My Biography
What first sparked your interest in anthropology?
I’ve always been inspired by the resilience of people facing marginalization. My curiosity about what allows communities to thrive under impossible conditions, combined with a desire to travel, learn, and contribute meaningfully, sparked my passion for anthropology and continues to drive my global health work today.
What did you intend to do as a career after pursuing an education in anthropology?
I plan to continue building capacity and health care programming in Tanzania and México, fostering sustainable, community-driven solutions. Ultimately, I aspire to establish an anthropological consulting firm that bridges research, policy, and practice to advance equity and culturally grounded interventions both domestically and worldwide.
How do you utilize anthropological skills in your current position?
I use participant observation, interviewing, and ethnography, grounded in cultural humility and systems-level thinking to co-design health interventions, build trusted partnerships, and turn qualitative and quantitative insights into actionable strategies that expand access and improve outcomes for the Tanzanian & Spanish-speaking communities I’m privileged to work with.
Why did you become a AAA member and how has it enhanced your professional development?
I became an AAA member to connect with and learn from anthropologists who inspire change in the field. Being part of this community has helped me share my own work more widely, gain mentorship, and grow alongside colleagues who share my passion for applied, social justice-oriented research.
What tips do you have for the next generation of student anthropologists?
Master your methods and theory, but let curiosity guide you. Learn from the greats (e.g., Boas & Foucault) but craft your own voice as an anthropologist. When you discover what ignites your passion, pursue it fearlessly. Mistakes aren’t setbacks, they’re powerful lessons that will shape your journey and impact.
"I became an AAA member to connect with and learn from anthropologists who inspire change in the field. Being part of this community has helped me share my own work more widely, gain mentorship, and grow alongside colleagues who share my passion for applied, social justice-oriented research."