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The Black Women in Public Health C.O.N.N.E.C.T. Collective was created to center, celebrate, and support Black women in every stage of their public health journey. Our mission is to Cultivate Opportunities, Nurture Networks, Empower Change, and Transform Systems by providing a dedicated space for connection, mentorship, professional development, and collective care.
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We are a growing community committed to uplifting the voices, leadership, and lived experiences of Black women in public health. Through virtual and in-person engagement, career-building resources, and intentional community support, we foster environments where Black women don’t just survive in the field—they thrive, lead, and transform it. This is more than a network—it’s a movement.
Our Story
We envision a world where Black women are fully seen, supported, and celebrated as leaders, changemakers, and catalysts within the field of public health.
Yet despite their expertise and contributions, Black women in public health continue to face significant gaps in visibility, leadership opportunities, mentorship, and support, often navigating systems that were not built with them in mind.
83.4%
of the national public health workforce is made made up of Black women compared to 80.1% of white women
2.6%
of Black women are in executive roles compared to 3.4% of white women
79.6%
of Black women feel a sense of belonging at their agency compared to 81.5% of white women
77.8%
of Black women feel psychologically safe a work compared to 86.6% of white women
45%
of Black women are satisfied with their pay compared to 52% of white women
77.4%
of Black women agree that their being treated fairly at work compared to 86.5% of white women
59%
of Black women reason for leaving public health was due to the pay compared to 45.9% of white women
52.9%
of Black women believe that their being paid fairly for the that they do compared 64% of white women
39.8%
of Black women reason for leaving public health was due to the lack of advancement opportunities compared to 37.9% of white women
Data Source: de Beaumont Foundation and Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey Data Dashboard. July 2025.
We Work To
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Expand mentorship and leadership development opportunities to support Black women at every stage of their public health careers
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Build campus-based chapters to cultivate early engagement and peer support among students pursuing public health degrees.
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Provide culturally responsive programming focused on career advancement, collective care, and community resilience. ​​
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Create a national network that connects Black women in public health across academic, professional, and community spaces.
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Advocate for systemic change that addresses inequities Black women face within public health education, research, and workforce settings.
Our Guiding Pillars
Sisterhood
We believe in the power of connection, sisterhood, and collective care to uplift and sustain Black women in public health.
Equity
Empowerment
We are committed to dismantling systemic barriers and creating equitable pathways for advancement, representation, and leadership.
We support Black women in owning their voices, stories, and power while providing tools and spaces for growth and impact.
Legacy & Leadership
We are dedicated to building lasting change by investing in the leadership of Black women today and for generations to come.
Authenticity
We foster spaces where Black women can show up as their full, authentic selves—free from code-switching and compromise.
Excellence
We celebrate and uphold the brilliance, innovation, and contributions of Black women in public health.
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