Courageous Public Health

CPH 57 — Building Without a Blueprint: A Conversation with Rebecca Désir, MPH

In this episode of the Courageous Public Health Podcast, Rebecca Désir shares what it looks like to take action before you feel ready—moving away from everything familiar, starting something from nothing, and building in real time. From launching the Black Joy Festival during the pandemic with no funding and no clear path, to redefining her identity and leadership over time, she reflects on the courage it takes to trust yourself and keep going. This conversation explores how courage builds—through action, through uncertainty, and through the decision to begin anyway. Meet Rebecca Désir, MPH✨ Rebecca Désir, MPH is a public health strategist and founder of the Black Health Commission, where she advances health equity through community centered programming, thought leadership, and culturally responsive initiatives. She is passionate about creating spaces that connect healthcare professionals, creatives, and community leaders, including through initiatives like the BLK JOY Festival. Rebecca's work focuses on redefining public health by centering culture, community voice, and sustainable impact. Outside of her work, she enjoys traveling, collecting vinyl records, and exploring the intersection of culture, storytelling, and wellness. Conversation Highlights 🎙️ * Leaping Before You're Ready — Rebecca shares what it took to move away from her family for her first job, stepping into the unknown without a safety net. * Building Something from Nothing — She describes creating the Black Joy Festival during the pandemic—starting with just an idea, no funding, and figuring it out in real time. * Doing Before You Feel Ready — Rebecca reflects on how confidence came through action—learning by doing rather than waiting until she felt fully prepared. * Letting Identities Have a Season — She talks about releasing roles and expectations that no longer bring joy, and allowing herself to evolve without seeing change as failure. * Leading Through Connection — Rebecca names relationship-building and community connection as core strengths—and essential tools for advancing public health in ways that truly resonate. "I didn't know how it was going to happen, but I knew it needed to." — Rebecca Désir, MPH Stay in Touch 🔗 With Rebecca Désir, MPH LinkedIn ↗ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccadesir/]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccadesir/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccadesir/] Website ↗ [http://www.blackhealthcommission.com]: www.blackhealthcommission.com [http://www.blackhealthcommission.com] With Dr. Kristi McClamroch LinkedIn ↗ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch/]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch/] Website ↗ [http://www.courageouspublichealth.com]: www.CourageousPublicHealth.com [http://www.courageouspublichealth.com] Follow for weekly reflections on courage and leadership ↗ [http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6]: http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6 [http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6] Public Health Consulting to Support You 🤝 We partner with public health, healthcare, nonprofit, philanthropic, and government organizations to design and facilitate interactive workshops for women leaders in public health — turning courage into a leadership skill so it becomes an organizational strength. If your organization would benefit from this kind of support, we'd love to connect. Reach out on LinkedIn ↗ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch/] or through our website ↗ [http://www.courageouspublichealth.com].

