Episode #422 Mentorship, Innovation, and Stigma Reduction with Parnia Roghani-Shareef, MPH, CPH
- Laura Hollabaugh
- Sep 16
- 3 min read
On This Episode Of The Public Health Epidemiology Conversations (PHEC) Podcast
This episode features an engaging and heartfelt conversation between Dr. Charlotte Huntley and Parnia Roghani-Shareef, highlighting her inspiring career journey, leadership in public health, and commitment to workforce development and behavioral health. The discussion covers actionable strategies and personal insights about building resilience, combating burnout, and fostering collaboration across the public health sector. Listeners are provided with networking advice, mentorship resources, and a glimpse into innovative overdose prevention initiatives, making this episode essential listening for public health professionals, students, and anyone interested in strengthening communities through public health action.
Meet Parnia Roghani Shareef
Parnia Roghani Shareef, MPH, CPHÂ is a public health professional with a passion in behavioral health and leadership and workforce development. She is currently the Assistant Director of Programming for the Region IV Public Health Training Center at Emory University, where she oversees strategic planning development and implementation of programs in the eight southeastern states. Committed to strengthening the public health workforce, Parnia has coordinated and developed training programs and leadership initiatives aimed at enhancing the capacity and effectiveness of public health professionals. She also has extensive experience in cross-sector collaboration to reduce opioid overdoses through data-driven strategies and awareness campaigns like Deactivate Opioids for a Safer Community and has contributed to launching the Overdose Fatality Review Board in Pasco County, FL.
Actively engaged in public health leadership, she serves as President of the Florida Public Health Association, co-chair of the Opioid Action Awareness Committee for the Alliance for Substance Addiction Prevention (ASAP), and a member of the Pasco County Opioid Task Force. Parnia’s contributions have earned her several awards, including the Florida Public Health Association’s Meritorious Service Award (2023), ASAP’s Volunteer of the Year Award (2023), and an Outstanding Staff Team Award from the University of South Florida (2024). Prior to joining the R-IV PHTC team, Parnia was the Program Planner Analyst at the Center for Leadership in Public Health Practice, College of Public Health, University of South Florida where she oversaw training programs and workforce development needs for the public health workforce in Florida.
Listen To This Episode Of The Public Health Epidemiology Conversations (PHEC) Podcast
Conversation Highlights
Public Health Career Pathways: Parnia’s unconventional journey from a dental receptionist to a public health leader demonstrates the diverse opportunities and discovery process within the field .
Behavioral Health Focus: Her passion for mental health and overdose prevention drives coalition campaigns and community initiatives aimed at reducing stigma and increasing access to care .
Workforce Development: With burnout and uncertainty plaguing the field, prioritizing workforce development and strong leadership is essential for sustaining public health efforts .
Community Collaboration: Parnia leads multiple collaborative projects, including harm reduction vending machines and regional town halls to address opioid addiction .
Student & Mentorship Programs: She highlights the significance of mentorship, experiential learning, and student engagement in shaping capable future public health professionals .
Training & Resources: The Region 4 Public Health Training Center offers webinars, workshops, and leadership institutes to help professionals acquire competencies to address current and future challenges .
Breaking Down Stigma: Advocacy for open discussions about mental health and public health increases understanding and helps break down barriers within communities .
Networking & Self-Care: Building connections and prioritizing self-care are critical for personal and professional longevity in public health.
"Public health is everything. It's everywhere. It's making sure the air that we breathe and the water that we drink are safe. It's preventing disease before it happens..." – Parnia Roghani-Shareef– Parnia Roghani-Shareef
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Public Health Consulting To Support You
DrCHHuntley LLC is a public health consulting firm that specializes in epidemiology consulting, supporting large nonprofit organizations in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, and Florida that serve Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). We also provide nationwide public health consulting and epidemiology consulting support to BIPOC organizations across the United States.