In this episode of the Courageous Public Health Podcast, Dr. Khalilah LeGrand shares what it looks like to practice courage through restraint — especially in high-stakes public health moments where she holds information that could change how a story is perceived, but chooses not to share it.
As a spokesperson navigating crisis, scrutiny, and public pressure, she reflects on the discipline it takes to stay aligned with your values — even when you know more than you can say.
This is a conversation about courage, authenticity, and values — and how being intentional, measured, and fully yourself can be a powerful form of leadership.
Meet Dr. Khalilah LeGrand✨
Dr. Khalilah LeGrand serves as Vice President of Communications and Public Relations for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, where she leads strategic communications efforts to advance public health system transformation and support state and territorial health leaders in demonstrating the value of public health.
Prior to joining ASTHO, she held leadership roles at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, including Chief of Staff and Director of Communications.
Dr. LeGrand holds a Doctor of Organizational Leadership and has built a career at the intersection of public health, communications, and leadership—bringing a values-driven approach to how information is shared and understood.
She also holds advanced degrees in communications and psychology, along with executive training in management and diversity and inclusion.
Conversation Highlights 🎙️
- Restraint in High-Stakes Moments — Dr. LeGrand shares what it means to serve as a spokesperson during a crisis—holding critical information that could shift public perception, and choosing restraint to protect integrity and process.
- A Lifelong Anchor in Values — From confronting a teacher at age 12 to navigating leadership today, she reflects on a deeply rooted sense of right and wrong—and how that has guided her decisions across her life.
- Authenticity as a Leadership Strategy — After trying to emulate others early on, Dr. LeGrand describes how embracing her own voice, presence, and communication style became a source of power in professional spaces.
- Responding to Bias with Clarity and Choice — She shares moments of being underestimated and misjudged—from school to professional settings—and the different ways she’s chosen to respond, from direct confrontation to strategic forward movement.
- Using Presence to Lead and Protect — Dr. LeGrand reflects on how she’s learned to use her physical presence, voice, and authority intentionally—whether guiding a conversation or stepping in to manage high-pressure situations.
“There were so many times where I would think… if only people knew one or two details, they would not feel this particular way.” — Dr. Khalilah LeGrand
Stay in Touch 🔗
With Dr. Khalilah LeGrand
LinkedIn ↗: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khalilah-legrand-ed-d-ab84496/
With Dr. Kristi McClamroch
LinkedIn ↗: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch
Website ↗: www.CourageousPublicHealth.com
Follow for weekly reflections on courage and leadership ↗: http://eepurl.com/jcgQv6
Public Health Consulting to Support You 🤝
We partner with public health, healthcare, nonprofit, philanthropic, and government organizations to design and facilitate interactive workshops for women leaders in public health — turning courage into a leadership skill so it becomes an organizational strength.
If your organization would benefit from this kind of support, we’d love to connect. Reach out on LinkedIn ↗ or through our website ↗.
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