Hi, I’m Dr. Amina D. Massey
I specialize in strategic consulting for community-engaged research, programming, and project development. My research has utilized creative and participatory methodologies to address health equity through community advocacy, social policy, and public programs.
Drawing on my doctoral education in sociology and my extensive experience in developing community-based initiatives, I support organizations in designing and implementing impactful programs that foster collaboration, empowerment, and social change. My expertise spans across public health, arts education, and social justice, allowing me to provide tailored strategies that align with community needs and drive sustainable outcomes.
I have a proven track record of advising on community-based research, program development, and public policy campaigns, ensuring that each project integrates local knowledge, cultural responsiveness, and evidence-based practices. Whether partnering with academic institutions, non-profits, or local governments, I provide expert guidance to create inclusive and transformative experiences that connect communities, foster learning, and promote well-being.
My work leverages a deep understanding of organizational operations, creative methodologies, and community organizing principles to empower researchers and organizations to design initiatives that engage diverse stakeholders, advance social equity, and deliver measurable positive impact.
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Ph.D., Sociology of Health and Illness
University of California, San Francisco, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Dissertation: Beyond Coping: Responses to Chronic Illness Among Religious Black American Women
Research interests: Health advocacy and education, social determinants of health, racial health inequalities, depression, collective trauma, chronic illness, religion and spirituality, women’s health, LGBTQIA+ health, sociology of emotions
B.A., Ethnic Studies, Community Health
Brown University - with honors
Outstanding Honors Thesis Award for qualitative research on the role of cultural and religious belief in the experience of chronic illness among Black women in the U.S. and Brazil
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STRATEGIC CONSULTANT
New Orleans, LA | 2015 - present
DESIGN JUSTICE ORGANIZER
Colloqate Design | New Orleans, LA | 2024 - present
FOUNDER, OWNER & OPERATOR
[antidote] Botanical Wellness | New Orleans, LA | 2017 - present
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGY AND OPERATIONS
Material Institute | New Orleans, LA | 2020 - 2022
SENIOR BUSINESS CONSULTANT
NOVACES, LLC | New Orleans, LA | 2018 - 2019
COMMUNITY-BASED RESEARCH SPECIALIST
PROGRAM MANAGER, LACaTS Community Scholars Program
Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Education, Xavier University of Louisiana | New Orleans, LA | 2013 - 2017
RESEARCH ASSISTANT, PATIENT ENGAGEMENT AND RETENTION/LINKAGE
UCSF Positive Health Program, Ward 86, San Francisco General Hospital | San Francisco, CA | 2011 - 2013
POET MENTOR (Teaching Artist)
YouthSpeaks Literary Arts Organization | San Francisco, CA | 2009 - 2011
RESEARCH ASSISTANT, Health of Philadelphia Photo-Documentation Project (HOPPP)
University of Pennsylvania, Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics | Philadelphia, PA | 2006
RESEARCH ASSISTANT AND OUTREACH COORDINATOR, Transcultural Community Health Initiative (TCHI)
Brown University, Center for the Study of Race and Ethnicity | Providence, RI | 2005 - 2006
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Founder, [antidote] Botanical Wellness and Abolition Apothecary
antidoteshop.co
New Orleans, LA
Founder, Shotgun Griot Podcast and Events
New Orleans, LA
Committee Member / Consultant, Smoke-Free NOLA Campaign
The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living (TFL)
Louisiana Healthy Communities Coalition
New Orleans, LA
Guest Facilitator, Krewe de Lose Weight Loss Program
Ruth U. Fertel/ Tulane Community Health Center
New Orleans, LA
Program Manager, Louisiana Clinical and Translational Science Center (LACaTS) Community Scholars Program
Xavier University of Louisiana
New Orleans, LA
Community Engagement Specialist, Successful Weight Loss in Primary Care in Louisiana (PROPEL)
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA
Lead Researcher, Responses to Chronic Illness Among Black American Women
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
Facilitator, Jazz Poetry in Middle Schools
Youthspeaks, Inc. and SF Jazz
San Francisco, CA
Research Assistant, Patient Engagement and Retention/ Linkage (PEARL)
San Francisco General Hospital / UCSF Ward 86
San Francisco, CA
Research Assistant, Transcultural Community Health Initiative (TCHI)
Brown University
Providence, RI
Research Assistant, Health of Philadelphia Photo-Documentation Project (HOPPP)
University of Pennsylvania, Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics
Philadelphia, PA