S5 EP 7 - Discovering Community Engaged Research: A Public Health Journey Rooted in Trust and Purpose

In this episode of the Public Health Joy Podcast, Dr. Joyee Washington and Jesseca Chatman sit down to reflect on their introduction to community-engaged research and CBPR — and how those early experiences fundamentally changed everything they thought they knew about public health.

Together, they dig into what it really means to build trust with communities, not just collect data from them. Dr.

Joyee and Jesseca open up about the personal growth that comes from doing this work, the challenges of making community-based research sustainable, and why relationship-building is just as important as any finding you'll ever publish. From the intersections of public health and law to the everyday realities of showing up for communities, this episode is both a reflection and a reminder.

One thing is clear: when your work is rooted in trust, accountability, and genuine partnership, the impact goes far beyond a research report. If you care about community voice, ethical research, and finding real joy in the work, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Key Points From This Episode: Community engagement is crucial for effective public health initiatives. [10:56–11:30] Building relationships with community members takes time and effort. [15:00–21:05] Sustainability should be a key consideration from the start of any project. [34:23–38:56] Flexibility and adaptability are essential in community-based research. [28:04–33:23] Personal experiences shape our professional journeys in significant ways. [00:32–10:00] Collaboration between community organizations and universities enhances research outcomes. [10:29–13:35] Understanding the social determinants of health is vital for addressing community needs. [40:10–42:00] Joy in work comes from knowing you are making a difference. [39:50–42:50] Theoretical knowledge must be complemented by practical experience. [13:35–15:00] Investing in community relationships leads to better health outcomes. [17:22–20:50] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: Click Here