Managing in Turbulent Times: Emerging Leaders in Public Health

Alumni

Kimberly S. ClayKimberly S. Clay, BA, MPH, MSW, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Alabama at Birmingham

 

Area of work: Survivorship and Spirituality Research

Kimberly S. Clay, PhD, MPH, MSW is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Division of Preventive Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). She currently conducts research in the area of cancer survivorship and spirituality in the Minority Health and Research Center and holds an adjunct faculty position with the School of Education and Department of African American Studies at UAB.

Dr. Clay received her bachelor of arts degree in communications (cum laude) from Xavier University of Louisiana in 1998; a masters of social work and masters of public health from Tulane University in 1999 and 2000, respectively; and a doctorate of philosophy degree in health education/health promotion from the UAB in 2004. She completed the Presidential Management Fellows Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2002 before her return to graduate school.

Dr. Clay is most interested in building strong cohorts of African American public health scientists and practitioners who will contribute specifically to the elimination of health disparities among African Americans. Thus, she is foundress and CEO of Imani Health Group, Inc., a health communications consulting firm which develops and evaluates innovative programs and communication to educate and empower African Americans regarding total health and wellness.

Dr. Clay's most recent publication establishes the importance of engaging pastors' wives as partners in church-based health promotion among African Americans, particularly women.

Personal Information:

Dr. Clay is a mother of two boys, Joshua Wesley (3 years) and Mark Isaac (2 years) and is married to Mark A. Clay, MD. She enjoys traveling abroad and spending time with her family in worship and fellowship.

What I would like to get out of this program:

Dr. Clay intends to build her practice/research network through relationships developed with other fellows in the Emerging Leaders Program. Through this network and intensive training in finances, human resources, and communications, she plans to collaborate to take the lead in her area of discipline. Her ultimate goal is to facilitate meaningful and long-lasting health behavior change among African Americans by partnering with faith-based organizations and church congregations.