A lot of people don’t understand what diversity, equity, and inclusion actually are. That’s one reason why it’s such a hot topic today. Lekeshia Hicks is a seasoned human resource strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of Lekeshia Angelique Consulting. She joins the podcast today to speak about the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion in public health.
Tuning in, you’ll hear Lekeshia’s perspective on what DEI does and does not mean, where equal employment opportunity finds relevance, and how government contracting interacts with DEI.
We also dive into the perspective of servant leadership in DEI work and what it means to approach leadership from a place of empowering others. Lastly, Lekeshia shares the true joy of her work, which is in seeing lives genuinely changed.
Key Points From This Episode:
What you can gain from listening to the replay of The Bracing for 2025 Summit. [0:00]
Background on this episode’s guest: entrepreneur and founder Lekeshia Hicks. [0:01:18]
What DEI means and does not mean. [0:05:151]
Equal employment opportunity and DEI. [0:08:14]
How government contracting and DEI interact with each other. [0:11:52]
The true challenge of being a public health researcher and entrepreneur. [15:47]
Lekeshia’s introduction to working in DEI and government contracting. [0:18:39]
How servant leadership links with DEI. [0:20:35]
What servant leadership truly is and how we can reflect it in our work. [0:20:35]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/
How do structural inequalities shape public health and how can research be reimagined to dismantle them? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Andrea Mantsios, Founder and Principal Consultant of Public Health Innovation in Action (PHIA), a consultancy committed to centering community voices in health research and interventions.
As a passionate public health researcher, Andrea joins us today as we dive into the power of community-led research, how shifting public health work from academic institutions to grassroots settings drives meaningful change, and why centering lived experience is essential to advancing health equity.
If you’re ready to rethink who holds the knowledge, how change happens, and what solidarity in public health really looks like, tune in to this thought-provoking conversation with Andrea Mantsios!
Key Points From This Episode:
An introduction to Andrea and her path into public health. [02:17]
Why academic research and individual interventions aren’t enough. [05:35]
Collaboration in action: the power of community-led research. [08:20]
The impact of the current political climate on health outcomes. [11:56]
Community as the antidote to broken systems. [14:14]
Why it’s important to fight for those affected by systemic injustice. [17:32]
The need to continuously adapt and re-evaluate what success looks like. [19:11]
Resources and strategies to leverage in the midst of uncertainty. [23:24]
The power (and joy) of prioritizing meaningful human connection. [29:13]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/
What if we redefined healthcare beyond just doctor’s visits and medication? In this episode of The Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee Washington welcomes Dr. Jacob Kendall, a passionate advocate for people with chronic illness, chronic pain, and disabilities.
Having undergone two open-heart surgeries and served as a caregiver for loved ones with heart disease, Dr. Kendall brings a deeply personal perspective to this conversation. He introduces his "four-dimensional health" framework, highlighting how health is not just medical but also social, financial, and systemic.
He also explores the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, the power of self-advocacy, and the vital role of caregivers (as well as practical tips to help them care for themselves). If you’ve ever struggled with managing chronic illness or supporting a loved one, this episode is packed with insights to help you build resilience and find joy in the process!
Key Points From This Episode:
Dr. Kendall’s journey with chronic illness and caregiving. [02:15]
Redefining health beyond the medical model: what is four-dimensional health? [06:15]
The social and financial barriers to managing chronic illness. [12:01]
How mortality and intellectual curiosity shaped Dr. Kendall’s approach. [15:02]
The disconnect between medical research and its impact on communities. [18:26]
Navigating the healthcare system as a patient and advocate. [20:33]
Practical self-advocacy strategies for chronic illness. [23:41]
Ways that asking for help is part of your prevention plan. [27:06]
The emotional toll of caregiving and how to manage it. [29:28]
How small actions can create meaningful, big-picture change. [31:11]
Finding joy and purpose despite health challenges. [33:08]
Key Points From This Episode:
Dr. Kendall’s journey with chronic illness and caregiving. [02:15]
Redefining health beyond the medical model: what is four-dimensional health? [06:15]
The social and financial barriers to managing chronic illness. [12:01]
How mortality and intellectual curiosity shaped Dr. Kendall’s approach. [15:02]
The disconnect between medical research and its impact on communities. [18:26]
Navigating the healthcare system as a patient and advocate. [20:33]
Practical self-advocacy strategies for chronic illness. [23:41]
Ways that asking for help is part of your prevention plan. [27:06]
The emotional toll of caregiving and how to manage it. [29:28]
How small actions can create meaningful, big-picture change. [31:11]
Finding joy and purpose despite health challenges. [33:08]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/
Workplace culture has changed drastically (especially since the pandemic), and employers can no longer afford to put the well-being of their employees on the back burner. Today on the Public Health Joy Podcast, Jennice Chewlin, founder of Chewlin Group, joins us to discuss workplace well-being and how to find joy in ordinary moments in your career.
