Managing in Turbulent Times: Emerging Leaders in Public Health

Alumni

Kenyette T. Barnes-Harper, EdMKenyette T. Barnes-Harper, EdM
CEO, Nia-Vizyon, LLC, Coalition for Positive Sexuality

Area of work: Adolescent and school health, policy and HIV research

 

Determined to combat adolescent morbidity, HIV/AIDS and health disparities, Kenyette Barnes-Harper is committed to a career in adolescent and school health, HIV/AIDS, leadership, policy and research. A public health educator by training, Kenyette has also worked as a coordinator, consultant, educator, epidemiologist and researcher.

Currently, she is the CEO of Nia-Vizyon, LLC, a public health, education and grant-writing consulting firm in Virginia Beach. Prior to consulting, Barnes-Harper served as the HIV Health Planner/Interim Program Coordinator for the Ryan White Title I Program in Norfolk Virginia, a Research Coordinator with The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; and worked with the The Health Museum of Cleveland, and Project SAMM (Stopping AIDS is My Mission) with the University Hospitals of Cleveland.

Kenyette's research interests are adolescent and school health, HIV/AIDS, leadership and policy and under-represented minorities in leadership and academic research.  Barnes-Harper holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Cleveland State University, a Master of Education in School Health from Temple University, and currently is a doctoral student in Leadership and Policy Studies at The George Washington University's Graduate School of Educational Leadership and Human Development.

Kenyette lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia with her husband, Dez, and two children Ryan (Rayne) and Harper.

Personal Information

I would describe myself as a mid-western girl with an east-coast flair. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, I currently live in Virginia Beach, VA (via Philadelphia)  with my husband and two children. My hobbies and interests are eclectic fashion, thrift-stores, antique jewelry, traveling, diverse cultures and fine-dining. In addition, I have a special weakness for Swiss chocolate, "old-school" hip-hop, 70s R&B and disco. Also, I enjoy meeting new people with the same zeal and eagerness that I have to change the status quo.

What I would like to get out of this program

My expectation is that the ELPH fellowship will refine and cultivate my leadership skills. Moreover, it is my desire that this fellowship will provide a forum for candid and constructive dialog, rigorous training, professional support and networking with other aspiring leaders.