Fireside Chat with Dr. Monica Wang
What if the key to better health wasn't just in hospitals or personal habits — but in the stories we tell, the systems we shape, and the communities we build?
Join us for a powerful Fireside Chat with Dr. Monica L. Wang, author of The Collective Cure, as she shares how public health is deeply intertwined with our lived experiences, cultural identity, and collective action. Drawing from over 600 studies and the lived experiences of four women of color — including her own — Monica offers a compelling reframe: that health is not only about genes or willpower, but about the systemic conditions that impact our everyday lives.
This intimate conversation, moderated by Ingrid Hu Dahl, will explore:
Dr. Monica’s personal story as a Chinese American and former bussing student in Boston
Stories from the book that center Black, Latina, and Indigenous voices across the U.S.
How racism, environment, and socioeconomic systems shape our health outcomes
The role of storytelling in public health and social change
Small but powerful ways we can all contribute to thriving, healthier communities
Whether you’re in healthcare, advocacy, policy, education, or simply passionate about building equity and wellness — this conversation will offer both insight and inspiration.
About the Hosts:
Dr. Monica Wang is an award-winning public health researcher and professor at Boston University, with over 75 published articles and $6M in research funding. Her work has been featured in NPR, Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and National Geographic. The Collective Cure launches February 2026 with Beacon Press.
Connect with Dr. Monica
Linkedin | Newsletter | Website
Ingrid Hu Dahl is an author, speaker and leadership coach. Her memoir, Sun Shining on Morning Snow, launched this Spring.
Ingrid specializes in guiding changemakers through transition with clarity and confidence. She is a global speaker, certified by the ICF and Center for Creative Leadership, and a lifelong advocate for underrepresented voices.
Connect with Ingrid
LinkedIn | Instagram | Website
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Please note that this is a space that centers women and those who relate to their lived experience. If you do not identify with this and would still like to support or engage with the community, feel free to reach out to The Authentic Asian team. We’d be happy to explore other ways to include you.