CSC prioritizes community-engaged research in all aspects of the work. All stages of the typical research process must involve the community, this includes but is not limited to: recruitment, data collection, analysis, and dissemination. Utilizing mixed methods, specifically qualitative research methods and analyses, CSC is able to engage in various research topics such as reproductive health, rights and justice; social determinants of health; health disparities; and health equity. 

Engaging with communities is the foundation of CSC. Indya’s public health journey first began volunteering at health fairs in Richmond, Virginia. This is where she learned the importance of talking with community members to learn about their health needs, as they are the true experts. However, CSC is not only focused on public health amongst the local, national, and global communities. It is a desire of CSC to expand their community engagement strategies with other sectors such as local business, the non-profit and for-profit sectors. 

Process and outcome evaluation efforts are rooted in mixed methods research and engagement with communities. Program and project evaluation is a huge strength of CSC. It is important that programs are evaluated for knowledge gained, effectiveness, and acceptability with the community at the center. Evaluation is not only for public health programs but every business, community initiative or project can benefit from some form of evaluation.