Black Excellence: Dr. ShantaQuilette Develle
ShantaQuilette Develle is a busy entrepreneur, inspirational speaker and wellness advocate. After facing multiple health challenges, she now believes one of her most important jobs is being CEO of her own body.
“My life didn’t stop after my heart attack and stroke,” she said. “When you are in the face of death, it pulls you up by your lapels. It’s really important not to take no for an answer when it concerns your health, and it starts by being in tune with your body.”
Develle spent most of her life as an athlete. She exercised and ate a nutritious diet. But she had a family history of high cholesterol, which is linked to higher risk of heart disease and stroke.
In 2012, she started experiencing heart problems. Doctors told her the heart palpitations and chest pains were strain from exercising, so she transitioned to limited workouts as they instructed. They also said her symptoms were caused by stress and anxiety from her high-pressure job at the IRS.