In this episode, Dianna shares her experiences working in the field of public health, with a particular focus on HIV education and prevention for black women and girls. Diana’s journey from a background in exercise physiology to public health and her passion for education and resource sharing are also discussed. Diana elaborates on the challenges she faces in her role, including HIV-related stigmas, misconceptions about the disease, and the lack of conversation and education about HIV in communities. She also touches on her podcast 'Our Space' which showcases women in various fields providing services to black women.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:45 Getting to Know Diana

05:28 Diana's Journey into Public Health

05:44 Diana's Experience in Exercise Physiology

07:33 Transition from Exercise Science to Public Health

11:50 Diana's Experience in Corporate Wellness

13:48 The Decision to Pursue a Master's Degree in Public Health

15:08 Job Search and Transition into HIV Prevention

21:43 The Challenges of Working in HIV Prevention

26:08 Understanding the Fear and Stigma Around HIV

27:05 Personal Experiences and Perspectives on HIV/AIDS

28:16 The Evolution of HIV/AIDS Perception and Education

29:57 The Impact of Sex Education and Societal Taboos on HIV/AIDS Perception

30:46 The Struggle of Correcting Misconceptions about HIV/AIDS

31:02 The Role of Family and Community in HIV/AIDS Awareness

31:44 The Generational Gap in HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Awareness

32:14 The Disparity Between Scientific Progress and Social Awareness in HIV/AIDS

32:24 The Role of Organizations in HIV/AIDS Awareness Among Black Women and Girls

32:57 The Personal Journey and Passion in HIV/AIDS Advocacy

34:10 The Challenges in Communicating HIV/AIDS Risks and Prevention

38:05 The Social Conditioning and Cognitive Dissonance in HIV/AIDS Perception

45:24 The Future of HIV/AIDS Advocacy and Personal Growth

This episode was edited by Kieran Gannon

Websites/Links: 

• https://www.ecologistsays.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/ecologistsays
• https://www.instagram.com/a.virosa/

Before her administrative role with RISE, Johanna was the Project Director for Engaging Georgia’s Faith Communities for Promoting Reproductive Health  (EnFaith) study, exploring sexual and reproductive health stigma in Southern faith communities. Johanna has a decade of experience with maternal and child health programs, including the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), where she served as the Title V Director for Georgia’s Maternal and Child Health Services Program, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where she served in the Division of Reproductive Health. As the Title V Director, Johanna was a member of Georgia’s MCH leadership team that set strategic priorities for Georgia’s women and children. She also previously served as the Director of Child Health Screening with DPH. In this role, she led the expansion of newborn screening and medical food coverage and supported initiatives in birth defect surveillance, infant mortality, and children with special healthcare needs services. Johanna received her Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Master of Public Health degrees from the University of Florida. She has also received several awards and recognition for her contributions to the maternal and child health field, including Delta Omega membership and the Region IV Young MCH Professional Award from the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs. Johanna dedicates her career to improving health outcomes for women and children and has a specific interest in health equity as it intersects with reproductive and maternal health and community engagement.

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannapringle/⁠

RISE: ⁠https://rise.emory.edu/ ⁠