Dr. Raphael initially pursued a medical degree but then earned a master's in public health, which shifted her perspective on medicine. She learned about public health doctors who focus on making communities and groups healthy. In 2013, she was hired to work at One River Grants Inc. Six years later, the founder of the business asked her to take over upon his retirement.
One River Grants Inc. is a boutique public health consulting firm. They help hospitals create programs, prevent homelessness, help children stay healthy, and assist organizations in building libraries across Africa. They work to have a global impact in 10 countries, helping communities and solving problems for populations. The speaker highlights the tremendous amount of work that goes into grant applications. Challenges mentioned include barriers to obtaining a ready source of revenue and cash to keep operations smooth as an African-American female under 50. Despite this, the business has grown significantly in about six years. The team is described as intelligent, professional women with no egos, who work together to solve problems.
Dr. Raphael went through the orientation and initiation for Revenued, finding it as easy as it was marketed. Revenued smoothed their ability to acquire needed equipment for the business and helped cover gaps when moving funds, specifically during 24 to 48-hour periods. She is grateful to the Revenued team for the opportunity to be featured in their small business spotlight.
The public health consulting industry plays a crucial role in helping hospitals, nonprofits, and community organizations design programs that improve population health and expand access to resources. Firms like One River Grants Inc. provide expertise in areas such as homelessness prevention, child health initiatives, global education projects, and grant writing. Because much of the work is project-based and grant-dependent, consulting firms often face challenges with cash flow and access to reliable funding. Flexible business financing enables public health consultants to cover operating costs, invest in resources, and continue delivering solutions that create meaningful community and global impact.