Public Health Careers podcast episode with Amanda Spence, MPH
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📲Amanda Spence, MPH on LinkedIn

Amanda is the Senior Manager of Program Partnerships at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

She is a public health equity strategist and program leader with over 10 years of experience across healthcare, nonprofit, and government sectors. She’s passionate about creating innovative, community-driven solutions that close systemic gaps and improve health outcomes.

She conferred her Bachelor’s degree in International Relations with a focus on the Developing World and a minor in Anthropology from SUNY Geneseo, and later completed her Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management at New York Medical College.


In today’s episode you’ll hear and learn more about
1. How her work focuses on closing systemic gaps in public health through equity-centered programs.
2. Why addressing the needs of the most marginalized communities benefits everyone.
3. How understanding systems thinking is crucial in public health and why that pushed her to pursue a MPH
4. Why advocating for oneself is key to career advancement
5. How pursuing real-world experience during grad school can invaluable.

And much, much more!

Chapters:
@0:00 Trailer
@2:45 How do you identify & tell us a little about your personal background?
@4:54 Health Equity & Community-Driven Program Design
@6:51 Applying a health equity lens to program design and implementation
@8:09 A program or partnership you’re especially proud of
@10:16 Cross-Sector Public Health Experience
@11:39 Essential skills for today’s public health professionals
@13:27 The future of public health careers
@18:30 What does public health mean to you?
@18:55 BA International Relations - Developing World; minor in Anthropology – SUNY Geneseo
@26:44 Master of Public Health – New York Medical College
@28:44 Graduate school’s impact on your leadership journey
@40 56 Planned Parenthood Federation of America – Multiple Roles
@33:44 Inside your role as Senior Manager of Program Partnerships
@38:49 What do you enjoy most about this work?
@39:44 What is most challenging?
@42:41 Can you share a recent anecdote that illustrates a key lesson you've learned?
@44:20 The Furious Five

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In this conversation, Omari Richins, MPH discusses the current state of health care in the U.S., highlighting the significant spending on healthcare with poor outcomes compared to other wealthy nations. He emphasizes the impact of policy changes on marginalized communities, particularly regarding Medicaid and SNAP, and the barriers these changes create for accessing healthcare. Richins advocates for continued efforts in public health and the importance of community support and advocacy to address these challenges.

Resources:
- Center on Budget and Policy Priorities on Medicaid work requirements
- Big Beautiful Bill | NBC News
- Responding to Federal Medicaid Reductions | KFF
- ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ could unravel N.C.’s Medicaid expansion | NC Health News

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Public Health Careers podcast episode with Nkechi Michel, MPH
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📲Nkechi Michel, MPH on LinkedIn

Nkechi is a Human Services Program Planner-Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program in Sacramento County.

She is a passionate public health educator and program strategist with over a decade of experience in health education, grant management, and community-based programming, particularly focused on maternal health, nutrition equity, and chronic disease prevention.

She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education and her Master of Public Health in Health Education from California State University, Northridge.

In today’s episode you’ll hear and learn more about
1. The importance of community engagement for effective health education
2. Why listening to the community’s needs aids in successful program development and implementation
3. The importance of language in public health and how it affects perceptions and has potential to affect outcomes

And much much more!

Chapters:
@0:00 Trailer
@3:14 How do you identify & tell us a little about your personal background?
@4:57 Community Health Engagement Strategies
@7:41 Applying a Health Equity Lens
@10:48 Leadership Through Program Planning
@13:17 Effective Engagement Strategies in Underserved Communities
@15:20 Centering Community Needs in Program Design
@18:33 What does public health mean to you?
@20:38 Prior to Bachelors
@23:04 B.A of Public Health Education and Promotion at CSU, Northridge
@29:05 Undergrad Takeaway's
@30:39 Peer Health Educator at Operation Samahan Community Health Clinic
@33:41 MPH in Community Health Education at CSU, Northridge
@36:25 Takeaways
@37:58 Teacher’s Assistant at Los Angeles Unified School District
@40:42 Linkage to Care Case Manager at APLA Health
@43:26 Case Management Specialist (temp) at Planned Parenthood Los Angeles
@ 46:36 Infectious Disease Care Coordinator - Saban Community Clinic
@49:31 Relocation - Career Break
@1:05:19 Postpartum Doula a Empowered Roots Doula
@55:10 Sacramento County Public Health
@1:07:55 Past Guest Question
@1:10:05 The Furious Five

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In this conversation, Omari Richins discusses the challenges faced by early career public health professionals in a competitive job market. He emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, defining personal goals, and understanding the diverse opportunities available in public health.

