CPH 09 - Faith, Foundation, and Fierce Determination: A Conversation with LaShonda Richardson, MPH, CCHW

Courageous Public Health

In this uplifting and deeply grounded conversation, LaShonda Richardson—public health educator and founder of Emerge Public Health and Community Development—shares what it means to lead with faith, clarity, and unapologetic presence. Raised by her grandmother in a small town in North Carolina, LaShonda reflects on how her early experiences taught her discipline, resilience, and the importance of standing firm in who you are.

She speaks candidly about being the only Black woman in professional spaces—and the courage it takes to keep showing up, speak your truth, and take up space with intention. With warmth and wisdom, LaShonda reminds us that claiming your power isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present, prepared, and rooted in purpose.

Throughout the episode, she returns to a message of community, legacy, and faith: that your voice matters, your leadership is needed, and someone is always watching, waiting to be inspired by your first step.

Meet LaShonda Richardson, MPH, CCHW

LaShonda Richardson, MPH, CCHW is a Public Health Consultant, Certified Community Health Worker, and the CEO and Founder of EMERGE Public Health and Community Development LLC. With a mission to Educate. Motivate. Empower. Restore. Grow. Evolve., she works with communities, businesses, and organizations to deliver impactful health education, facilitate engaging workshops and events, and develop wellness programs that drive lasting change.

As a public health educator, speaker, and event planner, LaShonda specializes in making health information accessible, engaging, and culturally relevant. She’s known for her ability to “take the pain out of planning” by offering seamless event execution, dynamic trainings, and expert-led consulting tailored to the needs of diverse audiences.

LaShonda has led powerful initiatives around breast cancer and diabetes awareness, spoken at the North Carolina Public Health Association conference, and created programs that empower communities to make informed decisions about their health. Through EMERGE Public Health, she also connects clients with a trusted network of health professionals to ensure specialized, expert-led education when needed.

Whether planning an event, facilitating a training, or speaking on health equity, LaShonda brings passion, purpose, and professionalism to everything she does.

Listen To This Episode of The Courageous Public Health Podcast

Conversation Highlights

• Courage Rooted in Upbringing - LaShonda reflects on her childhood in a strict, faith-centered home in rural North Carolina, and how her grandmother’s love and discipline shaped her ability to persevere through exclusion, judgment, and fear.
• Taking Up Space - She shares what it’s like to be the only Black woman in professional spaces—and the intentional work it takes to speak up, set the tone, and claim your worth, even when others question your presence.
• Power with Purpose - LaShonda discusses the pressure Black women face to appear “professional” without being labeled “aggressive,” and how she’s learned to express power with grace, conviction, and self-trust.
• Community-Centered Public Health - As the founder of Emerge Public Health and Community Development, LaShonda describes how she designs wellness programs that meet people where they are—infusing joy, creativity, and cultural relevance into every event.
• Building the Table - She offers a bold call to action for Black women: stop waiting for a seat at the table—build your own. LaShonda encourages others to take the leap, even if all the pieces aren’t in place yet.
• Leading for the Next Generation - LaShonda reminds us that courage isn’t just personal—it’s generational. She speaks passionately about uplifting young people and creating space for them to lead with confidence and clarity.
• Faith, Vision, and Relentless Belief - Throughout the episode, LaShonda returns to her faith as a compass—one that keeps her grounded in purpose, committed to service, and confident that her voice matters.

“You are the thermostat. You set the tone when you walk into the room.” - LaShonda Richardson, MPH, CCHW

Stay In Touch:

EMERGE Public Health and Community Development LLC

LaShonda Richardson on LinkedIn

LaShonda Richardson on Instagram

LaShonda Richardson on Facebook

Email Dr. Kristi McClamroch

Dr. Kristi McClamroch on LinkedIn

www.CourageousPublicHealth.com

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Public Health Consulting To Support You

At Courageous Public Health, we are turning up the volume on courage within women, particularly Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color who are doing the work of public health. We support public health organizations through workshop design and facilitation, and speaking engagements. Interested in working with us? Reach out on email, LinkedIn, or our website!