Today we’d like to introduce you to Kavindra “KayVee” Ferguson-Thaxton
Kavindra “KayVee”, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have been interested in the field of Public Health since I was an incoming student at Spelman College. I attended a pre-freshman summer program that allowed me to take an intro class taught by Dr Bill Jenkins who worked to correct the wrongs of the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment. I went on to minor in public health at Morehouse College. Years after graduating from Spelman College I earned my Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Memphis.
Around 2017, I noticed the vast amount of public health misinformation on social media. This was very frustrating and of course I could not address every false claim that I came across, so I began to think about ways where I could make a difference and lead people to real sources and correct information regarding public health. This led to me starting the Hood Health Report Podcast. The Hood Health Report is a podcast/YouTube show that aims to have chill conversations about important public health topics and current events. We also interview influential people in their respective fields. We have covered topics such as global warming, Black Wall Street, and the Tik Tok Ban.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a journey over the past 5 years. When I started Hood Health Report it was just myself with a microphone in my spare room. After about a year of consistent episodes I was halted by the Covid 19 pandemic as that was all the health news for months. It became overwhelming and I took a little break from the show. During this break, a lot of life happened, and I am now a wife and mother. So, with my new responsibilities I knew that I would need help relaunching the Hood Health Report. Now we are a 5-person team with audio and visual formats of the show. My current struggle is getting more viewers to my show. It has been very difficult to reach my target audience, but I am dedicated to spreading the word and growing Hood Health Report.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Outside of the Hood Health Report, I work in the clinical research space where I further utilize my degree in public health. I am most proud of my extensive background in public health field. I am very passionate about the health of not just my community but all people and groups. What sets me apart from others is my method of conveying my passion not just through my career but also through Hood Health Report.
What does success mean to you?
I define success as reaching your personal goals for advancement in life. Some may use financial goals and accolades as a measurement of success, but I believe it is much broader than that. Success is starting that project that you have been planning for months. Success is staying consistent on your goals and improving your skills. Success has many different measurements and I have to remind myself of this often to not get caught up in status and awards.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoodhealthreport/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoodHealthReport
- Twitter: https://x.com/HoodHealthPod
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIY17ei8T9hZ3fYbuC7zQX7l11mIjh1Ot
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@hoodhealthreport?_t=8bdtjywtjus&_r=1
