As a first-generation immigrant from Ethiopia, where I was exposed from an early age to the injustices of lack of proper health care and related health disparities, I am highly motivated to advocate for justice and equity for vulnerable populations. My passion for promoting health equity and addressing health disparities has led me to pursue an education in public health with a concentration in community health and now a career in epidemiology. I believe that by furthering my education in epidemiological studies and policy interventions, I will be well-equipped to identify and analyze complex health issues that may be affecting marginalized communities while promoting best health practices and policies.
Throughout my time as a Community Health major, I developed a thriving passion for public health. During the peak of COVID-19, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in health promotion and was able to analyze firsthand the progression and public health responses in real-time. For my capstone project, I volunteered for a local not-for-profit and engaged with an isolated African Immigrant community, and had the opportunity to promote
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This instilled in me a passion to be an advocate and representative for marginalized communities and is the reason why I decided to pursue a path in health policy and promotion. I believe that the best way to represent these communities is to understand and advocate for their needs by also adhering to state and government requirements for proper funding and resource allocation through evidence-based research. This experience also helped me observe the intricacies of grassroots health initiatives and reinforced my understanding of complex health inequality issues and inspired me even more to pursue my passion for data-based advocacy and community