The Community Advisory Board at the Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences and Institute for Public Health welcomes four new members. Operating through both Institutes’ shared Center for Community Health Partnership and Research, the Community Advisory Board (CAB) supports connections between university research and local communities. The board is comprised of a diverse group of community leaders with strong ties to various ecosystems and subpopulations within the St. Louis region.
Shavanna Spratt wears many hats—podcast host, founding nonprofit executive director, community engagement manager at Generate Health, Ferguson resident, and mom. She brings a core focus to the CAB of raising community voices and putting community first.
Get to know Shavanna.
Djuan Robinson has worked at Better Family Life, Inc. for 25 years and as a Minister at Fresh Start Bible Church for nearly a decade. He’s also active in St. Louis’ basketball community—as both a certified official and the Men’s League Coordinator. He joined the CAB to be an integral part in building collaboration across sectors.
Carlos Ruiz Martinez is the Director of Client Support Services at the MICA Project, a local nonprofit that provides immigration legal services. He is also completing his doctoral dissertation in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Iowa. He joined the CAB to bridge the gap between immigration status and ability to access health care resources. Carlos says, “I firmly believe that partnerships between academic institutions and community agencies can have transformational results.”
Jordan Braxton is ‘one of St. Louis’ biggest advocates for LGBTQ rights. She is a community leader in many spaces, including on Mayor Tishaura Jones’ LGBTQIA+ Advisory Council, Black Pride St. Louis, Pride St. Louis, TransParent, and Vivent Health.
Read more about Jordan.
CAB members serve a three-year term with optional three-year renewal. Read more about the Community Advisory Board.