PH SPOTlight: Public health career stories, inspiration, and guidance from current-day public health heroes

Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text!Last week I talked about "Leadership Skills Every Public Health Professional Should Develop" and mentioned two episodes from 2020 where I sat down with two amazing guests to discuss leadership.This week, I wanted to make sure you had a chance to listen to the second one of these episodes - with Anjum Sultana.--------In this episode, Sujani sits down with Anjum Sultana. Anjum is someone Sujani has known for a number of years and has interacted with via phone calls and messaging/email, but this was the first time they both "saw" each other (virtually), so it was a special conversation. Anjum's advocacy and leadership work is also something that Sujani has been inspired by over the years.The conversation with Anjum is not only jam-packed with inspiration and motivation to be a leader in public health but also weaves tangible first steps for all of us to take.Public health needs many strong leaders to push agendas forward, and we hope that by sharing stories like that of Anjum's, you walk away feeling like you too can be a leader in public health.You'll LearnHow Anjum defines leadershipWhether she intentionally chose to become a leader in her space, or it naturally occurredA bit about the young Anjum, her first memory of thinking that she could be a leader, and how her dad was an inspiration to her, which has resulted in the work she does in her communityAttributes of a good leader (skills to build on for anyone wanting to be a leader in their space), and skills Anjum wished she had gained early onThings students can focus on specifically while in school to set themselves up to become a strong leaderStep-by-step how we can go from feeling passionate about a topic/issue/cause to taking incremental action that leads to change. Whether leadership only comes from a management/senior-level role (hint: no it doesn't)Whether leaders are born OR if leadership can be learnedChallenges Anjum faces as a leader in her spaceA final example where Anjum showed that she is a leader in her space: she talks about her journey first authoring Canada's First Feminist Recovery Plan.It is the first nationally-focused one in the country and possibly the worldShe encourages the PH SPOT community to read it, make it your own, and reach out to her should you be interested in taking actionSupport the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: A global membership community where public health professionals connect, learn, and support each other in building meaningful and impactful careers. Go from feeling confused, alone and overwhelmed, to feeling confident and in control of your life and career!

Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text!Last week I talked about "Leadership Skills Every Public Health Professional Should Develop" and mentioned two episodes from 2020 where I sat down with two amazing guests to discuss leadership.This week, I wanted to make sure you had a chance to listen to one of these episodes - with Dr. Nadia Akseet.--------In this episode, Sujani speaks Dr. Nadia Akseer, an Epidemiologist-Biostatistician who has spent over 10 years leading research and analyses of clinical and population health datasets in the areas of reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health, as well as nutrition in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Ethiopia and other low- and middle-income countries.In 2018, Nadia was identified as a Canadian Women Leader in Global Health, and in March 2019, she was awarded the 2019 Emerging Public Health Leader Alumni Award from the Public Health Alumni Association of the University of Toronto.We speak about the leadership drive Nadia possesses, when she decided she wanted to become a leader in her space, and whether you need to be in a management position to be a leader, amongst other topics. And of course, I couldn't let her go without asking about her multiple meetings with Bill Gates, to present and collaborate on some of her work.You'll LearnThe leadership drive, and what it isWhat leadership means to NadiaHow and when Nadia decided that she wanted to become a leader in this space she was passionate aboutWhether one needs to be in a management position to be a leader (hint: absolutely not)Natural born leaders versus people given the right opportunities to become a leaderHow Nadia goes about seeking new opportunities (as she is someone who thrives on being challenged and stimulated)A glimpse into the career path she took: from Biostatician at SickKids, to Global Health Research at SickKids, then to Harvard, and now at Gates VenturesHow her view of leadership has changed over timeVerbal Communication and its importance in good leadershipA leader Nadia looks up to: Dr. Zulfiqar ButtaReflections from her meetings with Bill Gates to present her research and work together on countries that have managed to reduce child stuntingSupport the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: A global membership community where public health professionals connect, learn, and support each other in building meaningful and impactful careers. Go from feeling confused, alone and overwhelmed, to feeling confident and in control of your life and career!

Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text!Leadership in public health transcends job titles—it's about how we inspire action, communicate vision, and guide others regardless of our position. This essential skillset helps navigate the complex, messy work of creating healthier communities through building trust and mobilizing stakeholders toward common goals.Discussed in this episode:What leadership really means in public healthWhy it's absolutely necessaryThe specific leadership skills you need to developHow you can build leadership skills — even if you're just starting outJoin the Public Health Career Club for leadership development resources, mentorship opportunities, and community support: phspot.org/club.Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: A global membership community where public health professionals connect, learn, and support each other in building meaningful and impactful careers. Go from feeling confused, alone and overwhelmed, to feeling confident and in control of your life and career!

Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text!We're back with our monthly update on what's happening inside the Public Health Career Club - our membership community designed to support you in building your dream public health career. Whether you're looking for accountability partners, financial guidance, or mentorship opportunities, our May 2025 lineup has something to help you advance your career goals.Social Hour on May 6th - connect with peers in public health in a casual settingNew Co-working sessions on May 7th and 28th using the Pomodoro technique to help you focus on important tasks"Doing Good and Doing Well" workshop on May 15th with Dr. Darla Bishop exploring financial strategies for public health professionalsOffice hours with mentors Dr. Marissa Robinson (May 19th) and Megan Haffey (May 27th) for personalized career guidanceLive Resume Review Clinic on May 21st with Latika, offering real-time feedback on job applicationsFinal session of our "Launch Your Idea" workshop series, focusing on post-launch discussion and next stepsCheck out phspot.org/club to learn more about our light and premium membership tiers. Connect with us on LinkedIn or email hello@phspot.org with any questions about joining our community!Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: A global membership community where public health professionals connect, learn, and support each other in building meaningful and impactful careers. Go from feeling confused, alone and overwhelmed, to feeling confident and in control of your life and career!

Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text!Public health careers extend far beyond traditional roles, with exciting opportunities in tech, communications, behavioral science, and entrepreneurship that offer both impact and excellent compensation.The roles explored in this episode include:UX designers in health tech creating intuitive tools while ensuring clinical accuracyDigital health communications specialists managing online campaigns and combating health misinformationBehavioral science consultants designing programs to change health behaviorsPublic health data storytellers turning complex statistics into compelling visual narrativesGlobal health logistics coordinators ensuring medical supplies reach their destinationsInfection prevention and control practitioners reducing healthcare-associated infectionsPolicy analysts working in non-governmental organizations and think tanksCorporate social responsibility managers with health focus leading community investmentHumanitarian health coordinators working in crisis zonesPublic health entrepreneurs creating innovative health solutions independentlyYour challenge this week is to research one of these roles that sparked your curiosity. Explore organizations hiring for that position, read job descriptions, and potentially connect with professionals in that field. Share your discoveries with us by tagging PH SPOT on social media, and don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and check out our Public Health Career Club community at phspot.org/club.Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: A global membership community where public health professionals connect, learn, and support each other in building meaningful and impactful careers. Go from feeling confused, alone and overwhelmed, to feeling confident and in control of your life and career!

Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text!Networking isn't about schmoozing with random people or handing out business cards—it's about building genuine relationships rooted in curiosity, generosity, and mutual benefit that can transform your public health career journey.What we talk about in today's episode:Up to 80% of jobs are filled through networking connections rather than job boardsYour network already exists—start by auditing connections from school, past jobs, and online communitiesApproach informational interviews with genuine curiosity and specific questions after doing your researchBe active in online communities like LinkedIn groups or the Public Health Career ClubFollow up consistently and look for ways to provide value to your connectionsEveryone has something to offer regardless of career stage—fresh perspectives are always valuableNetworking doesn't require extroversion—one-on-one conversations and quiet consistency work just as wellThis week, take one small action: reach out to someone you admire with a genuine, specific question about their work and see where the connection leads. Join the Public Health Career Club at phspot.org/club for more support in building your public health career.Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: A global membership community where public health professionals connect, learn, and support each other in building meaningful and impactful careers. Go from feeling confused, alone and overwhelmed, to feeling confident and in control of your life and career!

Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text!Career plateaus in public health are common experiences that leave professionals feeling stuck and unmotivated, but with reflection and strategic action, they can become springboards for renewed passion and growth.What's discussed in this episode:Four main reasons career plateaus happen: outgrowing your current role, lacking career clarity, not seeing growth opportunities, and experiencing burnoutAsk yourself key questions to recognize if you're in a plateau: Am I growing? Am I being challenged? Am I excited about my work? Do I feel clear about my future?Reassess your career goals by considering how your interests may have changed since entering the fieldExpand your skill set through courses or certifications that align with areas you're curious aboutSeek guidance from mentors or career coaches who can provide perspective and help change your mindsetNetwork beyond your organization to discover new opportunities and paths within public healthMake small career moves like taking on new projects, volunteering, or applying for short-term consulting rolesReconnect with your "why" – the values and motivations that initially drew you to public healthAttend conferences to meet like-minded professionals and immerse yourself in the energy of the fieldDevelop a passion project related to public health to channel creativity and reignite enthusiasmChoose one action step from today's episode and commit to doing it this week. Share your experience or thoughts on LinkedIn or through the podcast feedback feature. Remember – don't navigate career plateaus alone, and be patient and kind to yourself through the process.Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: A global membership community where public health professionals connect, learn, and support each other in building meaningful and impactful careers. Go from feeling confused, alone and overwhelmed, to feeling confident and in control of your life and career!

Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text!This is a new monthly series to provide you with updates on events happening inside the Public Health Career Club community:The Public Health Career Club has moved to an always-open enrollment model to provide support whenever public health professionals need it, with a new seven-day free trial available for both premium and light memberships.Here's what to expect in April:Four-part workshop series on "Launch Your Idea" for turning concepts into reality - Part 2 & 3 continues this month (April 1 & 12)New member orientation (April 3)Peer session on global mental health (April 5)Monthly social hour for networking and connection (April 17)Office hours with mentors specializing in job applications, industry transitions, and policy (April 23, 29, 30)Special presentation on the Consumer Drug Take Back program (April 24)Head over to phspot.org/club to learn more about the community and sign up for the seven-day free trial of either the premium or light membership.Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text!Landing that first public health job can feel impossible when every posting requires experience you don't yet have. We explore four powerful strategies to break this cycle and position yourself as a strong candidate even without traditional job experience.Reframing what counts as experience beyond full-time paid positions Using course projects, volunteering, internships, and part-time work to showcase relevant skillsPresenting skills-based experiences with action-oriented language on your resumeTailoring applications to mirror job description terminology and sector-specific languageBuilding relationships through informational interviews rather than just applying to posted jobsCreating your own experience through volunteering, writing, and continuous learningStaying motivated during your job search by actively developing skills and connectionsJoin our Public Health Career Club for our upcoming workshop on translating volunteer activities into evidence-based experience on your resume! The doors are now open for enrollment!Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

Tell us what you thought of this episode - send us a text!The PH SPOT podcast returns after a ten-month unplanned break with host Sujani sharing personal updates and outlining future plans for the show. • Unexpected 10-month podcast hiatus• Solo episodes will be the primary format moving forward to accommodate scheduling constraints• Selected recordings from Public Health Career Club events may be released as podcast episodes• PH SPOT is simplifying its approach to helping public health professionals build meaningful careers• The Public Health Career Club has opened 2025 enrollment with workshops, office hours, and networking eventsJoin us in the Public Health Career Club to connect with like-minded professionals and accelerate your career development. Find us on LinkedIn to share your thoughts on future episode topics!Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

In this episode, Sujani sits down with Glenn Laverack, a seasoned public health professional whose career has spanned continents and been shaped by his diverse experiences. His early years engaged with grassroots initiatives laid the foundation for a deep understanding of the local context, an asset that would become invaluable as he navigated the complex world of global health. They explore the significance of community empowerment in making a meaningful impact and touch upon the multifaceted nature of public health careers that are often characterized by an ongoing process of learning, adapting, and seizing opportunities explore the significance of community empowerment in making a meaningful impact. This episode not only serves as a compass for those looking to forge a career in global health but also highlights the collective mission of improving community health and shaping policy. You'll LearnGlenn's first experience volunteering in Sri Lanka and how that has led to a lifelong passion and a career in international healthThe lifestyle choices inherent in a global career that demands international mobility and the enriching experiences it can offerHaving direct experience in field work and using your assets to provide a competitive edge in the public health fieldFactors to consider when thinking about continuing postgraduate studiesEmpowering communities to have more voice and authority about projects that will influence their livesUnderstanding what it is you want to achieve in public health to figure out how you can make the most impactThe pivotal role that personal connections and networking play in professional developmentToday's GuestDr. Glenn Laverack is a social scientist and an international leader in health promotion and empowerment with a distinguished career for 40 years as a practitioner, an academic, researcher and consultant in more than 50 countries. Dr Laverack has been an advocate for the value of ordinary people at the centre of health promotion and has developed several innovative solutions to co-create successful programs in different cultural contexts. He formerly worked as a Coordinator (Empowerment) in neglected tropical diseases at WHO, Geneva and as a research fellow at Flinders University, Australia. Dr Laverack has managed several large-scale health programs including in Ghana and India and worked as a consultant on more than 100 contracts worldwide. He has a wide range of publications including 26 books, 12 in English and 14 in other languages including in Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, French, Farsi, Italian, Chinese and Thai. Dr Laverack has been a visiting professor at 6 universities in Denmark, Italy, the UAE and the UK and was the Director of Health Promotion, University of Auckland, New Zealand. His PhD investigated the collaborative role of communities in health promotion programs in Fiji and is presently an independent adviser with the UN, governmental and international development agencies.ResourcesConnect with Glenn on LinkedIn and find his work on ResearchGateLearn more about Glenn's book, ”Health Promotion Practice: Power and Empowerment”Learn more about Global Health Mentorships Support the Show.Join The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

This week, our guest Christie VanHorne shares her career trajectory into public health from a background in history and involvement in humanitarian efforts.  From working as a health educator to creating her own public health consulting business and teaching at Vassar College, Christie's story highlights how hard work, staying true to yourself, and having a solid network are all crucial to building your dream career. Her  journey emphasizes the dynamic nature of professional and personal evolution, encouraging listeners to embrace change and growth. You'll LearnChristie's path into public health through a passion for human rights and social justiceHer work in South Africa with the Peace Corps and international health Building a strong network to open up doors to new opportunitiesDealing with toxic workplaces and how Christie founded her consulting businessHow education has been a common factor throughout all of Christie's career and how her love for teaching led to a decision to pursue a DrPHDeciding between a DrPH and PhD and figuring out which path is best for youFinding your niche in public health, staying true to yourself, and traversing your journey at your own paceToday's GuestChristie is a seasoned public health consultant with 20 years of experience. In 2015, she founded CVH Consulting, LLC., offering services to create impactful health education and training experiences for her clients. Christie has worked with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), the New York State Department of Health, the Hemophilia Federation of America, and many more organizations to design, develop, and update programs. She is also a subject matter expert on the social determinants and health equity for many continuing education projects for community-based organization staff and healthcare professionals. From her time in the Peace Corps in South Africa to teaching at Vassar College and all the career experiences in between, Christie's dedication to public health shines. Last year, she was recognized with the prestigious ATHENA Award, an international honor for women who demonstrate excellence in their profession, community service, and mentorship of future leaders. One of her current volunteer roles is serving as the Vice-Chair of the National Women's Health Network Board of Directors. In August, Christie will start her Doctor of Public Health degree at Tulane University, specializing in Equity, Leadership, and Advocacy. She resides in the Hudson Valley, NY, with her beloved pups and husband.ResourcesFollow Christie on LinkedIn and Instagram Learn more about CVH ConsultingSupport the Show.Join The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

In our latest podcast episode, we delve into a story of transition, courage, and the unwavering human spirit as our guest, Yasir Essar, swapped his dentistry scrubs for a career in public health amid the chaotic backdrop of a global pandemic and geopolitical turmoil. Yasir shares how visualizing achievements can provide a push to overcome challenges and demonstrates the powerful role mentors and community support play in guiding career paths, particularly for international students and professionals in new environments. His career transformation teaches us that with resilience, the right mindset, and community support, we can navigate through uncertainty and emerge with renewed purpose and aspirations.You'll LearnHow the COVID pandemic led Yasir to public and global health and steps he took to transition into the field from dentistryYasir's experience continuing his education and career as a refugee in Canada, how he persevered through the uprooting of his life, and how his background shaped his current interest in refugee and global healthBuilding and relying on a social support group and mentors to achieve your dreams and other ways to visualize your goalsTips for international students and remembering to take the time to care for yourself in a new countryUsing LinkedIn with intentionality as a tool to network, facilitate advocacy, tell stories, and make an impactToday's GuestYasir is a former refugee from Afghanistan who holds an MSc in Global Health from McMaster University.Prior to moving to Canada, he lived as a refugee in Tajikistan after fleeing Afghanistan. During his time as a refugee, he continued to share his lived experience of refugee life.Currently, he works as a Research Assistant at Western University in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and as a Community Scholar at the University of Calgary. Additionally, he holds a visiting academic position with the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Southampton. Yasir's professional journey is marked by an unwavering commitment to knowledge and a passion for making a real-world impact. His scholarly work has been published in prestigious journals such as The Lancet, BMJ, and PLoS. He is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®) and holds multiple certificates from Wayne State University, the University of Geneva, McGill University, and the LinkedIn Learning Academy.During his tenure as a Research Assistant at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, he focused particularly on tuberculosis research, further enriching his expertise in infectious disease research.Yasir is always eager to connect with like-minded professionals, share insights, and explore collaborative opportunities. He is open to guest lecture invitations on the topics of refugees, mentorship, and global health.ResourcesConnect with Yasir on LinkedIn  Support the Show.Join The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

