What's In Your Toolbox?

September 18, 2024
Headshot of Dr. Gregory Todd, Executive Director of Men of Color Health Awareness (MOCHA) next to quote

Dr. Gregory Todd is the executive director of Men of Color Health Awareness (MOCHA).


He writes, "If you are a self-proclaimed agent of social change like me, you have on more than one occasion made plans to take over the world, wanted to transform your organization, or even aspired to mentor a staff member. Whenever I have had such maniacal thoughts, I have asked myself two important questions.

 

The first question is always: What tools do I have in my toolbox to accomplish these tasks? I then try to be specific regarding which tools I will need. Do I need more leadership skills? Am I transformative enough? How do I inspire others? If my passion is my WHY…my toolbox is my HOW. And, as passionate as I am about being transformative and impactful, I am honest enough with myself to know that the bravery, confidence, and deliberateness to engage can only be supported and justified by what I feel is in my toolbox.

 

The second and equally important question is: If I don’t have these tools where can I get them? One answer that I discovered is the Race and Health Equity Resource Guide. With a bevy of useful information ranging from informative articles to transformative podcasts and books, filling and refilling my professional toolbox has been something that I look forward to doing on a regular basis. And with a toolbox that is responsive to my environment, I feel more confident in my ability to be transformative in my community in a way that is uplifting and empowering."

share this

Related Articles

July 17, 2025
Kathleen Szegda, Senior Director of Community Research and Evaluation, will be leaving the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts at the end of July. We are sad to see her go, but wish her the best in this next chapter. Kathleen will remain connected to PHIWM and continue supporting public health innovation through consulting.
July 14, 2025
Congratulations to Samantha Hamilton and the other 11 PathBreakers featured in The Kresge Foundation's 2024 annual report. Read her story and look out for her upcoming interview on the PathBreakers podcast .
July 14, 2025
Jessica Collins and Liv Anna Homstead published in Vaccine