Ravyn Cruse

Ravyn is a community-centered public health professional whose work is driven by a deep commitment to community power, equity, and systems change. At REAL, she integrates these commitments into her role as Research Coordinator. Growing up in New Orleans—and witnessing the inequities that surfaced in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina—shaped her understanding of how systems impact people’s lives and inspired her to pursue a career dedicated to ensuring that every community receives fair, dignified, and responsive care. Her approach is grounded in relationship-building, collaboration, and honoring lived experience, and she specializes in creating spaces where community voices guide solutions that strengthen health, wellness, and opportunity for all.

With experience spanning coalition leadership, policy engagement, emergency preparedness, youth programming, and public health education, she brings a people-centered and strategic approach to improving community well-being. She has led statewide convenings, managed multi-sector partnerships, secured grant funding, and facilitated public discussions that uplift community expertise and translate into meaningful action. A graduate of Fisk University, she received her undergraduate degree in psychology, Xavier University of Louisiana’s Master of Public Health program and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Fellowship, her work across Wisconsin and Louisiana reflects her dedication to culturally responsive programming, systems thinking, and building healthier, more equitable futures where all communities can thrive.

What is your favorite thing to nerd out about?
Outside of work, my favorite thing to nerd out about is all things New Orleans culture—its history, its rhythms, its resilience.

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?
I especially love singing, a family talent that turns gatherings and holidays into concerts that last for hours.