Transforming Lives Through Health, Innovation, and Partnership
At Pinnacle Planning Associates, we believe lasting change begins with well-being—when communities are healthy, connected, and empowered. We partner with organizations to improve access to care through public health strategy, clinical research support, and health equity programs designed for real-world impact.
At Pinnacle, we don’t just consult—we connect, build, and elevate.
We believe in people. We believe in progress. And we’re here to help bring both to life.
Our Approach: Beyond Consultation
Embark on a transformative journey with Pinnacle Planning Associates as we uncover your organization's needs and turn them into powerful results that drive success.
We Begin With Your Story
Every connection at Pinnacle begins with a story — a need unmet, a voice unheard, a system that can do better. We listen deeply to understand the unique challenges you face.
Bridge-Builders & Visionaries
We are more than consultants; we are bridge-builders and visionaries who understand that the most powerful solutions emerge at the intersection of experience, empathy, and innovation.
Global Expertise & Connections
From hospitals in Kigali to boardrooms in Washington D.C., our team brings decades of experience in healthcare, strategic leadership, and global engagement, connecting people to purpose, businesses to opportunity, and ideas to impact.
Transform Your Organization with Pinnacle
At Pinnacle Planning Associates, we deliver strategic, comprehensive solutions precisely calibrated to address today's most pressing healthcare challenges while unlocking tomorrow's opportunities.
Public Health Consulting & Clinical Research
We develop equitable health strategies and provide end-to-end clinical trial support with specialized expertise in reaching vulnerable populations. Our methodologies blend rigorous evidence-based approaches with nuanced community insights for maximum impact.
Government Relations & Business Liaison
Our team helps you confidently navigate complex policy landscapes and forge powerful strategic partnerships through our established diplomatic networks. We create direct pathways connecting innovative healthcare initiatives with decision-makers and key stakeholders.
Community Engagement & Digital Strategy
We design culturally-responsive outreach programs paired with cohesive digital communications strategies that amplify your message with authenticity. Our approach builds meaningful, sustainable connections with the communities you serve while expanding your reach.
Specialized Services
- AI integration and talent development programs that accelerate healthcare innovation and digital transformation
- Comprehensive project management and seamless event coordination that ensures flawless execution
- Expert grant writing and resource development strategies that secure vital funding for your initiatives
Healthcare Consulting Excellence
Clinical Research
Our Beyond Barriers Trials program accelerates breakthrough medical solutions through rigorous research, addressing clinical gaps in diverse communities to reduce disparities and improve health outcomes.
Community Engagement
We foster enduring local partnerships for sustainable impact, ensuring solutions are culturally appropriate and effectively implemented with community buy-in.
Technology Integration
We implement cutting-edge systems like Hippo Virtual Care's hands-free telehealth solutions to increase access, enhance efficiency, and improve patient care.
Our Projects and Impact
Our work creates measurable improvements in health outcomes, community wellbeing, and healthcare access. Here are some of our current and recently completed projects:
Telemedicine Implementation
Partnered with Hippo Technologies to introduce hands-free telehealth solutions in rural clinics in Rwanda, connecting over 5,000 patients with specialists.
Men's Mental Health Program
Established community support groups and awareness campaigns reaching over 10,000 men and boys with mental health resources and education.
BPHN Grant Award
In partnership with Eleventh Hour Teaching Ministries and BataHealth secured funding for health literacy, outreach and AI diagnostic screening program in Montgomery County, targeting underserved communities.
Diaspora Homecoming Planning
Currently developing comprehensive program for Diaspora Homecoming Kigali 2026, building partnerships and infrastructure for this landmark event.
Strategic Partnerships
Our strategic partnerships amplify our impact and expand our reach. By collaborating with organizations that share our values, we create powerful synergies that benefit underserved communities worldwide.
Black Physicians Health Network
We're proud to partner with BPHN, amplifying their vital work to address health disparities and elevate underserved communities through culturally competent healthcare services and advocacy.
Breast Cancer Initiative East Africa
Alongside BCIEA, we're revolutionizing cancer screenings with cutting-edge AI-powered ultrasound technology from iSonoHealth ATUSA, making early detection accessible to more women.
