Dr. Yanique Redwood is a multifaceted leader whose journey weaves through the realms of racial equity, philanthropy, public health, and academia. Born in Jamaica, she has dedicated her life to dismantling systemic racism and fostering liberation for marginalized communities.
In August 2023, Dr. Redwood made a profound statement with the self-publication of her book, “White Women Cry and Call Me Angry: A Black Woman’s Memoir on Racism in Philanthropy.” This memoir reflects her lived experiences and insights into the intricate dynamics of racism within the philanthropic sector.
As the founder of Collective Work, a consultancy based in Washington, DC, Dr. Redwood channels her expertise to help organizations navigate the complexities of racial equity. Her consultancy endeavors to cultivate liberatory practices that empower institutions to authentically confront and address systemic injustices.
A year prior to the release of her book, she joined The Boston University Center for Antiracist Research. The Center was founded in 2020 by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, one of America’s foremost antiracist scholars and the author of several books.
She was selected by the Center’s leadership following a national search, and serves as the Center’s first Executive Director. In her role, she is charged with providing holistic, high-level oversight and leadership to the entire Center staff, while providing strategic and fiduciary advice to the Director to foster alignment and fidelity across the Center’s growing work.
An illustrious career in health and racial equality
Dr. Redwood’s academic journey culminated in a doctorate in Health Behavior and Health Education from the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Her scholarly contributions have been featured in esteemed peer-reviewed journals, shedding light on the detrimental impact of racism on the health and social outcomes of Black individuals and communities worldwide.
Her career trajectory took a significant turn when she assumed the role of President and CEO of If, a Foundation for Radical Possibility in Washington, DC. During her tenure, she spearheaded transformative initiatives, guiding the organization toward a renewed focus on racial justice and social liberation.
In 2021, Dr. Yanique Redwood accepted the mantle of leadership as the President and CEO of the Consumer Health Foundation, following an illustrious, decade-long career at the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
While at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Dr. Redwood partnered with universities and nonprofit organizations to strengthen the evaluation of innovative programs that reduce depression and anxiety among children and youth, increase access to health and mental health services in school and clinic settings, and improve gestation and birth outcomes.
She also led the evaluation of Evidence2Success, a new way for elected officials, public systems, schools, and communities to invest in proven programs that promote healthy child development. Redwood provided primary leadership for the evidence-based practice team’s Subcommittee on Race, Class and Culture.
Prior to joining the Casey Foundation in 2010, Dr. Redwood, working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, led the development of a food monitoring system in Eastern Kenya to prevent aflotoxin poisonings in rural villages. In this capacity, she collaborated with government officials at both the national and local levels, as well as subsistence farmers.
Dr. Yanique Redwood also directed a community-based participatory research initiative in Atlanta that was funded by the National Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities at the National Institutes of Health.
The Jamaica native currently lives in Washington, DC but spends most of her time in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
