Christian Tekwe

Christian Tekwe, CRNA, PhD, is a dedicated and innovative leader within the field of nurse anesthesia and currently serves as the President of the Association of Cameroonian Nurse Anesthetists in America (ACNAA) for the 2023-2025 term. With a robust educational background and a deep commitment to improving healthcare outcomes, Christian brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role.

Christian graduated from Drexel University in 2011 with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Nurse Anesthesiology. He furthered his academic pursuits by earning a PhD in Organizational Development and Leadership, with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, from the University of the Rockies in 2020. His educational journey reflects his passion for leadership and his desire to make a significant impact in the field of nurse anesthesia.

Inspired to pursue a career in nurse anesthesiology, Christian sought a role that would allow him to lead in the provision of care and contribute to the development and improvement of healthcare in Cameroon. His dedication to this mission has been evident throughout his career.

Christian was part of the founding team of ACNAA in 2016. During his tenure as Vice President from 2021 to 2023, he worked together with the ACNAA leadership to ensure the smooth planning and execution of the Cameroon Conferences of Nurse Anesthesia in 2021, 2022, and 2024. His involvement in these initiatives highlights his commitment to advancing anesthesia education and practice in Cameroon.

Christian shares ACNAA’s mission and focus on foundational education in anesthesia practice for Cameroon, which aims to reduce reliance on external training and foster local capacity-building initiatives. Beyond ACNAA, he leads a support group of independent CRNA providers in the Houston metropolis. His belief in giving back and strengthening community bonds is a cornerstone of his professional philosophy.

In addition to his work within the nursing community, Christian runs a coaching business, ThriveXL 360, which empowers mid-career professionals with the tools needed to make career transitions in the digital age. Remarkably, many of these professionals had no prior business experience but have now become experts in their new ventures, demonstrating Christian’s commitment to professional development and innovation.

Christian is also the co-founder and CEO of MAZI Medical Apparel, a company created by healthcare providers for healthcare providers to empower them by allowing them to express their individuality through their work attire. MAZI provides the opportunity for healthcare professionals to “wear who they are,” enhancing self-expression and confidence in their daily roles.

Christian’s vision for ACNAA includes strengthening partnerships across various stakeholder groups through the establishment of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), fostering a more engaged membership, and hiring an executive director to capitalize on the numerous opportunities ACNAA is creating.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Christian is passionate about agriculture and farming. With over a decade of involvement in farming in Cameroon, he focuses on sustainable farming practices and empowering local populations. Christian supports these communities by providing access to basic healthcare and scholarships to the children of the workers. He finds agriculture a powerful analogy for life principles, such as the importance of choosing the right foundation, nurturing growth, and reaping the rewards of hard work and dedication.

Christian Tekwe, CRNA, PhD, exemplifies leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to the betterment of healthcare both in the U.S. and Cameroon. Under his guidance, ACNAA is poised for continued growth and impact.