The MCAH Alumni Community & Networking Event is an annual gathering organized by UC Berkeley’s Center of Excellence (COE) in Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health (MCAH) with the purpose of creating opportunities for networking, reconnection, and celebrating MCAH achievements. As an undergraduate MCAH LEAP scholar, I had the privilege of serving as a student assistant and attending the event this year on October 29th at a beautiful space in West Berkeley called SWAY.
The beginning of the event included 40 UC Berkeley MCAH alumni, faculty, and current students mingling amongst each other while enjoying brunch and viewing the photo slideshow. New connections were made while others embraced and caught up for the first time in person since the COVID-19 shelter-in-place (or even before). After people had a chance to eat and settle into the space, Dr. Julianna Deardorff gave a sincere welcome and introduced Quin Hussey to share a few words about the late Dr. Cheri Pies’ influence on their approach to public health leadership.
The speech by Quin Hussey in tribute to Dr. Cheri Pies, who was a Clinical Professor Emerita, stood out as the most memorable moment for me. Dr. Pies’ legacy of integrating the Life Course Perspective theory into public health initiatives to combat MCAH disparities continues to have profound impacts on the study of public health today. As an undergraduate student, I hold enormous esteem for her invaluable contribution to the field of MCAH and community health through projects such as the Best Babies Zone, Contra Costa Health’s Family, Maternal & Child Health (FMCH) Program, and support for the LGBTQ+ community including her pioneering book, Considering Parenthood: A Workbook for Lesbians. Hearing Quin share their memories with Dr. Pies was deeply moving. Even though I never had the chance to meet Dr. Pies, I sensed her impactful leadership through the intimate bonds she had built with her students and colleagues and the extraordinary compassion she showed. It was truly an honor for me to be part of this moment alongside the MCAH family, honoring Dr. Cheri Pies, whose pioneering work has not only transformed our communities but has also impacted the education I am undergoing today. A celebration of life is being planned by the MCAH and DrPH programs at UC Berkeley and is set to be on Sun. March 25, 2024, from 4-6:30 PM at UC Berkeley’s Alumni House.
The next part of the program included announcing the winners of the MCAH Awards who were presented with certificates and celebrated during the event. I would like to extend congratulations to Dr. Sarah Roberts, Dr. Anand Chabra, and Jana Aloo for their Excellence in MCAH Leadership Awards and to Elizabeth Pleasants for receiving her MCAH Early Career Award. The dedication and passion they have shown for MCAH are evident in their distinguished work, and I was pleased to learn about their accomplishments in different areas of MCAH upon various professional trajectories. After the awards were presented, the final part of the program included a group photo and an organized networking activity that allowed me to connect with MCAH alumni and current students.
Assisting with and attending the 2023 MCAH Alumni Event was a learning experience for me. I have gained valuable administrative experience, particularly in event planning and organization by closely working with Jessica Ross and observing her meticulous organization skills. The networking activities during the event afforded me the opportunity to engage in deep and meaningful conversations with several public health students and practitioners who strive to achieve their MCAH goals. In the relaxing environment for collaboration and knowledge exchange, we shared our academic and professional experiences with each other within our small networking group. I engaged in deep and meaningful conversations with Jana and Selena, gaining profound insights into their unique public health journeys. I discovered that the cornerstone of public health practice lies in the accumulation of pertinacious efforts through sustained time dedication. Being part of the Alumni Event has not only broadened my skill set but has also provided a platform to forge relationships with those who share my passion and learn from them.
As I reflect on my experiences, I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the success of the event and become part of the MCAH community celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Life Course Perspective.
