Now Accepting Applications
We’re now accepting applications for our Community Advisory Board (CAB), a resident-led research body designed to ensure that community voices, experiences, and priorities are centered in our work to make St. Petersburg healthier and more equitable. The CAB will conduct resident-led and -centered research that will inform and help shape policies, programs, investments, and systems that impact the health of South St. Petersburg residents.
Community-Led. Community-Informed. Community-Driven.
The CAB will be comprised of roughly 15 residents who live or work in the zip codes of the South St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area (33705, 33711, 33712). CAB members will be trained as community researchers with the skills to identify and lift up resident priorities, opportunities, and barriers to health.
Membership: The CAB will reflect the diversity of South St. Petersburg and may include residents, neighborhood leaders, youth, elders, faith leaders, business owners, healthcare professionals, educators, advocates, representatives of community-based organizations, and residents from populations most affected by health inequities and economic challenges. CAB members will have a demonstrated history of their commitment to St. Petersburg and its residents.
Role of the CAB:
- Represents diverse community voices and lived experiences.
- Conducts research to identify factors affecting health, equity, and economic sustainability in St. Petersburg.
- Advocates for community priorities identified by St. Petersburg residents.
- Uses research findings to inform Foundation’s strategies and investments that address root causes of inequities.
Time Commitment and Compensation:
CAB meetings will be held monthly. All CAB members are asked to serve for at least one year and will receive a stipend for their participation. CAB members should be able to commit up to 20 hours per month
APPLY NOWMeet the CAB Facilitators
Dr. Stephanie Z. Reed is an experienced consultant, educator, public health professional, and advocate for inclusive and fair systems. She is the owner and principal consultant of Reed Community Consulting, and co-founder of Rest and Re-create, a wellness company. She is passionate about improving the health and well-being of people and communities that have historically faced exclusion and limited access to resources and opportunities and believes everyone should have the opportunity to live a healthy, fulfilling life, free from unnecessary barriers and oppression. Dr. Reed earned a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Florida State University, as well as a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology from Florida A&M University and a PhD in Maternal and Child Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, along with a Certificate in Health Disparities.
Dr. Keesha Benson is the Principal Owner of Providence Group International, a consulting firm dedicated to leadership development, organizational and community intervention, and research and equitable evaluation. She is passionate about ensuring that stakeholders have autonomy and access to needed resources, and information that leads to longstanding transformative change. She is an inclusive and equity-centered community practitioner with over 20 years of experience engaging in individual, organization, and community-level work. Dr. Benson received both her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Social Work with a focus in community intervention, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Business Administration from Florida A&M University.
CAB Guiding Principles
Community Leadership
Residents are experts in their own experiences and should help shape decisions that affect their lives.
Equity and Inclusion
All voices matter, especially those from historically underserved communities.
Shared Power
Lasting change requires collaboration and shared decision-making.
Transparency and Accountability
Decisions should be informed by community input and communicated openly.
Data and Lived Experience
Community knowledge and evidence-based information are both essential for effective solutions.