Dr. Abeni El-Amin is a scholar, author, and community leader dedicated to advancing health equity, economic empowerment, and resilience in the Black community. With a multifaceted academic and professional background, she bridges the worlds of public health, organizational leadership, and grassroots advocacy to create transformative community-based programs. As the President of Project Ricochet, Inc., and the Visionary for the African American Barbershop and Beauty Salon Public Health Initiative, Dr. El-Amin leads innovative initiatives that empower underserved communities through culturally responsive interventions. Dr. El-Amin holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Social Change from Union Institute and University, a Ph.D. in Business Administration: Organizational Leadership and Development from Northcentral University, an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands, a Doctorate in Clinical Pastoral Counseling from the Colorado Theological Seminary, and master’s degrees in Public Health Administration, Healthcare Administration, Nonprofit Administration, Public Administration, and Industrial-Organizational Psychology. She is also a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist, and a Certified Community Health Worker, showcasing her expertise in program development, evaluation, and capacity-building within marginalized populations. Her work is deeply rooted in addressing racial health disparities, particularly in the areas of chronic disease prevention, mental health, and harm reduction. Through Project Ricochet, she has spearheaded numerous initiatives, such as PR Health: Farm Rx, which connects Black farmers with community members to promote nutrition security and holistic wellness. She also leads the African American Barbershop and Beauty Salon Public Health Initiative, leveraging trusted community spaces to provide health education, screenings, and resources to Black men and women in culturally affirming environments. In collaboration with Anthem Medicaid of Kentucky, Dr. El-Amin has played a pivotal role in establishing the Project Ricochet Health Promotion Center at Cultural Cuts Barbershop, transforming it into a hub for accessible health services. Her efforts extend beyond direct service provision, as she actively engages in policy advocacy and research to drive systemic change. She partners with institutions such as the University of Kentucky College of Education to evaluate community engagement strategies and enhance health interventions tailored to Black populations. A dynamic speaker and thought leader, Dr. El-Amin frequently presents on topics related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), public health, and youth advocacy. She is a faculty member at Bellevue University where she teaches American Vision and Values in the Kirkpatrick Signature Series, where she fosters critical discussions on citizenship, civil rights, and the intersections of race and health. Additionally, she serves as a Bridging Differences in Higher Education Learning Fellow at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, exploring strategies to promote unity and resilience in diverse communities. Beyond academia and public health, Dr. El-Amin is a champion for the arts as a vehicle for social change. She curates and develops projects such as the Hairitage Exhibit, showcasing Black identity and cultural pride through artistic expression. Her commitment to storytelling extends to The Ricochet Effect Podcast at WUKY, where she highlights the voices of Black leaders, changemakers, and visionaries shaping the future.
