Antoinette Hardy-Waller’s ultimate goal for being in the business of healthcare is to ensure that every human being, regardless of ability to pay, has access to the highest quality healthcare. “This passion for equitable healthcare and the elimination of health disparities has been a common thread throughout my entire career, including the rationale behind the businesses I’ve launched, like The Leverage Network,” she said.
With over 30 years of experience, Hardy-Waller began her journey as a critical care nurse before founding two successful home healthcare companies. Her first company became Chicago’s largest proprietary-owned home care provider, significantly improving health outcomes in communities of color, particularly in managing diabetes and hypertension. She later developed a national consulting firm focused on optimizing post-acute care strategies for hospitals and health systems, further enhancing quality and cost efficiency in patient care.
Building on her legacy of improving health equity, Hardy-Waller founded The Leverage Network with a mission to increase the number of Black healthcare executives in c-suite and board positions. TLN has since emerged as a leading advocate for leadership diversity, engaging over 1,000 Black professionals annually through initiatives such as the Executive Women of Color Summit, Beyond Boundaries for senior executives, the Black Healthcare and Innovation Summit, and the Healthcare Board Initiative. These programs have not only prepared participants for high-level roles but have also resulted in over 40% of board program participants being appointed to board positions and 45% of executive cohort members earning promotions.
Under Hardy-Waller’s leadership, The Leverage Network has facilitated more than 300 board and leadership development sessions, hosted impactful summits, and laid the groundwork for its visionary 20 by 30 Campaign, aiming to secure 20% of board and executive leadership roles for Black professionals by 2030.
“Work promoting diversity and equity is hard work, particularly as we live in a world that is constantly challenging the relevance of diversity and its business case,” said Hardy-Waller. “To reignite my passion for this work, I spend time reflecting on the reasons I chose a career in healthcare.”
An acclaimed speaker, author, and thought leader, Hardy-Waller has received numerous accolades, including recognition by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of the top 75 Black healthcare leaders to know and the National Association of Health Services Executives’ distinguished leadership award.
At the core of Hardy-Waller’s work is her unwavering belief that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. “Ms. Hardy-Waller envisions a world where all people are treated equitably in every facet of life, resulting in corporations operating at the top of their performance, utilizing diverse thought and unique life experiences to guide decisions,” said her staff.