In this episode of the Courageous Public Health Podcast, Dr. Carlene Valentine reflects on what it means to remain true to yourself while stepping into spaces where you aren’t sure you belong.
From becoming the first in her family to attend college, to navigating the transition from community-based public health into corporate leadership, Dr. Valentine shares how she learned to find her voice without leaving her communities—or herself—behind.
This conversation explores courage, authenticity, representation, leadership, and what becomes possible when we recognize that who we are isn’t something to overcome. It’s often our greatest contribution.
Meet Dr. Carlene Valentine✨
Dr. Valentine holds an associate’s degree in human services, a bachelor’s in forensic psychology, a master’s in psychology focused on Public Administration and Social Change, and recently completed her PhD in Psychology with a focus on Social Psychology.
She has served nearly two decades in public health, focusing on community-based HIV prevention strategies, HIV treatment, care and supportive services. She is currently serving as the Assistant Director for an ambulatory HIV primary care and supportive services Ryan White funded program, at a large New York-based Health System, serving 10-federally qualified health centers. She also serves as the Project Director and Co-Principal Investigator for three federally and state grant funded HIV prevention programs .
She calls herself the people’s champion, reflecting her passion for social justice and positive social change.
Conversation Highlights 🎙️
- Being Who You Are — Dr. Carlene Valentine reflects on becoming the first in her family to attend college, navigating unfamiliar spaces, and discovering that authenticity became one of her greatest strengths.
- Finding Your Voice in the Room — As she transitioned from community-based public health into corporate leadership, Dr. Valentine shares what it took to adapt without losing sight of the communities and values she represents.
- Representation Matters — She discusses recognizing that her presence at the table gave her the opportunity to bring perspectives that otherwise might not be heard—and embracing the responsibility that came with that opportunity.
- The Return of the Village — Dr. Valentine shares her vision for a future where communities, families, and public health leaders work collectively to care for one another, drawing inspiration from the strengths of village-centered and matriarchal traditions.
- Leading the Next Generation — Looking ahead, she reflects on her hopes to teach, mentor, and support future public health professionals while encouraging the next generation to pursue their own paths with courage.
“I can only be who I am.” — Dr. Carlene Valentine
Stay in Touch 🔗
With Dr. Carlene Valentine
LinkedIn ↗: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlene-camacho-valentine-ph-d-36ab611b5/
Email ↗: carlene.valentine@waldenu.edu
With Dr. Kristi McClamroch
LinkedIn ↗: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch
Follow for weekly reflections on courage and leadership ↗: http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6
Speaking & Leadership Development 🤝
Dr. Kristi McClamroch partners with public health, healthcare, nonprofit, philanthropic, government, and higher education organizations through keynote presentations, facilitated conversations, workshops, and leadership development experiences.
Her work explores courage, leadership, systems change, the conditions that shape decision-making, voice, well-being, and values-aligned action.
Whether you’re planning a conference, retreat, leadership program, or organizational event, Courageous Public Health can help create meaningful conversations that inspire reflection, connection, and action.
To explore speaking or consulting opportunities, connect on LinkedIn ↗ or visit our website ↗.
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