Public Health Careers podcast episode with Kimberly Pierre, MPH, CHES
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📲Kimberly Pierre, MPH, CHES on LinkedIn


Kimberly is a dedicated, multidimensional public health professional working in several roles. 

She is the Deputy Director of the Department of Health & Senior Services at Township of Irvington, an Adjunct Professor at Montclair State University, an Associate Director of  Health Communications at the Substance and Sexual Health Lab housed at Yale School of Public Health,  and public health consultant.

She is driven by an unwavering dedication to improving health disparity prevention and addressing the unique needs of communities.

She conferred a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Community Health Education at Montclair State University. And her Master of Public Health in Urban Public Health at Rutgers School of Public Health

In today’s episode you’ll hear and learn more about
1. How non-traditional paths in public health can lead to fulfilling careers
2. Why hands-on experiences are vital for understanding community health
3. Her perspective on why quality of work matters more than titles in public health roles.
4. The importance of taking pride in having a seat at the table and making an impact.

And much much more

Chapters:
@0:00 Trailer
@3:16 How do you identify & tell us a little about your personal background?  
@8:26 Winning the  2023 Health Educator of the Year Award from the NJ Society For Public Health Education 
@11:10 What does public health mean to you?
@12:04 B.S in PH and Community Health Ed. at Montclair State University
@19:01 Undergrad takeaway's
@22:38 MPH in Urban Public Health at Rutgers School of Public Health
@34:23 MPH Takeaways
@37:21 Roles after MPH
@45:19 Current roles
@58:06 Where can people connect with you and where would you like to see yourself in the future?
@59:49 The Furious Five

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Public health wins, election thoughts, and highlights of the public health millennial!
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🧠 Join our free public health community!

In this special year-end wrap-up, I reflect on some of the most significant public health victories of the year, share quick thoughts on the recent elections, and discuss why your contributions to public health are more vital than ever as we head into 2025.

From malaria vaccine breakthroughs to new strategies for resilience in our field, this episode is packed with insights, gratitude, and actionable advice for public health professionals at every stage of their career.

Chapters:
@0:00 Introductions
@0:35 7 Public Health Wins of 2024
@4:24 Brief thoughts on election and public health
@10:46 Highlights of public health careers and the public health millennial

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Public Health Careers podcast episode with Halina Palacios, MPH
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📲Halina Palacios, MPH on LinkedIn

Halina Chief Operations Officer for Population Health at Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands.

She is also currently an American Hospital Association Next Generation Leaders Fellowship

Halina is a proud daughter and innovative leader of the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands. She is passionate about strengthening, empowering, and improving the health and health systems of her community.

She conferenced a Bachelors in Sociology and Psychology at Portland State University. And a Master of Public Health at American Public University.

In today’s episode you’ll hear and learn more about
1. Hear and learn why it's important to always be a student in your professional journey. 
2. How public health serves as a connector and advocate for health initiatives.  
3. The value of lived experience in public health.
4. How this simple island girl from Saipan is making this big public health impact. 
5. Why education can be a crucial investment in one's future and not just a college education.  
6. Her journey of continuously learning and growth in leadership.

And much more!

Chapters:
@0:00 Trailer
@2:45 How do you identify & tell us a little about your personal background?  
@9:55 The importance and positive impacts of community-clinical linkages
@17:50 What does public health mean to you?
@20:09 Bachelors in Sociology and Psychology at Portland State University
@29:23 Public Health Quality Coordinator at Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands
@33:54 Promoted to Corporate Quality Performance Manager
@36:43 Masters of Public Health at American Public University
@39:23 Takeaways?
@42:00 Chief of Outpatient Clinic Services at Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation
@58:33 Fellowship with ASTHO and the Satcher Health Leadership Institute
@1:04:02 American Hospital Association Next Generation Leaders Fellowship
@48:41 ​​Chief Operations Officer for Population Health at Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands
@1:07:15 Where would you like to see yourself in the future + Where can people connect with you? 
@ 1:08:43 The Furious Five

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Public Health Careers podcast episode with Kimberly Pierre, MPH, CHES
🎯  Learn more about this episode and resources mentioned
🧠 Join our public health community 
📲Kimberly Pierre, MPH, CHES on LinkedIn


Kimberly is a dedicated, multidimensional public health professional working in several roles. 