CPH 56 — Choosing Alignment Over Comfort: A Conversation with Dr. Shawnté Elbert

In this episode of the Courageous Public Health Podcast, Dr. Shawnté Elbert shares what it looks like to choose alignment over comfort — even when that means walking away from roles, titles, and systems she worked years to build. From navigating moments of forced transition to rebuilding her work without a platform, she reflects on the courage it takes to trust your own discernment when everything familiar falls away. This is a conversation about courage, identity, and power — and what it means to lead without negotiating your value. Meet Dr. Shawnté Elbert✨ Dr. Shawnté M. Elbert, EdD, MCHES, is a nationally recognized higher education leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing student well-being, health equity, and leadership development across diverse institutional settings. She has served as Associate Vice President of Health and Well-being at The Ohio State University, Associate Dean of Health and Wellness at Central Washington University, and Director of Health and Wellness Promotion at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis. In these roles, she provided strategic oversight for multimillion-dollar budgets, supervised cross-functional teams, and led the design and implementation of integrated wellness models that connected health, counseling, recreation, and student success initiatives. Dr. Elbert is also an accomplished educator, currently serving on the faculty at Walden University and Abilene Christian University, where she teaches graduate and doctoral-level courses in health education, public health, leadership, and qualitative research. Her leadership has shaped institutional policy and practice across immunization and wellness policy, sexual misconduct education, and DEI-driven wellness councils. She has successfully secured millions in grants and philanthropic funding for student wellness, peer support, and resiliency initiatives. A sought-after speaker and consultant, Dr. Elbert is known for her ability to bridge research, practice, and policy to foster cultures of belonging and well-being in higher education. Her scholarship includes co-authoring Supporting Neurodiverse College Student Success (2020) and Well-Being Leadership in Higher Education: A Guide for Successful Well-Being Programs (2024). Conversation Highlights 🎙️ * Choosing Alignment Over Comfort — Dr. Elbert defines courage as choosing alignment over comfort, even when it comes with real professional and personal cost. * Walking Away from What You Built — She reflects on what it meant to step away from roles and titles she worked hard to earn—and how that decision reshaped her path. * You Don't Negotiate Your Value — A pivotal shift in her leadership: entering rooms with clarity about her worth, without feeling the need to prove she belongs. * Rebuilding in Transition — Dr. Elbert shares what it takes to move forward without a clear path—redefining identity and direction beyond traditional roles. * Leading Without the Title — She describes continuing to show up, speak, and lead without relying on formal positions or institutional backing. "I don't negotiate my value once I'm in the room." — Dr. Shawnté M. Elbert Stay in Touch 🔗 With Dr. Shawnté M. Elbert LinkedIn ↗ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnteelbert/]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnteelbert/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnteelbert/] Website ↗ [https://www.elbertinnovativesolutions.org/]: https://www.elbertinnovativesolutions.org/ [https://www.elbertinnovativesolutions.org/] Facebook ↗ [https://www.facebook.com/people/Elbert-Innovative-Solutions-LLC/61573657841067/%23]: https://www.facebook.com/people/Elbert-Innovative-Solutions-LLC/61573657841067/# [https://www.facebook.com/people/Elbert-Innovative-Solutions-LLC/61573657841067/%23] Instagram ↗ [https://www.instagram.com/dr.espeaks_/]: https://www.instagram.com/dr.espeaks_/ [https://www.instagram.com/dr.espeaks_/] TikTok ↗ [https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_e_speaks]: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_e_speaks [https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_e_speaks] With Dr. Kristi McClamroch LinkedIn ↗ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch/]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch/] Website ↗ [http://www.courageouspublichealth.com]: www.CourageousPublicHealth.com [http://www.courageouspublichealth.com] Follow for weekly reflections on courage and leadership ↗ [http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6]: http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6 [http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6] Public Health Consulting to Support You 🤝 We partner with public health, healthcare, nonprofit, philanthropic, and government organizations to design and facilitate interactive workshops for women leaders in public health — turning courage into a leadership skill so it becomes an organizational strength. If your organization would benefit from this kind of support, we'd love to connect. Reach out on LinkedIn ↗ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch/] or through our website ↗ [http://www.courageouspublichealth.com].

