Candace Oates: Advocate for Health Equality and Empowerment

There was a time when the challenges of health and wellness felt like an insurmountable mountain for many. But amid these obstacles, a spark of joy emerged – one found not in perfection, but in movement, community, and shared journeys. It was here that Candace Oates discovered her calling.

Her own experiences lit a path of empathy and understanding, guiding her toward creating Sole Connections, an initiative dedicated to helping young people overcome barriers to physical activity. Through workshops and seminars, she fosters spaces where children can embrace movement without fear of discomfort or stigma.

Candace’s work isn’t just about physical health—it’s about finding joy in every step and inspiring others to do the same. Her belief in the power of connection and shared experiences continues to ignite change, proving that even the smallest moments of joy can have the greatest impact.

Transforming Lives Through Wellness and Empowerment

Candace Oates’ journey toward founding the Obesity Awareness IN Action (OAA) non-profit was deeply inspired by the glaring health disparities she witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lower-income communities and people of color faced disproportionately higher rates of hospitalization, long COVID, and mortality compared to their more affluent counterparts. Recognizing the urgent need for systemic change, Candace envisioned OAA as a vehicle to educate and empower youth about comprehensive health and wellness through the 8 dimensions of wellness.

Since its launch, OAA has grown significantly, introducing programs like Awareness Bound, an 8-week educational initiative designed for underserved 5th to 12th graders. This program integrates health education with movement, encouraging an active lifestyle. Looking ahead, the fall 2025 launch of Sole Connections marks a pivotal expansion of OAA’s mission. This initiative aims to provide diverse footwear options, enabling youth to participate in various physical activities—from hiking to soccer—without barriers.

Candace’s personal commitment to health and wellness began with a defining moment in her own life. At the age of 25, she discovered she was six months pregnant, a realization masked by the effects of her weight, which exceeded 325 pounds, and hormonal imbalances. This revelation served as a wake-up call, igniting her determination to prioritize her health for herself and her child.

Through her transformative journey, Candace learned that true wellness extends beyond diet and exercise—it encompasses self-love and breaking free from destructive habits. This insight became the cornerstone of her mission. While she holds degrees and certifications, she believes her most powerful lessons come from personal experience. Moments when a child or client realizes that small, consistent changes can lead to healthier lives are the moments that reaffirm her purpose.

For Candace, health and wellness is more than a career—it is her calling. Her unwavering dedication to empowering others to embrace their own unique paths to wellness continues to shape her work and inspire change every day.

Balancing Leadership and Life

The leadership qualities that have been most instrumental in Candace Oates’ success are patience, active listening, and the invaluable insights gained from her personal journey of weight loss.

Patience has been a cornerstone of Candace’s approach as a leader. She recognizes that meaningful change takes time, both for herself and for those she mentors. Transforming one’s lifestyle is a gradual process, and she fosters an environment where clients feel supported throughout their journey.

Active listening is another key attribute in her leadership toolkit. By genuinely hearing the concerns and aspirations of the individuals she works with, Candace tailors her guidance to meet their unique needs. This attentive approach builds trust, encourages open communication, and strengthens the collaborative effort toward achieving health and wellness goals.

Her personal journey adds depth to her leadership. Candace’s experiences resonate with her clients, making her insights relatable and empowering. Witnessing someone recognize that small, consistent changes can transform their life is deeply rewarding for her. These moments reaffirm her purpose and drive her ongoing commitment to helping others embrace their own paths to wellness. For Candace, health and wellness isn’t just a profession—it’s her calling.

