Tameeka Smith is CEO of CQ fluency, a global leader in culturally adaptive language solutions for regulated industries. With a career rooted in healthcare leadership, including CEO of UnitedHealthcare Community & State in Virginia, President of SmileHealth, and executive roles at Aetna and TIAA, she drives growth, operational excellence, and high-performance outcomes. A former Medicaid beneficiary, Tameeka brings authentic empathy, championing health equity, language access, and cultural inclusion. Recognized by Fortune’s Most Powerful Women: Next Generation and featured in Working Mother and African American Career World, she empowers diverse teams and creates lasting, transformative impact across organizations and communities worldwide.
How did you get started in healthcare? Have you always been passionate about this area, or did it happen by chance?
I started my journey in healthcare driven by something truly personal. I was once a Medicaid beneficiary myself, and early in my career, I accepted a job with one main goal: to secure better healthcare benefits for me and my family. Navigating the healthcare system as a member, I understood firsthand how overwhelming and complicated it can be, especially when relying on public programs for essential care.
As I advanced in healthcare, eventually spending five years in Medicaid managed care, I became deeply committed to improving how healthcare is delivered, particularly for people who are underserved. Real progress, I realized, goes beyond benefits and access—it means ensuring people truly understand their options.
One story from my managed care days still resonates with me. A mother in our plan struggled to feed her newborn because she couldn’t interpret the instructions on the formula can. Limited English proficiency turned something so basic into a barrier and threatened her child’s health. That experience crystallized my belief that clarity in communication isn’t just important; it’s sometimes a matter of life or death.
That’s what led me to CQ fluency. Our mission closely aligns with my personal journey and the realities I’ve seen throughout my career. We bridge language, cultural, and accessibility divides to make sure everyone receives healthcare information in a way they can truly understand. For me, this work is not just professional, it’s profoundly personal, shaped by my own experiences and the lives I’ve been privileged to touch.
You’ve held several top executive roles with significant P&L responsibility. What skills or mindsets have been most important in managing billion-dollar businesses?
Coming from humble beginnings, I’ve always carried a sense of responsibility—not just for the financial health of the companies I lead, but also for the lives affected by our decisions. Managing billion-dollar businesses taught me that success depends on empathy, resilience, and the courage to make tough calls.
My background as a Medicaid beneficiary and as someone who’s navigated the system myself keeps me mindful of how much the details matter to those who are counting on us. Building strong teams, staying curious, and grounding every strategy in our mission to serve vulnerable individuals are essential to my approach. Delivering results matters, but never losing sight of the real people behind each number matters even more.
You’ve remained committed to underserved and marginalized communities throughout your career. How do you integrate that mission into your business strategy?
My personal story reminds me every day where the real work lies. I don’t just talk about equity; I embed it in the company’s DNA. At CQ fluency, our strategy is built on this principle. We create programs and solutions designed for everyone, not just those who already have access, speak English as their first language, or can easily consume standard formats. The experience with the mother who struggled to feed her baby drives me to push harder for true health literacy, culturally relevant communication, accessibility services, and partnerships that reach people who are often left behind. Whether it’s hiring, technology, or market expansion, my commitment to inclusivity guides every decision, making sure no voice or community is left behind.
Personally or professionally, what might the WBL network be surprised to know about you?
Something people often find surprising is that I have a disability: I’m dyslexic. This has genuinely shaped my leadership style. Dyslexia encourages me to embrace authentic collaboration and open conversation. I prefer meeting and talking with my team in person or virtually, rather than relying on long emails. I learn so much more when I take the time to really listen and connect. Engaging directly with colleagues across the organization helps me stay culturally intelligent and truly tuned in to the needs and perspectives of others. I have learned that real connection happens when we listen deeply, ask questions, and adapt how we share information, principles that also sit at the heart of bridging communication gaps across languages and cultures.
Reading can be a challenge, but I love audiobooks and select podcasts. They support my disability, satisfy my curiosity, and keep me well-informed. Dyslexia has shown me that everyone absorbs information differently, which makes me even more committed to fostering inclusive communication, whether within my team, across our organization, or with the diverse communities we serve.
On a personal note, my family life is beautifully busy. I have a blended family with six children, plus my niece Shania, who is like a seventh child to us. I’m grateful for five energetic grandchildren, a loving husband, two standard poodles, and a cat who keeps things lively. My disability reminds me daily that being different is a strength, and that empathy and connection, both at home and at work, make my journey so meaningful.
