How Denetra Hampton is Transforming Education with Scientific Storytelling

Denetra Hampton, producer, director, and founder of For Nurses By Nurses Productions is advancing the health sciences through her pioneering work called Scientific Storytelling. She characterizes her efforts as a major collaboration of our era between science, research, history and film.

With the upcoming release of a new project, Denetra shares some insights into her work.

Photo by SL Hampton Photography

On What Is Scientific Storytelling:

" It's the process of how we execute our mission and vision of making strides toward health equity. Although many have been doing the work of health equity long before us, the very idea that we can move critical elements of thought like science, research and history through film blows me away. I am motivated by the evolution of these stories."

On The Meaning of Health Equity:

"I think it is certainly the goal, but whether we will fully achieve it is another matter. I support prevention and progress. Nothing drives change more effectively than our stories—stories that resonate and connect with people on their level. Being able to meet people where they are and educate on a solution is good stuff."

On Building A Platform:

" I am always looking for quality over quantity. Work over performance. Less over more. I just understand that it is important to be able to execute. Enough of the fluff. People want to know whether or not you can make it happen. At a time such as this, it's important to be able to justify, so I am very strategic about working with people who understand that the work still works."

On Her Definition of Success:

" It's simple. Define it for yourself, and create it."

On The State of Nursing:

" I have seen a lot in my journey. But over the past decade, I have been able to see the profession in ways I otherwise would not have. Becoming a storyteller amplified some untruths. And what I know for sure is that, we are what we repeatedly do, think and consume. I have had the privilege of sitting in spaces that are not nursing occupied and although voted the most trusted profession on a clinical level, that does not always ring true in regards to our community and business. So, we have a lot of internal challenges that have hindered our external ability to be seen fully. Again, prevention and progress is critical to moving and making authentic change."

On Her Upcoming Film Project:

"This project is unraveling as a mantra of the era. It is our first cinematic lecture, so the format is exciting to reveal. I hope to unite women for this timely conversation on diversity, which historically has been the core of our humanity and highlight the transformative power we possess as women. Diversity defines who we are around the world, and women have consistently been at the forefront of key contributions. The moment is right, and we have a strong cast to initiate it."

---

For Nurses By Nurses announces the title of their forthcoming film, THE ICONIC GATHERING: THE POWER OF DIVERSE WOMEN. This film marks the inaugural cinematic lecture from the independent media company.

The film will delve into the crucial topic of diversity and the transformative power of women, particularly in health, education, and economics. The script vividly revives lessons from our history through memorable dialogues with icons like Harriet Tubman, Zora Neale Hurston, Mary McLeod Bethune, Harriet Beecher Stowe ,Mary Peake and Virginia Alexander.

With a scheduled screening release in February 6, 2026 at the Gaines Theatre on the Christopher Newport News University Campus, the film is expected to be critical to the upcoming Black History and Women's Month Celebration.

Tickets are on sale now!