How did you become involved in antiracism work at the school?

“Public health’s role in dismantling racism was a big reason why I came to the University. I came to SPH as a student in 2017, then moved into my current role at the Rural Health Research Center in 2019. I conduct research, manage projects and communication efforts, consult on grants, and use strategic dissemination to promote public health. In the nine years I’ve spent at SPH, we have faced a global pandemic, shifting institutional priorities, changing federal administrations, and state-sanctioned violence—like George Floyd’s murder. Throughout the years, I have found ways to incorporate antiracist principles and values into my work, like becoming chair of our division’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) committee.”

What do you see as your role in antiracism?
“I want to make the world a better place. Challenging injustices requires systems change, and I’ve been reflecting on how difficult that has felt lately. But change also happens through navigating individual interactions and conversations with humility, thoughtfulness, intentionality, and by seeing the humanity in the person across from you.

In my work, I am constantly considering who is or isn’t included—whether that’s in data, conversations, or the decision-making process—then trying to change that dynamic. In my personal life, I’ve been deeply involved in civic engagement and neighborhood organizing in Minnesota. That has looked like mutual aid, developing a gift economy, and building neighborhood connectedness. That personal work is antiracist because it is anticapitalist.”

What challenges do you face in prioritizing DEI work?
“Everyone’s attention is being pulled in a million different directions. That’s true in my role at SPH, as a parent, as a neighbor, and as a person existing in a moment where everything feels on fire. I don’t think humans are built to deal with this level of overwhelm. So the challenge becomes: What can I do today? What can I do right now that still prioritizes DEI work? It takes real intention and persistence to keep refocusing on that work when so many other things are competing for your attention.”

Since you’ve been at SPH, what changes have you witnessed or been a part of?
“I’ve been encouraged by the opportunities for greater democratization. For example, I’ve been involved in the Staff Consultative Committee, which pushed to create a shared staff governance structure. It flattened out some of the classism existing within staff structures and made governance more understandable and collaborative. Another change that excites me is the effort to receive more student buy-in. If we want to tell people’s stories authentically, we actually have to talk to people and make space for their experiences.”

What changes do you think the field of public health needs to make?
“We desperately need better communications strategies. Public health needs to remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting people’s health while also learning how to communicate with people who hold opposing views. This is not about excusing misinformation or hateful rhetoric, but learning how to navigate them for the benefit of humanity.”

What gives you hope?
“Trying to understand people as individuals, and as part of a collective community, gives me hope. My kids give me hope. Their wonder, curiosity, and belief in the goodness of the world make me want to help make that world real for them. My colleagues give me hope, too. I’m really grateful to work with people who do important work thoughtfully, without needing recognition, and who see each other fully as human beings.”