I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Global and Community Health at George Mason University’s College of Public Health. Trained as a social science researcher and organizational communication strategist, I bring over 15 years of experience advancing health equity, gender justice, and human rights in the U.S. and the Global South, particularly southern Africa. My research focuses on reducing disparities in sexual, reproductive, maternal, and mental health among Black, immigrant, and historically marginalized communities. Grounded in intersectionality and health equity frameworks, I examine the structural and communicative drivers of adverse outcomes such as HIV/AIDS, sexual trauma, and stigma.
I partner with Black youth, immigrant families, and faith-based leaders to co-develop culturally responsive, evidence-informed interventions. I am a Health Equity Scholar for Action, supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and a Research Affiliate of the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being
Rooted in my lived experience as a mother of three and first-generation American of Jamaican heritage, my work centers the knowledge, needs, and voices of communities often overlooked in public health. My interdisciplinary training bridges global health, social justice, and strategic communication.
Renia is a PhD student in Public Health at George Mason University. My research interests include mental health, trauma, sexual violence, and health education, with a focus on improving outcomes in resource-limited settings. I hold a B.S. in Psychology and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership.
Renia’s research experience includes both academic and clinical settings, including roles at Bridgewater State University, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Cambridge Health Alliance. She grew up in Boston and enjoys hiking in my free time.
Daliah Ouedraogo, is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Communication, Culture, and Media Studies (CCMS) at Howard University. Her research explores the intersections of communication, health, and social justice, with a focus on how health functions as a communicative practice. Daliah’s doctoral work aims to advance equity by examining the cultural and discursive dimensions of health. Daliah has played a vital role in developing the HHC Podcast as Executive Producer. She is a visionary in digital storytelling and a skilled braider (if you can book her!)
Janell, a native of Canada, is an emerging public health professional specializing in health policy, maternal and child health, and community-based approaches to reducing health disparities. She recently completed her Master of Public Health at George Mason University with a concentration in Health Policy, where her research work focused on reproductive health inequities and Medicaid policy. She has conducted policy analyses addressing maternal mortality disparities and Medicaid postpartum care gaps, presenting findings to stakeholders and peers, with an emphasis on justice-oriented solutions.
Briana is the PCC for the Faith and Sexual Health Study. She is a dedicated public health professional with a strong commitment to advancing health equity among vulnerable populations impacted by adverse childhood experiences, chronic disease, and social determinants of health. She is particularly passionate about improving the health of communities through evidence-based health behavior interventions and the whole health approach, recognizing the importance of addressing physical, emotional, social, and environmental factors that influence well-being. Briana holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Health Promotion, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Community Health, both from George Mason University.
Ashley is serving as the PCC for the DISH-BP study. Ashley is devoted to leveraging marginalized populations in prevention, promotion, and education. Through her background of nonprofit work, Ashley has engaged in upstream approaches to alleviate priority health concerns (mental health, chronic diseases, and communicable diseases) impeding the health system. As project coordinator for AASA, Ashley supports and assists with major grant projects focused on offsetting risky behavior, expanding out-of-school time, and building resiliency among youth. As a public health professional, Ashley keenly aids in equitable development of system change.
Researching with Community. Communicating for Justice. Transforming Health Together.