For Dr. Stefanie Iverson Cabral, associate teaching professor in the School of Nursing & Health Studies, the search for opportunities to grow her knowledge and advance her teaching led her to something of a mecca in her field: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

During the 2024-25 academic year, Iverson Cabral was selected as a science ambassador fellow for the CDC. This experience brought her to the center’s headquarters in Atlanta and then back to UW Bothell where she has since implemented what she learned into her own courses. 

Read the full article!

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“My personal experiences pushed me to continue exploring what public health means,” Richards said. “I think using those experiences and identities that you have in your personal life to fuel you is really important — and those perspectives are needed in the health field.” 

In June, Richards graduated from the ����vlog��Ƶ with a master’s degree in Community Health & Social Justice. From selecting classes to pursuing research opportunities, her experiences were the driving force behind everything she did, including a fellowship with the UW’s . The Community Health & Social Justice program aims to support the urgent need for health professionals who understand the root causes of inequities — and have the education and skills to address them. 

In her second year, Richards was awarded a fellowship with the  — an interdisciplinary research center established under the UW’s School of Social Work to promote the health and well-being of Latinx individuals, families and communities in Washington. Offered annually, the fellowship is awarded to graduate or professional students who demonstrate a commitment to improving the health of Latinx communities. 

Richards was nominated and endorsed by several SNHS faculty members. 

I didn’t even know this was an opportunity that was out there. I’m so glad that the faculty were looking out for me and thought that I was a good fit.

For more information, read the full article!

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This past year I have had the opportunity to serve as a CDC Science Ambassador Fellow.  This work started last July when I got to spend an incredible week at the CDC in Atlanta, where I connected with fellow educators to explore ways to integrate public health and epidemiology into STEM education.  Over our week together, we learned about teaching resources, brainstormed strategies for active learning, and collaborated with the Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) officers to complete an “outbreak exercise”.  We were also able to tour the David J. Sencer Museum, the Emergency Operations Center, as well as the BL4 lab training facility.  Following the summer program, our work has continued virtually as our team has worked to develop a case study on traumatic brain injury (TBI).   This activity can be adapted for students ranging from 6th grade to higher ed and aims to teach students about what happens when someone experiences a TBI, as well as epidemiology-based skills such as data analysis and graphing.  We’ve also made sure to include discussions on how the social determinants of health connect to risk of TBI, as well as outcomes. This quarter I was able to pilot one section of our case study in BHS 210: Community Health Promotion & Communication where I was able to integrate some of the activities into our conversations on health literacy and effective public health messaging.

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Undergraduate and graduate students studying Nursing and Medical Technology at the Institute of Science Tokyo (IST; formerly known as Tokyo Medical and Dental University) visited the University of Washington (UW) as their study abroad program from February 24th to March 7th, 2025. Kosuke Niitsu, PhD, ARNP, PMHNP-BC, Assistant Professor at UW Bothell and developed the curriculum in collaboration with the .

A total of 10 IST students participated in a variety of learning activities through the study abroad program. For example, they joined a class, BNURS460: Translating Scholarly Knowledge to Nursing Practice, that Niitsu taught at UW Bothell (Photo 1). Four undergraduate nursing students from IST delivered oral presentations to introduce the nursing practice and education in Japan:

• Aya Shirakawa: Giving Birth in Japan
• Hanano Okabe: Terminal Care and Angel Care in Japan
• Reina Adachi: Japanese Nursing Education
• Hikari Nakajima: Patients Meals

Each presentation was followed by very lively Q&A sessions where UW Bothell nursing students actively asked questions and discussed to understand the contents further. 

On another day, IST students visited another class that Niitsu taught for UW Bothell graduate nursing students: BNURS591: Advanced Fieldwork and Capstone II. Two undergraduate students majoring in Medical Technology delivered oral presentations:

• Mami Ueta: Life in the Department of Medical Technology
• Sakurako Abe: The Need for Collaboration between Nurses and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Following their presentations, UW Bothell graduate students, who are experienced nurses who are learning to become nurse educators and leaders in the Master of Nursing program, and IST students discussed a wide range of topics, such as the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration. 

