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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