KCC Alumni Spotlight

Renny John was attending Bronx Community College when he found himself without a home in Harlem.

The unexpected turn brought him back to his East Flatbush home and led him to Kingsborough Community College’s community health program, which he felt aligned perfectly with his interests. He shared that a class on critical issues in health at BCC ignited his passion for public health. “This newfound interest led me to pursue Kingsborough's community health program when I returned to Brooklyn. It was the only major that truly resonated with me.”

He decided to attend college full-time and work part-time after losing his job during the 2008 economic downturn, despite the temporary hit to his income and the challenges that entailed. “I saw it as an opportunity to enhance my skills and broaden my career prospects.”

In the winter of 2015, he became the first in his family to graduate with a college degree. “The day I graduated stands out as the pinnacle of my time at Kingsborough,” he recalled. “It was a moment of immense joy and accomplishment, especially considering the numerous challenges I had overcome throughout my associate degree journey.”

He identified KCC community health professor, Dr. Jose Nanin, as a pivotal influence.. “His comprehensive knowledge of public health, coupled with his supportive nature, made him an outstanding mentor and educator.”

Renny went on to earn a BS in health and nutrition sciences from Brooklyn College and a master’s in public health from Cornell University. Driven by a desire to become a leader in the field, he recently became a doctoral candidate at Morgan State University, with the goal of earning a doctor of public health by 2027. "The pandemic highlighted the need for improved leadership in public health crises, and as a Black man, I recognize the importance of representation to support individuals like me.” He hopes to one day establish his own workplace wellness program.

Along the way, he has built an impressive resume, working for prestigious organizations like the CDC, Johns Hopkins, and NYC Health + Hospitals.

Renny's focus is on addressing workplace burnout and stress—issues he considers urgent public health concerns. He currently works at Northwell Health, where he designs wellness programs aimed at improving health outcomes, mitigating risks, and fostering healthy behaviors for a workforce of over 20,000 across seven hospitals in the Western Region and 87,000 employees across the entire Northwell Health system.

Equally active in building virtual communities, he manages two Black public health groups online, one on GroupMe with over 4,000 members and another on LinkedIn with more than 2,400 members. He also serves on the Cornell University Black Alumni Association's e-board, overseeing activities for all Black alumni.

Outside of work, Renny enjoys spending time with his son and “for better or worse, stressing over the NY Jets.”

“Kingsborough instilled in me the belief that hard work and dedication lead to success. This lesson has been a driving force in both my personal and professional life,” noted Renny. “What stands out most in my memory is the unwavering support I received from both the faculty and staff. Their dedication made a lasting impression on my academic journey. I wish more people were aware of the incredibly supportive environment that Kingsborough fosters. It's a place where students are truly set up for success.”