116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Chris Espersen
Editorial Fellow, The Gazette
Chris Espersen is a Civil & Human Rights Commissioner & health equity consultant working with healthcare, public health, & civil rights organizations. Chris has provided facilitation, training & technical assistance both domestically & in Asia, Africa, & Latin America. She taught Social Determinants of Health at the university level & speaks nationally on a variety of topics including anti-racism, SDoH, & topics related to health equity. Chris has three awe-inspiring children & a less amazing yet still wonderful Husky, & loves to cook, enjoy nature, & travel.
Latest Articles by Chris Espersen
Staff Columnists Jun. 16, 2024 5:00 am556d ago
Juneteenth offers an opportunity for Iowans to learn about the history of our country
Staff Columnists Jun. 2, 2024 5:00 am570d ago
Options Academy helps students to graduate high school when traditional school isn’t the right fit
Staff Columnists May. 19, 2024 5:00 am584d ago
Iowa has seen numerous pieces of legislation that make people feel unwelcome
Staff Columnists Apr. 28, 2024 5:00 am605d ago
The only way religion is being attacked is using it as an excuse to harm, belittle, and persecute marginalized communities
Staff Columnists Apr. 14, 2024 5:00 am619d ago
To the staff, administrators, and students of Iowa public schools, Words have been elusive this week. I thought about writing …
Staff Columnists Mar. 31, 2024 5:00 am633d ago
The intense joy on 10-year-old Alma’s face lit up the crowded Perkins Elementary’s gymnasium. The youth Gospel choir, Bridges 2 …
Staff Columnists Mar. 14, 2024 10:13 am649d ago
Amber Gustafson regrets not having stood up and walked out of her church 10 years ago. She tearfully recounted how the pastor and elders got up in front of the entire congregation to shun a former member.
Staff Columnists Feb. 25, 2024 5:00 am668d ago
“I can do it, I believe in myself, but I need help,” Dara Schmidt describes the 89-year-old woman who visited …
Staff Columnists Feb. 11, 2024 5:00 am682d ago
Ari Davis was brought to the United States when she was 3 years old. She remembers how hard her dad …
Staff Columnists Jan. 28, 2024 5:00 am696d ago
The blinding sun belied the bitterly cold temperature early Saturday morning. Some streets still had not been adequately plowed and …
Staff Columnists Jan. 7, 2024 5:00 am717d ago
The hunger games continue in Iowa
Staff Columnists Dec. 24, 2023 5:00 am731d ago
The holiday season can be a difficult time for Iowans, especially emotionally. For Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad, December holds numerous reminders …
Staff Columnists Dec. 10, 2023 5:00 am745d ago
Anya’s three-bedroom rental home isn’t by any means extravagant. But it has a camper parked in the yard for family …
Staff Columnists Dec. 3, 2023 5:00 am752d ago
“He was pulling down his pockets, making his pants go all the way down. I am a grown man and …
Staff Columnists Nov. 19, 2023 5:00 am766d ago
“It wasn’t until June 1924 that the U.S. declared Native people citizens,” Val Uken tells me. “It’s an open sore.“ …

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