"...it is important to avoid the single stories while actively seeking out intersectional information since systems of oppression work together to harm all of us."

March 14, 2023

Leela Ramachandran is a Research Assistant at the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts.


"It is critical that we incorporate intersectionality, a term coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, in all our endeavors. Without this perspective, we over-simplify the complexity of being people with many different identities that inform lived experience. I am personally affected by racism, sexism, and homophobia—often simultaneously—which has shaped my identity and perspectives. This dovetails well with a TED Talk by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie called The Danger of a Single Story which highlights the impossibility of a single story about any person, identity, or country. As we collaborate to advance racial equity, it is important to avoid the single stories while actively seeking out intersectional information since systems of oppression work together to harm all of us." 


Check out the Race and Health Equity Resource Guide for additional resources.


share this

Related Articles

October 2, 2025
Access materials from the September 16 webinar, Vaping & Nicotine Pouches: Understanding the New Landscape, which featured Dr. Nicole Porther, Chair of the Department of Health Professions, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, and Catherine Brooks , Senior Research Evaluation Specialist, Collaborative for Educational Services. Recording Slides Written responses to submitted questions coming soon!
September 22, 2025
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Heather Warner is unable to join the webinar. Catherine Brooks has agreed to participate in her place.
September 12, 2025
Vaping & Nicotine Pouches: Understanding the New Landscape Date: Friday, September 26, 2026 Time: 12:00 - 1:00 pm Join us for an informative webinar as we explore the evolving landscape of tobacco and nicotine use, with a special focus on vaping and nicotine pouches like Zyns. This session will offer a high-level overview of emerging products, usage trends, and potential mitigation strategies—especially relevant for youth, families, community-based organizations (CBOs), and municipalities. Featured Speakers: Dr. Nicole Porther, Chair of the Department of Health Professions, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Heather Warner, MPH, Hampshire Franklin Tobacco-Free Community Partnership Coordinator, Collaborative for Educational Services Moderator: Jessica Collins, Executive Director, Public Health Institute of Western MA