Keshana Owens-Cody

Keshana joined Alliance because she believes that it is important to serve those in need. Community-Based Organizations are the front line to serving the impoverished and those with basic need emergencies. Every role that she has held in her career has been through a Community-Based Organization, and now she is able to provide them with support to continue to break silos, demonstrate value, and align their services with the medical community. As a former Community Health Worker and Transition Coordinator, Keshana saw firsthand the needs of not only of the community, but also the needs of the workforce. The importance of knowing the population served, the resources available in the community, and the ability to engage community members are critical skills needed to truly serve the community. Keshana has held various workforce development positions for the community health workforce, and currently teaches at both Hudson Valley and Schenectady County Community College. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and is pursuing a Master’s in Human Resource Management at the University of Connecticut. Her interest in social determinants of health elevated when she became a mother. Keshana was fortunate enough to know how to navigate resources available to her family, but seeing other families struggle hurt. She has led family skill building groups and facilitated a women’s bible study called Propel Women. Her husband and she have four beautiful children and they ensure that they understand the importance of giving back by volunteering at the South End Children’s Café in Albany, NY.