In this episode, Sujani delves into her personal struggles with speaking in public and how it affected her career in public health. She reflects on her initial reluctance to speak in various settings and her journey of self-improvement through the creation of her podcast.  Sujani shares that by creating opportunities to practice speaking, she was able to progressively build confidence and improve her communication skills. She emphasizes the importance of small, consistent steps toward facing and overcoming fears. Her transformation led to better engagement in conversations, more profound connections with colleagues, and the ability to speak up in meetings, which were once daunting tasks. By sharing her story, Sujani hopes to inspire listeners to embark on their own journeys of self-improvement and career advancement, proving that the challenges we face can become the catalysts for our triumphs.Support the Show.Join The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

Today's episode features Dr. Charlotte Huntley, a public health entrepreneur and leader. We peel back the layers of her dynamic journey from a liberal arts and microbiology background to an influential career in epidemiology and entrepreneurship.  Our dialogue uncovers her dive into the pharmaceutical industry and how the entrepreneurial flame was kindled within her. As we pivot towards the impact of her work during a global pandemic, Dr. Huntley delves into the importance of communication in public health and the gratification of specializing her consulting services to aid BIPOC organizations. Join us as we draw inspiration from Dr. Huntley's narrative, illustrating the power of readiness for opportunities and the joy of a career intertwined with core values.You'll LearnDr. Huntley's work in microbiology and healthcare and her pivot into epidemiology and community healthGlobal health and the pharmaceutical industry Dr. Huntley's start in podcasting and how it grew into a thriving businessCOVID's impact on Dr. Huntley's new company and how it has evolved since then to primarily serve BIPOC communitiesGlance into the making of Dr. Huntley's upcoming book on public health entrepreneurshipToday's GuestDr. Charlotte Hughes Huntley, MPH is a public health entrepreneur and recognized leader in the public health industry. She has over 20 years of experience as an accomplished epidemiologist, microbiologist, consultant, and podcaster. Dr. Huntley is the CEO at DrCHHuntley, LLC, a public health and epidemiology consulting firm supporting large nonprofit organizations and government agencies that serve black, indigenous, and people of color commonly referred to as BIPOC communities. Her team is often invited to support tribal organizations and are always humbled and honored to serve. Through another arm of her business, Dr. Huntley and her team also provide resources and support to public health entrepreneurs.ResourcesConnect with Dr. Huntley on LinkedInLearn more about DrCHHuntley Consulting and listen to the Public Health Epidemiology Conversations podcast  Learn more about Public Health Entrepreneurs, the Mastermind program, and listen to the Public Health Entrepreneurs podcast  Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

Welcome to the Public Health Career Club. From sitting down with accomplished public health professionals who will spill the beans on making the most of your degree, to personalized career advice during our office hours – it's all happening here. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. We've packed our calendar with monthly resume clinics, mentorship sessions, and social mixers to spark lifelong connections. Stay tuned for our weekly workshops and special talks that promise to keep your professional growth on a constant upswing. If you're listening from April 10th to 12th, 2024, don't miss this golden opportunity to become a part of the Public Health Career Club. Let's roll up our sleeves and make a difference together!Featured on the Show:Connect with Sujani on LinkedInEmail us at: hello@phspot.orgFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and  TwitterSupport the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

This week Sujani unveils the transformative power of weaving relationship-building into the very fabric of your daily life. From striking up a conversation with a colleague to reaching out to a professional you admire online, I'll demonstrate the omnipresence of networking opportunities. Whether you're taking your first steps in public health or you're a seasoned expert, this episode promises to revolutionize your approach to building relationships and expand your professional network in ways you never imagined. Let's get ready to transform the way you think about networking in public health. Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

Have you ever found yourself at a career crossroads, contemplating a leap into uncharted territory? Join us as we navigate the captivating realm of public health careers with Dr. Vinu Ilakkuvan. She shares her remarkable shift from engineering to public health, shedding light on the serendipitous ways that one's professional journey can unfold. We discuss the strategic reframing of skills that allow for such shifts, and the interplay between work experience and academic learning. Our dialogue unveils the empowering process of aligning personal values with professional ambitions, leading to a career that's not just a job but a calling.  You'll LearnVinu's experience transitioning from biomedical engineering to public health early in her career vs. pivoting from one role to another later on Vinu's various job roles and what she learned from each oneHow Vinu's passion for working in an interconnected public health environment and bridging policy and ground work led to the creation of PoP HealthWhat PoP Health is and how they improve public health by collaborating with coalitions to facilitate community accessReflecting on your own career experiences and gaining confidence to form your own story and work towards your dream jobToday's GuestVinu Ilakkuvan, DrPH, MSPH, is passionate about strengthening community-driven efforts to address the upstream, root drivers of health (pophealthllc.com/tedx). She is Founder and Principal Consultant of PoP Health, a public health consulting practice that partners with community coalitions and collaboratives to transform health in their communities through policy and systems change (pophealthllc.com). PoP Health helps coalitions engage in community collaboration, action planning, participatory evaluation, and effective storytelling. PoP Health also issues a biweekly newsletter, Community Threads, with tools and strategies for anyone seeking to improve community health (pophealthllc.com/newsletter). Vinu received her DrPH in Health Behavior from the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health as a Milken Scholar, a Master's degree with a concentration in Health Communication from the Harvard School of Public Health, and Bachelor's degrees in Biomedical Engineering and Economics from the University of Virginia. She currently serves as a Professorial Lecturer at George Washington University. Vinu began her public health career coordinating the Virginia Department of Health's bullying and youth violence prevention program and later, evaluating the national truth antismoking campaign and managing policy and communications projects at Trust for America's Health.ResourcesConnect with Vinu on LinkedIn Learn more about the Truth Initiative Learn more about Trust for America's Health Learn more about PoP Health Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

Unlock the code to public health job success with Zoila Reina of Public Health Hired, who graces our podcast with expert tips on mastering the language of the sector. If you've ever felt lost in a sea of job applications, Zoila's creation, the Public Health Key Terms Guide, is your beacon. We zero in on the power of terms and how they're not just buzzwords but keys to your next career move. From decoding job descriptions to enhancing your resume and shining in interviews, our conversation is the guiding light for public health hopefuls ready to make their mark.You'll LearnWhat the Key Terms in Public Health Guide is and how it came to beHow understanding terms can help you envision yourself in certain jobs and reflect on your skillsUnderstanding key terms to show off your public health knowledge in job applications and interviewsElevating your language in everyday work to advance your careerUsing key terms to expand your job search beyond traditional public health rolesToday's GuestThe founder of Public Health Hired, Zoila Reyna MPH, has single-handedly, with no outsourcing, helped secure over 240 public health job offers and internships through her virtual presentations, online masterclass, tailored mentorships, and social media content. Zoila's unwavering dedication to the diverse public health workforce is evident through the Public Health Hired's mission to demystify the public health employment process and help others master best practices and proven techniques to be successful in the job search. She has a full-time job in healthcare as a consultant for community health and loves spending time in her Los Angeles home with her baby girl Jhara, her son Giovanni, dog Lulu, and spouse Jimmy. ResourcesConnect with Zoila on LinkedIn Get the Key Terms in Public Health guide and check out what else Public Health Hired has to offer Listen to the previous episode on personal brandingSupport the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

Our guest this week, Angeza Mohammed, is a testament to the power of aligning one's passions with their profession. Follow her strategic yet dynamic career path and learn how mentally and physically envisioning her ideal life, strategic networking, and taking risks led to her creating The Consulting Nest and  How did you learn to do that?, The Successful Candidate. You'll LearnHow Angeza was first introduced to public healthWhy Angeza pivoted from her dreams of becoming a doctor to public healthAngeza's career journey and how she was able to move closer to her dream job by taking risks, strategic networking, and envisioning her next stepsFiguring out what you want from a career, knowing your worth, and not letting fear hold you back from changeWhat The Consulting Nest is and how it connects organizations to individuals offering their skillsToday's GuestAngeza Mohammed is the CEO and Founder of How did you learn to do that?, The Successful Candidate and The Consulting Nest Inc.With over 10 years of professional experience, Angeza brings a unique and strategic approach to creating the career you want, feeling fulfilled and knowing how to take the next step in your growth!Angeza's career has taken her through and into all aspects of the health care system in British Columbia, Canada and it all began before she even graduated from her undergrad, all thanks to her unique strategy which has been instrumental to her success!Angeza's purpose in life is to share and inspire you to create the life that you wish existed for yourself. In addition to her successful healthcare career, Angeza coaches recent graduates and professionals to help them discover what fulfills them, how to align that with their career and how to take action every single day towards creating the life they always wish existed for themselves!Angeza's biggest piece of advice to you is to always remember that investing in yourself has the ability to catalyze your life from ordinary to extraordinary.ResourcesConnect with Angeza on LinkedIn Learn more about How did you learn to do that?, The Successful Candidate and The Consulting Nest Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

In this episode, we lift the veil on public health salaries and discover how transparency in salary discussions can pave the way for more informed career decisions in public health. Sujani walks us through her own career, from initial salary to current earnings, and discusses starting income ranges of other public health professionals collected from a  LinkedIn post and how factors like sector, region, and experience play pivotal roles in shaping your earning potential.  Sujani also guides you through a range of resources, from government pages to platforms like PayScale and Glassdoor, offering a realistic perspective on what new grads and seasoned professionals alike can anticipate in terms of compensation. By encouraging transparency, we aim to empower our community with the knowledge needed to make empowered career choices.Featured on the Show:Learn more about Canada's EC agreementLearn more about public health salary ranges on PayScale and GlassdoorListen to the previous episode on consulting and entrepreneurshipSchedule a mentorship call with SujaniSupport the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

