Leisha McKinley-Beach (BSHSE ’95)
2023 HHP Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee
Leisha McKinley-Beach is an author, thought leader, inspirational strategist, trainer and community organizer. McKinley-Beach is the founder and CEO of The Black Public Health Academy, which prepares Black health department employees for executive leadership positions, and Leisha.org, which provides HIV and general health information for communities of color.
Mckinley-Beach also serves as a national consultant who provides training and community engagement on Black health issues, including HIV, medical mistrust, racism in public health and cultural humility. She has been fortunate to participate in nationally recognized projects such as PrEP in Black America; Risk to Reasons, a national movement to retire the word “risk” associated with sexual health for women; the Florida Department of Health Sistas Organizing to Survive (SOS), a first-ever statewide campaign to address HIV among Black women; and initiatives to engage faith-based communities in the HIV response across the South.