Tuning in, you’ll hear about Jennice’s career, what her organization does to help nourish work environments, the issues with the ‘old’ way of working, what we can learn from it, and what joy in the workplace means to Jennice. We delve into the importance of allowing your joy to exist, even in moments of pain before discussing the positive impact of bringing joy into the workplace consciously.
Jennice even shares some advice for any leaders who want to make changes to the culture of their organization so that they can nourish their employees and foster a sense of joy and purpose. Finally, our guest tells us what brings her joy in her work. Thanks for listening!
Key Points From This Episode:
Introducing Jennice Chewlin to this episode. [2:06]
What the Chewlin Group does to nourish work environments. [3:50]
Why the old way of working was problematic and what we can learn from it. [14:33]
Jennice shares her definition of joy in the workplace with listeners. [16:02]
The importance of allowing your trauma and joy to co-exist. [24:11]
Outcomes of intentionally bringing joy into the workplace. [31:08]
Advice for anyone who wants to make these changes in their organization. [31:08]
What brings Jennice joy in her work. [36:13]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/
In a world that is so preoccupied with assigning blame instead of looking inward, quantitative data provides a fact-focused reprieve, especially when paired with a human-centered approach to data equity. Today, we are joined by Heather Krause, a cross-sector thought leader and speaker on data equity issues with a cutting-edge approach to project design, data collection analysis, reporting, and visualization.
As its founder, Heather begins by detailing the work of We All Count before explaining why quantitative data cannot be ignored no matter what circumstance. We learn about the burdens of responsibility of how data is understood and processed, how to change our biased mindsets around data and numbers, the importance of art and creativity in numbers, and why there’s a need to think more critically about quantitative data and approach it from a human-centered perspective.
We also gain insight into the impact We All Count is having in the communities it serves, the value of threading the needle back to find the source of information (or, in our case, the formula), where AI fits in, and all the things that bring Heather Krause joy while she’s at work.
Finally, here’s some good news for all Joyriders: Official Public Health Joy Podcast merchandise is now available on our website! Thanks for listening, see you next time.
Key Points From This Episode:
Data Scientist Heather Krause explains who she is and what she does. [01:21]
The ins and outs of the organization she founded – We All Count. [03:57]
Recognizing that you’re the problem by societal constructs and how to move forward. [06:19]
Why stats and numbers are always important, regardless of how we feel. [09:16]
Art therapy: why numbers are art, and being more creative in teaching and learning. [13:12]
The importance of unlearning our fear of numbers and data. [17:45]
Thinking more critically and doing so from a human-centered perspective. [23:30]
More details on the overall impact of the work being done at We All Count. [25:02]
Why it matters to understand who designed the formula and a quick look at AI. [29:38]
Heather describes all the things that bring her joy at work. [35:48]
It’s time to get your official Public Health Joy Podcast merchandise; now available on our website! [38:26]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/
A loved one’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis brings life-altering challenges not only for the individual but for the entire family. In this heartfelt episode of The Public Health Joy Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Herb Caldwell, who opens up about the deeply personal journey that led him to create the Mama Joe Project, a groundbreaking initiative named after his late mother, who inspired his mission to support families facing Alzheimer's and dementia.
The Mama Joe Project is a community-centered initiative focused on raising awareness and reducing health disparities. With over two decades in higher education and community engagement, Dr. Caldwell is uniquely positioned to address the critical need for accessible resources in Black communities, where Alzheimer’s affects women over 60 at disproportionately high rates.
He shares the importance of vulnerability in caregiving, the personal and systemic challenges that so many families face, and practical strategies to support your loved ones with dignity and care. Tune in to discover caregiving insights, actionable resources, and a powerful story of resilience that calls upon all of us to support one another in the face of life-altering diagnoses!
