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]

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In this new episode of the Public Health Joy Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Lisa Bowleg, Founder and CEO of the Intersectionality Training Institute, for a conversation that challenges how we think about research, power, and purpose.

Together, we dig into what it really means to do research in service of communities, not just for publications and career advancement. Dr. Bowleg opens up about the structural barriers inside academia, the courage it takes to unlearn what we've been taught, and why centering lived experience is essential to research that actually creates change.

From the roots of intersectionality to the realities of doing justice work in today’s climate, this episode is both a wake-up call and an affirmation. One thing is clear: if your work is rooted in real values and real communities, you keep going — no matter what.

If you care about health equity, community-led research, and staying grounded in your purpose, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Intersectionality is a critical framework for understanding health equity. [03:37 – 05:44]

• Everyone has multiple intersecting identities that relate to power dynamics. [05:44 – 07:46]

• Research should incorporate lived experiences and emotions. [10:23 – 13:44]

• Community engagement is essential for actionable research outcomes. [14:26 – 19:21]

• Unlearning traditional academic practices is crucial for effective research. [21:12 – 24:57]

• Intersectionality serves as a glue connecting various social justice issues. [17:15 – 19:21]

• Joy in social justice work can be a powerful motivator. [34:44 – 36:03]

• Democracy requires active participation and commitment. [33:11 – 34:17]

• The academic system has structural barriers to community-led research. [19:21 – 21:12]

• Building community connections enhances the impact of research. [36:13 – 38:39]

  
  

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