Ronnie Tepp

Background

About Ronnie Tepp

I architect community engagement strategies to improve health outcomes for all. Building relationships is my superpower. Trust is my foundation. Allyship is my shovel. Health equity is my frame. Engaging communities – especially those that have been historically underserved and underrepresented in research - requires a wide lens. My particular lens focuses on opportunities in the space between black and white. Opportunities to earn trust Opportunities to include intersectional voices Opportunities for communities to define the center Opportunities to address lack of trust and systemic barriers in research Opportunities to advance mission through innovation and trusted messengers All of this requires leading with head and heart. Which is where I thrive. MY APPROACH: I start with questions. They enable me to enter into relationships with the curiosity and humility to earn trust. Here are some that I often ask: What are the community’s health priorities? Where do community members get their information? Who are the local trusted voices? Where do people live, work, play and pray? What is the community’s history related to research? A CASE STUDY: Over a 7-year period, I built a national network of > 100 partners in service to the NIH’s All of Us Research program. We generated momentum around equity-focused, community-driven approaches and practices to diversify participation in research. It contributed to building a participant community strong, with >80% underrepresented in research and >45% racial and ethnic minorities. MY LEADERSHIP STYLE: I love to start meetings with “What if…” I measure what matters. I play in the gray. I bring structure to fluidity. I lean into hard conversations. I earn trust – I don’t assume it.