Behind the Scenes: Ivory Clarke

Ivory Clarke made the jump from D.C. to Missouri in January, bringing along her passion for volleyball, sharing sweet treats, and the collaborative curiosity that has marked her entire career.

She has a knack for connecting people and organizations with parallel goals and helping them move forward together. The fuel for this super-power? Active listening and a deep commitment to helping people live their healthiest lives. Let’s learn more about the new Vice President of Strategic Relationships.

Q: You became the first Equity and Inclusion Officer for the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) in 2020 before leaving that role to come to MFH. What drew you to the position?

As the Equity and Inclusion Officer at NAM, all my work was relational and involved thinking strategically about how we used our resources to embed inclusion, diversity, equity, and anti-racism into NAM policies, practices, programs, and procedures. This role grew out of the work I was doing with the Culture of Health Program and the recognition that the NAM wanted to walk the talk. MFH is doing the same and that was something that really drew me to the Foundation.

There’s so much great work happening in this state and lessons we can learn from nationwide. I’m excited to build on that because I believe we can create a more just and equitable future for all. I’m looking forward to immersing myself in that equity work with all of our partners, across diverse sectors and communities (we all have a role to play in achieving health equity) to ensure that the barriers to optimal health and well-being for all Missourians are removed.

Q: You have a master’s in environmental planning and management from Johns Hopkins University. How has that informed your work in health equity?

I’ve always been interested in the interconnectedness of humans and the environments where we live, work, and play. I thought that I would move into the policy space, focusing on protecting the environment and natural resource management that would improve the health, well-being, and economic livelihoods of populations.

On the surface, my degree may appear unrelated to helping people live their healthiest lives - but I gained a deeper understanding of how communities, particularly those populations most marginalized, are disproportionately affected by environmental injustices and how decision-making tools could be utilized to mitigate these harms. My studies gave me a powerful lens through which I approach the complex challenges of health equity, driving my passion and dedication to effecting meaningful change.

Q: You worked with high school students in Atlanta as part of Teach for America (TFA) across a range of subjects (biology, math, science, etc.). How did you build connections and trust with kids who knew you were on a time clock?

To be honest, at the time, I didn’t realize I was on a time clock! Many TFA corps members continue teaching after their two-year service commitment and that was something, going in, I strongly considered.

I think the key was seeing each student as a whole person, and understanding their interests, backgrounds, and aspirations. Whether it was spending time with them during lunch or after school, during tutoring sessions, or supporting extracurricular activities like coaching basketball and starting a volleyball team, I aimed to create a supportive environment where they felt valued and understood.

I believed that forging connections aligned with their identities and experiences would enhance their learning.

Photo of Ivory posing with a group of students

Q: Indoor volleyball is your game. How did you get into it and what are the best things you get out of it?

Volleyball has been a constant in my life! I started in middle school and played through high school.

I didn’t play in college, but I never lost interest. There is an intense spirit of camaraderie in volleyball that I love. Like any team sport, it teaches you discipline, dedication, and effective communication skills. Finding the volleyball community in a new place helps me find new circles of friends across my travels. I plan on playing here in St. Louis to get to know more people.

Q: Building and facilitating partnerships is a huge part of your role as VP of Strategic Relationships and a core strategy at MFH. How do you see this showing up in our work?

So much, if not all, of our work is relational. Internally and externally. In the few months I’ve worked here it is evident to me that each person, each team, and each working arm of the Foundation thinks about what relationship building means and what relationships are relative to their work with both colleagues and external partners.

None of the work we want to do can be done in isolation or silos. We have to build connections and collaboration points that are built on a foundation of support, trust, humility, and openness. I think that it is brilliant and unique that the Foundation recognized the need for and created the Community Liaison positions. They are plugged into rural communities and create multidirectional pathways of understanding and learning because they are a part of these communities. They help ensure that MFH’s work is steeped in community engagement, truly appreciates community context, and is not transactional but transformational.

Photo of Ivory posing with a camel in the desert

Photo of Ivory on pyramids in Mexico City

Photo of Ivory and friends posing in mid-air in front of pyramids in Mexico City

Photo of Ivory seated outdoors on ground, with elephants taker cover under shade in the background

Q. You’ve traveled extensively across continents, visiting places like Cote D’Ivoire, Morocco, Pakistan, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates. How many countries have you visited? What’s your favorite memory?

I've explored 33 countries so far, each offering unique insights and experiences, and look forward to continuing to travel the globe! Each country I visit and the culture I’m invited to appreciate reminds me that in this world we are all so interconnected. We all want to laugh, smile, find joy, have peace, feel loved, and be healthy. How we experience these moments is unique to each of us, but I think we all seek these feelings out in one way or another.

It’s difficult to single out just one favorite memory, but my trip to Pakistan holds a special place in my heart. I shared meals with local families, explored vibrant markets, and witnessed the country’s beauty and rich culture firsthand. My experiences didn’t match how Pakistan is so often portrayed. It sparked a reckoning and reminded me to always be mindful of whose narrative is driving my perceptions. My time there is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of travel and how important it is to seek diverse perspectives and challenge my own biases.

Q: As you settle into St. Louis, what are you loving? What’s on the list to explore?

I live near Forest Park, and it’s beautiful! I enjoy being outside and in nature and there are so many amazing parks in St. Louis I look forward to exploring as many as I can. I took a trolley tour around the main sights, and it was a great way to get an overview of the city. Imo’s Pizza is on my list to try. But in the meantime, I’ve discovered several great places for good food. I’ve heard a lot about Ted Drewes-looking forward to it!

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