Director of Programs and Initiatives, California Black Health Network
Dr. Astrid Williams is an expert in public health. Dr. Williams has a wide range of experience in chronic disease, maternal and reproductive health. She is particularly passionate about women’s health issues and how they relate to women. A significant portion of her work involves developing public policies that address community-level health and social issues using evidence-based practices.
Dr. Williams advocates for beauty justice and works to phase out toxic chemicals in Black haircare and beauty products. She also works to shift cultural norms favoring Eurocentric beauty standards in Black communities. Dr. Williams openly shares how toxins in the built environment and from personal care products can have a direct effect on reproductive health.
Her academic career began as an undergraduate student at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. She earned a Doctorate of Public Health and a Master of Public Health in Health Promotion and Education from Loma Linda University School of Public Health. Additionally, she has been certified as a Health Education Specialist (CHES). She also takes pride in serving as faculty in higher learning.
Dr. Astrid Williams is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and has held executive board leadership positions for Jack & Jill of America, Incorporated and National Council of Negro Women local Chapters.