Not only the traditional classrooms but IST students also visited a scholarship meeting by the UW Bothell School of Nursing & Health Studies (SNHS). After greeting with SNHS faculty and staff members, a forth-year undergraduate nursing student presented her graduation thesis:

• Serina Koizumi: Initial Response to Incidents in Home Nursing Settings – Analysis of Incident Reports

Furthermore, Haruka Furusho, a graduate student in the Master of Science in Community Health & Social Justice, and Niitsu hosted a special event by inviting nurses and nursing students who are originally from Japan and currently live in the Seattle area and facilitated discussions between panelists and students (Photo 2). As the panelists are familiar with both Japanese and American cultures, they provided crucial perspectives on how nursing practices are different and how they deal with the differences. Those panelists encouraged IST students to explore career options not only in Japan but also in the United States as well. IST students proactively engaged in the discussion with various questions and contributed to meaningful discussion.

In addition to UW Bothell, IST students visited UW Seattle, University of Washington Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center, and other clinics and hospitals, such as the Swedish Cherry Hill Campus and Nikkei Manor.

Jieun An, a former undergraduate nursing student at UW Bothell, took a course, BNURS423 Ethical and Quality Nursing Care, in the Spring 2024 quarter. In this course, Niitsu implemented Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), which allowed IST and UW Bothell students to learn and interact with each other through online learning (e.g. Zoom). An and Adachi kept in touch through social media after the course was completed, and they had an opportunity to meet in Seattle in person one year after they met online (Photo 3). An stated:

“I truly appreciated the unique opportunity to work with students from IST through the COIL program. I enjoyed exchanging insights on nursing ethics and care practices, which led to many eye-opening moments. It was fascinating to see both the differences and similarities between the nursing fields in America and Japan.

Beyond nursing, we also shared cultural experiences, which made me feel more culturally competent– a crucial skill in healthcare. Although the COIL program was virtual and we faced some language challenges, I still felt a strong connection with the IST students and wanted to stay in touch. I’m glad I did. I had the chance to meet one of the COIL members and another nursing student from IST in person when they came to UW for a study abroad program. We spent time together, continuing our conversations about nursing cultures and healthcare dynamics in America and Japan.

This entire experience was incredibly meaningful. My biggest takeaway is that, despite practicing in different countries with distinct cultures, systems, and languages, we share the same core nursing values: compassion and caring. I believe these values helped us understand each other even more. I am genuinely grateful for the course.”

After the study abroad was over, each student reflected on their experiences.

