Registration opens:
January 01st, 2026

Perspectives on Public Health

One Book One Broward 2026

Join Dr. Joy Siegel and Dr. Jayson Forbes, Professors of Public Health in a discussion about today’s complex public health challenges aligned with food access concerns found in novel The Seed Keeper.

“The Seed Keeper” by Diane Wilson directly engages with public health and food access through the story of Rosalie, an elder who protects traditional seeds which are culturally significant heirloom varieties that provide sustenance and security without damaging the environment. Join Dr. Joy Siegel and Dr. Jayson Forbes, Assistant Professors of Public Health in a discussion about shaping healthy communities through Osteopathic Medicine. Learn about today’s complex public health challenges and explore the social, environmental, and demographic influences on public health. 

Joy Siegel, Ed.D., M.B.A., spent 15 years as a consultant in the non-profit sector, working with 200 global, regional, and local organizations. Her work primarily focused on fundraising, supporting campaigns totaling over $350 million. Additional services included feasibility studies, needs assessments, strategy, and training. Her organizational work set the foundation for her entry into public health, collaborating with organizations committed to improving the lives of those they served by addressing health through programs and services. While working as a consultant, Joy was part of the caregiving team for her mother who was living with Parkinson’s disease. That life-changing experience prompted Joy to attend NSU as a doctoral student studying gerontology and organizational leadership. Since receiving her doctorate, Joy has segued into healthcare with research projects that include measuring the impact of loneliness on quality of life, minimizing hospital readmissions for patients living with noncommunicable diseases, falls prevention, and the impact of happiness on well-being and health outcomes. She has also worked with health plans and service providers running pilot programs testing digital health products and creating member engagement programs. Today, Joy is full-time at NSU’s KPCOM teaching both bachelor’s and master’s students Public Health Planning, Dimensions of Wellness, Principles of Leadership, and Local Outreach. Additionally, she mentors students and works with those doing Independent Study. Joy is approved in all 50 states, by numerous credentialing bodies, as a medical health instructor for continuing education programs. Her nonclinical programs have certified tens of thousands of healthcare professionals throughout the U.S. One of her programs is the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias curriculum for all healthcare professionals becoming certified dementia practitioners in Florida. When not working, Joy loves to travel, go to the theater, attend concerts, exercise, and walk the dog. She is an avid community leader and is involved in numerous organizations throughout the community.

Dr. Jayson Forbes is a health policy and systems researcher whose work examines healthcare quality, patient safety, and the role of hospitals in addressing social factors that influence health outcomes. His research includes studies on organizational approaches to patient safety culture, hospitals’ responsibilities in addressing the social determinants of health, and the impact of healthcare policies on care delivery. His work has been published in BMJ Leader and cited in national policy reports.

At Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Forbes teaches and mentors students in public health foundations, research methods, and applied research projects. He is dedicated to preparing the next generation of public health professionals with the skills to conduct rigorous research and apply evidence-based solutions in practice. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Forbes serves in professional leadership roles across state and national organizations. He is President-Elect of the Florida Chapter of the National Association of Health Services Executives and serves on the Healthcare Committee and the Leadership Miami Executive Planning Committee with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. He has also served in committee leadership for the American Public Health Association.

One Book One Broward is supported by the Broward Public Library Foundation.

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