Public Health Joy: Community Power, Health Equity, and Leadership in Action

Public Health Joy: Community Power, Health Equity, and Leadership in Action

By Dr. Joyee WashingtonBusinessCareers
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Public Health Joy: Community Power, Health Equity, and Leadership in Action episodes

  • S3 Ep14: The Struggle of Navigating the Public Health Workforce as A Black Professional

    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/

      37 min
    • S3 Ep 13: From Powerless to Powerful - Shifting the Power Dynamic in Public Health

      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:

      • An overview of Chi Chi’s work at the intersection of public health and social work. [02:59]
      • The problem with empowerment: what it looks like to shift the power dynamic in disenfranchised communities. [10:15]
      • Why it’s important to acknowledge and address privilege in public health. [16:39]
      • Different forms of activism and some of the reasons language is so powerful. [22:03]
      • Mindfulness-based tools that can help marginalized communities process trauma. [23:20]
      • How upskilling and identifying your niche will help you find your place in the industry. [26:44]
      • Insight into Chi Chi’s research interests and the power of collaboration. [28:23]
      • Implementation science, its role in public health, and why intentionality is key. [32:13]
      • The joy that advocacy brings to Chi Chi’s work as a public health professional. [35:51]
      • How to get in touch with Chi Chi and take advantage of the resources she offers. [39:29]



        • 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/

        42 min
      • S3 Ep12: Research with Dignity - Putting People First Through Community-Engagement

        Researchers can often be disconnected from reality, but preserving the dignity of your community members is paramount to a people-first research process.


        Dr. Rodney Washington is a retired Associate Professor of Early Education and Population Health Science and currently owns Consulting Plus, a health and educational consulting foundation improving health and educational outcomes for communities experiencing high-poverty.


        During this episode, he joins us to share his insights on building relationships by applying cultural sensitivity and serving the community while conducting research. More specifically, we speak about his experiences in Mississippi and why he chooses to stay in his hometown and conduct research with the folks who live there.


        Join us as Dr. Washington shares key insights on how to honor and respect communities when conducting research, and more. Thanks for listening!


        Key Points From This Episode:

        • Hello and welcome to Dr. Rodney Washington, public health academic and owner of Consulting Plus. [01:24]

        • What he enjoys about the work in Mississippi and how he approaches mentoring others. [03:28]

        • Structuring research in a way that gives dignity to the subjects in question. [07:26]

        • Building relationships during the research process. [11:03]

        • Dr. Washington’s experience of the Robert Wood Johnson Culture of Health Leadership Program. [12:34]

        • The mindset shift required to prioritize what communities need over what is necessary for the research. [16:22]

        • Countering misinformation in real-time during the COVID-19 pandemic. [19:41]

        • Why this work is important and what it can really do for the community. [22:33]

        • What brings joy to Dr. Washington’s work. [28:54]

          • 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/

          32 min
        • S3 EP 11 - The Human Element: The Evolution of Public Health Research and Evaluation

          Today on The Public Health Joy Podcast, we speak to Dr. Mary Davis, Lead Evaluation Specialist at Emory Centers for Public Health Training and Technical Assistance, about the importance of the human element in the evolution of public health research and evaluation.


          Dr. Davis has extensive experience with all aspects of public health applied research and evaluation and has provided evaluation capacity-building assistance to a variety of organizations. In this episode, she joins us to reflect on how the mindset and language in applied research, evaluation, and technical assistance training have changed since she joined the field and why people are no longer viewed simply as data points.


          Tuning in, you’ll learn why the “human element” is as valid as quantitative data, why relationships are an essential part of research, and how to demonstrate the importance of these things to relevant decision-makers, particularly when it comes to funding. We also touch on the critical role of diversity, Dr. Davis’ advice for the next generation of researchers and evaluators, and much more!


          Key Points From This Episode:

          • The evolution Dr. Davis has witnessed in public health research and evaluation. [02:31]
          • Reasons that the human element is just as important as quantitative data. [04:29]
          • The critical role that relationships play in public health research. [08:42]
          • Keys to ensuring that funding is equitable and beneficial for communities. [11:17]
          • How to determine whether an evaluation is relevant to the end user. [15:41]
          • Creative and innovative ways to demonstrate the importance of relationship building to decision-makers. [18:55]
          • Training the next generation of researchers and evaluators through an equity lens. [21:40]
          • Why diversity is important for public health faculty and students, research groups, and the communities they serve. [26:18]
          • Dr. Davis’ advice for emerging evaluators looking to make a meaningful impact. [32:35]
          • How mentoring the next generation of public health professionals brings her joy. [35:08]


            • If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and leave a comment. For more transcripts, show notes and more visit https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-podcast-season-3/


            38 min
          • S3 Ep 10: Creating Community-Engaged Solutions as a Public Health Entrepreneur

            Welcome back to your safe space for having honest conversations about what it takes to transform public health research into life-changing solutions for communities. Being an entrepreneur in public health requires a certain drive, a specific skill set, and a well-grounded understanding of what it means to engage communities in order to elevate them. Dr. Charlotte Huntley has all of the above, and as Dr. Washington’s mentor in public health, she joins us today to share her thoughts on the importance of creating specific solutions that revolve around a community and its people.


