The inaugural 40 Under 40 Public Health Catalyst Awards aim to highlight the rising leaders and innovators of the public health field. The Boston Congress of Public Health (BCPH) and the HPHR Journal selected a group of “leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, scientists, activists”, and doctors that will inspire the next generations of public health workers to change the world. The individuals featured for this award have not only shown excellent work performance and an extensive academic history but have also brought innovative solutions to public health issues around the world.
The NYC Daily Post interviewed 40 under 40 award winners to learn about their career journeys leading up to their nominations.
Q1. What’s a piece of advice you’ve received that has impacted your career journey?
Never let your work outweigh your purpose.
Q2. Do you have a mentor you’d like to recognize? If so, what would you like to say to them?
I learned more about navigating the complexities of life both personally and professionally from Mr. Kirk Myers, more than any other source in my journey thus far.
Q3. What advice would you give a young professional beginning their career in your field?
Enter any role knowing what you hope to bring to it, once you have made the impact you intended to make, seek additional opportunities that lead you closer to your long-term professional goals and aspirations.
Q4. If you could do one thing, leave one mark, on your profession, what would it be?
My hope is to get us closer to health equity specifically for black queer people.
Q5. Name a challenge you’ve faced and how it turned out.
The most significant challenge I’ve faced is unlearning self-doubt and feeling unworthy to be in the spaces and opportunities that I have been afforded.
Q6. What is your ultimate career goal as you see it today?
To blend my artistic background and public health experience to create meaningful tools that help create healthier and more whole lifestyles for Black communities.
Q7. What alternate role(s) would you be interested in pursuing?
A college professor teaching Social Justice and Human Diversity.
Q8: What core values are important to succeeding in your professional field?
Integrity, Patience, and Honesty.
Q9. Ten years ago, I thought I would be…
Performing on Broadway.
Q10. Ten years from now, I want to be …
Leading philanthropic portfolios for Oprah and Tyler Perry.
Q11. Would you want to acknowledge any family/friends/partners (beyond mentors)? If so, who?
My partner is Isaiah Moton-Poole.
Q12. Please indicate your hometown, place of study, degree field(s), and an interesting fact about yourself.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Fisk University- Psychology and Sociology 2011; Washington University in St. Louis Brown School of Social Work 2013 (MSW); I’ve performed in the White House and Carnegie Hall as a member of the world-renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers.
