Since 2008 I have moved from Ohio to Tennessee to Germany to Texas to Colorado to Ohio. I am incredibly thankful for the years I've spent living in places vastly different from where I was born, despite challenges. The most important truth I have learned is that no matter the race, culture, ethnicity, creed, or gender -we are more alike than different. Mothers fiercely love their babies. Fathers are protective of their kids. Artists struggle to make a living executing a dream, and people are willing to help more often than not. With every place I've been, my thoughts have been confirmed through the kindness of strangers. I love to learn about our human similarities through equitable and productive conversation.
I don’t sit still well. I am fulfilled by doing, creating, moving and giving. Work without purpose and greater good frustrates me greatly. The photo above is one I took during a deployment with Team Rubicon in Beaumont, Texas after Hurricane Harvey. We are a motley bunch of Veterans, First Responders, Emergency Management personnel and people that care about other people, that band together to aid in disaster relief/ clean up. My favorite part about being involved with Team Rubicon is that it seamlessly creates an environment where inclusion happens, and isn't forced. Natural disasters affect everyone, just like substance use disorders and mental illness.
When I hear people say,"...that's just the way it is." It is one of my biggest motivators. I have never - and will never - accept this as fact. I get angry and am driven to work on disrupting our current social system.
Through my experience and studying inequity in public health, I know that not everyone starts on a level playing field and that just scratches the surface of systemic issues of being able to thrive in life. I am a firm believer that, "...that's just the way it is...." is not how it has to be.
In the workplace. At home. In the community. On a national scale -a lack of fairness and justice based on gender, race, ethnicity, creed, sexual orientation, education level, socioeconomic status and zip code exists in our world. I often find myself facilitating discussions for individuals that have vastly different views. Learning how people communicate and understand information is almost as important as learning what they believe. True intent of communication is often lost in perception, tone and the surrounding environment.
I've spent years studying, working, and experiencing pieces of the social determinants of health. Personal, social, economic and environmental factors all decipher health outcomes and overall health status. Poverty, educational attainment, racism, stigma, access and affordability of care are all pieces that impact how an individual thrives or survives as they live, work and age.
My training in public health was founded on the basis of three tenets: policy, systems and environmental changes. Working in these arenas, I've had the opportunity to change individuals' outcomes in life by utilizing my skills as an effective communicator.
I bring a long history of being unable to accept the word "no." I was told I couldn't finish undergrad in three years (I did). I was advised against entering a Master's of Public Health program with a bachelors degree in communications (...oops...did that too). And I finished with honors. I was one of the first individuals at the University of Florida to complete a MPH without RN or MD after my name.
After some significant life challenges, I decided to push out the bad in my life by doing more good for others. I have been a People's Liberty project grantee for Not Even Once, an after-school program which focuses on youth substance abuse prevention, had my work highlighted by local and state departments of education and the Cincinnati Enquirer.
I've had independent projects recognized by the Cincinnati Health Department, The Health Collaborative, Xavier University, chosen as a Woman of Cincy, been on countless Public Health Podcasts and made it viral all the way to the UK.
This one I'm proud of:
I have a work ethic and drive that was born in pain and a whole lot of screw- ups. I can rewire an audio board, brand a business, write speeches, edit photos, design and teach curricula, evaluate programs and facilitate heated discussions. I've worked with all types of people, from Army Generals to those suffering from substance use disorders, and given each equal respect and grace. I can also sing show tunes. Loudly.
I have 10+ years of experience working for Federal, County, and City Governments in communications and public health. Through working in public health and on my People's Liberty grant I became fluent in the world of philanthropy, grants and all levels of governments. Passing policies that matter is an ugly sausage-making process. I carry the wit and ability to complete complicated and long-term projects.
Whether it is infant mortality, food insecurity or the stigma of mental illness, we can't problem-solve in silos. Working with community partners to build relationships to create empathetic environments will allow voices that have been in the shadows to be magnified. Using sustainable solutions from multiple perspectives is how we begin solving social issues.
Through the muck and all the ugly that society creates - there is also immeasurable amounts of good that is yet to be done. If kindness and mercy exist in war-torn corners of our earth, truly anything is possible. I believe I was put on this earth to use my creative talents to facilitate positive changes and make someone's bad day, a little better.
Over 400 media appearances as a Public Information Officer working in Public Health Emergency Response during COVID-19 changed me, for good. My skin may be a little thicker, but I am still working on processing everything that has happened since the beginning of 2020. One day I'd like to write about this experience, in hopes that someone else can be comforted, validated, and begin to heal.