In this episode of the Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee Washington and Jesseca Chatman sit down to reflect on their introduction to community-engaged research and CBPR — and how those early experiences fundamentally changed everything they thought they knew about public health.

Together, they dig into what it really means to build trust with communities, not just collect data from them. Dr. Joyee and Jesseca open up about the personal growth that comes from doing this work, the challenges of making community-based research sustainable, and why relationship-building is just as important as any finding you'll ever publish.

From the intersections of public health and law to the everyday realities of showing up for communities, this episode is both a reflection and a reminder. One thing is clear: when your work is rooted in trust, accountability, and genuine partnership, the impact goes far beyond a research report.

If you care about community voice, ethical research, and finding real joy in the work, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Community engagement is crucial for effective public health initiatives. [10:56–11:30]

• Building relationships with community members takes time and effort. [15:00–21:05]

• Sustainability should be a key consideration from the start of any project. [34:23–38:56]

• Flexibility and adaptability are essential in community-based research. [28:04–33:23]

• Personal experiences shape our professional journeys in significant ways. [00:32–10:00]

• Collaboration between community organizations and universities enhances research outcomes. [10:29–13:35]

• Understanding the social determinants of health is vital for addressing community needs. [40:10–42:00]

• Joy in work comes from knowing you are making a difference. [39:50–42:50]

• Theoretical knowledge must be complemented by practical experience. [13:35–15:00]

• Investing in community relationships leads to better health outcomes. [17:22–20:50]

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In this episode of the Public Health Joy Podcast, we sit down with Alexandra Piatkowski, founder and CEO of Piat Public Health, for a conversation that reframes how we think about structure, strategy, and community impact in public health.

Together, we dig into what it really means to bring project management into public health spaces — not as a corporate add-on, but as a tool for health equity. Alexandra opens up about how she stumbled into project management through practice, what it looks like to manage complex community initiatives with limited resources, and why documentation and communication are the unsung heroes of any project done well.

From the detective work of epidemiology to the big-picture thinking required to keep coalitions moving forward, this episode makes the case that public health professionals who understand project management bring something truly special to the table. And for those who feel stretched thin and under-resourced? Alexandra has practical, real-world advice for making it work anyway.

One thing is clear: when project management is intentional, community-centered, and grounded in public health values, it becomes one of the most powerful tools we have for turning data into action — and plans into real change.

If you care about health equity, community engagement, and building the kind of leadership skills that actually move the needle, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Project management and public health create a unique skill set. [19:21 – 23:08]

• Leadership in public health benefits from project management skills. [10:52 – 12:46]

• Combining different skill sets can lead to innovative solutions. [19:21 – 20:10]

• Epidemiology enhances project management in health initiatives. [19:21 – 20:10]

• Public health professionals should consider project management training. [31:30 – 32:50]

• Effective project management is crucial in public health projects. [20:10 – 23:08]

• The integration of skills leads to better health outcomes. [20:10 – 23:08]

• Leadership roles in public health require diverse expertise. [33:11 – 35:18]

• Project management can improve public health program efficiency. [26:05 – 28:39]

• There is a growing need for skilled leaders in public health. [33:11 – 35:45]

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In this episode of the Public Health Joy podcast, Dr. Joyee Washington interviews Dr. Desiree Strickland, founder of the Public Health Club, about how consulting can be a tool for freedom rather than burnout. Dr. Strickland shares her journey into public health consulting and how professionals can leverage their expertise to increase both impact and income — without sacrificing their well-being. They explore the hustler mindset, effective communication, and the role of social media and AI in expanding opportunity. The conversation also touches on building values-driven businesses, reimagining public health education, and creating career paths that honor community while protecting your capacity. A must-listen for public health leaders ready to thrive as entrepreneurs and make a lasting difference.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Helping public health professionals increase their impact and income. [00:32 – 02:00]

• The journey from a traditional public health job to consulting. [02:00 – 05:15]

• The importance of a hustler mindset in entrepreneurship. [07:08 – 11:32]

• Navigating non-federal consulting opportunities. [05:15 – 07:08]

• The significance of effective communication in public health. [29:53 – 31:19]

• Reimagining public health in a post-COVID world. [13:36 – 16:15]

• Building a sustainable career in public health. [16:45 – 19:42]

• The role of social media and AI in disseminating public health information. [32:11 – 35:30]

• The need for public health education to adapt to current realities. [28:30 – 29:53]

• Encouraging public health professionals to market their skills and services. [20:38 – 22:27]

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: Click Here