Doing IT for Ourselves: Black Women, Salons & the Science of Health Equity

In Episode 3, host Niasha Fray continues the powerful conversation with Dr. Schenita Randolph and Dr. Ragan Johnson, the Nurse Scientists leading The HEEAT Research Lab (Health Disparities through Equity, Empowerment, Advocacy & Trust) at Duke University School of Nursing.

Together, they explore the innovative, community-rooted work that has made The HEEAT Lab a national model for equity-driven nursing science, including:

• Establishing Safe Cultures in Greensboro — a growing movement to advance safety, trust, and healing through community collaboration.
• The Science of Soul, a dynamic symposium uplifting Black women, family health, cultural wellness, and the power of story-informed science.
• UPDOs Protective Styles, their community-designed approach to HIV prevention that engages Black salon owners and stylists as trusted voices, honoring the lived experience and leadership of Black women across North Carolina.

This episode highlights what becomes possible when Black women direct the science, shape the research agenda, and build solutions rooted in culture, community wisdom, and collective care.

🎧 Perfect for listeners interested in: Black women’s leadership · community-engaged nursing science · health equity · HIV prevention · culturally grounded research · equity-centered partnerships · salon-based interventions · community advisory councils

🌐 Learn more about UPDOs or explore involvement opportunities: theheeatlab.org/updos