Contributing Writer: Calleshia Gilliam, MPH
Calleshia Gilliam wears multiple hats as a mother, a public health advocate, an employee, and a student. Born and raised in rural Jamaica, she experienced humble beginnings, becoming aware of inequalities stemming from inadequate built infrastructure and civic planning. After moving to the United States, she observed a need for more public health knowledge and health education within her community (Kern County) linked to health disparities. Recognizing that these community disparities would inevitably impact her children's lives, she committed to advocating for change.
Since 2022, Calleshia has actively contributed to the Community Commons platform as a contributing writer. Immersed in health and social disparities research, she finds joy in absorbing knowledge and skillfully linking it to the practical needs of both field and community. With a strong passion for promoting workplace equity and health education. She strives to educate others and actively seeks solutions to address her community's health and social disparities.
Calleshia held a fellowship position at the Institute for People, Place, and Possibilities in 2022 and 2023, where she actively engaged in professional training and mentorship in health communication. Simultaneously, she interned at the California Department of Public Health, gaining valuable experience and insights in health equity and grant management. Throughout her career, Calleshia has served her local community in various capacities, including coordinating religious activities for community youths, working in hospitals, assisted living facilities, managed care organizations, civic settings, and collaborative initiatives that cater to underserved populations. Recently, she relocated to the Bay Area to contribute to the San Francisco Department of Public Health's COVID-19 task force. Demonstrating her dedication to addressing disparities. In 2017, a team led by Calleshia won a community hackathon by utilizing research, data, and technology to develop real-time solutions to community disparities. Over the past five years, she has accumulated extensive professional experience in health communications, health equity, health education, wellness coordination, health worker, and lead resource coordinator. These experiences have equipped her with a unique perspective to view disparities through a unique lens.
Calleshia profoundly understands the intricate coordination required for civic engagement and community planning. With a strong belief in diversity, inclusion, and equity, she tackles disparities with unwavering determination, tenacity, moral integrity, and ethical conduct. When not actively working towards a change, you might find her engrossed in a thought-provoking podcast, dancing to an infectious beat, engaging in enriching activities, creating delectable culinary delights, or exploring captivating destinations abroad. Recently, she received a master's degree in Urban Community Health. Calleshia aspires to leverage her professional experience to advocate for equity in all programs, policies, and communities. With a genuine passion for promoting fairness and justice, she aims to make a meaningful impact and create positive change at the local, national, and systemic levels.
Browse Calleshia's work on Community Commons below.
