Chargers Reflect on ‘Remarkable’ Experience at Leading Healthcare Conference

Several Chargers attended the recent American Public Health Association (APHA) Policy Action Institute in Washington, D.C. It was an exciting opportunity for students to explore pertinent topics in the field of public health while networking with healthcare professionals and leaders.

The students attended the event with Alvin Tran, Sc.D., MPH an assistant professor in the University’s Department of Population Health and Leadership and assistant provost for diversity, equity, and inclusion, who leads the University’s WeEmbody Lab.

Below, Chargers reflect on the exciting opportunity and what they learned.

Aishwarya Sreenivasan ’23 MPH

I want to give a huge shout out to Dr. Alvin Tran for his remarkable contributions to the education and growth of countless students through the WeEmbody Fellowship Program. Dr. Tran has been an unwavering source of support and guidance, serving as a mentor to all of us. Under his guidance, the APHA Action Policy Summit has provided a platform for fellows such as me to realize the paramount importance of taking action and driving the change we passionately advocate for.

During the summit, we had the privilege of listening to Shelley A. Hearne, a remarkable individual who holds the distinguished title of the Deans Sommer and Klag Professor of the Practice in Public Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Dr. Hearne's words struck a chord with all of us as she inspired us to become catalysts for change, even if it meant disrupting the status quo. Her message encouraged us to embrace our roles as "troublemakers" in the pursuit of positive transformation. This resonated deeply with our collective ambition to make a lasting impact in the field of public health.

"The APHA Action Policy Summit has provided a platform for fellows such as me to realize the paramount importance of taking action and driving the change we passionately advocate for."Aishwarya Sreenivasan ’23 MPH

One of the most impactful moments of the summit was the panel discussion featuring youth advocates who shared their personal journeys in the field of public health and their efforts to bring about change. Their stories were powerful, underscoring the significance of demanding our place, even when it is not readily offered. Listening to the lived experiences of these passionate individuals reinforced our commitment to effecting change and highlighted the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping policy and advocacy.

On the second day of the summit, we were actively engaged in a workshop designed to equip us with the skills to develop effective policies and advocate for them. This hands-on experience allowed us to delve into the intricacies of policymaking and to understand the nuances of successful advocacy.

Reflecting on the entire experience, I can confidently say that the APHA Action Policy Summit was nothing short of immersive. It fostered an environment of learning, collaboration, and inspiration, nurturing our aspirations to become exceptional public health advocates. Each moment spent at the summit was filled with purpose, propelling us forward on our journey to make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities. Did I mention that we also had the privilege to see the President – Joe Biden himself – near the White House?

In conclusion, I extend my deepest gratitude to Dr. Alvin Tran for his invaluable contributions in providing students such as me with the opportunity to attend the Action Policy Summit through the WeEmbody Fellowship Program. The workshop and interactions throughout the event have equipped us with the necessary tools and knowledge to drive policy and advocate effectively.

As we reflect on this remarkable experience, we are fueled by a shared aspiration to become influential advocates and to create a positive impact in the field of public health. And amidst it all, the unexpected, and unforgettable, encounter with President Joe Biden.

Krupa Ann Mathew ’24 MPH

Attending the APHA Policy Institute under the hashtag #SpeakForHealth was an eye-opening and transformative experience. The sessions were filled with insightful discussions and inspiring speakers who emphasized the importance of equity and systemic change in our advocacy efforts.

One session that stood out was led by Nirav Shah, who highlighted the significance of prioritizing equity from the very beginning rather than as an afterthought. This resonated deeply with me, as it underscored the need to address disparities head-on and to ensure that our actions are rooted in fairness and inclusivity.

Another remarkable speaker was Shavon Arline-Bradley, whose session on advocating through personal storytelling was utterly amazing. She encouraged us to change our approach to advocacy by being independent thinkers and by caring deeply about people and their well-being. Shavon emphasized that action-driven leadership should be guided by equity, and she left us with these powerful words: "Stand up. Be the change. If not you, then who?"

During further discussions, the concept of focusing on the problem rather than "fixing people" resonated strongly. The importance of addressing social determinants of health became apparent. We recognized that the stories we tell and the narratives we shape have a significant impact on driving positive change.

Nat Kendall-Taylor posed a thought-provoking question that stayed with me: "How many times have they heard it?" It reminded us to repeat the things people would want to do, rather than repeating what they should forget. This approach ensures that our message resonates and motivates action.

