07/19/2025
Thank you for all the birthday wishes šš½
Each year, I choose a theme, a North Star that grounds me and gives shape to the year ahead.
Last yearās theme was Good Trouble, inspired by the legacy of John Lewis. It was a year of necessary disruption, principled risk-taking, and reimagining whatās possible.
This year, the theme is Transcend.
To rise above the noise (there is a lot of it)
To think beyond the box and question why the box exists.
To break free from what no longer serves and walk with purpose into the future.
Whether in my personal life, in fatherhood, in public health and health care, or in how I show up for the world this season calls for clarity, courage, and elevation.
As Maya Angelou said āYou may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.ā
Iām not just aiming to do more. Iām aiming to be more, anchored in vision, grounded in values, and committed to impact.
Hereās to the next chapter. Letās transcend.
06/20/2025
Iām excited to join the 2025 Bridging Healthcare Communities Conference in Washington, D.C., where Iāll be panelist for the Menās Leadership and Achievement in Healthcare session.
This event brings together hundreds of healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders across the healthcare ecosystem. From powerful panels to unmatched networking, is where our community builds, learns, and leadsātogether.
If you havenāt registered yet, nowās the time. Iād love to see you there.
Register today at BHCCon.com (https://www.bhccon.com)
02/27/2025
Had the pleasure of engaging with the future public health leaders at yesterday. Our discussion centered around navigating the public health ecosystem, serving as a guide to adulting. As graduation approaches, many students are grappling with job market uncertainties, experiencing heightened anxiety. I candidly shared my failures and insights to empower these soon-to-be graduates to embark on their paths confidently. Grateful for the introduction, Dr. Jacqueline Douge. š¤³š¾
10/31/2024
Wrapped up the Annual Meeting and still buzzing from the energy! šš¾
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As an executive board member, Iām incredibly grateful to everyone who made this event so impactful. To the attendees, vendors, and speakers - your presence and contributions fueled the conversations and connections that drive public health forward.
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A special shout-out to the incredible APHA staff! šš¾šš¾šš¾Witnessing their dedication and passion throughout the year has been inspiring. They poured their hearts into creating an event that was not only informative and engaging but also deeply rooted in equity.
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This is what public health is all about - coming together, learning, and igniting change. Letās carry this momentum forward and continue to champion health and well-being for all!
10/26/2024
Wrapped up two wonderful days with my fellow Executive Board members of the (APHA). Every board meeting leaves me in awe of the amazing work that APHA does to improve the health and well-being of where people live, work, and play.
Ever wondered how to be part of APHA without a public health degree? Hereās the news ā you are already part of team public health! Many individuals are contributing to public health without even realizing it.
Excited to reconnect with my public health peers at the upcoming APHA annual meeting over the next few days.
08/07/2024
Got through week 1 of . Already inspired by all the amazing .
08/07/2024
š£Special career announcement š£
After some time off to recharge,Ā relax,Ā and reflect,Ā Iām excited to embark on a new chapter as the Head of Public Health at !Ā My time at was instrumental in shaping my understanding of health equity on a national level.Ā Iām incredibly grateful for the opportunities,Ā lessons,Ā and community I found there.Ā Now,Ā Iām eager to channel that experience into being part of the at CareFirst.Ā Stay tuned for the positive impact weāre about to make!Ā
08/07/2024
People often ask me what the key to my success is, and I always say itās having an amazing partner. The partners we have in our lives are vital to our professional careers, often acting as the wind beneath our wings. For me, I couldnāt be the professional I am today without the unwavering support and encouragement of my other half, AnTanique Buckleyāmy best friend and life partnerāby my side. Today, we celebrate a decade of marriage together. She is the true MVP. āš¾
08/07/2024
Itās my birthday š„³. As many of you know, each year on my birthday, I choose a theme to shape my journey and growth for the coming year. This past year, inspired by the birth of my son, I chose FATHERHOODāa decision that has profoundly influenced both my personal life and professional trajectory. Becoming a father has deepened my understanding of what it means to look forward, not just for ourselves but for future generations. It has made me more aware of the environments where we live, work, and play, and how they shape our health and well-being.
As I enter this next birthday chapter, thinking about the necessary work to create an environment for my son and future generations to thrive, the theme of this year will be āGOOD TROUBLE.ā Inspired by the late John Lewisās quote: āDo not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year; it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.ā As I go through this year, I look forward to building networks, collaborations, and alliances with others who are looking to make GOOD TROUBLE to improve the health of where people live, work, and play.
08/07/2024
Feeling refreshed and recharged after 3 weeks of PTO!Ā š“āļø
Taking time off is essential for our well-being and productivity,Ā but unplugging can be challenging.Ā Hereās how I managed to disconnect during my recent family vacation to Antigua š¦š¬:
1ļøā£ Log out of work email and messaging platforms: I intentionally logged out of all work-related accounts and changed the password. This helped me avoid the temptation to check messages and truly disconnect.
2ļøā£Ā Use app restrictions and focus mode:Ā I set up app restrictions on my iPhone to limit access to work and social media apps.Ā I also created a āvacation focus modeā that minimized notifications and helped me stay present in the moment.
3ļøā£ Spend Quality Time with Loved Ones:Ā Connect with family and friends,Ā engage in meaningful conversations (not about work),Ā and create lasting memories of our shared humanity.
These simple steps made a huge difference in my ability to relax and enjoy quality time with my family.Ā If youāre planning a vacation,Ā I highly recommend trying them out!
Remember,Ā PTO is a valuable benefit,Ā so make the most of it. I often left too many jobs without using my PTO the way it was intended. Ā Disconnect,Ā recharge,Ā and come back to work feeling refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges.