We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Scott, PhD, MPH, CHES, CSE and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Sexual health is a taboo topic, particularly when you want to provide education to adolescents and emerging adults. I wanted to create a space where I could have candid conversations with parents and youth, while providing education in a fun and entertaining manner.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I began my public health career in the Dallas area in 1999 working for a community-based organization focused on HIV, STI and substance use prevention and education. At that time, I had recently completed my MPH, and was contemplating pursuing a doctorate in community health. Over the next few years, I found myself working with and serving diverse groups of individuals within marginalized communities. I had the opportunity to partner with youth serving organizations, schools and faith-based organizations around topics of sexual health, relationships and substance use. I found it most rewarding when I was able to work directly with adolescents, and found that this was truly my passion.

As I entered into my PhD program at Texas Woman’s University, opportunities presented themselves to take on more academic role, and I soon found myself drifting away from the work I felt that I had been called to do. I enjoyed being in the classroom and working with new public health professionals both in person, and virtually, but also wanted the community connection again. I began taking small consulting jobs with community health organizations related to program evaluation of their prevention programs. This provided me access to engage with key players in the field, and to have a better understanding of the landscape in which I wanted to operate.

It took quite a few years for me to gain the confidence to start the journey of Scott and Perkins health Consultants, LLC, while still maintaining my full-time employment with a large online university. Imposter syndrome is real, and I constantly second guess myself and wonder if I am making the best decisions. What I have learned is that my voice matters in this space; I need to embrace the discomfort and step out of my comfort zone to grow.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Well you can’t come to DFW without having bar-b-q, so I would start with lunch at Fat Cow in Lewisville. the meat is tender, the sides are hardy and the sauce has just the right amount of kick.

The Denton Square has great food spots, two of my favorites being Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream and Cartwrights Ranch House for breakfast.

The Dallas World Aquarium is one of my favorite spots on a lazy day.

I love live music and can usually find something happening in Addison, Deep Ellum, or in downtown Fort Worth from blues, to country to R&B.

Otherwise, there are a ton of great coffee shops and cafes in Dallas to meet up with friends, or to grab a corner and read a book or get some work done.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This shoutout is dedicated to my daughters, Taylor and Olivia McMillian. They are the best part of me, and make me strive for greatness in all things. Additionally, I would be remiss not to mention one of my biggest cheerleaders, my best friend, Cynthia Franklin, she encourages me in the most subtle ways.

Website: https://drjsperkins.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dear_dr.j/

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/drjenniferscott

Other: https://linktr.ee/Drjscott

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