Hippo Technologies
Our collaboration with Hippo Technologies brings hands-free, voice-activated telehealth solutions to underserved communities, connecting patients with specialists regardless of geographic barriers.
TibaSalama
Working with TibaSalama, we're elevating maternal and child wellbeing in Tanzania through innovative telemedicine solutions specifically designed for high-risk pregnancies and deliveries.
Telemedicine Innovation
In partnership with Hippo Technologies, we're revolutionizing healthcare delivery in underserved communities. Our implementation of hands-free, voice-activated headsets enables real-time specialist consultations regardless of geographical barriers.
This technology has proven particularly valuable in maternal health initiatives, allowing for expert guidance during high-risk deliveries in remote locations. By connecting rural healthcare providers with specialists, we're improving outcomes and saving lives.
60%
Increased Access
More patients in rural areas now able to access specialist care
40%
Reduced Costs
Lower healthcare delivery expenses through telehealth solutions
25%
Better Outcomes
Improvement in treatment success rates with specialist guidance
Meet Our Leadership Team
Sheba Hakiza, MPH
As Founder and CEO, Sheba brings expertise in public health, clinical trials, and project management. With a Master's in Public Health and experience as a clinical trials systems manager, she leads with a visionary approach and commitment to global health equity.
Dr. Stephen Jackson, PhD
Our Chief Scientific Advisor combines spirituality, science, and health expertise. As Scientific Director of Beyond Barriers Trials clinical programs, he orchestrates initiatives that equip communities with essential scientific and technical skills.
Cathy Rwivanga, MBA
As Chief Strategic Officer, Cathy brings expertise in Government Relations, IT Data Security, and Agile Project Management. Her leadership in the Rwandan community and international business drives our strategic partnerships and growth.
Innovation and Technical Leadership
Rashad Howard
Senior Advisor for Innovation and Outreach
For nearly two decades, Rashad has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and organizations overcome obstacles and achieve the unthinkable. A serial entrepreneur who has built several 8-figure businesses, he brings bold ideas and unconventional thinking to help our partners reach their full potential.
Mike Kategaya
Technical Operations & Solutions Advisor
As the founder of The Mental Health Hub For Men, Mike brings both technical expertise and passionate advocacy to our team. His background in Management Information Systems and experience as an Account Partner Director at Salesforce enables him to deliver tailored technological solutions across sectors.
Visionary Branding Creators
Deborah Kakoma
Brand Experience Expert
With 20+ years of experience across the USA and East Africa, Deborah excels at bridging global and local brand ecosystems. Her expertise in brand strategy, stakeholder engagement, and creative direction shapes powerful narratives that drive investment and cultural relevance.
Tyler Bowa
Strategic Creative Director
Tyler brings 15 years of experience leading brand campaigns across North America, China, and Africa. As an entrepreneur and AI innovator, he specializes in digital storytelling and cross-cultural brand integration, focusing on empowering businesses in emerging markets.
Fueling your brand's next move.
Mental Health Advocacy
We recognize the critical importance of mental health in overall wellbeing and are committed to breaking down stigma through innovative programs and awareness campaigns.
Men's Mental Health Initiatives
Through Mike Kategaya's Mental Health Hub For Men, we support programs specifically designed to empower boys and men to discuss mental health openly. These initiatives create safe spaces for conversation, provide resources tailored to men's experiences, and work to destigmatize seeking help.
Community Awareness Campaigns
Our public education efforts increase understanding of mental health issues and available resources. We develop culturally sensitive materials and events that resonate with diverse communities, ensuring messages reach those who need them most.
By integrating mental health support into our broader healthcare initiatives, we promote holistic wellbeing and resilience in the communities we serve.
Beyond Barriers Trials
Our Beyond Barriers Trials program addresses critical gaps in clinical research diversity. Led by Dr. Stephen Jackson, this initiative ensures medical innovations benefit all communities through inclusive research practices.
Diverse Recruitment
Strategies to ensure clinical trial participants reflect the full diversity of affected populations, including traditionally underrepresented communities.
Community Education
Programs that build understanding of clinical research and address historical concerns to foster trust and participation.
Methodology Innovation
Development of research approaches that overcome traditional barriers to participation and improve accessibility.
Health Equity Impact
Focused efforts to ensure research outcomes benefit all communities and address existing health disparities.