Key Points From This Episode:
An introduction to Dr. Herb Caldwell and the Mama Joe Project. [04:45]
Key risk factors for Alzheimer’s: age, racial background, and gender. [06:50]
Background on Dr. Caldwell's mother, the inspiration for the Mama Joe Project. [08:38]
The importance of vulnerability and personal stories to support community health. [12:07]
Insight into the realities of being a caregiver and why healthy outlets are crucial. [14:04]
Community engagement and the value of the Mama Joe Project documentary film. [17:38]
FUBU and the need to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s in Black communities. [22:27]
The importance of early detection, especially if you’re a high-risk candidate. [28:31]
What Dr. Caldwell has learned about himself through the Mama Joe Project. [32:59]
The joy of knowing that his mother’s legacy will continue to help others. [35:33]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/
Language is more than just words; it’s a powerful tool for connection and understanding, especially in public health. Today, Dr. Joyce Senior, founder of Dr. J. Senior Consulting, LLC, and co-founder of My Hair My Health PDX, joins us to discuss how translation and cultural competency can bridge gaps between healthcare providers and communities.
With her bilingual upbringing in Costa Rica, Dr. Senior has dedicated her career to ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and understood. In our conversation, she describes how she started her business, the ways it’s helped her serve the community, and what she’s learned about the role of interpretation and translation in public health.
We also discuss the role of AI in translation work, with Dr. Senior explaining that while technology can aid in communication, it lacks the cultural sensitivity and emotional understanding that only people can provide.
Key Points From This Episode:
A warm welcome to today’s guest, Dr. Joyce Senior. [02:10]
Her bilingual upbringing in Costa Rica and how she started her consultancy in the US. [05:02]
Reflections from Dr. Joyee Washington’s first trip abroad to Mexico. [11:38]
Differences between interpretation and translation in public health. [19:53]
Navigating the benefits and shortcomings of AI in translation work. [23:15]
Language and translation in public health: Dr. Senior’s advice to professionals. [27:54]
What brings Dr. Senior joy in her work: being of service to others. [30:31]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/
What if public health could be approached from a place of abundance instead of scarcity? In this episode of The Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee reflects on the journey to 2025 and sets the stage for a year of abundance, resilience, and growth.
Broadcasting from her personal “war room,” she explores the lessons learned from challenges and the power of shifting perspectives toward joy and hope in public health. She dives deep into the significance of finding purpose when facing challenges, nurturing seeds of growth, and preparing for both the trials and triumphs ahead.
Hear her personal stories, uplifting insights, and actionable reflections to prepare for the year ahead. Join us to discover how to embrace the concept of abundance and create a lasting impact in your community. Tune in now!
Key Points From This Episode:
An introduction to Dr. Joyee's "War Room" and her expectations for 2025. [01:55]
Hear how Dr. Joyee’s name reflects her purpose and journey in public health. [07:09]
Explore how shifting perspectives can unlock new opportunities. [11:00]
How enduring trauma and pain can lead to personal and professional growth. [14:03]
Learn why abundance is a vital yet underused concept in public health. [18:12]
The collective effort and how an abundance mindset can change public health. [20:55]
Dr. Joyee's challenge to listeners and reasons to be hopeful and positive for 2025. [23:44]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-season-4/
With the uncertainty that lies ahead with the change in administration, our time is now! As public health soldiers, it’s time to prepare ourselves to thrive, and that starts with coming together.
We need to unite to organize, mobilize, and strategize for whatever 2025 may bring. Join Dr. Joyee as she shares details about the upcoming Bracing for 2025: A Virtual Summit for Public Health Consultants and Entrepreneurs. In today’s episode, she reflects on her word for 2024: exponential growth, and unpacks a pivotal moment following the 2024 presidential election that inspired the creation of this summit.
Tune in to learn about the biggest threat to public health and humanity, why you should feel encouraged and motivated to attend the summit, and what you can expect from this transformative event. For more information, visit: www.joyeewashington.com/summit.
Key Points From This Episode:
Where to shop Joyee gear. [0:00:30]
What’s happening in today’s episode of the podcast.