She is the Deputy Director of the Department of Health & Senior Services at Township of Irvington, an Adjunct Professor at Montclair State University, an Associate Director of  Health Communications at the Substance and Sexual Health Lab housed at Yale School of Public Health,  and public health consultant.

She is driven by an unwavering dedication to improving health disparity prevention and addressing the unique needs of communities.

She conferred a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Community Health Education at Montclair State University. And her Master of Public Health in Urban Public Health at Rutgers School of Public Health

In today’s episode you’ll hear and learn more about
1. How non-traditional paths in public health can lead to fulfilling careers
2. Why hands-on experiences are vital for understanding community health
3. Her perspective on why quality of work matters more than titles in public health roles.
4. The importance of taking pride in having a seat at the table and making an impact.

And much much more

Chapters:
@0:00 Trailer
@3:16 How do you identify & tell us a little about your personal background?  
@8:26 Winning the  2023 Health Educator of the Year Award from the NJ Society For Public Health Education 
@11:10 What does public health mean to you?
@12:04 B.S in PH and Community Health Ed. at Montclair State University
@19:01 Undergrad takeaway's
@22:38 MPH in Urban Public Health at Rutgers School of Public Health
@34:23 MPH Takeaways
@37:21 Roles after MPH
@45:19 Current roles
@58:06 Where can people connect with you and where would you like to see yourself in the future?
@59:49 The Furious Five

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in. Let's all work together towards a culture of health, wellbeing, and equity for all.

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Follow & Support:
- Join The Public Health Community

- The Public Health Millennial on IG

- The Public Health Millennial on LinkedIn

- The Public Health Millennial Website

- Omari Richins, MPH on LinkedIn

- Support on The Public Health Store

Public Health Careers podcast episode with Omari Richins, MPH
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🧠 Join our public health community
📲Omari Richins on LinkedIn

In this episode, Omari Richins shares his journey from aspiring veterinarian to public health advocate, highlighting the importance of community engagement, leadership, and the value of diverse experiences in shaping a career in public health. He emphasizes the significance of public health education and the opportunities available through fellowships and professional development. 

In this conversation, Omari Richins shares his journey in public health, emphasizing the importance of embracing opportunities, self-care, and continuous learning. 

He discusses his experiences from his fellowship in Alaska to starting the Public Health Millennial platform, navigating challenges during the pandemic, and the significance of work culture. 

Omari encourages listeners to be curious, enjoy life, and not limit themselves to conventional paths in public health.

Key Takeaways

1. Public Health Millennials supports individuals in navigating public health careers.
2. Omari's journey began with a biology degree and a desire to help people.
3. He discovered public health through a Facebook ad for an MPH program.
4. Health inequities became a pivotal focus during his MPH education.
5. Leadership roles in public health can significantly impact career trajectories.
6. Networking and informational interviews are crucial for career development.
7. Fellowships can fast-track careers in public health.

And much, much more!

Chapters:
@0:00 Trailer
@1:48  Dr. Nadine Spring Introduces Omari Richins
@4:05 Omari Richins Journey/Background
@13:54 Lessons Learned in 2017
@15:48 2018 Leadership Roles & Other Roles
@19:24 Travel to Europe & National Rural Health Advocacy & Policy Intern
@22:19 Omari’s 2018 Journey Continues and How He Dealt with Rejections
@27:14 Lessons Learned in 2018
@28:31 2019: Move to Alaska and New Leadership Roles
@33:11 Lessons Learned in 2019
@34:04 2020 Pandemic
@39:09 Lessons Learned in 2020
@39:57 2021-2023: Role as Program Officer & VP of Brothers in Public Health
@41:02 Lessons Learned in 2021-2023
@43:09 2024 and Going Forward
@45:17 Takeaways
@45:36 – How to Stay Connected with Omari Richins 
@45:47 Q&A Session
@52:53 Closing

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in. Let's all work together towards a culture of health, wellbeing, and equity for all.

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Public Health Careers podcast episode with Dr. Jacob Kendall, PhD, MSW, MPH
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📲Dr. Jacob Kendall, PhD, MSW, MPH on LinkedIn

Dr. Jacob Kendall is Founder, Speaker, and Consultant at The Smart Patient. He is also Founder, Coach, and Speaker at The Versatile Social Worker.