Today, unlock a world of innovation at the crossroads of entrepreneurship and public health consulting with Leah Roman and Vinu Ilakkuvan. They bring to light the motivations behind a groundbreaking survey on self-employed public health professionals, revealing the often hidden sides of self employment. Through candid conversations, we learn about the economic prospects of consulting and the pressing need for more academic training and support networks to arm future public health entrepreneurs with the tools for success.You'll LearnWhat prompted Leah, Vinu, and Laura to collaborate on “The self-employed public health consultant and entrepreneur workforce in the United States” and the method behind conducting the surveyKey findings from the survey including demographics and formal training in skills related to entrepreneurshipBreaking down the financial aspects of consulting and salary transparencyThe gap in support networks for self employed public health professionals and brainstorming how to bridge itWhat Leah and Vinu hope to achieve next with the results collected from the surveyToday's GuestLeah A. Roman, MPH, MCHES is the Owner & Principal Consultant for Roman Public Health Consulting LLC, where she helps public health organizations design effective e-learning solutions. She has 18+ years of experience providing training and technical assistance, health education, and project management services. Leah has a BA in Psychology (University of San Diego), a master of public health degree (Boston University), a certificate in e-learning instructional design (University of Washington), and is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES). Leah lives in the Philadelphia, PA area (USA) with her husband and two children.Vinu Ilakkuvan, DrPH, MSPH, is passionate about strengthening community-driven efforts to address the upstream, root drivers of health. She is Founder and Principal Consultant of PoP Health, a public health consulting practice that partners with community coalitions and collaboratives to transform health in their communities through policy and systems change. PoP Health helps coalitions engage in community collaboration, action planning, participatory evaluation, and effective storytelling. PoP Health also issues a biweekly newsletter, Community Threads, with tools and strategies for anyone seeking to improve community health ResourcesConnect with Leah on LinkedIn and read her blog post on how much to charge for consulting services Connect with Vinu on LinkedIn and learn more about PoP HealthRead more about the results from the The self-employed public health consultant and entrepreneur workforce in the United States surveyListen to previous episodes with Leah on public health consulting and designing public health trainingSupport the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

Imagine catapulting your career to new heights by harnessing the transformative power of personal branding. That's exactly what we're unpacking today with leadership coach Richa Bansal, whose insights into professional presence are nothing short of game-changing. Our conversation delves into the nuances of how you're perceived and the pivotal role of aligning your self-image with external perspectives. And for those just starting out, we lay out a blueprint for building a strong personal brand that paves the way to leadership and innovation.You'll LearnWhat personal branding is and why it is important to understand your brandHow to figure out your brand and use the POWER framework to shift it to advance towards your career goalsAdvice for early professionals on building your personal brand and envisioning where you want to beWhen perceptions can limit progress and tips on starting fresh How having allies in the workplace can help with shaping your personal brand and learning to “box the ask” for help Today's GuestRicha Bansal is a leadership and job search coach with a decade of experience excelling in the corporate world on her own terms. She previously worked with Amazon, leading large-scale programs to help the company hire the best talent on earth, and with Schlumberger, leading a large engineering team to deliver multi-million dollar projects for global oilfield clients like ExxonMobil, Shell and BP.  As one of the only women in the room for most of her career, Richa has seen first-hand the struggles of women as they navigate the corporate ladder. In 2019, she founded Pinkcareers to deliver actionable, no-fluff career advice to ambitious professionals and accelerate their career growth. Richa has partnered with over 20 Fortune-500 companies, universities, and the Government of Canada to deliver her leadership programs, and coached 100s of high-potential professionals on how to ditch limiting beliefs and leverage the power of personal branding to 2X their career, compensation and impact.  Richa earned a Bachelor's from IIT Delhi in India, a Master's from Purdue University, and an MBA from Rice University. When she is not working on Pinkcareers, she loves to travel the world with her husband and two little boysResourcesConnect with Richa on LinkedIn and read more about the POWER framework  Learn more about Pinkcareers Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

Embark on a transformative journey with Tasha Whitaker, a seasoned Community Health Worker whose heart beats for public health education and advocacy. From her initial dreams of trauma nursing to becoming a beacon of hope and change within her community, Tasha's story is a testament to the power of passion and persistence. Uncover the nuanced dynamics of Community Health Workers, the unsung heroes who bridge gaps between healthcare systems and the people they serve. Our conversation is a deep dive into how these trusted liaisons navigate complex webs of resources, while also highlighting the serendipitous nature of career opportunities that can arise from the most unexpected of places.You'll LearnWhat a community health worker (CHW) is and how they work to better community health through building relationships within the communityTasha's experience with landing a job as a CHW right out of undergrad The skillsets needed to be successful in community health workQualifications needed to become a CHW and how they differ depending on where you're locatedOther pathways that are available for CHWs such as in research, clinical roles, and management and how skills learned from being a CHW prepare you for other rolesTasha's transition from ground work to training others to starting her own professional development company and the work she does now with Crew Wellness LLCToday's GuestTasha Whitaker is the CEO of Crew Wellness LLC, a Wellness Education Training & Professional Development Company which she founded after a decade of work experience leading in healthcare roles that have impacted federal, state and local public health organizations. Tasha has been featured on ABC 25, KYTX, CBS DFW and highlighted in magazine and print articles for her community engagement and public health expertise. She is sought after for her ability to improve community engagement outcomes through wellness interventions, strategic processes, and training thousands of Community Health Workers to deploy health education for  communities nationally. Through her company Crew Wellness she is impacting not only the communities being served, but also the Crew (staff) providing the services to ensure wellness is prioritized so they can continue to contribute to the positive health outcomes for communities. Tasha regularly consults for companies wishing to gain deeper connections with communities by providing relevant, fun and engaging  professional development training to the crew so they can serve equitably and provide a stellar service to the communities they serve. ResourcesConnect with Tasha on LinkedIn  Learn more about Crew Wellness LLCFor Americans, learn more at the National Association of Community Health WorkersLearn more about American state policiesFor Canadians, learn more at the Community Health Workers Network of Canada Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

In this episode, Sujani discusses the launch of the Public Health Career Club, a membership-based community dedicated to empowering public health professionals.  The Career Club, which opened its doors in October 2022, has quickly become a hub for professionals seeking personalized support, job opportunities, networking, and guidance on their career paths.Sujani shares her personal journey, highlighting a period of reflection during her maternity leave, which led to the realization of the community's need for individualized support in a scalable way. This led to the birth of the Public Health Career Club, inspired by her experience with a community she joined.The club has seen an impressive growth, with 200 members joining since its inception. It offers a range of benefits, including tailored onboarding, regular live training, mentor office hours with industry experts, and social events. Featured on the show:Join the club or get more info here: phspot.org/clubSupport the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

In this episode, Sujani breaks down the different places you can look for public health jobs. She breaks down the following four categories with specific places (20 in total) to look for opportunities:Generic Job Search EnginesPublic Health Job BoardsStraight to the SourceHidden Job MarketHappy job searching!BONUS: Before the episode wraps up, Sujani shares a convo with Allie (one of the first members of The Public Health Career Club) to talk about her experience. We're opening up the doors to the club so what better way to help you decide to join, than to share insider info ;) Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

Have you ever caught a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and noticed something new? That's what happened to Sujani when she revisited the Gallup Clifton Strengths Finder Test 10 years later. Years of nurturing a public health career have surprisingly added strategic thinking to my skill set, alongside my core abilities in execution and relationship building. Join Sujani as she reveals how personal strengths are not set in stone but evolve over time, and how recognizing this can significantly shape your professional journey.Featured on the Show:Clifton Strengths FinderFollow PH SPOT on LinkedInFollow Sujani on LinkedInJoin our communitySupport the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of public health, Sujani reflects on the past year's growth and anticipates the exciting new horizons that await in 2024. This episode is a celebration of the milestones achieved and a teaser of the novel ventures on the horizon for PH SPOT. It's a narrative that intertwines personal growth with professional development, underlining the importance of taking a step back when needed and returning stronger. The community is invited to join in this celebration and look forward to the new opportunities that 2024 promises in the world of public health.Key messages from this episode:The year 2023 was a period of significant growth for PH SPOT, one marked by the phspot.org platform reaching over 43,000 global users in 2023. Among the most sought-after pages on the website were the Public Health Career Club, a downloadable comparison of Canadian MPH programs, and a popular blog post comparing MPH and MSC degrees.Sujani also candidly shares the pressures that come with managing a growing platform while balancing the demands of motherhood and a full-time job. She extends her gratitude to the dedicated team members, Lis, Stephanie and Janice, who have been instrumental in keeping PH SPOT thriving, emphasizing the collective effort behind the platform's success.Looking ahead, PH SPOT aims to continue its trajectory of growth with ambitious goals, including increasing the reach of its weekly public health newsletter to over 10,000 subscribers. The podcast, which has published 47 episodes in 2023 and boasts over 22,000 downloads, will take a more intentional approach to programming, seeking to cover a diverse range of topics and stories that resonate with the public health community.The LinkedIn network has also seen remarkable expansion, quadrupling in size to over 10,000 members. This surge in engagement is a testament to the power of community and the shared passion for public health that brings individuals together from around the world.The Public Health Career Club, which celebrated its first anniversary, has been a cornerstone of PH SPOT's offerings. With 190 active members participating in weekly virtual talks, training events, and in-person meetups, the club fosters a supportive environment where public health professionals can grow and thrive. Guest mentors and speakers contribute their expertise, further enriching the experience for club members. Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