• Graduate Nursing Students:
  • Mahoko Sakurai: “The experience I had in Seattle was very valuable. In particular, learning about the healthcare system and nursing in another country led me to take an objective look at the current situation in Japan. Also, participating in the classes for graduate students was very meaningful since it  helped me get an understanding about some of the challenges the hospitals in the US were facing. Lastly, I hope to have another opportunity to come across the people I met in Seattle in my future career. I would like to thank all who had supported this program.”
  • Sambuu Ganchuluun: “I am grateful for the opportunity to study nursing education and healthcare systems in both Japan and the United States. Through this experience, I was able to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare systems in both countries and compare them with the healthcare system in Mongolia. This also gave me the chance to reflect deeply on the strengths and weaknesses of Mongolia’s healthcare system. I am glad that I could summarize my own thoughts on potential areas for improvement. Additionally, I appreciate the opportunity to build connections with nursing students and faculty members at the University of Washington. I believe this experience will contribute to my future career and personal growth. I am filled with gratitude for being able to participate in this program and for all the people I met along the way. Thank you, everyone!”
  • Dingyi Long: “My experience in this program has been incredibly valuable for both my academic and personal growth. During the studying, I had the opportunity to learn about the differences between nursing education and practice in the United States and Japan. I was particularly impressed by the emphasis on critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and cultural competence in American nursing education. These comparisons helped me gain a deeper understanding of how global perspectives can shape nursing education and I am truly grateful for this opportunity.”
• Undergraduate Nursing Students:
  • Serina Koizumi: “Participating in this program was an invaluable experience. I gained a deeper understanding of the differences between nursing in the U.S. and Japan and was able to reflect on what will be needed for the future of nursing in Japan. I was also deeply inspired by everyone I met in the UW classes. Many of them were passionate about continuing their studies in nursing, even after securing stable jobs. This made me realize that obtaining a license is not the final goal but rather a starting point. It also prompted me to reconsider my future career path. Additionally, thanks to Reina, I had a wonderful time with Jieun. She shared fascinating insights about life in Seattle, the nursing field there, and much more. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who was involved in this training program. I hope to see you all again somewhere in the future.”
  • Reina Adachi: “After I found out I would be going to the America, I was both excited and nervous. Once I arrived in Seattle, I was happy that everyone in class treated me so kindly. It was fun to talk about cultural differences in Nursing, and I enjoyed introducing Japanese culture. Also, we could have common hobbies: K-pop and anime, which I didn’t expect, so it was an interesting time too. I spent a very stimulating and meaningful time in UW classes. In addition, I was able to meet Jiun for sure because of Professor Niitsu who organized the COIL, but Jiun herself also found time off work to meet me. It was an irreplaceable time, and I want to thank them. I am filled with gratitude to everyone who I met there.”
  • Hikari Nakajima: “This program give me some meaning experience. I wanted to study about the difference between Japan and the US, so I could compare them and know a lot of things including good point and bad point. Also, I came to think that I’d like to study in Seattle. I appreciate all the people who were related this program. Thank you so much.”
  • Hanano Okabe: “I appreciate all the people I met in Seattle. Studying in the US made me realize the difference in the medical system, social system, and political impact on society between Japan and the US. I loved how confident the nurses and nursing students were in Seattle! Spending time with UW nursing students and Prof. Niitsu, I rediscovered the wonder and pride of nursing studies. Thank you so much everyone!”
  • Aya Shirasaka: “Thanks to all of the support from the staff and students in UW, I was able to have a very pleasant time in Seattle. Since I had been thinking and wanting some ideas on planning my future career, it was a pleasure to meet all these wonderful and inspiring people during the trip. I was able to gain a lot of information and also to encounter new values, which changed my ways of thinking-nurses and students I met at Seattle were all very powerful, proud, and magnificent. I would never find out how fun it is to engage in nursing if I stayed in Japan! Thank you so much again for everything, I wish the best for all of the people I met.”
• Undergraduate Medical Technology Students
  • Sakurako Abe: “I had a wonderful time in Seattle. The best thing about this program was to be able to meet a lot of wonderful people. Everyone was so kind, and they generously shared their experiences with me and gave advice. They changed the way of thinking about my future career. I decided to never stop learning, even after I start working. Also, I was so glad to see that so many people love Japan. I really appreciate everyone I met in Seattle. Thank you so much, and I am determined to make the most of this experience. I hope I can see them again!”
  • Mami Ueta: “First of all, I really appreciate people I met in Seattle. All experiences at there were very precious and must be beneficial for me in the future. I become junior grade in this spring and I just started to think about my career. I want to become a researcher, but it’s hard and difficult pathway. However, I’m excited about my career vision now because many students in UW and people in Seattle have each various perspectives and I’m very encouraged. I learned not only many medical knowledge, but also the passion to pursue what I want to be or do (Many Japanese don’t have it). I’ll never forget the time in Seattle and hope to go back again someday!”

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Health Studies alum Sarina Barrett, class of 2022, took some time to answer a few questions about how she chose UW Bothell, her experiences in the Health Studies program, and advice for current students. Thank you to Sarina for sharing her story with our community!

Tell us about yourself and what led you to UW Bothell.

I grew up in Arlington Washington and graduated from Lakewood High School where I concurrently completed my Associate in Arts and Sciences from Everett Community College. For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to attend UW Bothell. The beautiful campus, the student to professor ratio, and the focus on commuters made me feel like it was the best choice for me. I love small class sizes so I can get to know my classmates and my professors where we can really focus on supporting and uplifting each other. Collaboration is a key element of success for me. Being able to learn from each other’s experiences and previous knowledge gave me a well rounded experience during my time at UW Bothell.

How did you choose the Health Studies program?

I was encouraged to apply as a direct admit to the Health Studies program by the academic advisor as I applied to UW Bothell. Right in my first meeting with the advisor, I instantly felt the support and passion that they have for the program and their students. I was given resources, next steps, and knew that this program would support my future goals and give me an education that I could apply no matter what I ended up doing. I was able to be flexible and mix my Health Studies courses with multiple science classes including chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, and anatomy & physiology. I have always had a passion and drive for science classes and with this background from the Health Studies program, I found there really is a way that I can tie in Health Studies material to every other course that I was taking. I was really grateful to also have been accepted to the Seattle campus of UW, but the Bothell campus felt more at home for me.

How did your experience in your coursework help you find your career path (area of focus or current role)?

