Social determinants of health (SDOH) refer to the conditions in the places where people live, learn, work and play that affect a wide range of health risks and outcomes. It considers quality of life implications that touch healthcare, education, social and community connections, economic stability as well as neighborhoods and the built environment. Dwayne Spencer shares how understanding the influences around SDOH can improve and advance health equity. Dwayne Spencer has worked in nonprofit management for 29 years and led Memphis Habitat since 2001. He has extensive experience working with a wide range of community constituencies to create strategic partnerships and impactful collaborations. Since joining Memphis Habitat, Spencer has grown the organization from a 9member staff to more than 60 employees; from a $1 million annual budget to $18 million; and from serving 1520 families a year to approximately 250plus annually through the launch of the Aging in Place program. Today, Memphis Habitat ranks in the top 45 home producing affiliates and in the top five for home repairs out of more than 1,100 Habitat affiliates in the US. Spencer holds a master’s degree in public administration from The University of Memphis. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx