Open to opportunities

JaPeera Leary

@japeeraleary

Message

Strategic health communications manager driving culturally responsive public health campaigns and partnerships.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek a mission-driven public health communications role where I can lead inclusive, data-driven campaigns, manage cross-functional teams, and advance health equity.

I am a mission-driven Health Communications Manager with 8+ years advancing public health through inclusive, data-informed communications.

I have led strategic communication efforts for national campaigns and federally funded research, producing 50+ assets annually and driving measurable engagement improvements.

I manage cross-functional teams, stakeholder partnerships, grant deliverables, and multi-channel campaigns, using tools like Canva, Salesforce, and Microsoft Office to streamline workflows.

I prioritize health equity and culturally responsive messaging, having developed nationwide partner engagement strategies and inclusive frameworks that increased subscriber engagement and network growth.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Health Communications Manager

Westat Inc.

May 2021 - May 2025 (4 years)

Led strategic communications for federally funded public health initiatives, producing 50+ assets annually and driving a 15% increase in subscriber engagement while managing grants, subcontract coordination, and budget compliance.

Campaign Development Content Creation Stakeholder Engagement Canva Salesforce Grant Management

Health Communications Fellow

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education

May 2020 - May 2021 (1 year)

Supported national dissemination of the Let's Stop HIV Together campaign by developing culturally competent resources and recruiting partners to expand reach and improve access to prevention, testing, and treatment.

HIV Prevention Content Development Partner Recruitment Cultural Competence Social Media

Health Educator

Georgia Institute of Technology

May 2018 - Apr 2020 (1 year 11 months)

Planned, implemented, and evaluated evidence-based health promotion programs for students and staff, developing toolkits and workshops that increased engagement and informed continuous program improvement.

Health Promotion Curriculum Development Workshop Facilitation Data Analysis Partnership Building Program Evaluation

Health Equity Specialist

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Contro

Jun 2016 - Mar 2018 (1 year 9 months)

Developed and managed health equity initiatives, produced culturally tailored education materials, and coordinated events and trainings that increased awareness of minority health issues statewide.

Health Equity Events Program Management Culturally Tailored Materials Event Coordination Technical assistance Community Outreach

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of North Carolina

Bachelor of Arts, Global Health & Environment

Bachelor of Arts in Global Health & Environment focusing on global health issues and environmental determinants of health.

National Commission for Health Education Credentialing

Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), Health Education

2019 - 2019

Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential obtained in 2019 to demonstrate professional competency in health education.

University of South Carolina

Master of Public Health, Health Promotion, Education & Behavior

Master of Public Health with a focus on Health Promotion, Education & Behavior emphasizing evidence-based health promotion and community-focused interventions.