Jacob helps demystify health and health care to empower patients in their health care decisions. He helps patients and providers build optimal partnerships for optimal care and works to demystify health care for patients, providers, and caretakers.

He conferred a Bachelor of Arts in Biology at Huntingdon College. Then a double Masters of Social Work in International Social Work & Master of Public Health in International Health and Development at Tulane University. He then received a PhD in Interdisciplinary Aging Studies at Tulane University School of Medicine. And is currently getting a Master of Divinity in Theology at Mercer University, McAfee School of Theology. 

In today’s episode you’ll hear and learn more about
1. How having 2 open heart surgeries and complex health needs shaped his perspectives on health and health care
2. The importance of empowering patients in their health care to have better outcomes
3. Why planning for aging and mortality is often neglected in society.
4. How he brings his 4-dimension thinking to understand and address health care
And much much more!

Chapters:
@0:00 Trailer
@2:58 How do you identify & tell us a little about your personal background?  
@ 4:12 As a survivor of two open-heart surgeries, how would you describe that experience?
@8:07 How being a 4-dimensional polythinker impacts health care?
@ Why is it important to demystify health care and how do you do this?
@14:00 What does public health mean to you?
@16:19 B.A in Biology at Huntingdon College 
@21:47 Any undergrad takeaway(s)?
@23:52 Roles between bachelors and masters
@26:12 Takeaways?
@ 29:55 PhD in Interdisciplinary Aging Studies at Tulane University School of Medicine
@38:52 Roles between PhD and MDiv
@48:22 Master of Divinity, Theology at Mercer University McAfee School of Theology 
@58:12 Founder, Coach, & Speaker at The Versatile Social Worker
@56:47 Why is it important to demystify health care and how do you do this?
@1:01:35 Where can people connect with you and where would you like to see yourself in the future?
@1:02:53 The Furious Five

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in. Let's all work together towards a culture of health, wellbeing, and equity for all.

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Public Health Careers podcast episode with Dr. Diane van Staden, PhD
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📲Dr. Diane van Staden, PhD on LinkedIn

Dr. Diane van Staden, PhD is Adjunct Professor: Faculty of Health and Social Development at The University of British Columbia. 

And is Primary care Network Manager at Shuswap North Okanagan Division of Family Practice. 

She is a well rounded health care leader with over 15+ years of experience in optometry education, program planning, and strategic contributions to sustainably addressing local and global eye health challenges.

She conferred a Bachelor of Optometry from University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Then a Master of Public Administration from University Of the Free State. Then a PhD in Optometry from Technological University Dublin.

In today’s episode you’ll hear and learn more about
1. How her background growing up in apartheid Aouth Africa shaped her perspective on health equity
2. How Education served as a tool for empowerment and overcoming marginalization.
3. Her process of learning to navigate leadership roles and find her voice in global health discussions.
4. Why it's important local communities own the solutions to their health issues and why training models must be adapted to local context.
5. Her transition from clinical optometry to public health to scale her impact

And much, much more!

Chapters:
@0:00 Trailer
@3:15 How do you identify & tell us a little about your personal background?  
@17:50 How has your Health Communication from Stanford influenced your work?
@17:08 What does public health mean to you?
@19:40 Bachelor of Optometry from University of KwaZulu-Natal 
@24:24 Roles between
@26:30 Master of Public Administration from University Of the Free State 
@31:42 Global Programs Officer at International Centre for Eyecare Education
@36:09 PhD in Optometry from Technological University Dublin
@39:22 Associate Professor Optometry at University of KwaZulu-Natal
@44:04 Primary Care Network Manager at Shuswap North Okanagan 
@50:09 Visiting Assistant Professor: Health and Social Development
@52:48 Where can people connect with you and where would you like to see yourself in the future?
@57:24 The Furious Five

Support the show

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- The Public Health Millennial Website

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Rest, Recharge, Rebuild: A Message for Public Health Changemakers

🧠 Join our public health community at: ➡  https://thephmillennial.com/join

Shownotes with more resources:  https://thephmillennial.com/episode221

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Public Health Careers podcast episode with Kene Orakwue, MPH
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📲Kene Orakwue, MPH

Kene Orakwue, MPH  is a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, They have worked on a range of projects related to health equity and structural racism.