Dr. Joyee reflects on the word she had for 2024: exponential growth. [0:02:00]
Her experience committing to her business full-time in January 2024. [0:04:00]
She unpacks a recent experience related to the 2024 presidential election. [0:05:50]
Finding ourselves in a situation where the joy message will (and needs to) be amplified. [0:12:05]
Dr. Joyee shares a dream she had following her presidential election experience. [0:12:50]
The birth and planning of the Public Health Consultants and Entrepreneurs Virtual Summit for 2025. [0:14:15]
The biggest threat to public health and our humanity. [0:18:45]
How she came to decide when the summit should take place. [0:21:24]
Why you should attend the summit. [0:24:15]
What we’ll be talking about at the virtual summit. [0:27:42]
For more information visit: Bracing for 2025: A Virtual Summit for Public Health Consultants and Entrepreneurs [0:29:27]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-podcast-season-3/
What is the connection between Black hair, self-esteem, and mental health? In this episode, we welcome Ameka Coleman, the visionary founder and CEO of Strands of Faith, to discuss her entrepreneurial journey and how hair can be a source of empowerment.
Strands of Faith is a clean beauty brand dedicated to nourishing and revitalizing textured hair with cruelty-free, non-toxic, moisture-rich ingredients. In our conversation, Ameka shares how she transitioned from being a researcher in the oncology lab to building a brand that reflects her commitment to creating high-quality hair care products for underrepresented communities.
We also unpack the cultural significance of Black hair, the intersection between hair and identity, and the need for clean beauty solutions for textured hair types. Gain insights into Ameka’s advocacy work, the impact of hair discrimination in professional and educational settings, and how she is paving the way for the next generation of empowered young Black girls.
Join us as we explore how our hair can be a tool for empowerment and a source of community joy with Ameka Coleman.
Key Points From This Episode:
Background about Ameka, her nonprofit work, and how she and Dr. Joyee met. [1:58]
Ameka’s professional journey from research to entrepreneurship. [5:02]
How she formulated Strands of Faith and the importance of texturism. [9:18]
Uncover the connection between clean beauty, confidence, and mental health. [12:12]
Why creating inclusive products for textured hair is essential for Black communities. [15:27]
Addressing hair discrimination in the workplace, universities, and schools. [22:03]
Hear about Ameka’s mission with Faith and Flourish to empower young Black girls. [26:14]
Discover why embracing your natural beauty is an act of self-love. [30:21]
Final takeaways and how to learn more about Ameka and Strands of Faith. [34:31]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-podcast-season-3/
Across America, there are persistent health inequities that impact communities in ways you might not expect. Joining us to discuss health equity in action is leading health equity champion, Dr. Jovonni Spinner.
In this conversation, you’ll hear all about our guest’s phenomenal career, what made her want to get into public health, why she loves working on improving health equity, and more! We delve into the importance of recognizing a community’s value and lived experience above your own textbook knowledge before touching on how acknowledging your privilege can help you take health equity action.
We also discuss why regular health checkups are imperative, how the wealth gap plays into health equity, and why real change will only come when someone wealthy is affected by the problematic system. Finally, Dr. Spinner tells us what brings her joy in her work. To hear all this and be reminded to speak abundance into your life, tune in now!
Key Points From This Episode:
An overview of Dr. Jovonni Spinner’s incredible career journey. [01:52]
What inspired her to get into public health and her focus on health equity. [07:06]
The benefits of recognizing the value of communities and their lived experiences. [15:02]
Why we need to acknowledge our privilege and use it to benefit our communities. [23:04]
Submitting and reviewing proposals and how to maneuver around these systems. [25:36]
The importance of getting regular health checkups in order to catch chronic diseases. [29:44]
Why we will only see health equity change when the wealthy are negatively affected. [32:43]
How the wealth gap impacts health equity in America and how we can change that. [34:14]
Speaking abundance into her life and what brings Dr. Spinner joy in her work. [37:00]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-podcast-season-3/
Are we truly addressing the root causes of public health challenges, or are we merely reacting to the symptoms? How can we shift our approach to create lasting, impactful change? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Dorothy Cilenti, Founder and CEO of Health Ascent Associates, LLC, and a seasoned public health professional with over 20 years of experience in local and state health agencies in North Carolina.
Dr. Cilenti brings a wealth of knowledge from her work in improving public health systems, particularly in maternal and child health. In our conversation, we delve into shifting focus from addressing individual health issues to tackling the systemic and policy-level factors that influence health outcomes.
