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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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

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:

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/