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

In this episode of The Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee takes listeners behind the scenes of the movement that is reshaping how we think about public health. With honesty, vulnerability, and clarity. Dr. Joyee speaks to the exhaustion, grief, and burnout that so many public health professionals are carrying in 2025. She acknowledges the frustration of working in systems that undermine your purpose, devalue your expertise, and drain your spirit—and she assures listeners: I see you, because I am you.Dr. Joyee shares her own journey from surviving toxic institutions to building a six-figure, community-led consulting practice rooted in equity and liberation. She highlights the hard truths of the field today: public health has been attacked, funding slashed, and trust eroded. Yet even in the midst of collapse, she insists that joy, purpose, and power are still within reach.This episode introduces the framework that guides the entire Public Health Joy movement: Rest, Reimagine, Rebuild, Resist. Dr. Joyee breaks down why rest is essential to liberation work, how re-imagining frees us from institutional dependency, how rebuilding equips us to act on our purpose, and how resistance fuels sustainability rather than burnout.Listeners are invited to join the Public Health Joy Summit happening January 14–16, 2026—a virtual, immersive experience that offers practical skill-building, community care, real-world training, and a collective space for reimagining what public health can become. Dr. Joyee reminds us that institutional permission is not required to transform communities—and the future of public health depends on the leaders who dare to build new systems now.Key Points From This Episode:Public health is about community, not just institutions.Rest is essential for sustainable public health work.Community-led solutions can transform public health.The current systems are designed to control, not serve.Public Health Joy is a resistance movement.We need to re-imagine public health together.Burnout culture is detrimental to public health professionals.The Public Health Joy Summit is a call to action.Your lived experience is valuable in public health.Joy is a revolutionary act in the face of adversity.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 this episode of the Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee Washington shines a light on the challenges we face in public health and the courage it takes to keep moving forward. She reminds us that reflection and resilience aren’t optional—they’re essential. By acknowledging our pain and our struggles, we create the foundation for growth, healing, and transformation. Dr. Washington calls us to rest, reset, and prepare for the comeback. Change doesn’t happen by accident—it happens through intentional strategy, empowered communities, and collective action. That’s why she’s inviting us to join an upcoming summit designed to unite voices, spark innovation, and mobilize for meaningful change. The fight is real, but so is the power of our comeback. Key Points From This Episode:Navigating Technical Challenges and Setting Intentions [00:00] Reflecting on Personal and Collective Journeys [02:31]Acknowledging Pain and Building Resilience [04:46]Understanding the Fight in Public Health [06:32]Preparing for the Comeback: Strategies for Change [07:58] The Power of Rest and Reimagining Public Health [10:38] Mobilizing for Transformation and Community Empowerment [13:43] The Call to Action: Summit for Change [16:23]Closing Reflections and Prayer [19:12] 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/

True accessibility in public health education means designing with everyone in mind from the start, not treating it as an afterthought. Joining us today to talk about building more inclusive, learner-centered e-learning experiences is Leah Roman. Leah is the owner and principal consultant at Roman Public Health Consulting LLC, where she applies over 20 years of experience designing accessible training for public health and related workforces. In this episode, she shares how flexibility, empathy, and intentional design can help meet the needs of all learners, especially in virtual spaces. From transcripts to alternative text for visual images, Leah offers practical ways to reach adult learners and be as inclusive as possible through thoughtful design. Whether you're creating a course or sharing resources online, this conversation will leave you rethinking how to make your work more inclusive and impactful!Key Points From This Episode:How to gain access to the replay of the Bracing for 2025 Virtual Summit. [0:00]Introducing today’s guest, Leah Roman, and her career background. [02:19]How Leah was first exposed to e-learning and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. [05:42]What accessibility means in e-learning and virtual environments. [08:23]A story from Dr. Joyee Washington about teaching biostats online. [12:50]Helping clients shift from in-person to online by rethinking learning goals and delivery. [15:29]How to understand and match the needs of your audience. [21:06]The importance of creating flexibility and choice in online learning. [22:29]Adapting for learners with visual challenges and describing images accessibly. [26:11]How to keep accessibility top of mind by building it into checklists and daily workflows. [28:46]Unlearning old presentation habits to better serve all learners. [31:29]What brings Leah joy in her work as a consultant. [33:59]Ways to connect with Leah and learn more about her work. [35:56]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-season-4/

Get ready for the next episode on the Public Health Joy Podcast!🔥This Friday, we learn from a trailblazer who's been changing the game in public health, policy, and funding. We will be joined by the incredible Elizabeth Peck — a public policy and philanthropy expert with over 20 years of experience in the field. 💼💪 Elizabeth is the founder of EP Strategies, a woman-owned consulting business that centers equity and community in everything it does. From her early work at the Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy to her current leadership in helping organizations secure funding without compromising values, Elizabeth shares wisdom that will inspire professionals at every stage. This episode dives deep into the real-life impact of public health, the importance of equity centered funding strategies, and how to prepare for a future filled with uncertainty and possibility. 🌍✨ Don’t miss this honest, heartfelt, and strategic convo that reminds us why community-centered work matters more than ever. Key Points From This Episode:How to gain access to the replay of the Bracing for 2025 Virtual Summit. [0:00]The community-centered approach that Elizabeth applies to her work. [02:19]Her systems-based understanding of public health work. [06:02]Her career start in adolescent sexual health at the Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy. [11:45]Finding diverse sources of funding in a competitive environment. [15:59]Preparing for the next chapter in a chaotic landscape through data and collaboration. [21:48]Keeping strategic focus while pursuing much-needed funding. [26:39]The opportunity for philanthropy to make progress in its definition of success. [29:00]Excellent results and value-aligned work: Elizabeth’s sources of Public Health Joy! [30:27]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-season-4/

What if government contracting didn’t have to be competitive but could be collaborative instead? Joining Dr. Joyee Washington today is Dr. Lauren Josephs, researcher, CEO of Visionary Vanguard Group, and self-proclaimed “destiny helper.” Tuning in, you’ll hear all about our guest’s career, how she got into government contracting, the importance of embracing hard work, and so much more! We delve into some of Dr. Josephs’ strategies in handling challenges such as budget cuts before she shares the experience of being awarded her first contract. We also discuss the power of gratitude in all endeavors, successful or not. Finally, our guest tells us what brings her joy in her work. To hear all this and find out how you can purchase The Bracing for 2025 Summit Replay, press play now!P.S. Got a public health business and want to amplify your brand? Become a sponsor of the Public Health Joy Podcast today! Complete our sponsorship request form here: https://clients.joyeewashington.com/public/form/view/6685b1f173bbe6003a105903Key Points From This Episode:Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Lauren Josephs. [02:15]How Dr. Josephs got into the world of government contracting work. [05:49]A reminder that all achievements require a certain level of hard work. [13:10]Practical strategies Dr. Josephs uses to handle challenges in her work. [14:58]Insight into her experience of being awarded her first contract. [20:29]Why she’s always grateful for every opportunity, no matter the outcome. [29:54]What brings Dr. Josephs joy in her work. [31:24]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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/