CPH 18 — Self-Love, Representation, and Advocacy: A Conversation with Dr. Ericka Horne

Courageous Public Health

In this authentic and inspiring conversation, Dr. Ericka Horne shares how courage, self-love, and faith have shaped her journey as a Black woman in public health. From boldly shaving her hair as an act of personal liberation to standing up against injustice in the workplace, she reflects on the moments that called her to take action despite fear—and how those moments continue to fuel her purpose today.

Dr. Horne invites us into her story of modeling as a plus-size woman, where she champions body positivity and helps young women embrace self-love at every stage of life. She also speaks to the power of preparation, self-knowledge, and faith as tools for navigating spaces that don’t always welcome Black women’s leadership.

Meet Dr. Ericka Horne

Dr. Ericka Horne is a public health consultant who is passionate about faith-based partnerships. She holds a DrPH from Florida A & M University, and an MPH from Benedictine University. She has certificates in Health Education & Promotion and Epidemiology.

Dr. Horne is the Founder and CEO of Ackire Consulting. Though she serves on several national and local boards, most of her time is spent volunteering and mentoring within her community. Dr. Horne uses her platform to engage others in prioritizing self-care, education, and most importantly, their health.

As a Certified Health Education Specialist, she spends her time providing health education to the community and through Akcire Consulting, she assists with program planning and evaluation for Non-profits, Faith Based Organizations (FBOs), and underrepresented and Caribbean populations.

Listen To This Episode of The Courageous Public Health Podcast

Conversation Highlights

• Courage as Personal Liberation – Dr. Horne reflects on how boldly shaving and coloring her hair became a transformative act of courage that helped her embrace freedom and authenticity in new ways.
• Modeling for Self-Love and Representation – She shares her journey as a plus-size model advocating for body positivity and inspiring young women to love themselves fully, in every season of life.
• Advocating in the Workplace – Dr. Horne describes standing up to workplace injustice, learning to advocate for herself effectively, and using that experience to help others advocate for their health and dignity.
• Power Through Authenticity and Faith – She explains how knowing herself, leaning into her faith, and surrounding herself with supportive people helped her embody her power in spaces not always built for Black women.
• Preparation as a Form of Courage – Dr. Horne emphasizes the importance of being ready for opportunities, even when they aren’t immediately available—and the courage it takes to keep preparing despite setbacks.
• A Vision for Health as a Right – She shares her vision for a future where health is universally accessible, Black women continue leading change, and public health work centers equity, dignity, and well-being for all.

“Once I knew me, I knew me—and no one could tell me who I was because I knew who I was.” — Dr. Ericka Horne

Stay In Touch:

Dr. Ericka Horne on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericka-horne/

Email Dr. Kristi McClamroch - [email protected]

Dr. Kristi McClamroch on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-mcclamroch/

www.CourageousPublicHealth.com

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Public Health Consulting To Support You

At Courageous Public Health, we are turning up the volume on courage within women, particularly Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color who are doing the work of public health. We support public health organizations through workshop design and facilitation, and speaking engagements. Interested in working with us? Reach out on email, LinkedIn, or our website!