Julian Watkins
40 Under 40 Class of 2023
New York, New York
Assistant Commissioner of the Bureau of Health Equity Capacity Building
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
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We must be bold and think outside the box to meet the standards of a diverse 21st century population and address today's challenges.
Three words to describe me:
visionary, big-hearted, hopeful
The best part of my job:
I'm in the people business. I love people and believe in us.
Something that would surprise others about me:
I used to be a very shy person.
Dr. Julian L. Watkins is a physician and culture worker who serves as Assistant Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Bureau of Health Equity Capacity Building. He supports citywide efforts to promote community wellness, reduce health inequities, and empower communities through tailored engagement, narrative power-building, and community-centered program design.
Julian is also a Culture of Health Leader, part of a national leadership program supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. He is on the board of the Catskills Agrarian Alliance, a collective of farms focused on land stewardship, community organizing, and mutual aid. His public health practice draws from social medicine, philosophy, art, literature, and progressive social movements to invite people into a larger conversation about community, safety, love, resilience, belonging, and care.
Julian earned his undergraduate degree from Oakwood University and his MD from Howard University.
