Affectionately known as “Hooda Brown”—a childhood nickname given by her grandmother—is a force of nature. An occupational therapist raised in the heart of Memphis, the birthplace of Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll, Hooda is a divorced mother of two scuba-diving daughters, embodying resilience and a spirit of adventure.
Hooda’s Mantra: “Therapeutic Use of Self,” drives every aspect of her life.
Hooda is a catalyst for change, sparking transformation in those around her with boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm. Like a “natural enzyme,” she accelerates growth and inspires action. Her journey began in the most unexpected place: the pools of Memphis.
As a lifeguard for the City of Memphis Parks Commission, Hooda developed invaluable skills like staying calm under pressure and intuitively connecting with people. Recognizing the fine line between a swimmer enjoying the water and one in distress shaped her quick decision-making skills, which became crucial in her entrepreneurial and recreational pursuits.
Those early lessons laid the groundwork for a fearless approach to business. At 23, Hooda founded her first therapy agency, Functional Independence, and at 24, she became the youngest female to be awarded a Home Health License from the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission.
Through her leadership, Hooda empowered a team of physical, occupational, and speech therapists, nurses, and dietitians to meet the community’s needs with innovative solutions. Her connection to the outdoors runs deep, thanks to her parents’ commitment to exposing her and her brothers to nature.
Whether it was fishing rodeos at Arkabutla Lake or large family camping trips in the 1980s that brought together up to 100 people; these formative experiences instilled confidence in unfamiliar territory. The sense of adventure her parents fostered shaped Hooda’s approach to both business and parenting; she now encourages her own children to embrace the world with courage and curiosity.
But it was the ocean that called to Hooda when she sought healing and perspective after her divorce. What started as a personal journey of self-discovery soon became an all-consuming passion. She plunged headfirst into scuba diving, pushing through early challenges in murky quarries until, finally, an epiphany struck in the vibrant depths of the ocean.
“Underwater, the only voice you can hear is the one in your heart,” Hooda reflects.
Hooda dived the Arctic, Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, and in November 2024, venturing to Antarctica to conquer the final frontier, becoming the first African American woman to dive every ocean, earning Hooda a brief spot in the Guinness World Records for the fastest time to dive from every continent.
Hooda reclaimed her title in 2025, diving all seven continents — twice 12 months!
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