Meet Glahnnia Rates

We were lucky to catch up with Glahnnia Rates recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Glahnnia, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Being the only one in the room who looks like me has been a recurring experience throughout my career as an epidemiologist and as the President of the Black Community Health & Wellness Association (BCHWA). It’s a challenge I’ve learned to navigate with a combination of resilience, strategy, and a commitment to my mission. First and foremost, I’ve always believed that knowledge is power. In my professional role as an Epidemiologist, I collaborate with healthcare facilities in diverse settings, addressing chronic and communicable diseases. My work spans research, investigations, and health education. Being well-prepared and knowledgeable in my field has given me the confidence to contribute effectively to any conversation or situation.

Building a strong network has been instrumental in my journey. I actively seek out opportunities to collaborate with healthcare professionals, community leaders, and various organizations. These connections have not only provided me with valuable insights but have also helped me navigate unfamiliar environments successfully. Collaborative efforts often yield more comprehensive and inclusive solutions. My passion for public health and my commitment to equity and inclusion have fueled my advocacy efforts. I’ve learned that being an effective leader means inspiring and mobilizing others to join me in the pursuit of change. By championing initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, I can help shape environments where being the only one in the room like me becomes less of an issue over time.

Establishing partnerships with like-minded organizations and institutions has allowed me to amplify my impact. Collaborations with the American Public Health Association (APHA) Black Caucus of Health Workers and others have been invaluable in advancing health equity, equality, and social justice. One of my core goals as the President of BCHWA and in my other leadership roles is to actively promote representation. By creating spaces where diverse voices are not only heard but also valued and respected, we can contribute to a more inclusive healthcare landscape.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As the President of BCHWA, my role involves spearheading efforts to address pressing health disparities within our community and beyond. What makes this work particularly special and exciting is the collaborative spirit that drives our organization. Recently, we’ve formed valuable partnerships with United Healthcare, Health Plan of Nevada, and Molina Healthcare of Nevada. These partnerships open up new avenues for us to make a meaningful impact on the healthcare landscape, ensuring equitable access to quality services for all. Our collaboration with these healthcare giants allows us to implement innovative approaches to tackle pressing public health issues.

One of our most exciting ventures is our public health fellowship program. This program offers passionate and aspiring public health professionals a unique opportunity to actively engage in community-based projects. These projects are tailored to address the specific health disparities that our community faces. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see motivated individuals working hand-in-hand with us to drive positive change and make a real difference in people’s lives. Looking ahead, we have a dynamic lineup of events and activities that promise to bring awareness and solutions to various health challenges. These include naloxone training and opiate awareness events, STD/STI awareness and prevention events in collaboration with Health Plan of Nevada, a breast cancer awareness and screening event with 100 Black Women of Las Vegas, and a health fair rodeo designed to promote cultural awareness, urban agricultural education, and provide vital healthcare resources to our community. We have also partnered with the Black Cowboy Coalition, Relaxing Palms M & B, Skin by Dani Nicole, and Prowess Designs (please note: these are new partnerships, and do not represent our complete list of community partners).

In December, we invite everyone to join us for our annual Toys for Tots Health Fair. This event not only spreads joy during the holiday season but also serves as a platform for us to roll out our association memberships, offering numerous benefits and opportunities for the future. In addition to my role at BCHWA, I’m actively involved in several other organizations, such as serving as the Chair of the Office of the Governor, Nevada Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Board, and being a Board Member for the Southern Nevada Health District’s Family Planning Program Community Advisory Board. I’m also proud to be part of the Delta Omega Honor Society in Public Health, among other roles.

What drives me most is the commitment to improving public health outcomes and ensuring that underserved populations receive the care and attention they deserve. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, we can make a significant impact on the health and well-being of our community. I’m truly excited about the journey ahead and the positive changes we can bring about together.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey, I can pinpoint three qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that have been most impactful in my career as an epidemiologist and as the President of the BCHWA. I’d like to share these insights and offer some advice to those who are early in their own journeys, and looking to develop or improve these essential attributes.

