Naya Powell‘s journey into health and wellness is not just a career path; it’s a compelling narrative shaped by her personal and family experiences. As a third-generation entrepreneur, Naya was inspired by her parents’ remarkable resilience and commitment to community. Her father, a marathon runner, founder and CEO of a global government contracting firm with clients that spanned from the Pentagon to Military bases worldwide, instilled in her the values of tenacity, global citizenship, wellness and visionary thinking. Meanwhile, her mother made history as the first Black national sales director for Mary Kay Cosmetics in Virginia, exemplifying entrepreneurship and empowering women to rise.
With over 15 years of experience in corporate America, Naya thrived in fast-paced, demanding environments; however, she experienced her own bouts with burnout and a sense of belonging. Her roles in tech, consulting, and global talent acquisition at companies such as Red Hat, IBM, Korn Ferry, Microsoft, and others provided her with insight into the pervasive issues of workplace engagement, retention and mental health across hybrid and global teams. Naya witnessed firsthand how these challenges hinder professional success, and productivity, deepening her commitment to creating work cultures that promote mindful leadership, occupational health, happiness, and performance.
Naya is a dedicated community leader who has transformed the workplace wellness landscape by not only addressing these critical issues but also advocating for representation and empowerment. Her journey is a testament to the strength and determination of women in healthcare, and her insights are essential for driving meaningful change in the industry.
The Birth of Topia (Formerly Utopia Global Wellness): A Response to a Critical Need
When looking further into these issues, the statistics Naya encountered were alarming. She discovered that one in five Americans was dealing with mental health challenges, and the World Health Organization reported over $1 trillion in annual productivity losses due to depression and anxiety.
These insights became the catalyst for Topia, a B2B digital health and wellness platform designed to revolutionize employee well-being.
“So everyone knows that stress and burnout are an epidemic – impeding our productivity and ability to show up. You see, there is a productivity gap in wellness. Therefore, here at Topia, we focus on 4 key pillars of health: mental, physical, emotional, and occupational. Our AI wellness coach taps into our one-stop library of 700+ sessions, live and on-demand, delivering personalized plans for health, happiness, and performance,” Naya explains. Her platform goes beyond traditional wellness approaches that offer a one-size-fits-all approach. Topia is proud graduate of 2024 Techstars Washington DC Accelerator, powered by J.P. Morgan.
Naya’s entrepreneurial path was far from smooth. After leaving her corporate job to focus on her wellness business, Topia, she faced significant challenges when the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically altered the business landscape. Her financial runway was quickly depleting, and she wasn’t sure how she would sustain her business.
However, Naya’s approach to adversity was to persistently seek opportunities. She applied to the Google for Startups fund, having been rejected the previous year. This time, not only was she accepted, but she also received double the funding she had originally sought.
“A dream delayed is not a dream denied,” Naya reflects, embodying the essence of perseverance.
A Comprehensive Wellness Ecosystem
Topia is more than just a platform; it’s a comprehensive wellness ecosystem. The company offers:
- 1-STOP Workplace Wellness & Productivity Platform
- 4 Health Pillars: Mental, Physical, Emotional & Occupational
- AI-Powered Coach personalizes plans
- 700+ Classes | 24/7 On-Demand | 6 Languages
- Customizable Workshops | Wellness and Mindful Leadership Coaching
- Licensed Mental Health Therapist
- Curated Leadership Retreats & Kick-offs
- Healthplan Partnerships
With this diverse array of offerings, Topia is dedicated to promoting holistic well-being for all.
A partnership with the world’s largest health plan, which emerged from a transformative executive coaching session, exemplifies our organization’s commitment to its mission. Naya shares, “One of my biggest highlights has been Topia being invited to provide a curated virtual retreat for one of their teams. As we enter our third year of this esteemed partnership with a global leader in health plans, I couldn’t be more proud.”
Personal Philosophy: Balancing Life and Purpose
Naya’s approach to personal and professional life is deeply intentional. She prioritizes her values—faith, family, finances, and fun—and practices what she preaches in the wellness industry. Her weekly routine includes:
- Prayer and gratitude journaling
- Taking walks
- Dedicating Sundays to self-care and restoration
- Maintaining clear boundaries between work and personal life
- Annually: Wellness retreats and beach time with Utopia Spa Global Wellness Retreats
Mentorship and Community
For Naya, community is not just a concept but a critical component of well-being. She actively encourages immersion in supportive networks, whether through conferences, accelerator programs, or professional communities. Her belief is simple yet profound: “Life isn’t meant to be done alone, and we can go so much farther together.”
Inspiration for Future Generations
When considering how to inspire the next generation of women in healthcare and wellness, Naya’s message is powerful. She advocates for:
- Prioritizing personal well-being
- Embracing authenticity
- Being courageous
- Finding supportive communities
- Believing in individual uniqueness
“Every one of us was uniquely and divinely created to make an impact in the world that no one else can,” she emphasizes.
Future Vision: Beyond Digital Wellness
Looking forward, Naya envisions expanding Topia beyond its digital platform. Her ambitious goal is to establish brick-and-mortar retreat centers worldwide, continuing her mission of making holistic health and well-being accessible to everyone.
Advice to Her Younger Self and Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Drawing from wisdom shared by her mentors—her godmother, father, and mother—Naya’s advice crystallizes into powerful mantras:
- “Always do a little more than expected.”
- “Never say you can’t without giving it a try.”
- “Go as far as you can see, and then you’ll see further.”
The Transformative Power of Perseverance
Naya Powell’s story transcends a personal success narrative. It is a profound testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to creating meaningful change in healthcare, wellness, and beyond.
Her journey reminds us that challenges are not insurmountable obstacles, but opportunities for growth, transformation, and ultimately, making a significant difference in the world.