We unpack the importance of understanding the “Why” behind the health outcomes and current public health trends. Discover the challenges of balancing individual autonomy and community health and the various hurdles of addressing system-level problems in public health. Gain insights into the concept of a collective impact approach, why meaningful partnerships are vital, how organizations can strengthen their capacity in public health, and more.
Key Points From This Episode:
Introduction to and Background of Dr. Dorothy Cilenti. [0:56]
Dr. Cilenti’s experience with public health and social work. [2:36]
Why current public health challenges require system-level changes. [5:07]
Differences between upstream and downstream approaches to public health. [6:40]
Public health hurdles to overcome when addressing upstream problems. [15:09]
Learn why fostering meaningful partnerships with communities is essential. [19:06]
Strategies for building organizational capacity to effectively solve problems. [24:03]
The role of community engagement and mutual learning in finding solutions. [29:52]
What Dr. Cilenti enjoys most about her work and how to contact her directly. [32:04]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-podcast-season-3/
When we realize that democracy truly places power in the hands of the, so many people’s lives will change. Today Garrison McMurtrey joins us to discuss politics, policies, and politicians. He is currently the District Director for the office of US Congresswoman, Angie Craig.
Garrison has had an extensive career from working on the Public Affairs team at Target, to being an Outreach Director for Senator Amy Klobuchar, and now he is a candidate for Ramsey County Commissioner in Minnesota. Dr. Washington wanted to have Garrison on the podcast because public health and politics are closely related and in this episode, you will hear how.
We discuss Garrison’s lifelong interest in politics, what led him to run for Commissioner, and how Obama inspired him. We delve into how he defines politics, policies, and politicians before he shares how they are all related and how they affect public health.
We even discuss the importance of being intentional about where you get your information from and the risks of social media as a source of education. Finally, Garrison tells us what brings him joy in his work and reminds us to use our voices and vote Key Points From This Episode:
Introducing Garrison McMurtrey and how he and Dr. Washington know each other. [1:18]
How Garrison got into politics and how Obama inspired him to become a politician. [3:52]
Why Dr. Washington wanted to have Garrison on the show today. [5:54]
How he defines politics, policies, and politicians and how they impact public health. [9:16]
Why voting is so powerful and the importance and impact of local elections. [17:54]
Some of the ways that researchers and politicians are alike. [25:11]
The importance of intentionality, particularly in where you get your information from. [27:44]
Lastly, Garrison tells us what brings him joy in his work. [34:02]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-podcast-season-3/
Are you ready to tackle your finances with confidence and clarity? In today’s episode, Dr. Jennifer Edwards, a seasoned Financial & Retirement Consultant at Savvy Financial Wellness, joins us to demystify the path to financial stability. Dr. Edwards, a fourth-generation business owner and third-generation financial professional, specializes in helping energetic working women and moms design a flexible and funded retirement. With her experience managing multi-million dollar grants in public health, she offers valuable insights into balancing financial planning with a demanding career. In our conversation, we dive into the essential strategies for effective retirement planning, from understanding employer benefits, like 401(k) matches, to making your money work harder with smart investments. Dr. Edwards offers insights on developing a personalized financial strategy, addressing common mistakes, and planning for life’s unexpected events. She also sheds light on managing your finances as a public health professional and emphasizes the importance of starting small but staying consistent. Tune in for actionable tips on achieving financial stability and growth while positively impacting public health!
Key Points From This Episode:
How Dr. Edwards helps women and moms plan flexible, funded retirements. [0:56]
What prevents public health entrepreneurs from planning for their financial future. [05:16]
The importance of preparing for retirement as a public health entrepreneur. [09:03]
Unpacking wealth as one of the key social determinants of health. [12:09]
Why you need to consider health insurance options before becoming an entrepreneur. [17:05]
Common misconceptions and mistakes people make around health insurance. [21:14]
Effective strategies for managing employer benefits like 401(k) matches. [22:15]
Why you don’t need a lot of money to start saving (and why you should start now). [24:25]
How to improve financial literacy among communities. [29:21]
What it was like for Dr. Edwards growing up in a family of financial professionals. [31:30]
Dr. Edward’s reflections on what brings her joy in her work. [33:57]
Find out how you can get in touch with Dr. Edwards. [33:52]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-podcast-season-3/
In this episode of the Public Health Joy podcast, host Dr. Joyee Washington shares how her first international trip to Mexico gave her a new perspective on abundance in public health. After feeling burnt out from running her public health business full-time, Dr. Joyee's "spirit" told her she needed a vacation. Despite never having traveled internationally before, she decided to take a trip to Mexico, which ended up being a transformative experience.