1. Expertise in your chosen field is the foundation of your career. It’s what sets you apart and gives you confidence. Throughout my journey, I’ve always prioritized staying updated on the latest research, methodologies, and developments in epidemiology and public health. My advice to those starting is to embrace a lifelong learning mindset. Continuously seek out educational opportunities, attend conferences, and engage in ongoing professional development. Never stop learning, as the field of public health is ever-evolving.

2. Building a strong network and the ability to collaborate effectively are invaluable assets. Many of my most significant achievements and opportunities have come from the relationships I’ve built over the years. Early in your journey, take the time to network within your field. Attend conferences, join professional organizations, and reach out to mentors and colleagues. Nurture these connections, as they can lead to collaborations, guidance, and support that will propel your career forward.

3. My passion for advocacy, particularly in promoting health equity, has been a driving force in my career. It’s not just about knowing; it’s about using that knowledge to create positive change. My advice is to find your passion within your field and use it to drive your work. Whether it’s advocating for underserved populations, championing diversity and inclusion, or addressing specific health disparities, let your passion be the fuel that propels you forward. Your dedication to making a difference will be evident to others and attract opportunities aligned with your values.

My journey has taught me the importance of expertise, networking, collaboration, and a deep-seated passion for advocacy and equity. My advice to those starting their journey is to invest in these qualities and skills. Embrace lifelong learning, build a strong network, and find your passion within your field. With these foundations in place, you’ll be well-equipped to make a meaningful impact on your career and the communities you serve. Remember that every step of the journey, no matter how small, contributes to your growth and ultimately shapes your path toward success.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
We are actively seeking partnerships and collaborations to expand the impact of the Black Community Health & Wellness Association (BCHWA). Our mission is to address health disparities and promote equitable access to quality healthcare services, and we recognize that achieving these goals requires the collective effort of diverse individuals, organizations, and institutions.

We welcome collaborations with community health organizations that share our commitment to improving the health and well-being of underserved populations. Whether it’s working on community health education programs, organizing health fairs, or addressing specific health disparities, we are open to exploring partnerships that create meaningful change. Collaboration with research companies is crucial for evidence-based solutions. If your organization is involved in health-related research, data analysis, or program evaluation, we would be interested in discussing opportunities to work together on projects that advance our mission.

Passionate individuals who are dedicated to public health and have innovative ideas are also valuable collaborators. Whether you’re a public health professional, researcher, educator, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, we encourage you to reach out and explore ways to get involved. Volunteering is another way to contribute to our initiatives. If you have skills, time, or resources to offer, we welcome your support in organizing events, conducting outreach, or assisting with our programs.

While our base is in the United States (Las Vegas, Nevada), we are open to collaborating with individuals and organizations from around the world. Health disparities and access to quality healthcare are global challenges, and we believe in the power of international collaborations to drive change.

If you are reading this and interested in collaborating with BCHWA, please connect with us by email or social media channels at bchwanv@gmail or @bchwanv. We value all inquiries and are excited to explore potential partnerships that align with our mission and goals. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on public health, promote diversity and inclusion, and work towards a healthier, more equitable future for all. Please review our community partner guide by visiting our LinkTree page here: https://linktr.ee/bchwa

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Photos are courtesy of the following parties: Dr. Christina Madison, “The Public Health Pharmacist,” Protect Our Care Michael Venton II, representative of the United Healthcare Group, Health Plan of Nevada, Medicaid Reuben D’Silva, NV Assemblyman-28th District, CCEA Union Danitra Tierra Oliver, JD Nathaniel Godiwn,The International Mountaineer, West Virginia University Albert Sedano, Southern Nevada Health District, Southern Nevada Community Health Center Aisha McElroy, Black Cowboy Coalition, The Baltimore Times Georgene “Gina Glass, Dreamsickle Kids Foundation

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