During my first year in graduate school, I was in an abusive relationship. Understanding and studying mental health, women’s health, and public health during my studies helped me realize I needed to get out of the relationship. I did, and went on to complete my master’s thesis on domestic violence femicide and firearms policy in Minnesota with the help of Violence Free Minnesota (formerly MN Coalition for Battered Women) and state legislator and domestic violence lawyer, Jamie Becker-Finn. I have continued to volunteer with VFM and am now an advocate speaking and doing research in the community as I simultaneously work in Healthcare IT.

SPH made me realize I wanted to become an advocate and connected me with organizations that could help. I am now improving public health policy and opening conversations in the community about taboo public health issues.

Public Health Administration & Policy MPH '18