Leah Wainman
Leah Wainman is a Senior Epidemiologist at the Washington State Department of Health, where she leads public health programs and staff through evidence-based services, data-driven strategies, and community collaboration. Focused on preventing disease spread, promoting health, and ensuring long-term environmental health, Leah approaches public health with a strong commitment to equity and inclusion. Known for her ability to take a "10,000-foot view" of complex challenges, she excels at breaking down large issues into strategic, manageable goals for her team.
Leah’s career in public health is marked by a dedication to data equity and community-centered assessment. She manages the tribal data team and contributes to the State Health Assessment, building partnerships with local, tribal, and regional stakeholders to improve data collection, interpretation, and reporting. Her expertise extends to developing guidelines and policies for equitable assessment practices, integrating cross-agency data, and supporting initiatives that address health disparities across race, ethnicity, gender identity, disability status, and other underserved populations.
Before joining the Department of Health, Leah served in the Peace Corps in Honduras, working in health education, HIV prevention, and small-business support. She earned her Master of Public Health from the University of Washington in 2019 and has held roles in both county and regional public health, including leading community health assessments and improvement plans. Outside of her professional work, Leah engages in volunteer service on public health boards, contributes to legislative advocacy, and enjoys DIY projects in her personal time, reflecting her lifelong commitment to building healthier, more equitable communities.
• Strategic Agility (Beta)
• Scrum: The Basics
• Change Management Foundations
• What Is MoSCoW Prioritization?
• Streamlining Your Work with Microsoft Bing Chat
• Northwest Public Health & Primary Care Leadership Institute: Leadership & Systems Thinking
• University of Washington School of Public Health - MPH
• WHATCOM COUNTY
• Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center
• Washington State Democratic Party
• Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of hard work and a genuine passion for the communities I serve. Perseverance, the values instilled in me during my upbringing, and the unwavering support of my loving husband have all played a pivotal role in helping me achieve my goals.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is effectively communicating public health information to both the general public and elected officials who make critical funding and policy decisions. Additionally, current data aggregation and reporting practices often obscure outcomes for smaller or distinct communities. Improving data disaggregation—for example, distinguishing between Asian and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander populations—represents a significant opportunity to better understand and serve these communities. Finally, establishing and maintaining formal data-sharing mechanisms with tribal public health jurisdictions is both a challenge and a vital opportunity to strengthen collaboration and impact.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me, both in my work and personal life, include perseverance, optimism, and the support of my family. Professionally, I am deeply committed to data equity and ensuring the accurate representation of all communities, which guides the work I do every day.
Locations
Washington State Department of Health
Bellingham, WA 98225