Empathy in Action
Donna and Jared, driven by a passion for human resilience, founded
Communication and Culture (CCLLC) with a vision shaped by a Tokyo Foundation grant. Their
journey through Phuket, Guyana, and New Orleans inspired CCLLC, dedicated to transforming
communication and cultural theories into practical strategies for organizations.
We're proud of our achievements, which includes contributing to the Peace Conference in Jos, Nigeria and
integrating Chinese scientists in American organizational culture. Join us in our mission to
foster resilience, understanding, and unity in a diverse world.
In 2022, CCLLC embarked on a new mission in Huntsville, Alabama focusing on Health Equity. Our work, including tackling COVID-19 clinical trial hesitancy and designing health communication messages for targeted audiences, highlights our commitment to global health equity.
July 2022 marked a significant boost with Dr. Denise Johnson, former Physician General and Acting Secretary of Health for Pennsylvania, joining as our Health Equity Consultant. Our mission is clear: accelerate health equity worldwide using empathetic communication and
cultural understanding.
Join us! Your involvement is crucial. Together, we can make health equity a reality for all. Act now to be part of this critical change.
Advancing Health Equity
Donna Oti
Founder/CEO
Donna uses her background as a journalist, communication professor, and organizational communication expert to help organizations design research-based, culturally appropriate health equity solutions. She has been recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year (2023) by the Catalyst for Business and Entrepreneurship and Business of the Year (2023) by the Huntsville Metro Black Chamber of Commerce.
Denise Johnson
Health Equity Consultant
Dr. Johnson is an OB/GYN Physician who has served as a hospital administrator, Physician General and Acting Secretary of Health of the State of Pennsylvania. She is passionate about women’s health and an advocate for health as a human right.
Hannah Barr
Research Assistant
Hannah is a psychological researcher with an interdisciplinary background in psychology and design, blending analytical prowess with creative insights. Her work is fueled by a passion for understanding human behavior and a deep-seated belief in the potential of research to catalyze positive change, as evidenced by her rich publication history. Through her work, she aspires to pave the way for a more informed and enriched human experience for all people.
Cooper Smitherman
Social Media Intern
Cooper is a writer and researcher with a great passion for storytelling and social justice. He believes in the power of the written word to enact positive change and aims to raise awareness for pressing social justice issues through his growing background in social media content creation and journalism.