The second day, we had the opportunity to put policy into action through firsthand advocacy experiences. Shelley A. Hearne's session was particularly impactful, as she highlighted the importance of approaching people with the insights we are concerned about while emphasizing that facts matter. Reflecting on the needs of the communities we work with is crucial, and it was empowering to be reminded that we are not alone. We can be champions for the common good.

"Attending this event has ignited a passion within me to be a catalyst for positive change."Krupa Ann Mathew ’24 MPH

Throughout the entire experience, the guidance and mentorship of Dr. Tran were invaluable. He provided us with valuable insights on where to focus our efforts and how to drive change effectively in our advocacy journeys. I am profoundly grateful for Dr. Tran's dedication and support, as he embodies the spirit of a true mentor.

In the words of Oprah Winfrey, a mentor is someone who allows you to see hope inside yourself, and Dr. Tran was exactly that for all the fellows who attended the Policy Action Institute. This experience has ignited a passion within me to become a "troublemaker" for positive change and to contribute to making our community a better place to live.

Once again, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the organizers, speakers, and especially Dr. Tran for making this opportunity possible. Attending this event has ignited a passion within me to be a catalyst for positive change. I am motivated to advocate for equity, challenge the status quo, and work toward creating a better future for all.

Morgan Fitch ’22, ’24 M.S

This summer, I had the opportunity to attend the American Public Health Association (APHA) Policy Action Institute. As a non-public health major, I was exposed to a variety of professionals, policymakers, researchers, and advocates I wouldn’t normally interact with.

Throughout the Institute, renowned experts took to the stage, sharing their insights on topics ranging from global health disparities and climate change to mental health reform and equitable access to healthcare. The heart of the experience lay in the interactive workshops, where attendees could engage in deep dives into specific policy areas.

The workshops facilitated lively discussions, where innovative ideas and best practices were exchanged freely. Being part of these conversations exposed me to new perspectives and approaches, broadening my understanding of the intricate intersections between public health and policy. These connections reinforced my belief in the power of collective action and the potential for change when like-minded individuals come together with a shared vision for better public health outcomes.

Going forward, I’m going to be able to use my experiences at the Policy Action Institute to fuel my passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work, amplify the impact of my bioinformatics research, and enrich my Ph.D. journey in innovative ways. While I may not have an MPH, anyone and everyone can contribute to the betterment of global well-being by promoting health-conscious behaviors, advocating for evidence-based policies, and fostering a culture of empathy and support for those in need in their perspective fields.

Faith Ayepola ’24 MPH

I recently attended the American Public Health Association (APHA) Policy Action Institute Conference. It was organized to bring together public health leaders, advocacy experts, students, and other public health stakeholders for engaging conversations around policy solutions that could address present health issues in the country.

The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Susan Polan and Lisa Simpson. Through their inspiring talks, they set the tone for more engaging discussions during other sessions of the conference. The goal was to prime our minds to think creatively and critically about possible solutions to pressing public health issues we are dealing with as a nation.

Perhaps the session that made the biggest impression on me was one led by Dr. Nat Kendall-Taylor of the Frameworks Institute. He spoke on “Communicating when there is no middle ground.” He revealed how methods from research in social and behavioral sciences are being adapted for public health information dissemination in order to drive change among individuals.

Other sessions that happened on the first day include “Looking forward: building a healthier America” and “Civic engagement to improve health,” among others.

The last day of the conference featured discussions around advocacy, its power, purpose, and the methods. The main thing I gained from the sessions is the insight on how sharing our personal stories, instead of just plain data has the power to convey public health messages more effectively.

I left the conference with a greater appreciation for the importance of employing creative advocacy approaches in dealing with the present challenges surrounding public health information delivery. I feel I have better insights into the role effective communication plays in advancing health outcomes for millions of people whose lives can be positively impacted by health information.

It was my honor to attend the conference which I wouldn’t have been able to do if not for the invaluable efforts of Dr. Alvin Tran, the founder of the WeEmbody Lab at the University of New Haven. I am grateful to him for giving me the opportunity to experience such an intellectually stimulating and satisfying conference. I am glad I attended the conference, and I look forward to getting the opportunity to attend similar meetings in the future.

Aishwarya Sreenivasan ’23 MPH is a recent graduate of the University’s Master of Public Health program, and Krupa Ann Mathew ’24 MPH and Faith Ayepola ’24 MPH are candidates in the program. Morgan Fitch ’22, ’24 M.S. is a candidate in the University’s cellular and molecular biology graduate program.