Coming from a rural, medically underserved community in California’s Central Valley, my path to public health is deeply rooted in lived experience. Having undergone multiple heart surgeries and hospitalizations, I witnessed the barriers marginalized communities face in accessing care – often relying on my mom as my fiercest advocate. Her unwavering support inspired me to become an advocate for others, working to increase health literacy and access in under-resourced communities...

Teaching has always been a passion, a source of inspiration, and a way to renew my energy. During my two years at YSPH, I have had the privilege of serving as a teaching fellow for three professors across five courses, supporting more than 400 students. Alongside them, I grew, learned, and deepened my commitment to education and mentorship. In addition, working with Dr. Xin Zhou, assistant professor of biostatistics, on my master’s thesis solidified my passion for applied research...

Two weeks post-surgery for endometriosis, I arrived in the U.S. alone, in a wheelchair, and 10,000 miles from home, fueled by purpose to better understand this chronic disease. What began as a personal struggle has become a mission: to advance innovation in the field. As a Quad Fellow representing Australia and Yale, I walked the halls of the White House and the U.S. Department of State, bringing the voice of 1 in 10 people globally diagnosed with endometriosis to conversations on STEM and health equity...