International Business Development
Our international consulting services extend beyond healthcare into business development, cross-cultural partnerships, and global initiatives. We specialize in connecting organizations across continents to build sustainable relationships and impactful projects.
Diaspora Homecoming Kigali 2026
As co-founders of this landmark event, we're creating connections between Rwanda and its global diaspora through a multifaceted approach to engagement and development. In collaboration with co-founding firm, The Brief Agency, Diaspora homegrown initiative is scheduled to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, in August 2026, and is expected to welcome approximately 600 international delegates from the global Rwandan and African diasporas, including African-Americans . The United States Rwandan Community Abroad (USRCA)is our diaspora partner based in the United States.
Tourism & Cultural Exchange
Creating opportunities for diaspora members to reconnect with their heritage through immersive experiences and cultural programs that celebrate Rwandan traditions and innovations.
Investment & Business Development
Facilitating connections between diaspora investors and local entrepreneurs to catalyze economic growth and create sustainable business partnerships across sectors.
Knowledge Transfer
Harnessing the intellectual capital of the diaspora through mentorship programs, educational initiatives, and professional development opportunities for local communities.
Pan-African Community Building
Strengthening connections within the broader African diaspora to foster collaboration, shared learning, and collective advancement across the continent.
Nonprofit Support and Empowerment
We're committed to supporting nonprofits that empower and educate vulnerable populations in Rwanda and beyond. We provide consulting services including project management, fundraising, and marketing for CoKiyovu and Women GAIN Rwanda, we are empowering women in Rwanda through digital skills and entrepreneurship training. The vision of CoKiyovu is to transform this space into a hub for leadership, wellness, and innovation. Through specialized programs and mentorship, women are gaining the tools and confidence they need to start and grow successful businesses.
Educational Programs & Capacity Building
Women GAIN Rwanda
As champions of Women GAIN Rwanda, we are promoting women leadership development and wellness. Some activities include:
- Career mentoring and entrepreneurship for young women
- Teen mother support with childcare services
- Community wellness through “voga” (vocal empowerment + yoga)
- Skill training, storytelling, and civic engagement
Through these partnerships, we've helped create sustainable programs that continue to serve communities long after our direct involvement ends.
Training and Capacity Building
We believe in empowering healthcare professionals with both technical expertise and essential soft skills. Our comprehensive training programs create stronger healthcare teams equipped to face modern challenges.
1
Technical Skills
Our programs equip healthcare professionals with cutting-edge technical skills, enabling them to leverage modern healthcare technology effectively in daily practice. Training includes telehealth platforms, AI-powered diagnostic tools, and digital health records systems.
2
Soft Skills
We foster essential interpersonal abilities through comprehensive communication, leadership, and teamwork training. These skills are crucial for effective patient interaction, cross-cultural competence, and successful multidisciplinary collaboration.
3
Innovation Leadership
Our training empowers professionals to become innovation champions, driving improvements in project delivery through creative solutions. Participants learn change management, design thinking, and implementation science principles.
Get Involved with Pinnacle
There are many ways to partner with Pinnacle Planning Associates in our mission to improve healthcare and empower communities globally. Whether you're an individual, organization, or potential funder, we welcome your participation.
Partnership Opportunities
Organizations with aligned missions can explore formal partnerships that leverage our combined strengths for greater impact. We're particularly interested in collaborations that bring new expertise or resources to underserved communities.
Volunteer Your Expertise
Healthcare professionals, business leaders, and technology experts can contribute their skills to specific projects or initiatives. Whether in-person or virtually, your knowledge can make a significant difference.
Support Our Work
Financial contributions enable us to expand our reach and deepen our impact. Donations support technology implementation, training programs, and community initiatives that might otherwise lack resources.
Contact Pinnacle Planning Associates
Ready to explore how we can work together? We're eager to hear about your needs and discuss how our expertise can support your goals. Whether you're interested in our healthcare consulting, international business development, or community initiatives, we're here to help.
Connect With Us
Email: info@pinnacleplanningassociates.com
Phone: (301)760-0152
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm EST
Follow Our Journey
Stay updated on our latest projects, events, and initiatives by following us on social media and subscribing to our newsletter.
Our Location
Pinnacle Planning Associates
8 The Green
8 The Green
Dover, DE 19901