Staff Spotlight: Tempestt S. Latham
Tempestt S. Latham, MPH, RDH
Program Manager, Research and Evaluation
Meet Tempestt Latham, MPH, RDH - learn about importance of community and discover how she ignites fires of change along her way!
In our spotlight this month, we are thrilled to introduce Tempestt, a dedicated program coordinator for CARE's Health Leadership Programs. Originally starting her professional career as a dental hygienist, Tempestt discovered her calling for community engagement through her work. During the early stages of the COVID pandemic, she was accepted into the New Haven Health Leaders (NHHL) program and shortly after, began her Masters of Public Health (MPH) studies. Upon completing her MPH, Tempestt joined the CARE team, bringing her expertise and enthusiasm to her role as a Program Coordinator.
Members of the NHHL undergo a 9-month training learning how to address neighborhood-level health issues, while engaging other residents and partners towards the mission of improving health for their communities. In particular, the health leaders have the opportunity to address the impact of social determinants of health unique to the community through projects that they design and lead.
Growing up in New Haven, Tempestt understands the challenges faced by communities and the importance of addressing neighborhood-level health issues. Tempestt firmly believes that
the NHHL program gives folks the opportunity to (1) understand why these resources are available and exist, (2) learn how they can do to support or advocate for more resources in their neighborhood or community, and (3) be hands on with a project in their community and recognize the work required to keep these initiatives going. Last year, CARE piloted the Future Health Leaders program with high school juniors and seniors, where students had the chance to learn more about their community – who their representatives, alders, and other community members are and what they do, all while giving back. Tempestt has been an integral part in the Future Health Leaders program, and continues to lead our other health leadership programs at CARE.
Valuing community members as the true experts in understanding their own needs and strengths and cultivating continuous and evolving relationships within the community is the cornerstone of her approach. She is delighted to see more New Haveners becoming actively involved, giving individuals the opportunity to contribute and make a difference in their neighborhoods.
Working for CARE, and in public health, has “further ignited this burning desire to do more and to provide more support”. Seeing that lightbulb moment, when her health leaders are able to take theoretical concepts, reflect, and then later apply it real-time in their work has been immensely rewarding. Tempestt intends to continue her educational journey in public health and hopes to continue to share her expertise – both as a coordinator and as an adjunct faculty member.
Working for CARE, and in public health, has "further ignited this burning desire to do more and to provide more support.”
Tempestt's dedication to empowering communities for health equity is commendable. Her intentional drive and efforts in facilitating community engagement, addressing social determinants of health, and training residents in grassroots interventions are invaluable to NHHLs and the wider community. Let’s watch as Tempestt continues to “ignite some fires along [her] way”!
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