Ciearra Walker, MPH

About Ciearra Walker, MPH

Born to a single mother with limited finances in the city of Detroit, MI, Ciearra grew up understanding that hard work and an education were the only ways out. After excelling and leaving her mark in high school at University High School Academy, Ciearra received the scholarship of a lifetime, The Bill Gates Millennium Scholarship; this scholarship pays for her educational career through her doctoral program including room, board, tuition, books, travel, etc.

As a first generation student, Ciearra had no idea what to expect from the collegiate experience. Using the Bill Gates Scholarship, Ciearra continued her education in the District of Columbia at the illustrious Howard University where she graduated summa cum laude, majoring in Strategic, Legal and Management Communications with a concentration in public relations and a minor in public health. In her four years at the Mecca, Ciearra served as a student government leader, the Student Director of the Student Ambassador Program, became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Chapter, and lived in Cape Town, South Africa for six months through a study abroad experience.

It was during Ciearra’s time in South Africa that she zoned in on her true passions: public service and public health. Her notable achievements and steadfast dedication throughout her undergraduate career gained her national recognition by President Barack Obama during his commencement address to the 2016 Howard University graduating class. Since the presidential recognition, Ciearra has been featured live on CNN, Detroit Deadline, Teen Vogue, the front page of the Detroit Free Press and was named Youth of the Year by Essence.

Ciearra then returned home to Detroit, MI to follow her dreams in public health as a Community Affairs Coordinator for DMC Sinai-Grace, an urban, public hospital committed to providing the local community quality care and increased access to services. Just last year, Ciearra decided to expand her love for public health through a different lens, focusing now on the environmental influences of a youth’s upbringing. Using mentorship, academic empowerment and professional development as the main vehicles of service, Ciearra started her own initiative entitled, Cjs Corner. Ciearra is on a mission to serve as a vehicle of opportunity for millennial’s and eager to get involved with those in her community. Before relocating to St Louis, Missouri, Ciearra also served as a mentor, k-8 tutor, church youth leader, and head coach of a varsity cheerleading team for Southfield A&T High School.

Ciearra received her Master’s in Public Health with a concentration in Prevention Science from Emory University’s Executive Master’s of Public Health program. She is happily married to her long-term partner, Michael.