CPH 55 — Knowing When Not to Say More: A Conversation with Dr. Khalilah LeGrand

In this episode of the Courageous Public Health Podcast, Dr. Khalilah LeGrand shares what it looks like to practice courage through restraint — especially in high-stakes public health moments where she holds information that could change how a story is perceived, but chooses not to share it. As a spokesperson navigating crisis, scrutiny, and public pressure, she reflects on the discipline it takes to stay aligned with your values — even when you know more than you can say. This is a conversation about courage, authenticity, and values — and how being intentional, measured, and fully yourself can be a powerful form of leadership. Meet Dr. Khalilah LeGrand✨ Dr. Khalilah LeGrand serves as Vice President of Communications and Public Relations for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, where she leads strategic communications efforts to advance public health system transformation and support state and territorial health leaders in demonstrating the value of public health. Prior to joining ASTHO, she held leadership roles at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, including Chief of Staff and Director of Communications. Dr. LeGrand holds a Doctor of Organizational Leadership and has built a career at the intersection of public health, communications, and leadership—bringing a values-driven approach to how information is shared and understood. She also holds advanced degrees in communications and psychology, along with executive training in management and diversity and inclusion. Conversation Highlights 🎙️ * Restraint in High-Stakes Moments — Dr. LeGrand shares what it means to serve as a spokesperson during a crisis—holding critical information that could shift public perception, and choosing restraint to protect integrity and process. * A Lifelong Anchor in Values — From confronting a teacher at age 12 to navigating leadership today, she reflects on a deeply rooted sense of right and wrong—and how that has guided her decisions across her life. * Authenticity as a Leadership Strategy — After trying to emulate others early on, Dr. LeGrand describes how embracing her own voice, presence, and communication style became a source of power in professional spaces. * Responding to Bias with Clarity and Choice — She shares moments of being underestimated and misjudged—from school to professional settings—and the different ways she's chosen to respond, from direct confrontation to strategic forward movement. * Using Presence to Lead and Protect — Dr. LeGrand reflects on how she's learned to use her physical presence, voice, and authority intentionally—whether guiding a conversation or stepping in to manage high-pressure situations. "There were so many times where I would think… if only people knew one or two details, they would not feel this particular way." — Dr. Khalilah LeGrand Stay in Touch 🔗 With Dr. Khalilah LeGrand LinkedIn ↗ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/khalilah-legrand-ed-d-ab84496/]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khalilah-legrand-ed-d-ab84496/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/khalilah-legrand-ed-d-ab84496/] With Dr. Kristi McClamroch LinkedIn ↗ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch/]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch/] Website ↗ [http://www.courageouspublichealth.com]: www.CourageousPublicHealth.com [http://www.courageouspublichealth.com] Follow for weekly reflections on courage and leadership ↗ [http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6]: http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6 [http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6] Public Health Consulting to Support You 🤝 We partner with public health, healthcare, nonprofit, philanthropic, and government organizations to design and facilitate interactive workshops for women leaders in public health — turning courage into a leadership skill so it becomes an organizational strength. If your organization would benefit from this kind of support, we'd love to connect. Reach out on LinkedIn ↗ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch/] or through our website ↗ [http://www.courageouspublichealth.com].

CPH 54 — Finding Your Way in Public Health: A Conversation with Aaliyah Belk, MPH

In this episode of the Courageous Public Health Podcast, Aaliyah Belk shares what it looks like to find your way in public health — even when you don't fully understand the path ahead. From navigating identity and learning how to take up space, to asking for help and building her career without a clear roadmap, Aaliyah reflects on the courage it takes to keep going when you feel uncertain. This is a conversation about courage, identity, and growth — and what it means to stay the course in a field that doesn't always have clear answers. You're listening to the Courageous Public Health Podcast, Episode 54. Meet Aaliyah Belk, MPH✨ Aaliyah Belk is a Project Coordinator based in Atlanta, Georgia and a public health professional with over seven years of experience in human-centered programming, mixed methods research, and systems strengthening across national and global contexts. She holds a Bachelor's in Public Health Education and a Master of Public Health in Health Equity, Social Justice, and Human Rights. Most recently, Aaliyah served as a fellow at the CDC within the Division of Violence Prevention, contributing to national efforts addressing adverse childhood experiences, youth violence, and domestic violence. She also served as Executive Committee Co-Chair for the CDC Fellows Collective, supporting community and collaboration across fellows. Aaliyah was featured in Teen Vogue for her research and advocacy on reproductive justice for Black women, and she is passionate about using strategic communication and trauma-informed approaches to advance equity and accessibility in public health. Conversation Highlights 🎙️ * Learning to Take Up Space Thoughtfully — Aaliyah reflects on navigating her identity and how she shows up in professional spaces, balancing her voice with the responsibility to amplify others. * Discovering Public Health Without a Roadmap — From initially pursuing nursing to finding public health through a class, she shares what it felt like to follow an instinct before fully understanding the field. * Asking for Help as a Turning Point — A pivotal moment came when she reached out to a graduate student for guidance, leading to mentorship, research opportunities, and a clearer path forward. * Navigating Uncertainty in Graduate School — Starting her MPH during the COVID-19 pandemic, Aaliyah describes feeling lost and unsupported — and the courage it took to continue despite that uncertainty. * Rebuilding the Future of Public Health — She shares a hopeful vision for the field, emphasizing the opportunity to rebuild systems, strengthen communication, and encourage the next generation to stay committed. "I didn't know what I was doing — I just knew I wanted to do it." — Aaliyah Belk, MPH Stay in Touch 🔗 With Aaliyah Belk, MPH LinkedIn ↗ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaliyahbelk/]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaliyahbelk/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaliyahbelk/] With Dr. Kristi McClamroch LinkedIn ↗ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch/]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch/] Website ↗ [http://www.courageouspublichealth.com]: www.CourageousPublicHealth.com [http://www.courageouspublichealth.com] Follow for weekly reflections on courage and leadership ↗ [http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6]: http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6 [http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6] Public Health Consulting to Support You 🤝 We partner with public health, healthcare, nonprofit, philanthropic, and government organizations to design and facilitate interactive workshops for women leaders in public health — turning courage into a leadership skill so it becomes an organizational strength. If your organization would benefit from this kind of support, we'd love to connect. Reach out on LinkedIn ↗ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch/] or through our website ↗ [http://www.courageouspublichealth.com].

