Dr. Fairbanks has been an asset to several communities where she has held such positions in the media realm, as a producer, reporter, anchor, live television show host, diversity officer, and media manager. She assisted in coordinating an integrated multi‐media platform newsroom in several media sectors, for radio, web, print producing, and television. Through her diligent efforts in the community by bringing awareness to several issues such as, diversity, education, social justice and health issues haven’t gone unnoticed.
Dr. Fairbanks has produced and directed two documentaries. The first entitled, Witnesses to History, the story of the significance of the election and inauguration of Barack Obama. WTIU staff accompanied a Monroe County group to Washington D.C. to be among the millions witnessing the swearing‐in of the nation’s first African‐American President. Obama’s victory ‐‐ improbably ‐‐ may have been sealed in the Republican stronghold of Indiana when he became the first Democrat since 1964 to carry the state. The historical impact of the election of the country’s 44th President is chronicled in this 30-minute special. Added to those now is the tale of another leader whose message of hope, inspiration and change has inspired people around the world.
The second, Why I Sing Amazing Grace: The African‐American Worship Experience examines the history of the worship experience. It examines more than two centuries African-American churches have served as a means of inspiration and hope, and emphasized the meaning of individual transformation. The call to worship can vary from denomination to denomination, but many of the same spiritual traditions have lived in the black church for centuries. The documentary explores topics of spirituality, rituals, power and leadership in the black church.
This self‐motivated, leader is always ready for the next challenge. She saw the disproportionality in several aspects of the community and wanted to be an advocate of change in the health realm. Dr. SYN completed her doctoral degree. Her dissertation entitled, Mental Illness Knowledge, Stigma, Help Seeking Behaviors, and Perceptions of Media Portrayals of Black Culture: The Role of Spirituality and the African American Church published in the American Journal of Health Studies.
Her research interests include: Social justice and inclusion, spiritual health, mental health and stigma, disparities in people of color, healthy living, diversity or lack of in mainstream media, self-esteem and body image in underrepresented groups and crises communication. Dr. Fairbanks' goal is to educate underserved populations on health disparities and influence change within the community.
Dr. Fairbanks has been the recipient of various funding awards such as: Women Inspiring Hope and Possibility Achievement Scholarship, Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE), Vivian Drenckhahn Scholarship recipient, and the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) 21st Century Scholarship Recipient.
She has numerous accolades including, Indiana University, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Building Bridges Staff Award, National Association for Black Journalists (NABJ) the Salute to Excellence Award, Emmy Nominee: Outstanding Public/Current/Community Affairs, WTIU InFocus, Domestic Violence, and the Society for Professional Journalists (SPJ).
Dr. Fairbanks is joyfully married to Minister Ronald S. Fairbanks, Jr. together they have two beautiful daughters Samirah and Amariah. They currently reside in the North Carolina area.