In this episode, Sujani shares 5 reminders for anyone applying for jobs, especially during this period of economic uncertainty.What You'll Learn from this Episode:The five reminders when applying to jobs:Network. Start today. Having a community around you on this journey will be key.Keep an eye on industry trends. Be informed on changes and developments in the public health field. Be flexible. Consider all types of experience (part-time and contract work), work on expanding your skillset, and think outside of the box when searching for jobs.Don't be afraid to negotiate. When you do receive a job offer, have a conversation about a higher salary or other benefits. This is where your community can help you. Stay positive.  Reignite the passion and excitement that got you into public health. Economic uncertainty, or not, job searching is tough. Use these reminders to keep you going.Today's Guest:Sujani Sivanantharajah is the founder and CEO of PH SPOT. She is a public health professional/Epidemiologist and entrepreneur. She has a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Saskatchewan and an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto. Sujani's passion lies in building relationships and using these relationships to create and cultivate spaces where more meaningful partnerships that serve communities are formed.Featured on the Show:Follow Sujani on LinkedInJoin our community.Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

In this episode, Sujani sits down with Dr. Peter Singer, the Former Special Advisor to the Director General of the WHO and cofounder of Grand Challenges & UofT Joint Centre for Bioethics. They walk through Peter's careers as a professor, cofounder of various organizations, and work in the WHO, using your lived experiences to find problems, and steps to take to solve these problems.You'll LearnHow finding problems and solving them drew Peter into public healthTaking risks at the beginning of your career and rethinking your narrativesPeter's three careers as professor of medicine, cofounding University of Toronto's Joint Centre for Bioethics, and cofounding Grand Challenges Canada and how each career cascaded on to the nextWhat Grand Challenges Canada is and how it came to beSocial entrepreneurship and steps to take once you have found a problem and are now stuck on how to solve itBeing ok with failure and learning from your mistakes Using your lived experience as an asset to become a great leaderHow Peter became the Special Advisor to the Director General of the World Health Organization and his experience working in global healthToday's GuestDr Peter Singer has dedicated his career to improving the lives of people by building innovative institutions with high social impact.  Between 2017 and 2023, Singer was Special Advisor to the Director General of the World Health Organization, supporting Dr Tedros to transform WHO into an Organization focused on measurable impact in countries. He co-chaired the transition team; was the architect of WHO's strategy and its “triple billion” target; and supported strategy implementation of initiatives to speed up the Sustainable Development Goals using data and delivery, innovation, and partnerships. During the pandemic, he was a passionate advocate for vaccine equity.From 2008-2018 Singer was Chief Executive Officer of Grand Challenges Canada, raising CAN $450M to support 1000 innovations in more than 90 countries, which have the potential to save ~1 million lives and improve ~20 million lives by 2030.  From 1996-2006 he was Sun Life Financial Chair and Director of the University of Toronto Joint Centre for Bioethics. ResourcesConnect with Dr. Peter Singer on LinkedIn Learn more about the University of Toronto's Joint Centre for Bioethics Read Peter's career advice series on finding a problem and solving it, mentorship, and hopping aboard a rocket-ship and his blogpost Replace the SDGs with the GSDs Learn more about Grand Challenges Canada and read the paper that contributed to the formation of organization  Learn more about the WHO's Thirteenth General Programme of Work Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

In this episode, Sujani sits down with McKenzie Schrank to discuss how her experience with leishmaniasis influenced her path, incorporating personal interests into public health and vice versa, and using every little experience to shape your journey. You'll LearnHow McKenzie first discovered the field of public healthMcKenzie's experience contracting leishmaniasis on a study abroad trip and how this experience shaped her education and career pathHealth communication is the cornerstone of public healthHow snowboarding has made McKenzie a better public health professional Integrating your passions with public health and how McKenzie is incorporating public health into snowboarding and vice versaMaking your own space in public healthToday's GuestI earned my Master of Public Health at the Colorado School of Public Health in community and behavioral health and global health. I believe in strengthening communities by engaging community members with clear communication and connection and I hope to continue to foster positive change in health communication. I have previously worked with the Peruvian population during a study abroad to the Madre de Dios region in 2017. From this experience I found a passion for working with and providing information to under resourced communities after contracting leishmaniasis during this trip. I took the experience of being infected as an opportunity to share my experience and educate future travelers about the difficulty of treating a neglected tropical disease and the risk of infection. Additionally, I used this opportunity to highlight inequalities in the healthcare system in regard to cost and access. My published manuscript entitled "Leishmaniasis Through the Lens of the Host" won a King Award of Academic Excellence for its innovative and creative additions to the existing body of knowledge on leishmaniasis. The insight I gained from these experiences prepared me with compassion and enthusiasm for the communications work I am currently doing.ResourcesConnect with McKenzie on LinkedIn Buy the book "The Story of the Human Body" Learn more about leishmaniasisLearn more about the Center for Creative Leadership Read the blog post mentioned on today's episodeLearn more about the Snow Pool project Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

In this episode, Sujani sits down with Darla Bishop to talk money in relation to public health. They discuss how Darla's relationship with money contributed to her education and career path, reshaping perspectives and tools to help manage personal finances, and how a public health degree can expand your financial opportunities. You'll LearnHow Darla first discovered public health and how early financial experiences shaped her education and career pathUnderstanding that budgeting is a tool to improve and not limit your lifestyle and the importance of knowing your budget when looking for job opportunitiesWhat the magic number is and how to use it to plan and reshape the influx and outflow of your moneyRethinking and learning how to speak differently about finances to improve your relationship with moneyHow a degree in public health and a flexible mindset expands career and financial opportunitiesKnowing your work values and finding and negotiating job opportunities to suit these valuesToday's GuestDarla Bishop is the Director of Member Engagement for AmeriHealth Caritas DC, there she is responsible for the leadership, direction, and implementation of the strategic vision for all services that impact or interface with enrollees. Darla earned her MPH at University of Michigan and DrPH from George Washington University. As a self-proclaimed generalist she wears many hats: Managed Care Leader, Researcher, Professor, and Personal Finance Enthusiast. Her book How to Afford Everything is due out December 2023. ResourcesConnect with Darla on LinkedIn  Learn more about the services Darla offers on her website and listen to the FinanSIS Podcast  Save 20% on Darla's book "How to Afford Everything" when you use the code PHSPOT Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

In this episode, Sujani sits down with Dr. Asad Naveed to talk about his work with the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone, using social media as a platform for health education and mentorship, and providing guidance for those getting started in public health research.You'll LearnAsad's on the ground work with management and prevention of Ebola in Sierra Leone and how he first became involved in community healthHow Asad's field work led to a career in research and what his goals were when returning to schoolPerspective and making changes in global health systemsSocial media and the responsibilities that public facing figures and users haveTips on getting started and climbing up for those interested in public health research and social entrepreneurshipToday's GuestResourcesConnect with Asad on LinkedIn Read and subscribe to Asad's guides and newsletter Read the article about Ebola Virus in Children in Sierra Leone Listen to the previous episode with Jennifer MontiPurchase the book, The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

In this episode, Sujani sits down with Quisha Umemba, the CEO of Umemba Health. They discuss what Umemba Health is and its mission to improve the public health workforce, Quisha's experience with consulting work and creating her own company, and talk tips on entrepreneurship and taking the first step to create your own business.You'll LearnHow Quisha discovered public health and her transition from working as a nurse to working in public healthTips on entrepreneurship and starting work as a consultant Where to go to gain more business senseSocial engagement and choosing your social media to build your company's imageWhat Umemba Health is and how they are undertaking their mission to improve the public health workforceHow the pandemic shed light on areas for growth within public health work Staying connected to current and relevant public health topics as a consultant or someone not “working on the ground”What a day in the life of and how her role has changed since she first founded the companyToday's GuestAs the CEO of Umemba Health, Quisha Umemba (pronounced "Kwee-shuh oooMEMbuh") brings over 20 years of diverse experience to her roles as a Registered Nurse, Public Health Consultant, and Entrepreneur. Boasting multiple certifications and an impressive work history, Quisha has developed, implemented, and overseen numerous health initiatives and community collaborations throughout her career. Quisha has worked as a Disaster Response Nurse Leader for the American Red Cross, a Clinic Coordinator for an outpatient endocrinology clinic, a Chief Nurse and Program Manager for a local health department, a Diabetes Nurse Consultant for a state health department, an RN Care Manager for a Federally Qualified Health Center, and a Clinical Programs Training Specialist for a value-based care consulting agency. A nurse with a public health background, Quisha has a multifaceted, blended expertise that enables her to design unique curricula and training programs with multi-level interventions. Specializing in Workforce Training and Development, her work focuses on equipping the public health workforce and her training approaches blend conventional, experiential, and transformational methods to create engaging educational content, delivered across various platforms. These distinctive training approaches have earned her the moniker "The Trainer's Trainer." As the CEO and Owner of Umemba Health, Quisha helps public health organizations and healthcare systems to educate their frontline workforce, empower their leadership, and expand their community presence. As the Principal for Quisha Umemba Consulting, she teaches "helping professionals" to monetize their skillset so they can build, launch, and scale a profitable public health consulting business using her proven step-by-step system. In addition to being an expert facilitator and trainer, Quisha is a devoted servant leader and health equity advocate. Her life's mission is to empower, educate, and transform the lives of others. ResourcesConnect with Quisha on LinkedIn  Learn more about Umemba Health and Umemba Health Academy Learn more about the Certified Bank Training ProgramSupport the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

