Dr. Kiara Maddox
Tell us about yourself.
Kiara Maddox is passionate about preparing the next generation of public health leaders. She earned her biology degree from Spelman College before pursuing her MPH at Emory, where she also conducted HIV research that deepened her commitment to equity and service. Since then, she has coordinated national and state fellowship programs, trained and mentored future public health professionals, and advanced infectious disease surveillance in Georgia and Tennessee. An experienced leader with over a decade in the field, she currently serves as a Health Scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where she manages the agency’s esteemed Evaluation Fellowship Program. She takes pride in mentoring professionals who will shape the future of the field. A recent DrPH graduate of Georgia State University, Kiara views every role as an opportunity to open doors for others.
Why did you pursue a DrPH?
Pursuing a DrPH was both a professional and personal decision. Professionally, I wanted to position myself to be more competitive in the job market and open doors to leadership roles that often require or prefer a doctorate. I also recognized that earning a DrPH could increase my long-term earning potential and create opportunities to influence change at a higher level. At the same time, I wanted to deepen my public health knowledge. I had gained strong on-the-job experience, but I knew there were areas like epidemiology, data analysis, and leadership where I could grow. The DrPH offered a space to strengthen those skills while connecting theory to practice in a meaningful way. And on a personal level, earning a doctorate has always been a lifelong goal. I wanted to challenge myself, honor the hard work I’ve put into this field, and serve as an example that it’s never too late to invest in your growth. Pursuing a DrPH isn’t just about a title; it’s about elevating my impact and using my knowledge to improve the health and well-being of communities.
What are you currently excited about in your job?
Right now, I’m really excited about continuing the work I do to support and develop the next generation of public health professionals. In my role, I have the opportunity to place fellows in positions across the CDC, where they contribute to strengthening programs that impact communities around the world. What excites me most is seeing their growth — mentoring them, helping them navigate challenges, and watching them develop into confident, capable leaders in the field. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that I play a small part in helping someone take the next step in their public health career while also contributing to the broader mission of improving health outcomes. It’s the kind of work that reminds me why I got into public health in the first place.
If you could write a book about your life, what would the title be and why?
If I could write a book about my life, I would title it “The Work of Becoming.” That title captures my journey of growth — both personally and professionally. Throughout my career, I’ve taken chances, pushed past fear, and continuously invested in myself to reach new levels. From navigating the challenges of public health to pursuing my DrPH, every step has been about evolving into the best version of myself and helping others do the same. My story is one of perseverance, purpose, and faith — about trusting the process and understanding that every experience, whether easy or difficult, has shaped me into the woman and professional I am today.
What is something interesting about you that we should know?
I hardly ever miss a concert! I love music, and I make it a point to see my favorite artists live whenever I can, sometimes even traveling to catch their shows.
