Paris Pryor-Banks did not begin her professional journey on a path to becoming a health education specialist. Sometimes, however, the right career calling finds you when you least expect it. But Paris recalls, “One thing changed the whole trajectory of how I felt about health education and promotion.” That one thing? A single health promotion class that opened her eyes to the power of structured, evidence-based education in improving community health.
Now a Program Manager at Case Western Reserve University, Paris is deeply embedded in community-based research. She helps enroll participants in the DAWN study—a project focused on expanding genetic research related to Alzheimer’s disease in underserved populations. In her role, she gathers medical and family history, conducts neuropsychological testing, performs phlebotomy, and attends outreach events to engage the community and provide service referrals.
A Winding Path to Health Education
Paris started her college career in 2010 at the University of Akron, majoring in nursing at her mother’s encouragement. “I did two years of prerequisites, and I realized it just wasn’t something I truly felt a calling for,” she recalls. After exploring other options, she transferred to Concordia University, St. Paul, and earned a degree in exercise science. Still, something was missing.
“One thing I remember from my exercise science program was my health promotion class. Initially, it was boring, but then we had to create a program using a model—the trans-theoretical model. And that changed everything for me.”
Inspired by the idea of program design rooted in theory, Paris pursued a Master of Education in Community Health Promotion at Cleveland State University, graduating in 2018. That same year, she took the CHES® exam for the first time—but missed passing by just four points.
“I was devastated. I threw the letter in the trash. I told myself I didn’t need it, that I could be a health educator without it.” She pivoted, working as a financial counselor and later in MRI research. It wasn’t until she joined Case Western Reserve University that she felt she had truly found her place in the field.
Conquering the CHES® Exam
Even after stepping into a research role, Paris knew she wanted her CHES® certification to solidify her credibility. In 2024, six years after her first attempt, she decided to try again.
“The email about the exam deadline landed in my inbox, and I knew it was time. I had more autonomy in my role, and I realized how respected the credential was. I told myself—I have to do this.”
Studying was rigorous, especially as the Competencies had changed since her first attempt. But Paris remained determined. “Every day, I told myself, ‘I didn’t come this far to not pass.’” And the second time around, her hard work paid off.
Making an Impact Through Research and Community Engagement
Now fully immersed in her work, Paris finds purpose in research that directly impacts health disparities. Through the DAWN study, she helps diversify genetic research by increasing participation from African ancestry and Hispanic populations—groups historically underrepresented in Alzheimer’s studies.
“We know that some treatments can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, but those treatments were developed based on research that primarily included white men,” she explains. “We need to expand genetic research in diverse populations so that treatments can be more inclusive for everyone.”
Her work goes beyond data collection—she spends hours with participants, listening to their stories, building trust, and ensuring they understand the study. “A two-hour visit can easily turn into five hours because people just want someone to talk to. And I’m happy to be that person.”
Breaking Down Barriers to Brain Donation
One of Paris’ recent projects involved conducting focus groups on brain donation—an often misunderstood and stigmatized topic. In collaboration with Wake Forest University, Columbia University, and the University of Miami, she helped gather insights on community perceptions of brain donation to develop better educational materials.
“A lot of people didn’t know that brain donation isn’t the same as organ donation,” she says. “They worried they wouldn’t be able to have an open-casket funeral. We were able to educate them that the brain is removed through the back of the skull, so the funeral process isn’t affected.”
By addressing misconceptions and fears, Paris and her team are helping to increase awareness and participation in brain donation—a critical step in Alzheimer’s research.
The Power of Advocacy and Health Literacy
One skill Paris credits as essential to her work is communication. “In underserved communities, transparency is everything,” she says. “There have been so many historical injustices in research, so I make sure participants fully understand every step of the process. Health literacy is key.”
Her role often extends beyond research. She assesses participants’ social determinants of health and connects them with available resources, even if it’s outside her official job scope. “Advocacy is part of my day-to-day. If I can help improve someone’s health or life in any way, I will.”
Advice for Future CHES® Candidates
For those preparing to take the CHES® exam, Paris offers a few key pieces of advice:
- · Pace Yourself. “Don’t overwhelm yourself with studying. Take breaks so you stay refreshed.”
- · Use multiple resources. “Go beyond the book. I used Quizlet for practice questions, which helped a lot.”
- · Stay the course. “If you don’t pass, don’t let it define you. The community needs more health educators—keep going.”
- · Network and continue to learn. “Join professional groups, whether on Facebook, LinkedIn, or through organizations like NCHEC. It’s not just about what you know—it’s about who you know, too.”
Looking Ahead
Now, with her CHES® credential in hand, Paris is eager to keep growing. She’s currently pursuing a PhD in Health and Human Performance and is excited about the opportunities ahead.
“My biggest lesson is that the learning doesn’t stop once you graduate or pass the exam. There’s always something new to learn, always new ways to serve the community.” And with her passion for health education, research, and advocacy, there’s no doubt that Paris Pryor-Banks is making an impact—one participant, one study, and one achievement at a time.