Open to opportunities

Kirsten Zook

@kirstenzook

Message

Dedicated community engagement and public health professional with 10+ years experience.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I am looking for a role that allows me to drive social change and health equity, fostering community partnerships and innovative programs.

I am a dedicated community engagement and public health professional with over a decade of experience driving social justice initiatives and health equity programs. My expertise lies in building and managing complex multi-stakeholder networks, where I excel in program coordination, strategic partnerships, and effective communication across diverse sectors. I have a proven track record of developing innovative programs that address systemic inequities, particularly in maternal and child health, youth empowerment, and community-driven solutions.

In my current role as Program Manager at March of Dimes, I coordinate the Mom & Baby Action Network, a coalition of over 600 partners addressing root causes of inequities in maternal and infant health. I have successfully planned national summit events and managed a significant grant to expand equitable access to doula care. My commitment to creating meaningful social change is evident in my ability to convene stakeholders and facilitate impactful initiatives.

Throughout my career, I have maintained a strong focus on community engagement, collaborating with families and organizations to improve health outcomes. My experience includes leading community outreach efforts at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and developing educational programs at WordPlay Cincy. I am passionate about fostering partnerships and driving initiatives that empower communities and promote health equity.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Program Manager

Current

March of Dimes

Mar 2021 - Present (4 years 6 months)

Coordinated the Mom & Baby Action Network, a coalition of over 600 partners working to address inequities in maternal and infant health. Served as project manager for a $5 million CVS Health Foundation grant to expand equitable access to doula care across the US.

Coalition Building Program Management Strategic Partnerships Communication Grant Management Curriculum Development Event Planning Stakeholder Engagement Public Health

Current

Full Spectrum Doula & Childbirth Educator

Current

Independent Practice

Jan 2018 - Present (7 years 8 months)

Provided comprehensive birth support services to over 50 families, achieving a 100% client satisfaction rate. Delivered personalized prenatal education and facilitated communication between clients and medical staff during labor.

Birth Support Postpartum Recovery Client Relations Confidentiality Trauma Informed Care

Community Outreach Specialist

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

Jan 2018 - Jan 2021 (3 years)

Planned and executed annual Learning Sessions, community and family-centered events for over 300 participants. Led community engagement and organizing efforts, bringing together families, residents, and organizations to improve health outcomes.

Community Engagement Event Planning Quality Improvement Data Analysis Family Centered Design Relationship Building Public Health Youth Literacy Program Coordination

Senior Program Officer & Communications Director

Raising Voices

Jan 2010 - Jan 2018 (8 years)

Led the design and management of the organization's website and social media platforms. Oversaw programmatic development and expansion of the Gender-based Violence Prevention Network.

Social Media Marketing Communications Strategy Program Development Documentation Strategic Planning Volunteer Management

Program Director | Communication & Grants Coordinator

WordPlay Cincy

Jan 2014 - Jan 2017 (3 years)

Developed learning curricula and evaluative metrics for afterschool programming focused on racial justice and youth inequities. Maintained a robust grant portfolio of $500,000 and supported social justice philanthropy efforts.

Curriculum Development Fundraising Community Engagement Program Management Youth Empowerment Staff Supervision Strategic Planning Salesforce

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Childbirth and Postpartum Association (CAPPA)

Certified Labor Doula, Childbirth and Postpartum Support

Completed comprehensive training to become a certified labor doula. This certification equipped me with the skills to provide support and guidance to birthing individuals and their families.

Oberlin College

Bachelor of Arts with Honors, Anthropology and Comparative American Studies

Graduated with honors, focusing on the intersection of culture, society, and human behavior. My studies included in-depth research and analysis of various social structures and their impact.