            Dr. Huntley holds a Ph.D. in Public Health with a specialization in Epidemiology, a Master of Public Health, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research Administration. She transitioned into public health after working many years in healthcare as a medical technologist in hospital laboratories, specializing in diagnostic microbiology and infectious diseases.


            Dr. Huntley spearheads today’s conversation as we explore the importance of understanding the transferability of one's skills, what community-engaged work actually entails, how to find the right community partners, and why building relationships within a community is the best foundation for transformation. We also reexamine what it means to have an equity mindset, why difficult conversations are vital, and how joy can always be found in both the process and the result. 


            Key Points From This Episode:

            • How Dr. Charlotte Huntley became an entrepreneur in public health. [02:52]

            • Dr. Washington’s NASA confession. [07:40]

            • The importance of understanding the transferability of your skillset. [09:48]

            • Gaining a better understanding of community-involved work. [13:50]

            • How to find the right partners/organizations for community-engaged work. [21:51]

            • The power of building community relationships and allowing those voices to be heard. [25:17]

            • Defining equity, why it matters, and how to build an equity mindset. [28:18]

            • Why having difficult conversations should be mandatory and not optional. [33:15]

            • The goal of bringing more joy to communities, and how joy can also be found in the process of getting to the solution. [34:30]

            • What brings Dr. Huntley joy in her work. [35:55]


              • 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/


              41 min
            • S3 Ep 9: Planning Your Processes-Organization for Community-Engaged Research Success

              As Benjamin Franklin once said: “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” Preparation is such an important piece of Public Health work and during this episode, we are joined by a passionate professional supporting entrepreneurs through planning and organizational support.


              Chelsea Yvanda is the Public Health Virtual Assistant. After completing her Master of Public Health and working in the space for a decade, she recognized the need for administrative and operational support for those in a similar field. Today, she brings her knack for organization and her innovative approach to making life simple to Public Health entrepreneurs scaling their businesses.


              Join us as Chelsea shares how her work supports her clients and the joy that she derives from creating the back-end efficiency necessary for them to truly make an impact. Thanks for listening!


              Key Points From This Episode:

              • Introducing Chelsea Yvanda and her lifelong relationship with working in Public Health. [01:03]
              • Her main goal in creating efficiency for Public Health Entrepreneurs and how she goes about achieving it. [08:55]
              • How the Virtual Collab process supports clients in an ever-changing context. [13:48]
              • Why planning and creating processes is such an essential ingredient for success. [17:55]
              • What the true barriers to outsourcing and systemizing are. [22:16]
              • Project management, financial management, and social media tools entrepreneurs should be aware of. [24:50]
              • How automating processes facilitates building relationships. [26:58]
              • The joy that Chelsea derives from working with her clients. [30:32]

                • 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/  


                34 min
              • S3 Ep 8: Righteousness in Public Health Research

                Join Dr. Joyee for a thought-provoking conversation on the role of righteousness in public health research.


                In this episode, she delves into the importance of integrity, honesty, and humility in driving positive impact and equity. From challenging the status quo to embracing discomfort, we explore how righteousness guides our decisions and shapes our journey in the world of public health research.


                Tune in for insights, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on creating meaningful change in our communities.


                Key Points:

                ·      Dr. Joyee seeks to position herself and her business for long-term success while navigating part-time jobs. [2:35]

                ·      Dr. Joyee grapples with work-life balance, decides to quit last part-time job to become full-time entrepreneur. [5:09]

                ·      Dr. Joyee reflects on personal growth through difficult decision to prioritize business over other aspects of life. [10:40]

                ·      Dr. Joyee emphasizes the importance of ethical decision-making in public health research. [16:15]

                ·      Dr. Joyee emphasizes righteousness in public health research, including integrity, transparency, humility, and community-centered approach. [19:36]

                ·      Dr. Joyee emphasizes pursuing justice and equity in public health research. [22:13]


                For episode details:

                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/  


                25 min
              • S3 Ep 7: From Pain to Pleasure-Black Women Exploring Freedom in Sexual Health

                As a community health educator, today’s guest shines a light on Black women’s sexual health by giving a voice to issues that are often faced but rarely talked about.

                Dr. Shemeka Thorpe is an award-winning sexuality educator, researcher, and international speaker whose research focuses on the sexual well-being of Black women using sex-positive and pleasure-centered frameworks. She has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles, was listed by Buzzfeed as one of the Top 20 Black sexologists you should follow in 2023, and has been featured on numerous podcasts, online magazines, and blogs including Cosmo, Elite Daily, and Essence.

                As you’ll discover in this episode, Dr. Thorpe aims to make research relevant to Black communities by translating sex science in meaningful and tangible ways. Join us as we discuss the importance of comprehensive sex education that includes pleasure, how sexual freedom can enable people to make better choices, why community members should be considered researchers, and some of the ways that Dr. Thorpe finds joy in her work and leads the way for those who come after her, plus so much more!


