Executive MPH-PHAP Alumni Profile: Natalie Jackson, MPH ’21

“The camaraderie, encouragement and support of my cohort was unmatchable, and I strive to cultivate that type of environment with colleagues for a more favorable and productive work environment.”

Tell us about your current work.

In January 2022, I moved from Lusaka, Zambia, to Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, to work for the Peace Corps as Director of Programming and Training (DPT). Having served in the Peace Corps in rural Zambia as a community health volunteer twenty years prior, it was a dream come true to join the organization that formed the foundation of my approach to development and intercultural communication. In my role, I manage the programming, training and evaluation (PTE) unit comprised of 10 team members. As DPT, I work side-by-side with PTE staff to plan, execute, monitor and make incremental changes to volunteer programming, training and evaluation at Peace Corps Tanzania. Additionally, I ensure effective strategic planning for our unit and post to enhance the impact of volunteer and staff-led work in three sectors: community health education, sustainable agriculture and secondary education in math and science. My duties cover a wide range of themes and tasks, from volunteer site identification and preparation, to training and program assessments and improvements, to relationship-building with key stakeholders. Each day brings new challenges and surprises. My job is never boring; I have yet to experience a slow day in over two years on the job. 

What specific issue in public health do you care most about and why?

Adolescent sexual and reproductive health, particularly for girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa, is the public health issue I care about most. The transition adolescent girls face from childhood to adulthood is a time of opportunity, yet also a time of great vulnerability that can lead to life-altering outcomes. If girls and young women are equipped with the social, health and economic protective assets needed to thrive in life, they will have greater agency to delay early marriage and pregnancy, stay in school, avoid risky income and protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. In the face of decreasing HIV rates throughout the region, girls and young women aged 15-24 continue to experience new HIV infections at a much higher rate than other age groups and male peers. Investing in empowering girls and young women with critical skills and opportunities has the potential to contribute to healthier development of girls into women, mothers, earners and leaders. Prioritizing adolescent health positively impacts communities and contributes to reduced poverty for lasting impact on national development. In my opinion, there is no work more important and rewarding than adolescent sexual reproductive health programming for girls and young women. I spent twelve years of my career running adolescent girls empowerment programs, and I continue to prioritize adolescent health in my work currently.

How has the Executive MPH-PHAP program helped prepare you for your career?

The program helped me understand that anything is possible, no matter how difficult it may seem. Working full time, raising three young kids and going to school online from another continent showed me the power of perseverance. That experience in and of itself helped me prepare for the next step in my career. As for the coursework, the management and leadership classes were my favorite and most applicable to my career trajectory as a senior manager. Yet, I use the skills gained in the budgeting and continuous quality improvement courses on a daily basis, so they were important to my professional growth. Doing this program during COVID taught me the power of virtual collaboration and connectivity, no matter where you are in the world. Additionally, the program reinforced what I learned early on in my career: the power of community in the workplace. The camaraderie, encouragement and support of my cohort was unmatchable, and I strive to cultivate that type of environment with colleagues for a more favorable and productive work environment. The Executive MPH-PHAP program was the hardest thing I have ever done, but it prepared me well for the many demands of a career in international development and public health.