Stacy Wells on Health Equity, DEI, and Leading with Purpose

In this episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Stacy Wells, a purpose-driven leader and DEI practitioner working at the intersection of behavioral health, education, and public service. From her early days in the classroom to her current role leading health equity efforts in Minnesota’s direct care and treatment system, Stacy shares the challenges and lessons of navigating systemic racism, healthcare disparities, and the politicization of equity work. Together, they explore how cultural humility, lived experience, and community input must shape our systems of care, and why staying committed to the work matters now more than ever. Follow and subscribe to The Healthy Project Podcast for more conversations that push health equity forward. 🔗 For health information and resources, visit: www.healthyproject.co 📌 Shownotes: 00:00 – Welcome and intro to Stacy Wells 01:10 – Stacy’s shift from PR to education to public health 03:45 – Minnesota’s persistent disparities in education and health 06:30 – The intersection of youth education and healthcare systems 09:15 – Supporting individuals with complex behavioral health needs 13:30 – Why cultural humility matters in direct care 18:00 – Including lived experience in designing care 22:15 – When community feedback challenges systems 28:00 – Speaking truth in professional spaces 30:50 – DEI backlash and its toll 36:15 – Holding space for joy and rest as a Black woman in the work 42:00 – Why staying curious and connected is key 43:30 – Final thoughts and how to connect with Stacy Wells ★ Support this podcast ★