My coursework actually had a direct impact on getting hired where I am currently working. When I was completing my fieldwork course and got to work with a community organization, I was paired with Latino Educational Training Institute – LETI. I worked directly with the Director of Health and Wellness Programs, Marisol Bejarano, who also is a Health Studies alumni, and I got a glimpse on how this coursework could be applied. After I finished the fieldwork and graduated, I got an offer from LETI to join their team. I started out working on a rent assistance program in partnership with Volunteers of America for almost a year where I alone was able to allocate $1 million to families so they could catch up on rent. The team was established before I joined so over the course of the three years that LETI was doing rent assistance, the team gave out a combined amount of $7 million. Stability and affordability of housing is a social determinant of health that I began to tie into the work I was doing. Since then, I have now been there almost three years working through different positions including outreach at events, survey distribution and analysis, coordination of the Latino Leadership Initiative program in partnership with local colleges and universities including UW Bothell, communications specialist, managing a grant and program with the Washington State Department of Health, and working directly with LETI’s Founder & CEO, Rosario Reyes. All of these roles and especially the survey analysis provided me with knowledge from the community about what their needs are, but my background in Health Studies allowed me to apply my social determinants of health knowledge and look deeper about what these results are actually telling us.

Please tell us about a moment you’re proud of from your time at UW Bothell.

A moment at UW Bothell that I was proud of was a time where I did an assignment of a mock grant proposal for microbiology with the topic, “Rodent Model for the Effects of COVID-19 Evolution on the Human Host.” This has been one document that I have kept with me since 2021 as it taught me resilience and perseverance. I was at a point in my life where I was going through a lot and when I received feedback on my draft, there was a lot of room for improvement listed. This is not feedback that I would usually get, but there was a lot going on in my life and I wasn’t able to prioritize. My passion for science allowed me to really focus on fixing my draft and submitting my final report in which I got full points for. This was a defining moment for me and I am proud that I was able to focus on my schooling and not lose sight of why I was there in the first place.

Please tell us what you’ve carried over from your education.

In the work I am doing now, I have carried over my knowledge in social determinants of health and what I have learned about the intersectionality of health. All of the determining factors of health including education, housing, job stability and how all of these intersect with gender, race, class, and others determine the health of an individual and of a community. I did not realize how much I have learned until I started seeing myself automatically applying it to the work that I started doing and in my life in general.

Please tell us what has fueled your passion.

What fueled my passion was learning all of the different realities that communities face when it comes to health outcomes. Not only do we need to uplift a member in the community, but also their family, their community, and the world. Bettering health outcomes and reducing the negative impacts from different aspects of social determinants of health including housing, job security, etc, will be beneficial for all. I also have a passion for education and health literacy, both of which are focuses at my current job. It is crucial that all members of the community are able to understand health materials so that they can make their own informed decisions about how they would like to proceed. LETI staff worked to translate material into Spanish from the Washington State Department of Health and have it read at a level that the community can fully understand all while being culturally appropriate. From there, the outreach team that I was part of distributed this information to the community at events with a focus on rural areas as they have barriers in accessibility.

Where has life taken you since graduation and what are your future plans?

Since I have graduated, I continue working at LETI and now I am pursuing my Master of Pharmaceutical Bioengineering at the Seattle campus of UW. I have found that social determinants of health can be applied anywhere and everywhere in the work that I am doing currently and in the pharmaceutical work I will be doing in the future. Understanding the needs in the communities, the factors at play, and the barriers that stand in their way will help me in my future research positions. My ties to UW Bothell continue to grow through the work I am doing with LETI. We collaborate with UW Bothell for the Latino Leadership Initiative program that I coordinate which is a partnership with Edmonds College, Skagit Valley College, UW Bothell, and WSU Everett and it tasks Latino students with conducting community service projects while attending seminars where they hear from the experiences of Latinos in local government and leadership positions. I am currently working in collaboration with Dr. Shari Dworkin’s Social Dimensions of Health class and with a Mary Gates Research Scholarship recipient, Sabrina Prestes Oliveira, on a research project about the needs in the Everett community as LETI recently acquired a building in this area. Previously, I had the honor of working with three faculty members from UW Bothell on different projects through my work at LETI. Dr. Hoa Appel, a previous professor of mine, and Dr. Mabel Ezeonwu, my previous fieldwork professor who connected me to LETI, on a PCORI funded project called “Capacity Building on Behavioral Health Research.” I had the pleasure to again join Dr. Hoa Appel for a presentation on “Community Engagement in Addressing Economic and Social Determinants of Health” at the Re-Imagining Behavioral Health: Race, Equity & Social Justice Conference joined by Dr. Robin Fleming.