Balancing her life as a personal trainer, health coach, Executive Director, and mother requires intentional strategies, which Candace implements with care and precision:

1. Prioritization and Time Management: Candace organizes her week by prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance. Tools like calendars and to-do lists help her allocate time effectively across her various roles.
2. Setting Boundaries: She maintains clear boundaries between her professional and personal life, designating specific hours for work and family to be fully present in each role.
3. Delegation: As an Executive Director, Candace empowers her team by delegating tasks that align with their strengths, allowing her to focus on strategic priorities while ensuring smooth operations.
4. Self-Care: Recognizing the importance of her own well-being, she incorporates regular exercise, mindfulness, and sufficient sleep into her routine to sustain her energy and focus.
5. Flexible Scheduling: Candace adopts a flexible schedule to address work obligations and family needs, enabling her to adapt seamlessly to unexpected challenges.
6. Quality Family Time: She prioritizes regular family activities to bond with her children, reinforcing her commitment to staying connected.
7. Utilizing Technology: Candace leverages technology, such as fitness apps and communication tools, to streamline tasks and free up more time for family and clients.
8. Continuous Learning: By engaging in ongoing professional development, she enhances her skills and models the value of lifelong learning for her children.

Candace’s intentional strategies allow her to excel in her career while remaining an attentive mother. Each role enriches the other, and she remains committed to thriving in both her professional and personal life.

Mission to Empower Communities

Candace Oates’ work with Obesity Awareness in Action (OAA) has been instrumental in transforming public perceptions of obesity by advocating for a comprehensive understanding of wellness through the eight dimensions of wellness. Her efforts have led to significant strides in education, advocacy, and community engagement.

1. Holistic Approach: Under Candace’s leadership, OAA emphasizes that wellness extends beyond physical health to include emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, occupational, financial, and environmental dimensions. This approach challenges traditional narratives, presenting obesity as a multifaceted issue influenced by various life factors.
2. Community Engagement: Through outreach programs, workshops, and seminars, OAA provides resources and support while fostering open conversations about obesity. Candace’s focus on reducing stigma and celebrating individual journeys has helped create a more understanding and inclusive culture.
3. Educational Initiatives: Candace has prioritized accessible education, offering practical guidance on nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being. By equipping individuals with tools for holistic wellness, she encourages sustainable lifestyle changes that extend beyond physical fitness.
4. Advocacy and Awareness: Recognizing systemic factors such as socioeconomic disparities, Candace champions policies and initiatives that address root causes of obesity. Her advocacy promotes compassionate, informed perspectives and drives change on both community and policy levels.
5. Collaboration with Health Professionals: By working closely with health and wellness experts, Candace ensures the integration of the eight dimensions of wellness into care practices, advancing a holistic approach within clinical and community settings.
6. Success Stories: Sharing personal and community success stories, beginning with her own, Candace humanizes the challenges of obesity while inspiring others to take action. These narratives foster empathy and demonstrate the potential for transformation.

A Game-Changer for Youth Wellness

One of Candace’s most impactful initiatives is Sole Connections, a program dedicated to providing properly fitting footwear to youth. Inspired by her observations during OAA’s Awareness Bound sessions, Candace recognized the critical role that footwear plays in enabling physical activity. Poor or ill-fitting shoes often hinder children from participating, affecting not only their physical health but also their confidence and social engagement.

Sole Connections addresses this barrier by ensuring that all youth have access to shoes suited for their individual needs. Beyond providing footwear, the program emphasizes the value of movement and wellness, helping children participate without fear of discomfort or injury.

This initiative aligns seamlessly with OAA’s mission of holistic wellness, fostering inclusivity, confidence, and lifelong healthy habits. Under Candace’s leadership, Sole Connections has become a powerful force for change, reaffirming her commitment to creating impactful programs that meet real community needs.

Through her work with OAA and the launch of initiatives like Sole Connections, Candace Oates is reshaping the narrative around obesity and wellness, empowering individuals to embrace their journeys and promoting a culture of holistic health.

Vision for Holistic Health and Future Impact

Candace Oates has consistently championed a holistic approach to health and wellness, integrating the eight dimensions of wellness into her methodology to improve outcomes for her clients. Her strategies go beyond physical fitness, recognizing that emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, occupational, financial, and environmental factors all contribute to true well-being.

