Meet Dr. Jamila Cherry

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Jamila Cherry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Jamila, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My path to entrepreneurship has been shaped by my commitment to care, advocacy and wellness. Motherhood really affirmed that for me. I understand first hand how isolating it can be to struggle with burnout, imposter syndrome, and perinatal depression. I also understand how transformative it is to be able to name your experience, build skills to successfully ask for support, and overcome challenges. I helped build my platform, Untethered Moms, to provide parents with tools to feel empowered, confident and whole.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a veterinarian, author, entrepreneur, artist, and mental health advocate. My work blends methodical study, creativity, and care, with a focus on identity, wellness, and meaningful connection. I am passionate about helping health care professionals find balance, set boundaries, and alignment so they can navigate vicarious trauma, seasons of burnout, and anxiety to reconnect with their purpose.

I earned my Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida before completing a Small Animal Internal Medicine and Surgery Internship. My time practicing emergency medicine deepened my commitment to community advocacy and mental health support. Today, I serve as Medical Director in private practice. Across every role, my goal is to create spaces that center care, clarity, and personal expansion so others can show up fully and thrive.

Veterinary medicine is notoriously challenging but I have always enjoyed the autonomy of being a leader, problem solving, and working with a team. A desire to alleviate suffering is an inseparable aspect of who I am. This accomplishment is a reminder to continue showing up and leading with compassion.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I was born and raised in Oakland, California. There are so many beautiful parts of this city and entirely too many options to eat good food. Oakland was named the number 1 city in the United States for food by Condé Nast Traveler’s so I’m not being entirely biased. If I were going to grab breakfast with a friend I would go to Poppys Bagels or The Sunday before heading to the farmer’s market. I would grab some local snacks and head to the redwood trails in the Oakland Hills for a nice hike before grabbing dinner at Nido’s Backyard. If you can’t decide what to eat, Swan’s Market or Prescott Market have good options as well. I love the history and art embedded in the culture here. The African American Museum and Library have really great programming including a community seed library. The Oakland Museum has Off the Grid Foodtrucks on Fridays. For my kiddos we have to get outside and explore so be ready for an adventure.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am grateful to be held deeply by a supportive and loving family. My family has always poured life into me and really modeled the life that I’d like to live. My parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles are grounded in faith and lead with their heart. My father was an environmental engineer and started a non profit highlighting the contributions for African Americans in STEM long before that was even recognized. My mother is a life long educator and community advocate, fighting for equitable access to education for students. My parents laid the foundation for me to show up fully as myself and inspire me to do the same for others.

Website: https://untetheredmoms.com

Instagram: @just.jamilah

Image Credits
headshots and family photo captured by Justin Schlesinger