Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Rutledge Pettie, JD, MPH.
Hi Jennifer, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Navigating my journey as a legal epidemiologist, maternal health champion, author, and filmmaker, I founded The Health Equilibrium Group, where I serve as the Founding Principal and Chief Executive Officer. I founded The Health Equilibrium Group to carve out a platform for collaboration with organizations, aiming to drive advancements in health equity.
This venture allows me the freedom to apply innovative strategies rooted in lived experiences, real-time data, BIPOC voices, and proven methodologies, fostering a dynamic and impactful approach to addressing healthcare disparities. Through multifaceted roles with the government, academia, and private industry, I’ve crafted an organization emphasizing the fusion of law, public health, and storytelling which contributes to ongoing discussions on health equity and societal well-being.
Three years ago, surviving life-threatening pregnancy complications profoundly impacted me. A month-long hospital stay for both my preemie daughter, Jayla Ann Rose, and me ignited a commitment to improving maternal health outcomes. Witnessing my amazing husband, Jason, navigate between our daughter in the NICU and my own critical condition fueled this dedication.
In response, I launched the Maternal Health Conversations Web Series, facilitating critical discussions with care providers, public health experts, policymakers, parents, and specialists. My children’s book, “A Queen’s Birth Story,” sheds light on birth trauma, encouraging families to engage in these crucial conversations.
As Mrs. Georgia American 2022-2023, I advocated for improved maternal health outcomes, discussing policy initiatives and establishing the Maternal Care Champion Awards. As a member of the Maternal Health Equity Research Advisory Council and serving as a Health Equity Ambassador with the Association of American Medical Colleges, I am dedicated to advancing maternal health.
These experiences define my journey, driving me to make lasting contributions. I am humbled and motivated by the honor of receiving awards and recognition in this field, such as the Boston Congress of Public Health Innovation Award, NMQF Health Equity Learning Award at the Annual Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, March of Dimes Healthcare Woman of Distinction Award, and Atlanta Hawks Healthcare Hero Award.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Certainly not! My journey as a health equity leader and maternal health advocate has had its share of twists and turns. One hurdle has been the need to address systemic disparities deeply rooted in healthcare. Tackling issues related to racial, gender, and socioeconomic inequities demands persistent effort and collaborative strategies.
Additionally, personal experiences have shaped my journey. Three years ago, grappling with life-threatening pregnancy complications underscored the urgency of my mission. Balancing the emotional weight of advocating for improved maternal health while also being a survivor of birth trauma has been a profound challenge.
Despite these struggles, they have fueled my commitment to fostering positive change. By amplifying voices, engaging in critical conversations, and initiating impactful projects, I strive to contribute meaningfully to the transformation of maternal health and health equity.
In overcoming challenges, I find solace and inspiration in the lyrics of Jonathan Reynolds’ “God is Good,” particularly the line “May your bad days prove that God is good.” My faith, and powerful legacy of ancestors who triumphed and achieved numerous firsts, along with the unwavering support of my loved ones, including my husband Jason and three-year-old daughter Jayla Ann Rose, serve as constant sources of strength. Their resilience motivates me to strive for excellence each day.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In my role as a legal epidemiologist, maternal health champion, author, and filmmaker, I’ve dedicated my efforts to revolutionizing maternal health and addressing black birth trauma. As the Founding Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Health Equilibrium Group, I lead policy initiatives and community engagement, embodying the essence of a public health changemaker.
Health Equilibrium Group specializes in a comprehensive range of health equity services, including consulting, training, policy analysis, research, writing, speaking engagements, grant writing, curriculum development, online courses, networking, partnerships, and technical assistance. What sets us apart is our holistic approach, integrating various strategies to address health disparities and promote equity in healthcare.
I specialize in bridging the realms of law, public health, and storytelling, emphasizing their intersection to contribute to ongoing dialogues on health equity and societal well-being. My expertise is further showcased through the Maternal Health Conversations Web Series, where critical discussions with maternal care providers, public health professionals, policymakers, and parents unfold.
I am excited about my children’s book, “A Queen’s Birth Story,” shedding light on birth trauma and empowering families to discuss these experiences with their children. Additionally, holding the title of Mrs. Georgia American 2022-2023 allowed me to champion maternal health causes, engaging with policymakers and establishing the Maternal Care Champion Awards.
What sets me apart is the combination of my personal journey surviving pregnancy-related complications, my commitment to advancing maternal health, and my multifaceted approach to advocacy through various mediums, including filmmaking and literature. These elements collectively define my unique contribution to the maternal health landscape.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I’m originally from New Jersey, but every summer during my childhood, I eagerly traveled down to South Carolina to visit family. Growing up, I was defined by a curious and creative spirit that led me to explore a diverse range of interests. From immersing myself in books and art to participating in music and sports—I played the piano, clarinet, and viola sang in the choir, and was a three-sport athlete who competed in varsity-level basketball, track, and cross country.
In addition, I managed to persuade my parents to let me participate in a teen pageant as well! This multifaceted upbringing laid the foundation for an innovative career. A deep fascination with storytelling emerged early on, fostering a love for literature that eventually influenced my interest in filmmaking. My personality was shaped by a blend of empathy and determination, instilled by my parents—a retired high school teacher and a pastor (along with a host of loved ones).
These qualities have been instrumental in shaping my commitment to improving maternal health outcomes as a legal epidemiologist, scholar-advocate, filmmaker, and author. The mix of curiosity, creativity, and a drive to make a positive impact has been a consistent thread throughout my life’s journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.HEGstrategies.com, www.SpeakHerStories.com, and www.jenniferpettie.com
- Instagram: @jenniferpettie, @hegstrategies, @speakherstories, and @aqueensbirthstory
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-pettie-jd-mph
- Twitter: @Jennifer_Pettie
- Youtube: @maternalhealthconversations
Image Credits
Holland Reid Photography