Was there a faculty, staff or student service that had a positive impact on your success?

UW Bothell in general has amazing and supporting staff and I will never forget the professors who were so dedicated to help me and other students not only succeed, but thrive. The academic advisor that I had while completing my bachelor’s degree, Kaitlin Wolf, was the one individual that had the most impact on my success in the program. She was one of the first people that I met at UW Bothell when my parents and I came to visit the campus and she quickly directed me towards the Health Studies program due to my future interest of being part of the health field. I loved the structure of the program and right away, I knew that this would be the program that I was supposed to be part of. Every quarter, I would meet with her to make sure I was on track with the program and aligning it to pre-reqs that I needed for my future path. She was so helpful and dedicated to student success and overall happiness, guiding me through the program and through my future.

What would you tell those considering the Health Studies program?

What I would tell students who are considering the Health Studies program is to not be afraid to jump in and follow this path. I was uncertain of exactly what my career path should be, but this degree allowed me to eventually find my way. This material and knowledge can be applied in all different types of employment like healthcare or community work, but also is such beautiful knowledge to take into account in your day to day life. I did not have any idea about social determinants of health or any of the course material that I learned, it really opened my eyes to seeing how there are so many other factors that maybe we do not explicitly see that are affecting others lives.

Do you have advice for current students?

Advice that I have for current students is to take advantage of the clubs and opportunities on campus. Work with your advisors to make sure that you are on track and plan out your future. Build connections and network with your professors because you do not know the opportunities that could come out of those interactions or what you can learn from them outside of the lecture material. You also could see them after you graduate and end up working on projects with them like I did through my employment.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

Work life balance is important and my coworkers have been helping me achieve a more healthy balance. With working full time and doing my master’s degree, it is hard finding time to focus on yourself. I have learned to prioritize self care and relaxation and I love to spend time with my mom, my two ducks, crochet animals, do creative arts & crafts, and ride my dirt bike around our property.

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SNHS Professor Nora Kenworthy was quoted for the article, These Palisades natives raised over $120,000 for fire relief on GoFundMe. Now what? the article!

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Dr. Niitsu received his BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), MSN (Master of Science in Nursing), and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). The Hama-Med Faculty of Nursing has become an official partner with UNMC College of Nursing in 2024. As a former international student from Japan at UNMC, he was invited by Hama-Med to address a memorial lecture. 

Undergraduate and graduate nursing students, nursing and medical faculty members, and nurses who work at the Hamamatsu University Hospital attended his lecture on Christmas evening.

Dr. Niitsu talked about his experience being an undergraduate nursing student at UNMC and discussed the differences in nursing education between Japan and the United States. He also talked about advanced practice nursing in the United States and introduced his contribution as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at the UW Bothell Counseling Center.

In October 2024, four 4th-year undergraduate nursing students from Hama-Med visited Nebraska and spent about a week visiting UNMC, Nebraska Medicine, and other facilities to study the differences in the nursing system between the United States and Japan. 

“It was a tremendous honor for me to speak at Hama-Med as a UNMC alumnus and talk about my experiences being a nurse in the United States”, Dr. Niitsu said. “I’d like to congratulate the new partnership between Hama-Med and UNMC”.

, Professor of Nursing at Hama-Med who developed a partnership between Hama-Med and UNMC, said, “Dr. Niitsu’s visit was truly ‘a Christmas gift’ for my students. There are so many differences between Japan and the United States, such as the medical insurance system, roles of nurses, and cultural background. Through his lecture, we were able to identify the differences, similarities, and strengths of each system. I hope to continue our relationships so that we can keep improving the healthcare systems in both countries.”

, Director of Global Health at UNMC who welcomed Hama-Med undergraduate nursing students in October 2024, stated, “It was such a pleasure to show the students what healthcare in the United States looks like while also learning more about one another. We have more in common than we sometimes realize“.

