My Public Health Journey
Paula Rivera, MPH
Paula is a doctoral candidate in Social and Behavioral Sciences at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Public Health. Grounded in her Colombian heritage and background in nursing and public health, Paula is passionate about understanding how social, structural, and organizational factors shape health and access to care. Her research focuses on cervical cancer screening and follow-up care, with a commitment to advancing community-centered approaches that build trust and respond to the needs of the communities she serves.
Tell us about your current public health work.
Through my doctoral dissertation research, I am investigating how individual, structural, and organizational factors influence follow-up care after an abnormal cervical cancer screening result. In addition, I conducted a scoping review examining the association between the vaginal microbiome and cervical precancer risk which has been accepted for presentation at the AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities. Furthermore, I served as an expert for the project “Teleconsultation to Assess Nutrition and Promote Healthy Habits in the Younger Population of the Department of Caldas, Colombia.” where I contributed to ensuring the project's academic quality and methodological rigor.
How has your heritage shaped your public health journey?
Growing up, I witnessed how cultural values shaped health behaviors and influenced perceptions of wellness within communities. My background taught me the importance of empathy, social support, and building trust when addressing the health challenges. Furthermore, my heritage showed me that meaningful and sustainable public health solutions are most effective when developed in partnership with the communities they serve. Observing the impact of social drivers of health on the burden of chronic diseases deepened my understanding the need for community-centered approaches. These experiences inspired me to pursue a career in public health.
What advice would you give to a fellow Latina/o who wants to pursue a career in public health?
My advice to a fellow Latina/o would be to recognize their background as one of their greatest strengths and to give it the credit it deserves in shaping their career. Our heritage influences our values, perspectives, motivations, and commitment to serving others. It is also important to embrace the language, experiences, and cultural knowledge passed down through our families and communities, as these are powerful assets that enrich both personal and professional growth. By remaining connected to their roots, they can bring unique insights, cultural humility, and authenticity to their work, while making meaningful contributions to the communities, families, and individuals they serve.
What is your favorite family tradition?
My favorite family tradition is gathering with my family every Sunday at my grandmother’s house, where relatives come together to share a meal and enjoy quality time with one another. This tradition is important to me because it strengthens our family bonds, celebrate our culture through food, and create opportunities for different generations to connect and support one another. Playing together and interact with the kids in the family reinforces the sense of community and belonging that is central to our family.
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My Graduations
Nursing Undergraduate Graduation, Universidad de Caldas, 2004