The inaugural 40 Under 40 Public Health Catalyst Awards aim to highlight the rising leaders and innovators of the public health field. The Boston Congress of Public Health (BCPH) and the HPHR Journal selected a group of “leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, scientists, activists”, and doctors that will inspire the next generations of public health workers to change the world. The individuals featured for this award have not only shown excellent work performance and an extensive academic history but have also brought innovative solutions to public health issues around the world.
The NYC Daily Post interviewed 40 under 40 award winners to learn about their career journeys leading up to their nominations.
Q1. What’s a piece of advice you’ve received that has impacted your career journey?
Every person has lived their own story and their own set of experiences, which then shape the way each of us sees and interacts with the world. Remember to be there for people in the way they need you to be.
Q2. Do you have a mentor you’d like to recognize? If so, what would you like to say to them?
I would like to thank Dr. Hanni Stoklosa, Dr. Bharti Khurana, Dr. Natasha Johnson, and Dr. Deborah Bartz for their incredible mentorship, inspiring examples, and endless support. I cannot thank you enough for everything you have taught and shown me.
Q3. What advice would you give a young professional beginning their career in your field?
Find mentors, colleagues, friends, and loved ones who inspire you and lift you up. I’m so grateful for the way my community of mentors and peers motivated, challenged and supported me.
Q4. If you could do one thing, leave one mark, on your profession, what would it be?
I hope to increase the representation of under-represented communities within our academic and clinical discourse regarding interpersonal violence. I hope to push our research, education, advocacy, and clinical efforts forward by not only advancing/implementing evidence-based knowledge but also allowing survivor-centered narratives and lived experiences to guide our efforts.
Q5. What is your ultimate career goal as you see it today?
I aim to become a public health practitioner attuned to social-clinical needs, scholar addressing the roots of structural violence, healthcare provider practicing trauma-informed care, and innovator empowering survivors of interpersonal violence to create systemic change.
Q6. What core values are important to succeeding in your professional field?
Integrity, innovation, communication, collaboration, community, advocacy, curiosity, empathy, respect, commitment, service.
Q7. Ten years ago, I thought I would be …
a social worker because I loved guiding patients through complex social issues on the ground as a crisis counselor.
Q8. Ten years from now, I want to be …
an academic OBGYN and public health practitioner because it allows me to support and care for patients on an individual level while also providing me the platform to facilitate large-scale change.
Q9. Would you want to acknowledge any family/friends/partners (beyond mentors)? If so, who?
I would like to thank my parents, sister, friends, and partner. I would not be the person I am today without your unconditional support, unyielding strength, and unwavering compassion. You’ve inspired me every day, and I hope to make you proud.
Q10. Please indicate your hometown, place of study, degree field(s), and an interesting fact about yourself.
I am originally from Naperville, Illinois. I attended college at Washington University in St. Louis where I majored in Biology and minored in Anthropology.
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