Meet Dr Winsome McLeod | Founder & CEO

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

Hi Dr Winsome, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success and the success of my brand has been staying true to my purpose and leading with heart.

At Senior Care Navigators, we don’t just provide services; we build relationships and trust with families during some of their most vulnerable moments. That level of compassion and consistency has helped us stand out in a crowded industry.

Equally important is perseverance. Building a business in the healthcare space requires navigating constant change, regulation, and burnout. But having a clear vision, a mission-driven team, and faith in the impact we’re making keeps us moving forward. Every challenge we’ve faced has refined us, and every family we’ve helped is a reflection of why we do what we do.

At the core, our success is rooted in purpose, passion, and the belief that when you serve others well, success follows naturally.

What should our readers know about your business?
As a child born to hubmle beginings on the rich soil of Jamacia, my younger self deeply admired my aunties who had forged successful careers in the nursing industry. Their travels, their stories of success, and the shear charm of being around them as aunties, inspired me in way that I could not have imagined at that time. Likewise, my grandfather, who was the hero of the home and beloved by all of the grandkids, would always call me his little nurse. His words of affirmation, coupled with my aunties admiration, navigateds me to my destiny of becoming a servent in the healthcare industry.

As I did, I saw firsthand that our healthcare system isn’t a one-size-fits-all, and too many people were falling through the cracks.
That’s what inspired me to start Senior Care Navigators in April 2019 as a nonprofit organization focused on educating families about their care options and helping them make informed decisions. I wanted to fill the gaps and be the resource I wish existed for so many of the families I had worked with.

What sets us apart is our nurse-led, heart-centered approach. Our professional In-home care navigators provide seniors with personal care, companionship, medication reminders, nutritious meal preparation, and housekeeping—ensuring safety, dignity, and emotional support right in the comfort of their own home, just to name a few. Not only do we place caregivers in the home, we provide clarity, support, and navigation through every step of the care journey. This also includes long-term planning, or advocacy at medical appointments. Our mission is to walk alongside families with compassion and expertise.

Starting and building a business just before the COVID-19 pandemic was no small feat. Staffing was a challenge, and keeping both our clients and care team safe required constant creativity and resilience. But I leaned on my faith, stayed committed to the mission, and surrounded myself with a small but mighty team who believed in the vision just as much as I did.

Today, I’m most proud of the lives we’ve touched—the seniors who can age in place safely, the family members who no longer feel alone, and the caregivers who find purpose in their work. We’ve grown from an idea born out of compassion to a trusted agency serving multiple counties in Florida, and we’re just getting started.

What I want the world to know is this: our brand is about more than services—it’s about restoring dignity, creating options, and giving people the support they deserve. We’re building a legacy of care that truly puts people first.

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.
Life is beautiful because I live where others come to play or vacation.

When my best friend visits South Florida, I want them to experience not just the beaches and palm trees, but the soul of our communities. That means supporting local entrepreneurs, exploring hidden gems, and enjoying culture-rich spots you won’t find in a tourist brochure.

🌴 Day 1 – Welcome to West Palm Beach
Start with breakfast at Johan’s Jöe, a charming Swedish café known for their cinnamon buns and strong coffee. Then head to Northwood Village, a quaint artsy district full of small galleries, boutiques, and local flair.
Dinner at Queen of Sheeba—an Ethiopian restaurant that offers an unforgettable, authentic experience.

🌊 Day 2 – Delray Beach Day
Beach time in the morning, then lunch at Papa’s Tapas, a cozy family-run Spanish spot. In the afternoon, explore the Pineapple Grove Arts District for murals and artisan shops.
Evening: Grab handcrafted cocktails at The OG and enjoy tacos from the food truck parked in the back.

🎨 Day 3 – Miami’s Art & Culture
Head to Wynwood, but skip the chains—lunch at The Lunchbox, a local spot serving up Caribbean-fusion dishes. Browse locally owned galleries and vintage shops.
Stop in Little Haiti Cultural Complex, then enjoy an early dinner at Naomi’s Garden, a local favorite for homestyle Haitian food.

🚤 Day 4 – Las Olas & Local Finds
Brunch at Top Hat Deli, a family-style spot with a retro feel. Walk Las Olas Boulevard and check out The Chimney House, a locally owned Latin fusion restaurant in a restored historic home.
Evening: Ride the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi, with a sunset stop at the local-favorite Boathouse at the Riverside for drinks.

💆🏽‍♀️ Day 5 – Wellness & Wind Down
Spend the day at The Salt Suite in Delray Beach for halotherapy and relaxation. Then head to Raw Juce for fresh-pressed juice and light lunch.
Dinner at Donnie’s Place in West Palm Beach—a hidden soul food treasure that feels like family.

🎭 Day 6 – Art, Culture & Community
Morning stroll through Mounts Botanical Garden, followed by lunch at Cholo Soy Cocina, a Peruvian street food spot run by a passionate local chef.
Evening activity: Attend a local event at Arts Garage in Delray Beach—live music, poetry, or an indie performance supporting emerging artists.
Dinner at Zoe’s Kitchen—not the chain, but a local Greek café in Lake Worth.

🌅 Day 7 – Local Farewell Brunch
End the week with a farewell brunch at Malakor Thai Café in Northwood—a neighborhood staple with a warm, welcoming vibe.
Then head for one last walk along the Lake Worth Pier, grab a treat from Kilwin’s Ice Cream, and savor the simplicity of good company and ocean views.

South Florida has a vibrant heartbeat built by small businesses and community connections. These are the places I love supporting, because when you dine, shop, and spend locally, you’re not just making memories—you’re making a difference

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely. I firmly believe that our success is never just our own, it’s built on the foundation of faith, mentorship, and community. My faith has been my anchor through every season of growth and challenge, and it continues to guide my steps both personally and professionally.

I became a nurse at just 19 years old, and over the years, I’ve been blessed to work across nearly every area of healthcare, from hospitals and home care to hospice and rehab. But it was my time serving as an administrator and executive director in senior living that truly ignited my passion. Developing strong interpersonal relationships with family members while bonding with their elder loved once taught me many compelling life lessions that have deeply shaped my why. Personally seeing the gaps in care and the emotional toll on families drove me to build a brand focused on compassion, dignity, and advocacy for our aging population.

I also want to recognize the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship and the Equity Entrepreneur Center. The Jim Moran Institute helped me strengthen the business side of my vision, while the Equity Entrepreneur Center gave me vital access to capital and opened doors for deeper community involvement. These programs didn’t just offer education, they helped me feel seen and supported as a woman of color building a mission-driven business.

And of course, I wouldn’t be here without my incredible team at Senior Care Navigators, who work tirelessly to deliver exceptional care. Every caregiver, every client, and every partner has contributed to this journey—and for that, I’m truly grateful.

Website: https://www.seniorcarenavigatorgroup.com

Instagram: https://www.threads.com/@seniorcarenavigatorgroup?xmt=AQF0YChbYg0uqkJ5ul2H0_te0LLZZCI68IyAxWyL42oOzik

Facebook: Senior Care Navigator Group

Image Credits
Hamilton Media.