Champion Spotlight: Te’Kima Anthony-Bey, LMSW, Talks Housing, Health Justice, and Health Equity

The Social Mission Champion series highlights the important work done by those who are engaging in social mission by advancing health equity and addressing the health disparities of the society in which it exists.

This month, we spoke with Te’Kima Anthony-Bey, LMSW, Management Analyst at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), where she enhances housing counseling programs via innovative policy to support underserved communities. Te’Kima is also an alumna of the Office of Minority Health (OMH) Equity Leadership Development Initiative (HELDI) at the Fitzhugh Mullan Institute of Health Workforce Equity (read our interview with OMH HELDI Director Maria Portela).

Before her time at HUD, Te’Kima was deeply involved in the real estate sector at the Long Island Board of Realtors. There, she gained firsthand insights into the challenges of high living costs, social disparities, and their impact on housing affordability and conditions. This experience fueled her passion for social work, leading her to focus on assisting families in finding safe, affordable housing in Long Island, NY.

Te’Kima divides her time between West Babylon, NY, and Washington, DC, and gives back to the social work profession by mentoring masters-level social work students at Stony Brook University, and serves as a Board Trustee for the Belmont Lake Civic Association in West Babylon, NY. Te’Kima is also a new member of the African American Federal Executive Association (AAFEA), a non-profit organization dedicated to preparing and supporting African Americans for advancement into the senior ranks of the United States Government.

Read below for our interview with Te’Kima to learn more about her experiences and accomplishments in housing and health equity.

Q&A

You recently celebrated one year working with the Office of Housing Counseling at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – congratulations! Can you tell us about your experiences that led you to federal leadership?

Thank you. It has been an exciting first year with HUD.

My experience stems from seeing racial disparities in housing in my hometown of Long Island NY. Seeing firsthand how the zip code you live in can predict the education you can obtain, the money you make, health outcomes and even life expectancy was a reality that truly impacted the way I see the world.

My experience in the real estate industry shed light on the discrimination and steering faced by people of color, often being relegated to under-resourced communities or denied housing in certain areas altogether. Through my work helping families relocate to well-resourced communities, I witnessed the positive impact that a change in environment can have on health and well-being. This unique experience fueled my desire to shape housing policy at the federal level.  

In what ways are housing, health justice, and health equity connected? What do you feel is your role in addressing housing as a social determinant of health?

Housing, health justice, and health equity are deeply interconnected, with housing being a critical social determinant of health. This connection is recognized by HUD, which adopts a life course perspective, acknowledging that health is influenced by a multitude of factors across one’s lifespan, including housing. The Office of Housing Counseling particularly understands the role of homeownership in building generational wealth and its impact on improving life quality through enhanced living conditions.

In my role as a Management Analyst, I focus on initiatives and special projects that promote access to safe and affordable housing, addressing a key element of health equity by ensuring more equitable housing opportunities. This work directly contributes to broader efforts in advancing health justice by improving the environmental and socio-economic factors that influence health outcomes.

Looking back on the Office of Minority Health (OMH) Health Equity Leadership Development Initiative (HELDI) (formerly the Minority Leaders Development Program), what do you feel you gained from the federal fellowship experience? What impact did it have on your perspective on health equity?

I gained valuable institutional knowledge about the inner workings of the government, from understanding the jargon and acronyms to the intricacies of policy development through rulemaking. My job placement at the HHS Office for Civil Rights was particularly enlightening, revealing the extent of health injustices ranging from disparate treatments in hospital systems to investigations into higher maternal death rates in African Americans. These experiences, combined with a mentorship with a public health expert, significantly shaped my perspective on health equity and prepared me for a successful career in federal service.

What recommendations do you have for professionals and learners interested in housing and health justice?

Adopting the philosophy that housing is healthcare is key, as it underscores the profound impact of housing and physical environment on health outcomes. Recognizing that health is inextricably linked with social and economic factors is crucial in promoting health justice. An understanding of the relationship between housing and health is necessary to equip you with the knowledge to address and advocate for health equity effectively.

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The Social Mission Alliance would like to thank Te’Kima Anthony-Bey, LMSW, for taking the time to talk with us and for her continued commitment to social mission.