Strategies for Holistic Wellness

1. Holistic Assessments: Candace begins with comprehensive evaluations that explore all eight dimensions of wellness. This personalized approach allows her to identify the unique challenges and opportunities in her clients’ lives.
2. Incremental Changes: She emphasizes small, manageable adjustments over drastic lifestyle overhauls. By fostering gradual progress—such as dietary tweaks or short bursts of activity—clients gain confidence and build sustainable habits.
3. Goal Setting: Collaborating with clients, Candace sets realistic and dimension-specific goals tailored to their aspirations. This partnership creates motivation and ensures meaningful progress across all areas of life.
4. Education and Empowerment: Candace provides continuous education about the interconnected dimensions of wellness, empowering clients to make informed decisions and adopt a proactive mindset toward their health.
5. Supportive Environment: She encourages clients to cultivate networks of support, whether through group activities, community resources, or online communities, fostering accountability and shared motivation.
6. Mindfulness Practices: Incorporating mindfulness techniques such as yoga, meditation, or journaling, Candace helps clients improve their emotional well-being and develop a positive relationship with their bodies.

This holistic framework enhances fitness outcomes while fostering lasting change, empowering clients to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Visit Candace Oates – LinkedIn Profile

Future Goals and Initiatives

Candace’s vision for the future reflects her unwavering commitment to advancing health and wellness.

• Expansion of OAA’s Reach: With the opening of Obesity Awareness in Action’s first physical location in 2025, Candace envisions greater opportunities to provide resources and support to underserved communities.
• Scaling Sole Connections: Candace plans to expand the Sole Connections program, ensuring children in more communities have access to properly fitting footwear that encourages movement and confidence.
• OAA Walk N’ Roll Events: Scheduled for June 20, 2025, in Loveland, CO, and August 1, 2025, in Des Moines, IA, the Walk N’ Roll events will serve as major milestones for community engagement. Candace is excited to implement targeted outreach to increase participation, promote physical activity, and raise awareness about obesity and holistic wellness.
• Public Speaking: Candace aims to expand her public speaking engagements, addressing corporations, schools, and community organizations to share her insights on the eight dimensions of wellness. These opportunities will allow her to inspire diverse audiences to embrace a holistic approach to health and well-being.

Through these initiatives, Candace Oates continues to make a profound impact on the lives of individuals and communities. Her dedication to creating accessible resources, fostering awareness, and promoting holistic health is shaping a brighter and healthier future for all.

Vision for Health Equality and Leadership

Candace’s advice for aspiring women leaders in the health, wellness, and non-profit sectors is to never let anyone else define your story. She believes that the unique experiences and perspectives women bring are powerful tools that can drive change and inspire others.

Candace emphasizes the importance of self-belief, even in the face of doubt or rejection. She reminds women that they have the potential to make a significant impact on the world, no matter how many people may try to discourage them. She acknowledges that the journey can be tough, especially for women, who often face a reality of receiving one “yes” for every 1,000 “no’s.” While this can be disheartening, Candace stresses that perseverance is crucial.

She encourages women to surround themselves with a supportive network of mentors and peers who uplift them, and to advocate for themselves without hesitation. Candace believes that every setback is a chance to learn and grow. She advises women to stay true to their vision and keep pushing forward, even when the road ahead seems daunting.

Candace urges women to never give up on their dreams and aspirations. She believes their voices matter and that they have the power to make a lasting impact in their fields. She encourages women to embrace their journey, trust in their abilities, and continue striving for the change they want to see.

In the fields of health advocacy and organizational leadership, Candace hopes to leave a legacy centered on health equality through the power of conversation and education. Her vision is to create an inclusive environment where open dialogues about health disparities can occur, fostering understanding and collaboration among diverse communities.

Candace believes that health equality starts with raising awareness and educating individuals about the various factors that contribute to health outcomes. By facilitating conversations around these issues, she aims to empower people to advocate for themselves and their communities, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need for optimal health.

Additionally, Candace aspires to cultivate a culture of leadership that prioritizes equity and inclusivity within organizations. She hopes to mentor the next generation of leaders, encouraging them to recognize the importance of diversity in decision-making and actively work towards policies that promote health equity.

Ultimately, Candace wants her legacy to reflect a commitment to breaking down barriers in health care and creating systems that support the well-being of all individuals, regardless of their background. She hopes to inspire others to continue the mission of health advocacy, ensuring that conversations about equity remain central to collective efforts. By doing so, Candace believes lasting change can be created, improving health outcomes for future generations.