                Key Points From This Episode:

                • An introduction to Dr. Thorpe and her focus on sexual pleasure, pain, and freedom. [02:07]

                • Overcoming barriers to comprehensive sex education and access to contraceptives. [05:58]

                • Insight into Dr. Thorpe’s community-based participatory research on sexual health. [08:55]

                • The importance of storytelling and how sexual freedom can influence our choices. [13:25]

                • How Dr. Thorpe makes her research more relevant and accessible for everyone. [17:44]

                • Community members are researchers: why community advisory boards are essential. [19:32]

                • The systems that often prevent researchers from doing adequate community work. [27:19]

                • Why bringing joy to academia is crucial and where Dr. Thorpe finds joy in her work. [29:36]


                  • 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/  

                  34 min
                • S3 Ep 6: Our Home, Our Story-Black Women Impacting Health Equity in Mississippi

                  If you work in public health, then you are no doubt aware that, statistically, Black women are three to four times more likely to die from birth-related complications than their white counterparts.

                  And while it’s important to understand the reasons behind these unacceptable and heartbreaking numbers, the more pressing question is: what is being done about it?

                  Joining Dr. Joyee Washington on the podcast today is her friend and colleague, Dr. Nakeitra Burse to talk about how they, and other Black women like themselves, are working to improve maternal and health equity in Mississippi — the place they call home.

                  Dr. Burse is the CEO of Six Dimensions, a public health consulting company that aims to create strategic, sustainable, and innovative solutions in public health with a focus on health equity and social justice. She is also a Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Leader.

                  We use today’s conversation with Dr. Burse to delve into the state of Maternal health in Mississippi, the importance of building greater health equity, and the work being done by, and for, communities in Mississippi. You’ll also learn about Six Dimensions’ training, development, and outreach programs; what equity looks like in everyday practice; how we can do research that prioritizes communities, not just academics; and much more.

                  Key Points From This Episode:

                  • Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Nakeitra Burse, the focus of her work, and how she founded her public health consulting company, Six Dimensions. [0:29]

                  • Why Six Dimensions is transitioning into becoming a nonprofit. [02:19]

                  • An overview of Six Dimensions’ Health and Racial Equity in Maternal Care course and their outreach efforts. [03:41]

                  • Why Dr. Burse chose to stay, work, and live in Mississippi. [06:49]

                  • Asking what equity looks like in everyday practice and taking the steps to build it. [10:37]

                  • Visiting the Two Mississippi Museums, the history depicted there, and how it relates to public health equity. [15:51]

                  • Maternal health in Mississippi and how Dr. Burse got started working in this area. [19:50]

                  • The healthcare solutions that are being driven by Black women in Mississippi. [25:58]

                  • Protecting your community when research is being done. [27:47]

                  • What brings Dr. Burse joy in her work: seeing Black women happy and safe in their births, pregnancies, and maternal health care outcomes. [31:53]

                  • Where you can find Six Dimensions online and details on their upcoming 5K walk. [34:10]

                    • 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/  

                    36 min
                  • S3 Ep 5: Money, Power, & Trust: Reimagining Equitable Funding in Research

                    Traditionally, there are a number of power imbalances that exist between foundations and nonprofits in the public health space, but trust-based philanthropy involves creating and sustaining more collaborative, transparent, and holistic partnerships between grantmakers and grantees.

                    To help us explore how we can reimagine funding, power, and research through trust-based philanthropy to drive positive impact and health equity, we are joined by Dr. Rachel Powell, a passionate public health professional, consultant, educator, and qualitative researcher trained in culturally responsive and equitable evaluation. Dr. Powell has more than a decade of public health experience, working with both federal and local government, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions alike.

                    In this episode, she highlights the importance of building authentic partnerships with donors and explains why it’s going to take time to see more culturally responsive, equitable, and trust-based practices. We also touch on the value of self-evaluation, a strong focus on community, seeing the work we do through a cultural lens, and much more! For a fascinating (and joyful) conversation with someone who is committed to equitable, accessible, and community-centered solutions to drive social change, tune in now!

                    Key Points From This Episode:

                    • Dr. Powell introduces herself and emphasizes the importance of a cultural lens. [02:44]

                    • Defining trust-based philanthropy and the role it plays in public health. [04:56]

                    • Equitable considerations about the RFP (request for proposal) process. [14:17]

                    • Debunking some common criticisms of trust-based philanthropy. [17:40]

                    • Reasons that building authentic partnerships with funders is crucial. [19:29]

                    • Rethinking power dynamics: why it’s important to challenge donors and institutions. [22:49]

                    • Highlighting the value of self-evaluation, transparency, and open communication. [26:01]

                    • The patience needed to see true change and resources to help you take the next step. [27:37]

                    • Intention versus impact: issues that can accompany academic partnerships. [33:57]

                    • Why pushing organizations to focus on community brings Dr. Powell joy. [36:56]

                      • 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/  

                      42 min

                    About Public Health Joy: Community Power, Health Equity, and Leadership in Action

                    From the publisher's feed

                    Public Health Joy is a podcast for public health professionals, researchers, and community leaders who believe equity, justice, and healing belong at the center of public health work. Hosted by Dr.…