In this episode of the Courageous Public Health Podcast, Dr. Tyra Gross reflects on what becomes possible when we give ourselves permission to follow an idea—even when we don’t know exactly where it will lead.
From choosing to study public health in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina, to building a career in maternal and child health, to imagining new ways to give others the time and space to pursue their own ideas, Tyra shares how some of the most meaningful paths begin with a willingness to take a leap.
This conversation explores courage, curiosity, mentorship, and the conditions that give us room to imagine—and pursue—what might be possible.
Meet Dr. Tyra Gross✨
Dr. Tyra Gross is an Associate Professor and Department Chair of Public Health at Xavier University of Louisiana, where she has worked as a public health instructor, researcher and mentor since August 2015. Her research expertise is in maternal and child health disparities.
Prior to joining Xavier, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship in reproductive women’s health at University of Texas Medical Branch. Given her interest in maternal and child health, the majority of Dr. Gross’ research has focused on the health of reproductive-age women. In 2024, Dr. Gross launched the Maternal and Child Health Equity Research and Engagement (MA CHERE) Lab at Xavier. Her current research projects explore the health of Black postpartum women in Louisiana, and maternal and child health during natural disasters and climate crises.
Dr. Gross is a member of the American Public Health Association (APHA), Academy Health and Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM). She also proudly serves as a speaker, coach, trainer and mentor.
She is a proud wife and mother of four spunky kids and also an aspiring entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Conversation Highlights 🎙️
- Permission to Take the Leap — Dr. Gross reflects on following ideas even when the path isn’t clear and staying open to where they might lead.
- Choosing New Orleans — She shares why she chose to study public health in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina, despite being told the decision was “crazy,” and how that choice shaped her life and career.
- A Maternal Health Story Close to Home — Dr. Gross explores the connection between her work in maternal and child health, her own experience of motherhood, and the story of her great-grandmother, who died seven weeks postpartum.
- Open to What Comes Next — She reflects on having a vision without holding it so tightly that there’s no room for mentorship, guidance, or unexpected opportunities.
- Creating Space for Other People’s Ideas — Looking ahead, Dr. Gross imagines ways to give others the time, resources, and support to explore their own ideas—and feel like they have permission to make a leap.
“I don’t think my vision was so tight for myself that I wasn’t open for guidance and feedback.” — Dr. Tyra Gross
Stay in Touch 🔗
With Dr. Tyra Gross
LinkedIn ↗: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyragross/
Instagram ↗: https://www.instagram.com/tygrss2020/
With the MA CHERE Lab
Instagram ↗: https://www.instagram.com/macherelab/
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 organizations navigating complexity through keynote presentations, workshops, and leadership development.
Her work helps leaders better understand themselves, one another, and the conditions that shape what’s possible.
To explore speaking or consulting opportunities, connect on LinkedIn ↗ or visit our website ↗.