From Temple University PGS Health Leader to Community Wellness Advocate, Raven Brewington Inspires Women to Embrace Fitness Through Sport

Did you know that less than 20% of African American and Hispanic women are represented in tennis, compared to 78% of white participants? (Source: USTA). This glaring absence of diversity inspired Raven Brewington, a PGS Health Leader alum, to take action. To enhance DEI efforts, Raven partnered with the USTA to organize a tennis clinic to attract and expose more minority women to the sport.

The Lincoln Park, NJ, event celebrating Juneteenth was a stepping stone towards a brighter future. It aimed to elevate outreach efforts and create unique programming, bringing awareness to the pressing issue of childhood obesity. Raven’s efforts, part of a broader strategy, are laying the foundation for a lasting partnership between USTA. This partnership will provide future opportunities for lessons and create a generational impact, demanding access to tennis facilities, equipment, and lessons in minority neighborhoods.

Can you tell us about your current occupation and how it aligns with your passion for health and fitness?

I am an IT&S Project Manager (Information Technology & Systems), overseeing the planning and coordination of the Epic Electronic Medical Record implementation specific to Hospital Admissions, Discharges, Transfers, Environmental Services, Bed Planning, and overall Patient Flow. My passion for health and fitness began as an athlete and grew as an athletic training major in college. I have always lived a healthy lifestyle; however, I gravitated toward leadership roles within health systems to ensure the delivery of care to patients and their families is equitable.

How do you maintain an active lifestyle after completing the PGS Health Leadership Program at Temple University? 

After graduating from Temple University and completing the PGS Health Leadership Program, I worked at Lifetime Fitness, which allowed me to continue to explore various cardio and weightlifting classes. Even throughout graduate school, I continued to build confidence in the gym, and those habits have stuck with me for years to stay accountable for my routine.

What are your favorite workouts or fitness routines that you incorporate into your daily life?

I enjoy hiking, walking, yoga, HIIT workout classes, and weightlifting alone or with friends in the Gym. Thankfully, I have lived in apartment complexes with excellent fitness facilities! It was one of my nonnegotiables when looking for places to live in Arizona and New Jersey. Being able to prioritize my fitness routine means that I needed to make it as easy as possible to access areas to work out without barriers of finances wherever I could.

Where do you currently live, and how does your location influence your fitness activities and community involvement?

I live in Jersey City (NJ), which is centrally located in the tri-state area. This allows me to visit local gyms and parks and join many fitness groups to meet new friends and try new activities.

What is one of your most significant achievements in wellness since graduating from the program?

One of my proudest moments was collaborating with PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT and Girl Scouts of Nassau County. I have been a Girl Scout and Troop Leader, so providing young women in the community I grew up in was life-changing. For three summers, we exposed Girl Scouts to Zumba, yoga, double Dutch, cardio, and mentorship from various women across healthcare professions.

Can you share details about your latest collaboration with the USTA to introduce women to tennis?

Recently, I have taken up an interest in learning how to play tennis, and the idea of inviting women of color to join me came to fruition thanks to USTA. The Eastern Region’s DEI team has been committed to attracting, engaging, and retaining tennis players through educational projects to enhance awareness, visibility, and representation of diverse populations and multicultural communities. USTA provided two amazing instructors to show us the basics of tennis, and this event was the first time 20 out of the 22 women played!

What was your most memorable moment from the tennis clinic?

It was awesome to see everyone so excited to try the drills, ask questions, and provide feedback that they wanted to continue tennis as a hobby moving forward. Two women joined a tennis club in Brooklyn, NY, shortly after the event.

What advice would you give to women aspiring to become health leaders and inspire others in their communities?

The first step is always practicing what you preach. Nobody is an expert on day 1, but the more time you spend on your craft, the more people will see your dedication. If you want to inspire and lead others in health and fitness, we genuinely have to walk the walk and talk the talk.

Find your community and supporters who can be a resource for you to spread your wings because no great leader is successful on their own.

Last, I would say every niche requires mentorship. Along your journey, you will identify someone you admire who can provide advice or be a soundboard. They might not be in your field, but they might know someone or an organization to connect you with to help amplify your name in rooms you are not in yet.

What motivates you to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle, even with a busy schedule? 

My family is my primary motivation. I support my parents as they continue to age, my sister as a working mom, and my niece as a developing preteen. They all hold a special place in my heart, so taking care of my mind and body helps me show up better for them day after day. I also noticed that my healthy habits rub off on them, too, so it is a win-win for the family!

What are your goals in health and fitness, both personally and for your community?

I would love to add roller skating to my fitness hobbies and continue tennis lessons!

Professionally, I aspire to advance in the Health Information Technology leadership space, whether with a health system, consulting, or government agency. I will begin a PhD in Health Law, Policy & Management this fall at Meharry Medical College’s School of Global Health.

PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT catalyzed me to advocate for underserved populations to feel empowered in their health and fitness journey. I hope to serve as a health policy expert in advancing health equity to ensure that underfunded and underrepresented communities can have better access to health programs and services in their communities. 

How has the PGS Health Leadership Program impacted your approach to fitness and wellness?

The first thing that comes to mind is to get out of your comfort zone and try new things – but don’t forget to bring a friend! Building a community through wellness has been my saving grace. Fitness is a healthy and positive outlet that will benefit me forever. I have been able to provide myself grace when my schedule gets hectic between work, community boards, my sorority, family obligations, and just life. Whether it is 15, 30, 45, or 120 minutes – I try to move as much as I can during the week because fitness has been the best medicine that money can’t buy!

Raven Brewington’s journey from a Temple University PGS Health Leader to a community wellness advocate is nothing short of inspiring. Her dedication to enhancing diversity in sports and promoting health equity is not only introducing women to new fitness opportunities but also creating lasting change in underserved communities.

Her work serves as a powerful reminder that one person’s passion can indeed make a difference. Whether you’re looking to get more active, find new ways to stay fit, or inspire others in your community, Raven’s journey is a testament to the impact of perseverance, dedication, and the power of sport.

Are you passionate about promoting health and wellness on your campus? Do you want to inspire others to embrace fitness and make it a fun part of their lives? Join the movement and become a Campus Health Leader by starting or joining a chapter at your university. This is your chance to positively impact campus and create a community of like-minded individuals who are all about making fitness an enjoyable experience! Apply here to start or join a team.