Kene is a reproductive justice and health equity scholar and practitioner dedicated to the dismantling of oppressive systems. She is fascinated by the ways in which our social structures and policies deny or grant access to, and quality of, health for certain populations. She plans to apply her findings to real-world initiatives to improve the outcomes for Black birthing people. 

She conferred a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Services from University of Massachusetts Amherst. Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management also from University of Massachusetts Amherst. Currently working towards her PhD in Health Services Research with an area of emphasis in Sociology of Health and Illness from University of Minnesota School of Public Health. 

In today’s episode you’ll hear and learn more about
1. Kene’s journey into public health being influenced by person experiences
2. Reproductive justice as a framework that addresses systemic barriers
3. How a 4 + 1 Master of Public Health was so helpful in their focus
4. How their research experiences have developed and evolved through academic experiences
5. Why they are getting formal training in qualitative research and how it enhances research rigor

And much, much more!

Chapters:
@0:00 Trailer
@3:02 How do you identify & tell us a little about your personal background?  
@5:03 Navigating pushback in equity and anti-racism advocacy
@9:52 What systemic changes are needed for equitable healthcare access?
@13:50  How can research institutions drive racial equity in healthcare?
@17:55 What does public health mean to you?
@18:50 B.S. in Public Health Services (Global Women’s Health) – UMass Amherst
@28:26 Any undergrad takeaway(s)?
@30:34 MPH in Health Policy and Management also from University of Massachusetts Amherst 
@36:47 PhD in Health Services Research & Policy (Sociology of Health) – 
@43:14 Currently a Graduate Research Assistant 
@ 54:34 Where can people connect with you and where would you like to see yourself in the future? 
@56:17 The Furious Five

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Public Health Careers podcast episode with Bryce Takenaka, MPH, CPH
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🧠 Join our public health community at
📲Bryce Takenaka, MPH, CPH on LinkedIn

Bryce Takenaka, MPH, CPH is PhD student in Public Health: Social and Behavioral Sciences at Yale School of Public Health while also being Founder and Director of REACH (Research & Education Advancing Community Health Equity)

Bryce is also a Research Fellow through the Yale AIDS Prevention Training Program at the Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS. 

He conferred a Bachelor’s in Public Health from Lindenwood University. He then got his Master of Public Health in Epidemiology at Saint Louis University. He is a current PhD in Public Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences at Yale University. As well as a student in a Master of Arts in History of Science and Medicine.

In today’s episode you’ll hear and learn more about
1. His journey to becoming a PhD student in Social and Behavioral Science and the challenges that come with that
2. His scholarship grounds critical and participatory approaches to mitigate structural place-based oppression among Black and Brown queer and transgender communities
3. How he centers community voices through his work using geospatial mixed-methods and epistemic justice-oriented approaches to inform responsible storytelling and decision-making to forward health and HIV justice.
4. Black feminism offers a lens to tackle systemic structures and advance health equity.
5. Research and mentorship are pivotal in shaping public health perspectives.
6. Public health should focus on promoting joy and liberation alongside addressing health disparities.
7. Why he created and shares knowledge on his platforms The Epic Demiologist to educate others and advocates for change.

And much more!

Chapters:
@0:00 Trailer
@3:12 How do you identify & tell us a little about your personal background? 
@8:15 Spatial epidemiological research focusing on HIV risk and prevention
@10:39 Black Feminism as a guide for mixed-methods approaches. 
@14:37 What does public health mean to you?
@16:25 B.S in Public Health from Lindenwood University 
@24:17 Undergrad takeaways
@26:10 MPH in Epidemiology at Saint Louis University 
@33:19 Founder and Director of REACH
@36:04 Graduate Takeaways
@37:20 PhD student in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Yale School of Public Health 
@45:32 PhD Takeaways
@48:29 The Epic Epidemiologist 
@51:49 M.A in History of Science and Medicine.
@56:30 Where can people connect with you and where would you like to see yourself in the future?
@58:20 The Furious Five

Support the show

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Follow & Support:
- Join The Public Health Community

- The Public Health Millennial on IG

- The Public Health Millennial on LinkedIn

- The Public Health Millennial Website

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- Support on The Public Health Store