Lauren R. Powell, MPA, PhD

Virginia Department of Health

Dr. Lauren Powell currently serves the Director of the Office of Health for the Commonwealth of Virginia. She has an established track-record as a community-engaged social epidemiologist, and champion for racial and health equity. Dr. Powell recently completed her Master’s in Public Administration at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical and Population Health Research at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Her undergraduate degree was completed at Xavier University of Louisiana with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry.

Passionate about understanding how public health organizations can better address the social determinants of health, Dr. Powell leads public health and healthcare organizations on strategies to infuse health equity into all practices, with an emphasis on systems-driven solutions.

Dr. Powell is passionate about mentorship and community engagement. She actively seeks opportunities to help mold and encourage the next generation of leaders in health equity.

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