Omari provides practical strategies for job searching, including building a job search infrastructure, leveraging LinkedIn for networking, and reframing skills for different sectors. He encourages professionals to take ownership of their career paths and adapt to the evolving landscape of public health.

📝 Career Services
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Chapters:
@0:00 Intro
@0:45 Start With You: Clarify Your Goals and Strengths
@1:46 Public Health Jobs Are Everywhere
@2:32 Job Crafting: Define What “Good Fit” Actually Means
@3:58 Build Your Job Search Infrastructure
@5:00 Sharpen Your LinkedIn Presence
@5:58 Network Like It’s Part of the Job (Because It Is)
@6:54 Think Transferable, Not Traditional
@7:49 Be Ready to Pivot - and Re-Pitch Yourself
@8:33 Conclusion: Public Health Can Work For You
@9:04 Outro

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Public Health Careers podcast episode with Kelly Larson, MPH
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📲Kelly Larson on LinkedIn


Kelly Larson is the Injury Prevention Lead at Bloomberg Philanthropies.

She is a global health expert with over 15 years of experience, currently leading the Partnership for Healthy Cities—a prestigious network of more than 70 cities dedicated to reducing noncommunicable diseases and injuries worldwide.

She conferred a Bachelor of Arts in Communications at Pacific Lutheran University. Then a Master of Public Health in Sociomedical Sciences at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.

In today’s episode you’ll hear and learn more about
1. The Partnership for Healthy Cities and its work to reduce health burdens in urban areas globally
2. Noncommunicable diseases + injuries kill over 43 million people a year and what’s being done by the Partnership for Healthy Cities and their partners to combat this
3. Learn about successful interventions of evidenced based public health policy at the city level

And much much more!

Chapters:
@0:00 Trailer
@2:25 How do you identify & tell us a little about your personal background?
@3:36 MPH in Sociomedical Sciences from Columbia University and BA in Communications from Pacific Lutheran University.
@6:19 Key takeaways from your MPH
@7:10 Worked at the National Hemophilia Foundation and NYC DOHMH
@8:53 What does public health mean to you?
@11:58 Can you introduce us to The Partnership for Healthy Cities?
@13:53 Urbanization changes the way we approach public health challenges
@16:47 Takeaways from the Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit
@18:40 How does your approach differ from other global health initiatives?
@20:17 Biggest challenges when implementing proven, evidence-based public health interventions in cities worldwide?
@21:33 Example of a city that successfully implemented a Partnership intervention?
@23:02 What factors drive intervention success, and what are common barriers?
@24:59 Advice for city leaders prioritizing NCD and injury prevention with limited resources or support?
@26:05 What excites you most about the future of urban public health and the impact of the Partnership for Healthy Cities?
@27:10 How can listeners get involved or learn more about Bloomberg Philanthropies’ global health work?
@35:15 What key insights or experiences from the past year have helped you grow and become more confident in your field?
@37:39 The Furious Five

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In this conversation, Omari Richins, MPH discusses the common misconceptions surrounding the first job in public health, emphasizing that it is merely a starting point rather than a final destination. He encourages listeners to view their early career experiences as opportunities for learning and growth, rather than as definitive measures of success. He highlights the importance of aligning one's career with personal values and interests, and reassures that there is no singular path to success in public health.

