Episode #131 Navigating AI Literacy, With Zainab Shipchandler, MPH
- Laura Hollabaugh
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read

Overview
Unlock the future of public health entrepreneurship with actionable insights into AI literacy, responsible technology adoption, and industry-leading best practices. In this episode, we speak with Zainab Shipchandler, health educator, AI literacy advocate, and director of the ZRF Group. We explore how public health leaders can champion digital transformation while protecting communities. Whether assessing AI tools, navigating privacy, or advocating for equitable innovation, discover the essential skills and frameworks for thriving in an AI-driven world.
Meet Zainab Shipchandler
Zainab Shipchandler, MPH, MCHES, is a public health education consultant who is passionate about equipping communities with the knowledge and skills to navigate health information and services in the age of AI. As Director of ZRF Group, she brings her background as a Master Certified Health Education Specialist to a multidisciplinary team of experts in AI and medicine. She collaborates with clients nationwide to build professional and community capacity in AI and health literacy through workshops, speaking, and curriculum development. Zainab recently became a Certified Lactation Counselor to advocate for new parents during their infant feeding journeys. Her lived experiences as a patient, mother of young children, and trusted resource in her community inform and inspire her work.
Takeaways
The integration of AI in public health is reshaping professional responsibilities and opening new opportunities for innovation and impact.
AI literacy goes beyond tool use—it’s about understanding strengths, limitations, privacy implications, and potential risks such as misinformation and bias.
AI is now a "super" social determinant of health, affecting education, employment, and access to healthcare, making digital and AI literacy vital for wellbeing.
The ZRF Group’s workshop empowers health professionals to confidently assess AI tools using a tailored framework (e.g., model details, privacy, reliability, applicability).
Responsible AI use requires clear SOPs, understanding data privacy, and protecting sensitive information for marginalized communities.
Collaboration among health experts, physicians, and AI specialists ensures educational resources and interventions remain accurate, relevant, and culturally sensitive.
Public health entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to become AI literacy champions and advocates for policy, equity, and community protection in this fast-changing landscape.
Staying informed and tailoring AI solutions is essential—live, interactive education like ZRF’s workshop accelerates learning and strategic adoption.
Links Mentioned In This Episode
Resources For Public Health Entrepreneurs
Grab your copy of: Top 10 Tips For Finding Clients
Grab your copy of: Top 10 Tips For Getting Started
Submit a question you’d like us to answer on this podcast here.
Learn more about the Public Health Entrepreneurs Mastermind group program here.
Subscribe here for Public Health Entrepreneurs podcast updates so that you don’t miss anything.
Podcast Apps
Public Health Entrepreneurs Podcast in Apple PodcastsÂ
Public Health Entrepreneurs Podcast in YouTube MusicÂ
Public Health Entrepreneurs Podcast in Spotify
Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been in public health consulting or other type of business for a while, we provide support for public health entrepreneurs through our podcast and mastermind group program. We serve public health entrepreneurs in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and California as well as other parts of the United States and worldwide.