Established in 2022, the purpose of the Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health (MCAH) student interest group (SIG) is to build a local peer network of students with a shared interest in MCAH. The MCAH SIG offers opportunities and events that engage in student-led dialogue, learning, and skill building. By connecting students interested in MCAH, the MCAH SIG will aim to create a professional network that can be leveraged post-graduation, both locally and nationally, as students move forward in their careers.
Current students are invited to complete this MCAH SIG interest form to stay up to date on the latest MCAH SIG events and meetings. For any questions related to MCAH SIG, please email mcahsig@berkeley.edu
Current MCAH SIG Leadership
Kendy Mendoza - MCAH MPH Class of 2027
I was born in Guatemala and raised in East Oakland, I am a first-generation college graduate with a B.A. in Public Health and a minor in Ethnic Studies from UC Berkeley. My research experience focused on expanding doula services, family planning, and community education. This work really solidified my commitment to maternal health equity, and I’m also eager to explore other areas of MCAH, including child development. I am excited to grow our MCAH SIG community, foster collaboration, and create spaces where we can learn and uplift one another.
Aryana Valle Portela - MCAH MPH Class of 2028
I am a first-generation Latinx graduate of UC Berkeley from Salinas, California. Growing up in an agricultural community and as the daughter of immigrant parents, I developed a strong commitment to advancing health equity for underserved populations. My major in Public Health and my work with community-centered research groups further fueled my interest in examining the impact of SDOH across the life course. My research interests center on Black and Brown maternal and child health, with a focus on reducing chronic health disparities through community-engaged research and culturally responsive care. My goal is to become a healthcare provider who combines research with compassionate clinical practice. Outside of academics, I enjoy hiking, volunteering, spending time with my cats, and exploring new coffee shops.
Former MCAH SIG Co-Directors
- Chloe Hood, MPH - Class of 2026
- Indira D'Souza, MPH - Class of 2025
- Joel Rubio, MPH - Class of 2024
- Julia Hankin, MPH - Class of 2023
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Annalisa Watson, MPH - Class of 2023
UC Berkeley's MCAH SIG is a part of the Maternal & Child Health National Network (MCH-NN), which is a network of students and early career professionals ready to share information, opportunities, and actions initiated by and for students and alums of MCAH Centers of Excellence and Catalyst Programs.