Henrietta enrolled at Columbus State Community College and was encouraged by her sister to pursue nursing.  Henrietta furthered her education in nursing and attended Stratford University in Baltimore, MD, where she earned her Bachelor’s in Nursing and then continued her education online through Walden University, based in Minneapolis, MN.  At the completion of the program, Henrietta earned her Masters in Mental Health and Psychiatry and became certified as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).  She loves learning and embraces the continuing education required of her profession.  In addition to staying relevant in the Nursing Profession, she enjoys collaboration with other nurses through her 17-year membership in the American Nurses Association.  As the Director of Nursing at Sibling’s Home Health in Columbus, OH, she works as Director, Administrator, and Caregiver for up to 6 patients per day, directly in their homes.  “I am always teaching and educating my patients about life skills and habits they can incorporate in their daily routine to positively impact their overall health and quality of life.”

About 6 years ago, Henrietta was introduced to William Nkemson, the Founder and Executive Director of African United Foundation.  In early 2020, William reached out to Henrietta and shared his vision for African Untied Foundation.  She immediately connected with the vision and related to the youth and their situation in Cameroon, Africa.  “I have been blessed to have physically visited the children at the Scottish Bilingual Nursery and Primary School, located in Cameroon. The simplest things that we take for granted in the United States put a huge smile on the face of the children.” The African culture is one that bestows silence and suppression of emotion in their children, so they appear to be ‘tough’ on the outside.  Due to Henrietta’s professional Mental-Health Certification, she knows that incorporating counseling into the programming at African United Foundation is critical to the children’s long-term mental health. “Offering young adults an opportunity for vocational training is critical for their ability to become self-sufficient but influencing their mindset and teaching them about family planning, and the rights that women should have over their body, is paramount.”

Henrietta Bettah is steadfast in her role as Program Director, and she is driven to stay rooted in the purpose to improve the lives of children. “As I counsel others, I always remind them to ‘hate the negative action’ but not to ‘hate the person.’”  As a mother of three young boys, family, education, patience, and stability are at the forefront of her mind.  She serves her family and instills respect, independence, and of course, healthy boundaries, in them every day.  “I want the children in Cameroon to aspire towards obtaining the same possibilities for their lives.  Through African United Foundation, we serve to provide our support, guidance, and resources.  After all, they are just kids.”