Word to the Wise | Marline D. Edmond
by Imani Cabassa-George
Marline D. Edmond is a first-generation Haitian-American with ten years of experience in government, health tech, and academia. She is a current third-year doctoral student in the Communication, Culture, and Media (CCMS) program in the Cathy Hughes School of Communication (CHSOC). As a scholar, her research interests include examining the history of health campaign propaganda and media framing of Haitians during public health crises (e.g., natural disasters, infectious diseases, and other social injustices), the Haitian cultural influences on the Black birthing experience, and how Haitians and birthing people use technology in health-related information seeking behaviors.
When she’s not studying, you can find Marline pursuing her entrepreneurial passion - running her own business as a health communications consultant. In 2023, Marline founded Plug Communications, LLC, where she develops culturally competent health communication strategies in “Plain Language U Get” to promote equitable health information targeting the Black diaspora. Through her business, she provides accessible health communication to communities who need the information the most.
In an interview with The Sway, Marline shares what it’s like to pursue her PhD, while working full-time as a consultant and business-owner. This article has been condensed and edited for clarity.
The Sway: Tell us about your business and how it came to be. Did you have a business plan? How long did it take to go live with your services?
Marline Edmond: Although I launched my business in 2023, I’ve been an independent consultant for a faith-based organization since 2019, engaging the Elizabeth, New Jersey, Haitian community in the 2020 Census. During that time, my census team and I would walk through Wards 4 and 5 of Elizabeth (predominately Haitian), disseminating information and answering questions from community members. I’ve always had a passion for community engagement, grassroots, and communications/marketing. Then, when the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, I had the opportunity to work with that same organization, educating the Haitian community on COVID-19, addressing vaccine hesitancy, and eliminating misinformation. Since 2020, I’ve had the pleasure of working with clients as a Haitian Audience subject matter expert, developing strategic communication plans addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and the Black maternal health crisis.
As my clientele grew, I knew it was time to pivot and make it official. I did not have a business plan, just a page in my notes app on my mobile phone filled with business ideas, and links I added over the span of three years. I feared failing, but I had to realize that I was the only one holding myself back. So, I fell forward and held myself accountable by joining a Public Health Consulting & Entrepreneurship cohort. As I would tell my friends, “I’m just going off vibes.” I went online, did my own research, and figured it out. However, amid “figuring out,” I had colleagues and friends assisting me along the way because I learned to ask for help.
TS: What communities do you and your business serve and why?
ME: As the eldest daughter of Haitian immigrants, I serve the Haitian community first. As a child, I spent a lot of time helping my parents navigate the American healthcare system due to their language barrier and low health literacy. I witnessed and experienced the health and racial disparities that I often write about. My mom owned a little radio and tuned into Haitian radio stations like “Radio Verite” to receive current events, policy changes, and, most importantly, health information. The Haitian community holds a special place in my heart. However, I also serve the African diaspora and women of the African diaspora due to the historical oppression and medical apartheid we’ve faced.
TS: What's it like owning a business while being a PhD student? How do you balance both?
ME: It’s rewarding because I make my own schedule and love the flexibility that I have. I manage my time (and energy) in a way that does not affect my mental health or overall well-being. I use my calendar, reminders, Calendly, and Pomodoro apps often to manage my time and schedule and maintain my productivity. I am part of two co-working spaces (one for my business and one for my cohort) where I dedicate time to focus on specific assignments and project deadlines. I also make sure that I set the necessary boundaries. For example, I don’t hold meetings or conduct business on Mondays. I do not meet with clients after 4:00 PM. I take two months off of the year from my studies to focus on my business and vice versa. Lastly, I say “no” more than “yes.”
TS: Does your business ever coincide with your studies? Where is the synergy?
ME: Absolutely! I love it when I’m able to take what I learn from the classroom and implement it in my business. Then, I love taking what I learn in the field and using it as a case study within the classroom. I am in a unique position to exercise my expertise at any given moment.
TS: What advice would you give to a future entrepreneur who might also be pursuing graduate-level studies? What are the challenges and opportunities?
ME: The advice I would give to a future entrepreneur pursuing graduate studies is to make sure that you love what you’re doing. My work doesn’t feel like work. It feels like a Rubix cube that I’m always trying to solve, and it’s what makes it exciting for me. Some of the challenges include some of the financial sacrifices you will have to make. Every day is not a “green” day. You must know you will not bear the fruit the same day you plant the seed. You have to be uncomfortable with stepping out of your comfort zone, building your network, and getting referrals.
TS: What are your plans for your business, after you complete your degree?
ME: My plan is to run a multimillion-dollar Black-women-owned communications firm that creates an HBCU pipeline for the future public health practitioners, health communicators, and researchers of tomorrow.
TS: Fun fact—What is your favorite fall activity?
ME: My favorite fall activity is grabbing peppermint mocha hot chocolate and watching the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center in New York City.