nurse. Over time, it evolved into a broader platform where I shared insights on college life, public health stories, and tips on health and wellness.

I took a new path, earning my Bachelor of Science in Public Health at Georgia State University, which opened new doors and deepened my passion, particularly in maternal, child, and reproductive health. Seeing the disparities in maternal health outcomes, especially for Black women, motivated me to become a Doula to advocate for safe and positive birth experiences. I did a study abroad stint in 2019 in Uganda, Africa, during the last year of my undergraduate degree. I remember my class giving back to the individuals who lived in some of the poverty-stricken areas of Uganda, and I wondered to myself, what happens when I leave and go back to my place of privilege? That was when I used the power of social media. I built trust with my social media through public health advocacy with my public health brothers and sisters. I was able to start an inaitaive where I collected nonperishable food items and essential hygiene products and donated those who were in vulnerable communities. I thought I had to be a millionaire to give back to my community. I’m not a millionaire yet, but studying abroad in Uganda truly was life-changing both personally and professionally. Scrub Life Cares was born in 2020 in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic from my commitment to addressing these issues, with a mission to destigmatize period and women’s health and help end period poverty through education, advocacy, and service.

Growing up in Antigua taught me the importance of community, and I carry that with me in all I do. What began as a blog has transformed into a deeply fulfilling journey of service, allowing me to connect with and support incredible people. My life’s purpose is to serve others, creating lasting change through each role I hold.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Is there such a thing as a smooth path? If so, please show me the map because my journey has been anything but smooth! Driven by a genuine purpose to serve others, I’ve faced countless challenges in bringing my vision to life, especially as a young entrepreneur and founder of a nonprofit operating both here in South Carolina and in my home country of Antigua.

One of the first hurdles was defining my mission and goals. I needed to decide if my work would focus on products, services, or a combination of both. Once I chose, I encountered the intricate legal requirements of starting a service-based business in South Carolina. Navigating these laws was complex, and as a young entrepreneur, I needed to ensure I was protected from a legal standpoint, not just for myself but for the individuals I’m honored to serve.

Marketing was another challenge. Putting myself out there and showing up authentically can be intimidating, but I learned that people connect with genuine stories. Social media has been invaluable for this, allowing me to share my journey and build connections. Yet, in an industry that can feel oversaturated, launching without the initial support I’d hoped for was tough. I quickly realized that resilience is essential, especially when I’m playing multiple roles—CEO, social media manager, accountant, and more. Every challenge, however, has fueled my passion to keep pushing forward.

Starting Scrub Life Cares has been one of the most rewarding but challenging journeys of all. Building a nonprofit from the ground up took a leap of faith, and managing operations across two countries adds complexity. Each location has its own regulations, funding needs, and community dynamics. Running a startup nonprofit has been a powerful lesson in persistence and perseverance. I’ve learned that while not everyone will immediately see or support your vision, those who do can make an invaluable difference. Thanks to the incredible mentors and professors I’ve met along the way, I’ve found the guidance to take each step forward.

My greatest lesson? Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Seek out people in your field, build a network, and always do your research. This journey has shown me the power of community, resilience, and purpose. And with every challenge, I am more determined than ever to make a lasting impact.

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