The newest episode of ASPPH’s IDEA Exchange Podcast, “Inspiring the Next Generation of Public Health Leaders”, is now available. Host Miranda Bosse sits down with Nakia Bolden, MPH, CHES®, public health educator, entrepreneur, and founder of I Am Health Education, for a conversation about career exploration, workforce readiness, mentorship, and preparing emerging professionals for an evolving public health landscape.

Drawing from a career spanning healthcare, infectious disease response, health policy, higher education, workforce development, and entrepreneurship, Bolden reflects on the many pathways available within public health. Her experience reinforces an important message for students and early-career professionals that there is no single path to building a meaningful career in the field.

The conversation also explores Bolden’s work through I Am Health Education to help bridge the gap between academic preparation and real-world public health practice. She discusses skills increasingly important for today’s workforce, including collaboration, adaptability, networking, professional development, and the ability to navigate rapidly changing technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Throughout the episode, Bolden encourages emerging professionals to embrace opportunities that challenge them, invest in relationships, continue learning, and remain open to where their careers may lead.