Community Wellness With Purpose

Shala Hawkins is using wellness education, fitness outreach, and community-centered programming to help address health disparities impacting underserved communities throughout California, at a time when health plans are needed.
As founder of Naturally Fit Movement, Hawkins has developed programs focused on improving physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being through realistic and sustainable lifestyle changes.
Her organization offers health workshops, group walks, wellness education, nutrition guidance, accountability support, and customized health plans designed to meet individuals where they are in their personal wellness journeys. Hawkins says the organization’s mission is rooted in helping people build healthier lifestyles that can be maintained long-term rather than promoting short-term fitness trends.

“Stay Naturally Fit mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically” has become one of the organization’s guiding messages as it continues expanding its community outreach efforts.
Addressing Health Disparities Through Education
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), underserved communities often experience higher rates of chronic illness due to limited access to preventative health education, wellness resources, fitness opportunities, and nutritional support.
Hawkins believes organizations like Naturally Fit Movement play an important role in helping close those gaps by creating safe, supportive, and accessible environments where individuals can learn healthier habits while building accountability and community support.
Programs organized through Naturally Fit Movement focus on education as much as exercise. Workshops and outreach events often include discussions surrounding stress management, emotional wellness, nutrition awareness, movement, and long-term health improvement.

The organization’s group walks and community fitness activities are designed to encourage consistency while also helping participants feel connected and supported throughout the process.
Creating Long-Term Community Impact

In addition to its educational programming, Naturally Fit Movement also hosts major community events, including the 3rd Annual Community Leadership Awards, which recognizes leaders, advocates, and changemakers making positive impacts within their communities.
Hawkins says wellness extends beyond physical appearance and includes confidence, emotional healing, stability, and overall quality of life. Her continued work reflects a growing movement toward preventative wellness education and community-based health advocacy.
As conversations surrounding public health continue expanding nationwide, Hawkins remains committed to increasing access to affordable wellness-centered programming that empowers individuals and families to take control of their long-term well-being.

About the San Diego Standouts Series

The San Diego Standouts Series from San Diego Weekly highlights individuals whose leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and service are helping shape the future of San Diego, California, the Cali-Baja region, and communities connected to the region around the world.
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Profiles featured in the San Diego Standouts Series are selected by the San Diego Weekly editorial team to highlight individuals whose leadership and service are helping shape San Diego and the Cali-Baja region. The Editor’s Choice is for individuals whose impact on San Diego and the broader region is undeniable: the founders redefining industries, the advocates transforming communities, and the visionaries building what comes next. Past and current considerations include civic leaders, nonprofit founders, tech entrepreneurs, educators, creatives, and cultural icons across the San Diego and Cali-Baja region. These editorial recognitions are independent features and honors, there is no fee required to be selected.
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About Young Black & N’ Business

Young Black & N’ Business (YBNB) is a growing entrepreneurial network originally founded in 2019 to provide instructional content, resources, and real-world opportunities to early-stage and underserved entrepreneurs. Since its inception, YBNB has evolved into a trusted platform that supports business owners through education, visibility, and community-driven growth.
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