Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Desir.
Rebecca, before we jump into specific questions about your organization, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a native of Fort Lauderdale, FL, and spent most of my life in South Florida. In 2013, I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science + Health Promotion from Florida Atlantic University. I later graduated with a master’s degree in Public Health from Florida International University. I currently work as a Community Health Program Manager for one of the largest faith-based health systems in the nation. My passion for addressing health equity in Black communities led me to start my very own nonprofit organization, The Black Health Commission (@BlackHealthCommission). I also provide freelance consulting on grant capacity building, social marketing, culturally competent programming, and health communication tools.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road but I would not trade my journey for the world. When I graduated from grad school, I thought I would immediately find a job in my field. It took years of consistent networking and figuring out my niche to find where I would best use my skills in public health. Through networking, I offered an amazing opportunity to work for the local health system as a Community Health Program Manager. Using the skills that I learn on my day job, I am able to apply those same skills to my nonprofit organization. I am grateful to work in the field I am passionate about- I acknowledge how rare that can be for many college graduates.
Please tell us about The Black Health Commission.
The Black Health Commission’s mission is to take charge of health equity in Black communities through education, research, and advocacy. Many people do not think of the Social Determinants of Health (education, socioeconomic status, housing, neighborhood, etc.) when they think of health but this accounts for about 60% of someone’s quality of life and wellbeing. BHC focuses on SDOH and finds creative ways to educate our target audience. I am so proud of the online community we have built and this makes it a fostering way to educate people from all walks of life. Outside of educating, BHC also hosts local events such as community baby showers and a Black men mental health safe space. BHC is different from most healthcare organizations because we recognize the other factors that play into our wellbeing and do our best to address them through our online presence and events. I am so proud of what we have been able to do within a year of operating as a nonprofit and cannot wait to see what is next for the organization.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I would have asked for help to build the organization earlier on. Building your own nonprofit should be viewed as any other business although we focus on providing free services to our communities. It truly takes a village to help our community and this is what I have in mind as I continue to expand.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 407-801-4877
- Email: TheBlackHeathCommission@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackhealthcommission/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackhealthcommission/?modal=admin_todo_tour
Image Credit:
Image credit for my 1st image (green background): Apryl Stevens, photographer
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