Witnessing the beauty and abundance of Mexico made Dr. Joyee realize that public health is often too focused on problems and deficits, rather than the strengths and joy within communities. This trip inspired her to want to bring more love, faith, and abundance into her approach to public health research and work.
Dr. Joyee's goal is to shift the public health industry to be more positive, joyful, and focused on the abundance all around us. She is committed to continuing to seek and share this abundance in her own work, and to inspire others to do the same.
Key Points:
Links mentioned:
Get your official Public Health Joy Gear at www.joyeewashington.com/shop
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-podcast-season-3/
Public health and epidemiology are constantly changing, albeit slowly. One thing that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later is the importance of research, the need to reexamine what it is, and how we approach it in this modern world.
Today, we are joined by Mary Carney, a consultant specializing in research, data analysis, and communications services to help non-profits achieve their goals. We begin with how Dr. Joyee and Mary met as members of WE Public Health, a women’s leadership platform that partners with people and organizations who are unflinching in their commitment to equity and ready to take courageous action, with a little help. We go on to explore the power of collaboration, the need to redefine what research means to us, the importance of relationship-building, and how to find order in the chaotic mess that is research.
To end, we highlight the strengths of consultants and their willingness to think deeper and complete tedious tasks that others would rather avoid, and Mary explains why people are at the center of her joy in the workplace.
Key Points From This Episode:
How Dr. Joyee met today’s guest through WE Public Health. [01:17]
Mary’s professional journey and how it led her to WE Public Health. [02:32]
The power of collaboration and working together toward a single goal. [04:02]
Rethinking research and why we need to start with the very definition of “research.” [06:59]
How Mary's different approach to research manifests in her work. [08:08]
Redefining the goals of research and academic research in particular. [10:13]
Why relationship-building is a vital yet often overlooked aspect of research. [13:03]
Reasons that research is inherently chaotic and how to find order in the mess. [15:05]
The value of a repetitive process of slowing down to reassess the best route forward. [19:30]
Logical thinking, deep research, and navigating complex issues and tedious tasks. [23:28]
How organizing and translating data into actionable steps is a learnable skill. [28:11]
All the things that bring Mary joy in her work! [32:06]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-podcast-season-3/
Your vote might not bring immediate change, but it is crucial as it contributes to the possibility of a better future. Joining us in conversation today is Dr. Jeanine Abrams-McLean, the President of Fair Count, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a goal of building continued civic participation and ensuring that every person in Georgia and America is counted in a fair and accurate census.
Jeanine details the work being done at Fair Count and what her role entails before deeply examining the complicated relationship between democracy, civic engagement, and public health. We learn about the importance of improving digital equity, why it’s important to vote, even if you don’t know who to vote for, the history of voting in America and where it stands today, and how voting clears the path for potential game-changing opportunities. As ever, we end with the aspects of her work that bring Jeanine the most joy!
Key Points From This Episode:
Welcoming Dr. Jeanine Abrams-McLean as she explains her role at Fair Count. [02:43]
Unpacking the relationship between democracy, civic engagement, and public health. [06:08]
The importance of improving digital equity in public health communities. [14:16]
Jeanine’s advice for apprehensive and apathetic voters ahead of the 2024 election. [16:21]
How voting presents opportunities for change. [19:50]
Learning about all the things that bring joy to Dr. McLean in her work. [29:26]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-podcast-season-3/
Data is the foundation on which public health is built. Without data, there is no public health. As such, it becomes the responsibility of all those interested in public health to ensure – like all other public health aspects – that data is approached from a place of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
On today’s show, we welcome the Founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant of Chilombo Consulting, Vanessa Da Costa, who is here to speak on the importance of data equity from her experience running a human and data equity consulting company.