📝 Career Services (new)
🎯 Read this in article format
🧠 Join our public health community

@0:00 Intro
@1:03 The myth of the perfect first job.
@2:43 Public Health is Everywhere
@2:43 Learn, Adapt, Repeat
@5:51 Refine & Reflect as You Go
@6:59 What Actually Matters in the Long Run
@7:51 You Are Not Behind- You’re Just Beginning
@8:46 Subscribe & Support

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Follow & Support:
- Join The Public Health Community

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- The Public Health Millennial Website

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- Support on The Public Health Store

Public Health Careers podcast episode with Dr. Heidi Steinecker, DrPH
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📲Dr. Heidi Steinecker, DrPH on LinkedIn

Heidi is a Principal in Health and Human Services Consulting at Resultant.

She is a global public health leader, strategist, and health systems consultant. She’s worked across sectors—from state government to international diplomacy—designing innovative solutions for infectious disease response, public health modernization, and operational policy alignment.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and History from the University of New Mexico, studied Cultural & International Relations at Kings College in Scotland, earned a Master of Arts in English with a focus on public policy from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Public Health at the Medical College of Wisconsin.


In today’s episode you’ll hear and learn more about
1. Insights from Heidi’s journey leading several global health initiatives, and now consulting and supporting national work
2. How global issues are interconnected with local communities
3. The importance of data modernization, relationships, and collaboration for effective and efficient public health systems
4. The importance of knowing historical context for effective public health leadership

And much much more

Chapters:
@0:00 Trailer
@3:09 How do you identify & tell us a little about your personal background?
@4:07 Global Health Diplomacy & Public Health Infrastructure
@16:46 Public Health Modernization & Emergency Response
@30:09 What does public health mean to you?
@30:47 Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English and History – University of New
@36:00 Master of Arts (M.A.) in English – Public Policy – Cal Poly San Luis
@38:09 UC Davis Health
@44:27 California Department of Public Health – Deputy Director
@48:22 EY Global Consulting – Associate Director, Public Health & Global
@53:26 Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) – Medical College of Wisconsin
@58:33 Resultant – Principal, Health and Human Services Consulting (2024–Present)
@1:06:55 What underrated tools are indispensable for your job?
@1:08:48 The Furious Five

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Public Health Careers podcast episode with Corinna Kelley, MPH
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📲Corinna Kelley, MPH on LinkedIn

Corinna is Founder and CEO of C.R.E.I.D. Consulting LLC

I guide social innovation initiatives from visioning and strategy development through execution and evaluation to support economic resilience, inclusive and equitable development. With nearly 2 decades of on-the-job experience working as a public health consultant for health systems, nonprofits, health departments, and the department of defense.

She conferred a Bachelors of Applied Science in Public Health at American Military University. Then a Masters of Public Health in Health Services Administration at University of Arizona.

In today’s episode you’ll hear and learn more about
1. Insights from a public health consultant with nearly 20 years of experience
2. How confidence is a continuous journey and not a destination
3. The importance of building resilience during life changes and cultivating resilience as a continuous practice
4. Why data needs to have purpose and action behind it to make it meaningful
5. How networking can open up doors and that strategic job searching can alleviate anxiety

And much much more!

Chapters:
@0:00 Trailer
@3:22 How do you identify & tell us a little about your personal background?
@6:24 Unique challenges you've encountered in achieving cultivating resilience and inclusivity in communities
@14:11 Work focuses on fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion
@18:09 Conducted extensive data collection and analysis for community assessments
@23:05 What does public health mean to you?
@25:01 Associates Degree in P.H at Community College of the Air Force
@28:43 Bachelors of Applied Science in P.H at American Military University
@32:18 Undergrad takeaway
@33:44 Regional Infection Preventionist at ERP International
@35:20 M.P.H h in Health Services Administration at University of Arizona
@44:28 Medical Mobile Clinic Outreach Coordinator at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital of Tampa
@50:16 Account Manager at Unite US
@52:07 Mentorship Program Chair at Sisters in Public Health
@54:49 Current roles
@1:05:45 What is a misconception people have about working in public health?
@1:07:14 The Furious Five

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in. Let's all work together towards a culture of health, wellbeing, and equity for all.

⭐⭐ SUBSCRIBE & Leave a 5-STAR REVIEW! ⭐⭐

Follow & Support:
- Join The Public Health Community

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- The Public Health Millennial Website

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