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Through support from a UWB Study Abroad Launch Grant, faculty Linda Eaton and Jamie Shirley traveled to Vellore, Tamil Nadu in August 2024. Vellore, a city in southern India, is home to the Christian Medical College (CMC), which provides medical care to the local urban and rural communities. Linda and Jamie met with faculty at the College of Nursing to plan the study abroad program: Population Health in Cultural Context: India. They were also able to visit nurse-led community clinics in surrounding villages.
Linda and Jamie are particularly excited about the program due to their involvement with CMC in the past. Linda previously co-led UW study abroad programs for four years and Jamie visited independently 35 years ago.
The study abroad program offers students an experiential learning opportunity while examining how resource limitations and the social determinants of health intersect with population health. Students will work in the community setting to explore innovative systems of community care intended to reduce health inequities, the impact of health and social policies, and the cultural influences of post-colonialism and historical caste-based system.
The program is open to all SNHS students. Students will participate in weekly classes during the summer quarter leading up to two weeks in India in August.
The priority application due date is January 31, 2025. Information sessions will be held in December and January. For further details, please contact uwbworld@uw.edu.

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The School of Nursing & Health Studies is proud to introduce Dean Vanessa Lopez-Littleton! Dr. Lopez-Littleton began her role on November 1, 2024.

Please tell me about your areas of scholarship and how you were inspired to pursue them
My areas of interest are health equity, racial equity, social determinants of health, administrative theory, and health policy. I was inspired to work in this area based on my work as a nurse and administrator in hospital, outpatient, and community settings. As a nurse, I was limited in understanding the different factors that affected health and health outcomes. Learning more about social, economic and political factors and how they coalesced to produce differential outcomes was eye opening.

Of your work accomplishments, what are you most proud of and why?
I am honored to create access and opportunities for the next generation of healthcare professionals. As a first generation college student, I have been able to set goals that reflect positively on all of those who have shaped and influenced my professional journey. I am proud that my years of dedication to public service have culminated in my appointment of Dean of SNHS. This is an incredible honor and opportunity.

How did you choose UWB and the School of Nursing & Health Studies?
There is a definite alignment between the campus, school and my identity as a racial justice scholar. I was immediately drawn to the mission, vision and the people of the region. I am excited about the diversity of our student body and their commitment to society.

What are your immediate plans for your work? What are your aspirations?
Over the first 90 days, I will be working to create a culture of care among faculty and staff, exploring and learning the region, and looking for ways to increase access and opportunities for the students we serve.

How do you spend your time outside of work?
I love hiking, traveling, dancing, listening to reggae, spending time with family, and trying new things.

What else would you like readers to know about you?
I am truly committed to moving the institution forward in positive ways. I am a team player who believes in self-care, personal growth, and celebrating life.

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Meet Rachel Allison, a graduate student in her second year in the MSCHSJ program! We asked her a few questions about her passions, plans, and experience so far.

What about our program made you decide to pursue a Master of Science in Community Health and Social Justice at UW Bothell? 
I decided to pursue a Master of Science in Community Health and Social Justice because I spent the last several years learning and creating online content about the systemic problems in our country and across the world. I wanted to do my part in fixing these issues and restoring a sense of equity and justice. I became aware of this program and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to move my activism offline and into a place of enacting more direct change. I decided to take a leap of faith and completely change my career path, with the first step being my entry into this program.

What are you planning on doing/how are you planning on using your MSCHSJ degree or post graduation?
My plans after graduating with my MSCHSJ degree include several things. 
I am very excited to take the CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist) exam and go on to work for the state of Washington. I would love to work in a role where I can implement equity, anti-racism, and inclusion as praxis, while providing access to opportunities, power, and resources to reduce disparities and improve health outcomes in Washington state.
I would also love to use my creativity and expertise to create different forms of content to spread awareness of how white supremacy, colonialism, patriarchy, and capitalism are having detrimental effects on the overall health of different communities across the globe.

What is your favorite part about this program so far? Cohort community learning?
My favorite part about this program so far has been finding a community of like minded individuals who care as deeply about the issues we are facing in Public Health as I do. It gives me hope to see my fellow classmates speaking on these systemic issues and coming up with new, creative, and equitable solutions to reduce health disparities nationwide. 
Another part of this program that I really love is how it challenges me both as a writer and an activist. My skills as a writer have been exponentially broadened by the classes in this program. My portfolio now includes pieces I never could have imagined it would and my confidence as an activist has only deepened with the knowledge I’ve gained in this program.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give incoming MSCHSJ students?
One piece of advice I would give incoming MSCHSJ students would be to take the leap of faith and don’t listen to your imposter syndrome. You are meant to be here and your voice is a necessary contribution to the conversations happening about health disparities and injustices faced by different communities here and across the globe. 

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