Dawnesha K. Beaver

Rev. Dawnesha K. Beaver, MPH, MAT serves as the Vice President of Programs and Services at Riverside Community Health Foundation. Additionally, Rev. Beaver serves as the Executive Pastor of New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Los Angeles, CA. She brings a dynamic combination of academic excellence, pastoral leadership, and community engagement to her role. With a Master in Theology with an emphasis in Youth, Family, and Culture from Fuller Theological Seminary as well as a Master in Urban Public Health from Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science, Rev. Beaver scholarly and community work is deeply rooted in theological reflection, community health and equity research and education, and social justice.

Rev. Beaver work focuses on the intersectional theology, religious ethics, public health, health disparities, community health interventions, and community development with particular attention to the intersectionality of theology and public health. Rev. Beaver has served in several research position capacities including Research Assistant, Research Associate, Senior Research Associate, and Research Administrative Coordinator for NIH, NIMH, SAMSHA, California Wellness Foundation funded grants. This work has made a notable impact of residents in South Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and the United States. Rev. Beaver has also presented at the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture, American Public Health Association Conference, the Association of Landscape Architects, the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, and the Society for Community Research and Action: Division of Community Psychology.

In addition to her research, Rev. Beaver has extensive experience in public health practice, having worked for Charles Drew University and Science, Healthy African American Families II, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, LA Voice, Los Angeles Civil, Human Rights, and Equity Department, and Kedren Community Health Center with key roles focusing on strategic planning, program development, policy advocacy, and health promotion. Truly, Rev. Beaver is committed to bridging academic research with community needs to advance the field of public health through innovative research, teaching, and community engagement.