Courageous Public Health

In this dynamic and heartfelt conversation, my guest shares how courage, mentorship, and lived experience have shaped her personal and professional journey. From navigating college as a teen mom to challenging systems that fail to value Black women in public health, she reflects on what it means to act despite fear and to lead with authenticity and purpose. She invites us into her world as a conne...

In this bold and heartfelt conversation, my guest shares how courage, community, and disruption have defined her life's work. From standing on the frontlines of the movement for justice for Breonna Taylor alongside her teenage daughter, to breaking barriers as the first Black woman elected to Kentucky's state legislature in nearly two decades, she reflects on what it means to act despite fear and...

In this thoughtful and illuminating conversation, my guest shares how courage, authenticity, and data storytelling have shaped her work as a Black woman in public health. From shifting away from a lifelong dream of becoming a medical doctor to founding her consulting business, she reflects on the moments when she chose to act despite fear—and how she continues to build a career rooted in purpose a...

In this powerful and joy-filled episode, Dr. McClamroch sits down with Tansy McNulty, a problem solver, mother, and founder of a nonprofit focused on harm reduction and community wellness.   Tansy shares how leaving corporate America to create community-based solutions was an act of deep courage—one rooted in love for her two Black sons and a vision for a safer, more just world. From navigating pr...

In this deeply moving conversation, Dyan Jenkins Ali shares what it means to lead with courage, clarity, and conviction. From surviving a racially motivated attack on her childhood home to organizing the University of Michigan's COVID-19 response, Dyan reflects on how her values, faith, and lived experiences have shaped a lifetime of principled leadership. She introduces us to her philosophy of "b...

In this insightful, rich, and layered conversation, Gabriela Alcalde—author, public health leader, and values-driven changemaker—invites us to rethink what leadership really means. Drawing from her experience as an immigrant woman of color in philanthropy and public health, Gabriela speaks with bold clarity about the discomfort, responsibility, and power of leading with integrity. She shares the o...

In this uplifting and deeply grounded conversation, LaShonda Richardson—public health educator and founder of Emerge Public Health and Community Development—shares what it means to lead with faith, clarity, and unapologetic presence. Raised by her grandmother in a small town in North Carolina, LaShonda reflects on how her early experiences taught her discipline, resilience, and the importance of s...

In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Dannette R. Smith—longtime public health and human services leader and current Behavioral Health Commissioner for the state of Colorado—reflects on a lifetime of courageous leadership. She shares how she has navigated high-profile roles across the country with authenticity, strategy, and deep values. From leading public health messaging during the COVID...

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Andrea Lowe shares her journey of courage in both her professional and personal life, discussing the challenges of starting her own business while completing her doctorate. She reflects on the importance of embodying power as an African American woman in public health, emphasizing her strong values and the need for representation. Andrea envisions a future where...

In this engaging conversation, Bronwyn Lucas, MPH shares her journey in public health, emphasizing the importance of courage, personal growth, and advocacy for racial equity. She discusses her experiences as a woman of color in leadership roles, the challenges faced in public health, and her vision for the future, highlighting the need for community engagement and empowerment. Bronwyn also reflect...

In this uplifting conversation, Dr. Chris Chanyasulkit shares her journey in public health advocacy, emphasizing the importance of courage, representation, and community engagement. She reflects on her experiences running for local office, the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, and her vision for a healthier and kinder future. The episode highlights the need for diverse voices in governan...

In this inspiring conversation, Alisa Howard, CHWi, CCHW, explores the themes of courage, empowerment, and community in the context of public health. She shares her personal journey, including her early experiences as a young mother and her transition into public health advocacy. The discussion highlights the importance of resilience, the role of community support, and the vision for a future wher...

In the inaugural episode of the Courageous Public Health podcast, Dr. Kristi McClamroch shares her journey of embracing courage in both personal and professional realms. She discusses the importance of authenticity, the role of courage in public health, and the need to highlight the stories of courage among Women of Color in the field. Through her experiences and insights, she emphasizes that cour...

In this engaging conversation, Dennise Rosas, MPH, shares her journey as a Latina healthcare professional, discussing the importance of courage in both personal and professional contexts. She reflects on her experiences navigating the healthcare system during her father's illness, her leadership roles in public health organizations, and her commitment to advocating for diverse voices in healthcare...

In this compelling conversation, Dr. Raymona H. Lawrence, a public health professor, shares her journey of courage, empowerment, and vision for the future. She discusses her personal experiences with sickle cell disease, the importance of mentorship, and how women of color can express their power in professional spaces. Dr. Lawrence emphasizes the need for community support and collaboration, whil...

To all the courageous women working in public health—this space is yours. This space centers your voice. This space celebrates your passion. This space amplifies your courage. I'm Dr. Kristi McClamroch, an epidemiologist, consultant, and the founder and CEO of Courageous Public Health. Each week, we'll have real, unfiltered conversations with women doing the work of public health about the challen...