In this episode, Sujani sits down with Dr. Jan Carney, the Associate Dean for Public Health and Health Policy and Professor of Medicine at the University of Vermont. They discuss Jan's reflections of the relationship between public health and healthcare, her work in pulling together UVM's graduate public health program, and ways we can work to expand and integrate public health into new fields.You'll LearnWhen public health first became a topic of interest during Jan's clinical practiceJan's experience transitioning from direct patient care to community based healthPatience and seeing impact and results from public health work Jan's experience working as the Commissioner of Health in Vermont and her transition into academiaThe work and team that went into creating the University of Vermont's graduate public health programWhat edupreneurship is and how it can be used to improve educationThe conversations and steps needed to expand public health into nontraditional health fields and what this means for population healthToday's GuestDr. Carney is Associate Dean for Public Health and Health Policy, and Professor of Medicine, at the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont (UVM). She earned an AB from Middlebury College, MD from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, and Master of Public Health (MPH) from the Harvard School of Public Health. She previously served as Vermont's Commissioner of Health under three gubernatorial administrations. In this role, she developed and implemented Vermont's first outcome-based approach to improving public health, modeled on the national Healthy People initiative, combining clinical and community-based prevention.Dr. Carney's areas of expertise include building and sustaining community-academic partnerships, translational research, and reducing disparities in rural areas. She serves as Core Director of the Community Engagement and Outreach Core for the Northern New England Clinical and Translational Research Network (NNE-CTR), working to advance rural health research and community engagement. Her current work focuses on developing and implementing the Vermont Rural Health Communication Network (RHCN) to promote two-way health communication in rural areas, strengthen access to health and social services, and improve health and scientific literacy. She is a member of the Association of Schools and Programs in Public Health, serving on academic public health practice and advocacy committees, and serves as a member of the Board of Regents of the American College of Physicians.ResourcesConnect with Jan on LinkedIn  Learn more about Health People 2030 Listen to the previous episode with Sue Griffey Read the Institute of Medicine's writing on The Future of Public HealthLearn more about edupreneurship Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

In this episode, Sujani sits down with Sue Griffey of SueMentors. They go on a journey through the four acts of Sue's life and discuss her relationship with public health, mentorship, and ways in which you can take control of your career. You'll LearnHow Sue's nursing career and global work led to her public health careerSue's experience working in various fields of public health and how the perception of “job hopping” is changingTips on taking control of your professional development The different types of mentorship and what is most appropriate in each situationThe value of finding support and relying on your peers as informal mentorsFour actionable steps to pulling together your career threadsToday's GuestSue Griffey, DrPH, BSN, has been SueMentors for more than a decade, giving professionals the HOW to get to their next career path step. She focuses on building and using professional presence and professional branding. Sue has a global mentoring practice for all levels of professionals in transition. Her hallmark is using real-world examples to demonstrate her practical advice for professional presence. Sue has mentored for 10 different global public health and other programs. She has worked with more than 600 mentees individually and directly influenced more than 2000 through her short courses, guides, materials, webinars, and workshops. She had a 3+-decade of career leading global health and program evaluation research, working and living globally. ResourcesConnect with Sue on LinkedIn Learn more about Sue's mentorship courses Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

In this episode, Sujani sits down with Dr. Terry-Ann Lynch who is the current Stakeholder and Patient Advocacy Lead at Sanofi Pharmaceutical. They discuss the role that public health professionals play in the pharmaceutical industry, skills needed to break into the industry, and how the impact of the work compares with more traditional public health paths.You'll LearnHow Terry-Ann first discovered the field of public health and her first public health jobs of being a health inspector and a nutrition educatorWhat made Terry-Ann interested in working in the pharmaceutical industryThe role that public health professionals play in the pharmaceutical industry and how the pharma environment is changing to favour the integration of public healthWhat skills are valuable when breaking into pharmaWhat a day in the life of a public health professional working in the pharmaceutical industry can look likeComparing the impact of work in the public industry vs in pharmaTips on how to smoothly transition into the field and where to find mentors in newer fieldsToday's GuestTerry-Ann Lynch has over 17 years of unwavering dedication to Public Health and has traversed a dynamic path that spans clinical research, advocacy, and program management. Currently positioned as the Stakeholder and Patient Advocacy Lead at Sanofi Pharmaceutical, Consumer Healthcare., Her work has transcended boundaries and left an indelible mark. She has worked at several pharmaceutical companies including Merck and Pfizer as the Patient Advocacy and Health Equity Lead across disease states. Prior to joining the pharmaceutical industry, Terry-Ann worked in the clinical research, program management, and data analytics arenas managing various studies funded by private and governmental agencies.In her current role, she has the privilege of collaborating with patient advocacy organizations across a spectrum of disease states. Her mission is to address unmet needs, particularly focusing on health inequities in marginalized communities. Drawing from an extensive background in clinical research, she forges collaborations with public health departments, non-profit organizations, and medical societies to unveil educational gaps and facilitate interventions that tangibly enhance patient outcomes.Terry-Ann obtained a master's degree in public health from West Chester University of Pennsylvania where she is also pursuing excellence in her current Doctoral program in Public Policy. Her area of focus in Public Policy and Administration is a testament to her resolute commitment to dismantling access barriers that hinder the pursuit of health equity. This journey is driven by an unshakable belief in the power of policy to reshape the landscape of healthcare and uplift lives.Terry-Ann has a relentless dedication, innovation, and a fervent desire to foster change. As she continues to navigate the intricate tapestry of Public Health, she is motivated by the promise of a future where health disparities are history and every individual's well-being is a priority.ResourcesConnect with Terry-Ann on LinkedIn Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

In this episode, Sujani sits down with public health physician Dr. Arunah Chandran. They discuss Arunah's clinical work and how she became interested in the field of public health, her work at the Ministry of Health of Malaysia and experience moving to France to work with the IARC, and share job application tips for those interested in working with international organizations. You'll LearnThe clinical encounters that led Arunah to becoming involved in the field of public health What additional training Arunah went through to become a public health physicianArunah's research and work in noncommunicable diseases and women's health with the Ministry of Health in MalaysiaFinding different job opportunities within the same company or systemAdvice on how to figure out if you should seek an additional degree or notArunah's work with the IARC and her experience moving to a different country for workTips on applying for jobs with international organizations and the benefits of keeping a log of values and responsibilities you have had at every positionToday's GuestPublic health medicine specialist, with experience in clinical medicine, health systems, NCD policies, public health operations, and clinical research. Led national policy response for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancers in Malaysia. Currently, focused on implementation and evaluation of affordable and equitable integrated multi-cancer early detection package to improve cancer outcomes in resource-constrained settings. Initially trained as a physician, I have a double Masters in Public Health and Medical Aesthetics/Anti-aging as well as a doctorate in Public Health (Epidemiology).ResourcesConnect with Arunah on LinkedIn Learn more about the International Agency for Research on Cancer Listen to the previous episode on the Public Health Resume and CVSupport the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

In this episode, Sujani sits down with Jennifer Monti, a physician and healthcare innovator. They talk about how Jennifer first became interested in public health and health tech, the benefits that public health professionals bring to startups, and how to use your expertise to break into other sectors. You'll LearnHow Jennifer discovered public health during her time in medical school What food deserts are and Jennifer's work and research with food justice during her school yearsJennifer's passion for cardiology and her innovations in this field including the Helos deviceWhat the most important things are for public health professionals looking to integrate technology or use other forms of services and products to solve health issuesWhere public health professionals can play a role in healthcare technology and bring benefit in other sectorsAdvice for public health professionals on how to break into health tech and other sectors of workJennifer's experience working at Meta and what she has learned about creating products and services for the general populationToday's GuestDr. Monti is a cardiologist with interests at the intersection of medicine, public health, and entrepreneurship. She has expertise across the product development pipeline and is deeply interested in low cost scalable projects that solve discrete clinical or public health problems with a razor sharp focus on product market fit. She received her undergraduate degree with honors from Harvard College and her medical and public health degrees from Case Western Reserve University.ResourcesConnect with Jennifer on LinkedIn Purchase the book, The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid Learn more about Forerunner and Circa Listen to the previous episode with Josh TrautweinSupport the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

