My Public Health Journey
Andrea Flores Umanzor
Andrea is a first-year scholar in the Social and Behavioral Sciences Doctoral Program at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Public Health. Born in San Salvador, El Salvador, Andrea is shaped by the strength and warmth of her Latine roots and inspired by a commitment to pour back into the communities that have uplifted her. Her public health journey is grounded in shared care and a commitment to ensuring that science and community advocacy meet.
Tell us about your current public health work.
My public health work has centered on community-based participatory research (CBPR), nutrition security, trauma-informed care, and health equity for Latine immigrant populations. As a project coordinator for the multi-site FRESH study in Baltimore, MD and Washington, DC, I managed a food-environment intervention, co-designing dietary strategies with local restaurant owners and collecting clinical biomarker data to address urban health disparities. Concurrently, I contributed to multi-level HIV care navigation initiatives in Maryland, creating custom bilingual workflows for non-English speaking communities. At the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, my research analyzed physician burnout, health policy around emerging AI, and psychometric validation for pediatric trauma-informed care tools. I've served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Johns Hopkins, mentoring over 110 students in introduction to Public Health, health behavior change theories, and program planning methodologies. Currently, as a PhD student at Virginia Commonwealth University, I'm contributing to the Kalpulli Research Group by investigating oral health equity and structural vulnerabilities among Virginia's immigrant communities. I am also part of the Adelante Committee, which oversees the implementation and evaluation of VCU's first-year student success course tailored for Latine students.
How has your heritage shaped your public health journey?
Public health, to me, is an act of shared care. I am shaped by the strength and warmth of my Latine roots, and my motivation is not to stand out, but to pour back into the communities that uplifted me. Witnessing language barriers and structural inequities faced by Salvadoran and Latine families inspired my academic journey and commitment to community-based participatory research. I view my contributions as part of a larger, collective effort where science and community advocacy meet. This sense of reciprocity drives me to mentor emerging first-generation scholars and advocate alongside families navigating systemic challenges. Ultimately, my heritage reminds me that true progress is shared, ensuring that my work continuously elevates everyone walking this path with me.
What advice would you give to a fellow Latina/o who wants to pursue a career in public health?
Step into Public Health, and every opportunity presented to you, with complete confidence in your intelligence and individuality. Never let the fear of rejection or standing out shrink who you are. We are all experts of our own lived experiences, and the field urgently needs your unique voice, perspective, and brightness. Take bold risks, take up space, and leave your mark in every room you walk into.
What is your favorite family tradition?
My favorite tradition is the afternoon ritual of slowing down over coffee and pan dulce to chit-chat with my family. This simple but warm moment reminds me that staying connected doesn't need grant gestures. Being present and taking a break with loved ones goes a long way!!
My Graduations
Kindergarten Graduation: 2006, Colegio Santa Teresa de Jesus