CPH 53 — Sitting in Uncertainty: A Conversation with Corinna Kelley, MPH

In this episode of the Courageous Public Health Podcast, Corinna Kelley shares what it looks like to practice courage by staying in uncertainty — sitting in discomfort long enough to rediscover who you are becoming. From leaving a full-time role to step into consulting without a clear plan, to sharing her story on stage, Corinna reflects on how growth happens not by avoiding discomfort, but by learning to stay with it. This is a conversation about courage, identity, and transformation — and what it takes to lead from within. Meet Corinna Kelley, MPH✨ Corinna Kelley, MPH is a leadership coach and speaker who supports mission-driven leaders navigating growth, transition, and expanded responsibility with clarity and aligned authority. With more than 20 years of experience in public health, Corinna has worked across healthcare systems, health departments, nonprofits, and community partnerships to advance health equity and improve outcomes. Drawing from her lived experience as a multiracial woman, veteran, and leader with non-apparent disabilities, she brings a deeply personal understanding of identity and leadership in complex environments. Through CREID Consulting and Coaching, she partners with organizations to strengthen leadership presence, support strategic partnerships, and develop leaders who can carry complex work with steadiness and sustainability. Corinna holds a Master of Public Health in Healthcare Administration and an Executive Leadership Coaching Certificate from Georgetown University. Conversation Highlights 🎙️ * Redefining Courage as Discomfort — Corinna shares how courage, for her, means sitting in uncertainty and discomfort long enough to find clarity and growth. * Taking the Leap Without a Plan — She reflects on leaving her full-time role to pursue consulting, embracing uncertainty as part of aligning with who she is becoming. * Finding Her Voice Through Stillness — A silent meditation experience led to a deeply personal story and poem that she later shared on stage, marking a pivotal moment of self-discovery. * From Service to Self-Awareness — Moving from "service before self" to self-reflection, Corinna explores how leadership begins with understanding and accepting yourself. * Leading with Curiosity, Not Control — She describes the shift from solving problems to co-creating with others, emphasizing curiosity, empathy, and presence in leadership. "I think being able to sit in uncomfortability for a long time is where courage starts." — Corinna Kelley, MPH Stay in Touch 🔗 With Corinna Kelley, MPH LinkedIn ↗ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinna-kelley-mph-452172a9/]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinna-kelley-mph-452172a9/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinna-kelley-mph-452172a9/] Email ↗ [corinnakelley@creidconsultingllc.com]: corinnakelley@creidconsultingllc.com [corinnakelley@creidconsultingllc.com] TikTok ↗ [https://www.tiktok.com/@corinnacreateschange]: https://www.tiktok.com/@corinnacreateschange [https://www.tiktok.com/@corinnacreateschange] Facebook ↗ [https://www.facebook.com/CorinnaNKelley]: https://www.facebook.com/CorinnaNKelley [https://www.facebook.com/CorinnaNKelley] With Dr. Kristi McClamroch LinkedIn ↗ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch/]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch/] Website ↗ [http://www.courageouspublichealth.com]: www.CourageousPublicHealth.com [http://www.courageouspublichealth.com] Follow for weekly reflections on courage and leadership ↗ [http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6]: http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6 [http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6] Public Health Consulting to Support You 🤝 We partner with public health, healthcare, nonprofit, philanthropic, and government organizations to design and facilitate interactive workshops for women leaders in public health — turning courage into a leadership skill so it becomes an organizational strength. If your organization would benefit from this kind of support, we'd love to connect. Reach out on LinkedIn ↗ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch/] or through our website ↗ [http://www.courageouspublichealth.com].