In this episode, Sujani sits down with Leah Roman, an expert in instructional design and owner and principal consultant at Roman Public Health Consulting LLC. They discuss where in the process an instructional designer may fit into, common issues seen when implementing training, and what foundational things are key to facilitate learning and development.You'll LearnHow Leah first became interested in consulting and instructional design What kind of work an instructional designer may be hired to doWhat common issues or problems Leah encounters when creating and refining training programsWhat is foundational to designing a good program and why it is always important to know the audience and the main problem you want to solveWhen training is and isn't the best answer to a problemAdvice for creating learnings and trainings if you aren't able to consult a dedicated expertWhat changes in instructional design Leah is seeing in the workplace and in academiaWhat resources are available if you are interested in doing similar workToday's GuestLeah Roman is the Owner and Principal Consultant at Roman Public Health Consulting LLC, where she helps public health organizations design effective e-learning solutions. She has 15+ years of experience in public health providing training and technical assistance, health education, project management, and consulting services. Leah has a BA in Psychology (University of San Diego), a master of public health degree (Boston University), certificate in e-learning instructional design (University of Washington), and is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES).ResourcesConnect with Leah on LinkedIn and visit her website Listen to the previous episode featuring Leah Learn more about e-Learning designer Tim SladeAccess the book Guide to Digital AccessibilityListen to the Lecture Breakers Podcast  Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

In this episode, Sujani sits down with Shantanu Mishra, a biomolecular engineer and a current MSc Public Health for Development candidate. They discuss Shantanu's work in public health after completing his engineering degree, his current experience as a Chevening Scholar at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical, and advice for gaining public health work experience for those considering a career in this field. You'll LearnShantanu's early interest in biology and how he went from chemical engineering to biomedical engineering to public healthShantanu's work in health education with Teach for India and TriggeriseAdvice on landing public health or health adjacent jobs without previous public health education or experienceTips for effective networking and being diligent in your everyday tasksShantanu's experience as a Chevening Scholar at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and what he is working towards in his public health journeyToday's GuestShantanu Mishra is a Biomolecular Engineer, currently a MSc candidate pursuing Public Health for Development as a UK government Chevening Scholar at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. With over 5 years of work experience prior to graduate school he was working as an Assistant Consultant within the Public Sector Governance portfolio at Oxford Policy Management in New Delhi at the intersection of governance and health systems strengthening with a focus on Bihar. He has worked on evaluations and big data across cross-cutting themes of WASH, Climate adaptation and business reforms during his time in the non-profit space.ResourcesConnect with Shantanu on LinkedIn Learn more about Teach for India Learn more about Triggerise Learn more about the Chevening ScholarshipSupport the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

In this episode, Sujani sits down with Dr. Firdosi Mehta, an adjunct professor at York University. They discuss his previous work at the WHO, the eradication of smallpox and polio, and his current work with mentoring and educating students and young professionals along their public health journeys. You'll LearnWhat motivated Dr. Mehta to pursue public health after his time in medical schoolDr. Mehta's memories of the WHO's work in eradicating smallpox and his own work towards eradicating polioHow kindness, compassion, and empathy is at the root of public healthNetworking and reputation building tips for job seekingDr. Mehta's mentoring experience and advice for students and young professionalsToday's GuestDr Mehta has over 30 years of Public Health experience, more than half of which were with the WHO. He has worked in several countries and regions of the world. Dr Mehta completed his medical education in India after which he served in the Indian Navy Defense Services. He then served in the Ministry of Health, Sultanate of Oman in various capacities for 10 years, the last being Director of Surveillance and Disease Control. Dr Mehta then joined the World Health Organization and worked in Somalia from 1998 – 2002, where he was responsible for supporting the control of TB and all other communicable diseases in a complex emergency situation. He moved from Somalia to Indonesia in 2002 in the capacity of Country Advisor Tuberculosis Control program (Mega High burden country) for seven years. Dr Mehta subsequently moved to Sri Lanka in 2009 as the WHO country Representative until 2014. His experience in emergency and humanitarian action, communicable disease control, health system issues, mental health and a keen focus on addressing non communicable diseases in Sri Lanka have been well recognized and acknowledged. He is an Adjunct Professor at York University and University of Toronto in Canada, as well as a senior Mentor on several mentoring platforms. In recognition of his contributions to the Global Health Program at York, a Global Health student prize has been named after him in 2022. He is a member on the Governance and Advisory committee on Human Trafficking at the Peel Institute on Violence prevention, Family services Peel Toronto. Also a member on a Lived experience Advisory committee on research at the Centers for Addictions and Mental health (CAMH) Toronto. Member on the Steering Committee on Research for Mental Health Equity in the Asia Pacific – Digital (REMAP-D) based at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Advisor on “The Young Innovation Leaders Fellowship” Nigeria, which is a platform created by Hutzpah Centre for Innovation and Development - a social enterprise aimed at promoting innovation across sectors in AfricaResourcesFollow Dr. Mehta on LinkedIn Read more about Ali Maalin, the last man with smallpoxMultiPod Mentoring Learn more about Family Services of Peel Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

In this episode, Sujani sits down with Lynniece Warren, the Executive Director of Risk Management at California State University, San Bernardino. They discuss Lynniece's career journey, what environmental health and safety is, and tips on finding your niche in public health.You'll LearnHow Lynniece discovered public and environmental healthTips on how to find opportunities for job shadowing What the role of an environmental health and safety specialist may entailThe importance of building relationships with the community and those you are trying to influence or educateHow COVID changed the responsibilities and technology needs for environmental health and safetyThe importance of being financially and legally aware in this role and how to gain these skillsWhat a day as an Executive Director of Risk Management looks likeToday's GuestHi, my name is Lynniece! My passion for public health has evolved into a dynamic international twenty-year career! Collaboration, analyzing, problem-solving, and measuring progress are what I enjoy professionally!My administrative leadership at California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) facilitates student, faculty, and staff success through the Offices of Risk Management and Environmental Health & Safety. It's such a pleasure to oversee programs that prioritize the well-being of everyone on our campus and work with partners to protect the University's assets. Our teams work tirelessly to provide a safe environment for more than 23K students, faculty, and staff at our San Bernardino and Palm Desert campuses. Let's talk about, ERM, insurance, health and safety, change management, and shared governance when you have time!ResourcesFollow Lynniece on LinkedIn Learn more about the American Society of Safety ProfessionalsLearn more about the National Environmental Health Association Learn more about the American Industrial Hygiene Association Learn more about the Occupational Health and Safety chapter of the American Public Health Association Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

In this episode, Sujani sits down with Andrea Mantsios, the Founder and Principal Consultant of Public Health Innovation and Action. They discuss Andrea's career journey, how to navigate through jobs and experiences in your career, and how social justice and focusing on the human voice has been central through Andrea's life. You'll LearnHow the concept of social justice was instilled on Andrea from an early age and how she found her way into public health Andrea's various job experiences and research interestsAndrea's experience doing global health in Tanzania and how it helped her connect theory to reality in health educationThings to consider if you are thinking about pursuing higher education to open up job prospectsTips on crafting your career around your passions and personal lifestyleWhy Andrea created her own public health consulting company to pursue her passions in public healthToday's GuestAndrea Mantsios, PhD, MHS, is Founder and Principal Consultant of Public Health Innovation and Action (Phia), a public health consultancy focused on amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities to promote equity in health research and programs. Her career has included working in government, academia, and healthcare institutions in settings around the world including the U.S., Latin America, Africa, and Europe. Andrea has a passion for qualitative research and focuses her work on the role of social and structural factors in shaping health outcomes. She has worked extensively on community-empowerment approaches to addressing HIV among female sex workers in Tanzania and conducting qualitative research in the U.S. and Spain on patient and provider experiences with long-acting injectable anti-retroviral therapy to inform programmatic rollout. Andrea's previous work includes research on risks for HIV, tuberculosis, and syphilis among people who use drugs in Tijuana, Mexico, and large-scale program design for New York City's jurisdictional efforts to scale up routine HIV screening in health care and community settings. Andrea received her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Health Science (MHS) degrees from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. When she's not working, Andrea can be found in the kitchen making family recipes with her kids.ResourcesFollow Andrea on LinkedIn Learn more about PHIA ConsultingSupport the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