We discover how Vanessa found her feet in public health and why she chose to focus on analytics before discussing the value of adopting quantitative and qualitative strategy methods. Then, we address the problematic power dynamics by exploring how to approach data from an equity mindset, what we can learn from the CDC’s Five Principles of Data Equity, why data transparency should be non-negotiable, and how to improve data literacy in public health professionals and their community members.
To end, Vanessa Da Costa shares some smart advice for moving the data equity needle forward, and she recalls the uplifting work moments that have brought her the most joy.
Key Points From This Episode:
Introducing Vanessa Da Costa and the work she does with Dr. Joyee at WE Public Health. [00:57]
How Vanessa began working in public health, and why she chose to focus on the numbers. [04:05]
Quantitative and qualitative: the value of adopting a mixed-methods strategy. [06:31]
Addressing the power dynamic: how to approach data from an equity mindset. [10:59]
Vanessa's thoughts on the CDC's Five Principles of Data Equity. [13:40]
The importance of data transparency. [20:54]
How to improve data literacy in public health professionals and community members. [27:46]
Exploring what it would take to move the data equity needle forward. [34:33]
Learning about all the work things that Vanessa finds joy in. [36:48]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-podcast-season-3/
Let's be real, it's a struggle being a Black professional in the public health workforce, am I right? We've been resilient our whole lives, what we need is rest, periodt!
It is no secret that historically marginalized Americans face obstacles in many areas of society, especially in the workforce. However, our experience, culture, and heritage as Black professionals continue to build strength and character by utilizing the lessons we have learned to share with others. We can channel difficult setbacks to assist us in not only making a mark for ourselves in the professional world, but also creating systems that will allow us to pause, breathe, and rest.
Joining us on the podcast today is Nicole D. Vick, a public health expert, educator, civic leader, and author who has spent over 20 years providing tools and strategies to improve health and prevent disease in some of Los Angeles County's most underserved communities. Nicole has authored two books and contributed chapters to two anthologies. She also hosts a weekly podcast that discusses critical issues in the Black community from a public health and social justice perspective.
In today's episode of The Public Health Joy Podcast, Nicole shares her insights on the experience of being a Black professional in the public health workforce, why she didn’t do her doctorate in public health, and why you can bring the public health lens to any space and it proves relevant. We discuss the basic foundation on which public health was established, the impact of our lived experiences, and the importance of community. To hear more about operating in the disconnect and making success for yourself, be sure to start listening now! Enjoy.
Key Points From This Episode:
An introduction to our guest on today’s episode. Nicole D. Vick; public health expert, educator, civic leader, and author. [0:01:00]
Resonating and relating to the same struggles in the Black public health workforce. [0:02:00]
Nicole gives us the tea about who she is, what she does, and what she’s got going on. [0:03:00]
Why Nicole didn’t do her doctorate in public health. [0:04:20]
Bringing the public health lens to any space, and making it relevant. [0:06:20]
We delve into a discussion about the foundation of public health. [0:07:00]
Bringing with you, your lived experiences. [0:11:50]
Nicole unpacks how she became interested in the workforce. [0:17:20]
The importance of community. [0:20:55]
Operating in the disconnect. [0:22:10]
Making success for yourself. [0:24:25]
Theory versus practice: why a textbook won’t teach you everything you need to know. [0:28:30]
Finding the joy in the trenches. [0:33:00]
Where to find out more about Nicole D. Vick. [0:34:15]
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-podcast-season-3/
Public health researchers and professionals often adopt a top-down approach that assumes that education, resources, or "expert" assistance can empower communities. The truth is communities already have all the power they need. True empowerment requires collaboration to jointly increase control over the factors affecting the lives and well-being of community members.
To discuss shifting power dynamics and rethinking who holds power in our communities, we are joined by Chinonye "Chi Chi" Egbulem, a seasoned social impact consultant and public health social worker with over a decade of experience. Combining her love for art, politics, and social justice, Chi Chi is committed to advancing equity in communities by designing and implementing effective policies and programs.
Drawing from her extensive work in youth development, community health, and economic development in low and middle-income areas, Chi Chi shares her insights on the pitfalls of traditional empowerment approaches. She also highlights the importance of leveraging our knowledge and privilege to drive meaningful change, the role of mindfulness-based tools in addressing trauma, and much more!
For a fresh perspective on empowerment and the collaborative effort required to foster genuine community development, be sure to tune in today!
Key Points From This Episode:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-podcast-season-3/
