We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Rutledge Pettie, JD, MPH and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, is there something you believe many others might not?
Life has steered me away from conventional advice to find and stick with one thing you’re good at doing. Instead I have identified my purpose, which informs ways to apply the things I am good at doing towards it. Leading a purpose driven life has helped me embrace my calling to improve health outcomes and I have been intentional about inspiring change as a multi-hyphenate: public health practitioner – legal epidemiologist – maternal health champion – pageant titleholder – author – filmmaker and entrepreneur. Pursuing my purpose in a manner that embraces all of me feels empowering and it amplifies my impact.

What should our readers know about your business?
I lead the Health Equilibrium Group, a consultancy that partners with individuals and organizations to strategically empower them to broaden their reach, better serve the needs of diverse populations, address health disparities, and improve health equity outcomes. We specialize in cross-sector collaborations, including academia, digital health, government, healthcare providers, health plans, hospitals, policymakers and nonprofits.

Earlier this year, I became an author and wrote “A Queen’s Birth Story”, a children’s book that raises maternal health awareness and empowers parents to share their birth stories with their kids. Books are available via Barnes & Noble.

I love hosting the Maternal Health Conversations, a national web series and campaign that has featured OBGYNS, nurses, mental health professionals, healthcare administrators, policymakers, and parents.

As Mrs. Georgia American 2022, I served as a national spokesperson for improved maternal health outcomes and hosted my signature event, the Maternal Care Champion Awards, which honored 10 exceptional maternal care providers and advocates.

I am excited about tapping into my creative side as executive director for an upcoming maternal health documentary with my production company, Speak Her Stories Media – where we tell stories that inspire and change lives, healthcare systems, policies and health outcomes.

Lastly, I am always honored when asked to serve as maternal and child health speaker for national conferences, seminars, panel discussions and events.

My work has led to me being recognized by the Atlanta Hawks as a Healthcare Hero, and receiving the Boston Congress of Public Health’s Health Innovator to Watch Award, March of Dimes Woman of Distinction for Healthcare Leadership, NMQF Health Equity Award at the Annual Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, and Atlanta Young Government Leaders Award.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of the many things I love about Atlanta includes its amazing murals and street art, providing vibrant imagery of the City’s rich civil rights history, present, and future. It is a must to check out some of this artwork. From the “Herstory” mural in the West End honoring unsung leaders like Cleta Winslow, Janice Sykes Rogers, Irene Dobbs Jackson to the “We Shall March Ahead” mural featuring prominent leaders like Ralph David Abernathy, Hosea Williams, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King and Congressman John Lewis. I draw daily inspiration from these powerful visuals and hope that we can improve health outcomes across the country, including growing maternal mortality rates.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My incredible husband, Jason Pettie, Esq., ALWAYS goes the extra mile to support my dreams, despite his busy schedule as a law firm partner, U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee, and DEI speaker. Our two-year-old daughter, Jayla Ann Rose, gives the absolute BEST pep talks that make me feel like I can take on the world.

My mom, a longtime educator and dad, a renowned pastor, set the tone for excellence. My sister Allison is my favorite opera singer who I run my ideas by for creative feedback.

My supportive family, friends turned family, and Sorors of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated are always behind me.

I recently learned that my great-grandmother, Lula Hannibal Scarborough, trained to be a midwife at the Historic Penn School in St. Helena, South Carolina during the late 1800s/early 1900s. I often think about the countless moms and babies that she provided care for and this fuels my inspiration to work towards improving maternal health outcomes.

Website: www.HEGstrategies.com; www.SpeakHerStories.com; www.jenniferpettie.com

Instagram: @jenniferpettie; @hegstrategies; @speakherstories; @aqueensbirthstory

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-pettie-jd-mph

Twitter: Jennifer_Pettie

Youtube: @maternalhealthconversations

Image Credits
Rodgers Polk Photography; Ty Myrick, Sa Sa Studios

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