In this episode, Sujani sits down with Reena Anthonyraj, a public health professional coming from a background in dentistry. They discuss Reena's transition from dentistry to public health, how to tell if an MPH is right for you, and how you can work to better public health without necessarily having a dedicated degree.You'll LearnHow Reena found her way into public health from her time working as a dentist at a public hospital in MumbaiQuestions to ask yourself to determine why you want to work in public healthFactors to consider when choosing which program or school to complete your degree inA brief overview of the Cooperative MPH program between Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Indian Institute of Health Management and ResearchWays you can work in public health without having a dedicated degreeWhy keeping an open mind is just as useful as knowing which specific area in public health you want to work inToday's GuestReena Anthonyraj is a dedicated public health professional with a Master's in Public Health and a background in Dentistry. With a span of 6 years, she has gained significant international experience in community engagement, applied research, and the development as well as management of evidence-informed programs. Her passion lies in addressing health inequities and social determinants by fostering collaboration with diverse stakeholders, to uplift marginalized communities and enhance their access to care, ultimately improving overall health outcomes. She was awarded the prestigious Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship in 2017 for a research fellowship at the University of Montreal, to develop an evidence-informed framework for tobacco prevention in Indian urban schools, based on Canadian best practices in school health promotion. Since then, her experience encompasses various projects with community-based organizations, international donors, and healthcare providers in the Global South, spanning multiple thematic areas including Sexual and Reproductive Health, Menstrual Equity, HIV, Adolescent Health, and Primary Healthcare. Majority of her work has revolved around qualitative research, project design, strategic planning, knowledge synthesis, program management, and utilizing evidence to drive impactful and sustainable programs. Reena's multifaceted experience, coupled with her unwavering commitment, exemplifies a public health professional who continuously strives to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities in underserved communities.ResourcesFollow Reena on LinkedInSupport the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

In this episode, Sujani sits down with Bernard Toney Jr., a former White House Medical Officer and US Army Veteran. They talk about Bernard's time in the military and the White House and what led him to pursuing a career in population health.You'll LearnHow an event in Bernard's early years led to an interest in medical sciences and how his experiences serving in the military later on cemented his passion for population health How Bernard was able to gain experience in the medical field while not officially in a healthcare positionWhat to consider if you are thinking of pursuing a new degreeHow Bernard got his role as a White House Medical Officer and what duties and responsibilities it involvedHow the COVID pandemic changed these roles and his interestsBernard's experiences with racial discrimination and other hardships throughout his career and how he has dealt with these issuesToday's GuestBernard Toney Jr. is a Former White House Medical Officer and US Army Veteran.He is currently completing his Master of Public Health Degree at The George Washington University in May and currently works at the National Institutes of Health.While serving in the White House Medical Unit during the COVID-19 pandemic, he decided to transition into the field of public health after seeing the inquiries that led to significant morbidity and mortality for marginalized populations while traveling in support of the President, Vice President, and First Lady.ResourcesFollow Bernard on LinkedIn  Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

In this episode, Sujani shares a bit about how much she's invested in herself, followed by a conversation with Marissa about why she built the 5-week course “Not Your Average Productivity Course”. Enrolment closes August 3, 2023Thank you to McKool Coaching for sponsoring this episode. Marissa McKool helps women in public health stop overworking and get more REST. What You'll Learn from this Episode:How much Sujani has invested personally in her personal/professional development ($9000!), and why she continues to do soWhy Marissa McKool built this courseWhat people get within the courseHow to get support from your employer for this course Today's Guest:Marissa McKool, MPH, is a former public health leader turned career and life coach who helps public health professionals eliminate their burnout without quitting their job. Marissa received her MPH from Emory University and held several leadership roles in government and academia working on sexual violence prevention and reproductive health, before finding herself burning out. Through coaching, she was able to eliminate her stress without anything outside of her changing and now helps others do the same. She is also the host of the Redefining Rest Podcast for Public Health Professionals, where she helps listeners reduce their workload, create more time, get more rest, and feel better. Featured on the Show:Not Your Average Productivity Course: Get more done in less time, without hustlingA 5-week course for women in public healthContact Marissa: info@mckoolcoaching.comMarissa's Social Media Pages:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/publichealthcoachLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-mckool-a9701892/Episode #76 with Marissa – Redefining Rest For Public Health Professionals, With Marissa McKoolSupport the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

This episode walks through Sujani's first 10 years of her public health career, as well as the highs and lows. This episode is inspired by a LinkedIn post that Sujani wrote that crossed 14,000+ views. Thank you to McKool Coaching for sponsoring this episode. Marissa McKool helps women in public health stop overworking and get more REST. What You'll Learn from this Episode:Sujani walks through her public health career (education, jobs, side projects, etc.) starting from 2011 to 2021!She talks about her MPH degree, public health jobs she had, interviews she failed, launch of her not-for-profit organization (the Tamil Health Association) and the birth of this company (PH SPOT).The ups and downs of these 10 years. What she did and didn't do through these 10 years (for example, no formal education or certification, 55% increase in salary, the HUGE community she's built around her, and more!)About The Public Health Career Club, PH SPOT's membership community.Today's Guest:Sujani Sivanantharajah is the founder and CEO of PH SPOT. Sujani Sivanantharajah is a public health professional trained in Epidemiology. Her gift and passion lie in building relationships and using these relationships to create and cultivate spaces for people to find meaningful partnerships that can serve their communities. In 2017, this passion led her to build PHSPOT.org, a platform and community for public health professionals around the world to build their dream careers.Sujani holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the University of Saskatchewan and an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto.Featured on the Show:Sujani's LinkedIn PageTamil Health AssociationThe Public Health Career ClubNot Your Average Productivity Course: Get more done in less time, without hustling - A 5-week course for women in public healthSupport the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

This episode is from inside PH SPOT's membership community: The Public Health Career Club.You'll get to listen in on a training session where career club members got a chance to ask Sujani questions. In this episode, we share one of those questions: How did you start PH SPOT? / How can I start a side hustle?What You'll Learn from this Episode:How Sujani started to see herself as someone who could build solutions to solve problems.The story of the first side hustle she launched: a not-for-profit organizationHow and why PH SPOT was builtWhy PH SPOT is incorporated federallyHow to get started with your ideaAbout The Public Health Career Club, PH SPOT's membership community.Today's Guest:Sujani Sivanantharajah is the founder and CEO of PH SPOT. Sujani Sivanantharajah is a public health professional trained in Epidemiology. Her gift and passion lie in building relationships and using these relationships to create and cultivate spaces for people to find meaningful partnerships that can serve their communities. In 2017, this passion led her to build PHSPOT.org, a platform and community for public health professionals around the world to build their dream careers.Sujani holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the University of Saskatchewan and an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto.Featured on the Show:The Public Health Career ClubNot Your Average Productivity Course: Get more done in less time, without hustling - A 5-week course for women in public healthThank you to McKool Coaching for sponsoring this episode. Marissa McKool helps women in public health stop overworking and get more REST.Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

In this episode, Sujani sits down with Josh Trautwein, the co-founder and CEO of About Fresh. They discuss what sparked the creation of About Fresh, Josh's experience with bringing the company to life, and how About Fresh has been evolving and broadening food access to improve the health of more and more communities. You'll LearnWhat About Fresh is and what sparked the company's conception What About Fresh's mission is and how it aims to improve the health of communitiesWhat the early stages of starting About Fresh looked like and tips on navigating finances and other barriers with a new project or startupWhat services About Fresh offers and how Fresh Connect has evolved over time to incorporate technology and improve food access to even more communitiesWhat steps Josh took to identify a public health issue, brainstorm a solution, and successfully bring the solution to lifeThe importance  of drawing from similar pre-existing programs and engaging with the communities you want to serve How you can support or partner with About FreshToday's GuestJosh is the co-founder and CEO of About Fresh, a Boston-based company that combines food retail, technology, and community- driven activism to empower people to access and afford healthy food. He was inspired to start About Fresh in 2011 while serving as a community health worker at Mass General Brigham where he often encountered food insecurity among his patients. Josh is responsible for leading his team and board through mission-driven growth grounded in About Fresh core values. Outside of work, Josh plays and coaches soccer, grills, skis, and surfs. Josh grew up with his mom, grandmother, and a small extended family in Milford, MA, and currently lives in Brooklyn with his partner, Kate.ResourcesFollow Josh on LinkedIn  Learn more about About Fresh and read their 2018 annual report here Learn more about Community Servings Learn more about the Rockefeller Foundation's Food Is Medicine initiative Support the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.

This episode is from inside PH SPOT's membership community: The Public Health Career Club. You'll get to listen in on a training session where career club members got a chance to ask Sujani questions. In this episode, we share one of those questions: how did you get started in public health?What You'll Learn from this Episode:How Sujani got interested in public health, and her undergraduate experience.How to get work experience early in your public health career journey (part-time, casual, volunteer).How to use all of your experiences (whether they are paid or unpaid) to tell a story about your abilities, skills, and knowledge to prospective employers.About The Public Health Career Club, PH SPOT's membership community.Today's Guest:Sujani Sivanantharajah is the founder and CEO of PH SPOT. Sujani Sivanantharajah is a public health professional trained in Epidemiology. Her gift and passion lie in building relationships and using these relationships to create and cultivate spaces for people to find meaningful partnerships that can serve their communities. In 2017, this passion led her to build PHSPOT.org, a platform and community for public health professionals around the world to build their dream careers.Sujani holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the University of Saskatchewan and an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto.Featured on the Show:The Public Health Career ClubSupport the showJoin The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.