Students featured in this section are graduating seniors who are a part of our second cohort of Advanced LEAP Scholars. Read below to learn more about Jaimie and Samantha’s undergraduate experiences at UC Berkeley!
Jaimie Millizent Lee
Major: Public Health
Minors: Child Development & Data Science
How has the LEAP Program impacted you in your professional and personal development?
I entered the LEAP Program unsure of my next steps in Public Health. All I knew was that I was passionate about promoting equitable health outcomes for youth. Through LEAP, I was able to learn about the graduate school application process, gain work experience in evaluating Title V programs, and connect with supportive peers, graduate students, and faculty in the field of MCAH. LEAP helped me ultimately identify my career interests. Now, I am proud to say that I will be attending UCLA this Fall to pursue an MPH in Epidemiology where I hope to incorporate youth participatory action research methods into epidemiological studies of youth behavioral/mental health.
Are there any other MCAH-related extracurriculars that you're involved in?
I am a research assistant for Professor Emily Ozer’s Lab in Youth Pariticpatory Action Research (YPAR). In order to promote student engagement, I co-host qualitative and quantitative research methods workshops across SFUSD to empower students to conduct research, generate evidence, and advocate for positive change within their schools. At the end of the year, the students are invited to a field trip to UC Berkeley to present their YPAR projects and learn about different academic and career pathways. Additionally, I am a part of Suitcase Clinic, a student-run organization that provides free holistic health services for local underserved populations. As the Wellness Coordinator for the Women and Children’s Clinic, I help coordinate a variety of arts and crafts activities, including nail painting and friendship bracelet making, to provide an outlet for destressing.
Samantha Tapia
Major: Public Health
How has the LEAP Program impacted you in your professional and personal development?
As a first-generation college student, I entered the LEAP Program in hopes of building knowledge and professional development skills catered to various health careers within Maternal Child, and Adolescent Health. Through the program, I gained a supportive and powerful community that consistently uplifted underrepresented students to pursue higher education or job opportunities aligned with their direct interests. Upon graduation, with the mentorship and academic curriculum from the LEAP Program, I can confidently say that I aim to one day lead and develop large-scale Maternal Health intervention programs for immigrant and Latinx populations in California and globally.
Are there any other MCAH-related extracurriculars that you're involved in?
I volunteered at the Women’s Daytime-Drop In Center in Berkeley, an organization dedicated to serving and protecting women and families who are experiencing homelessness and/or domestic abuse. In my position, I greeted families that approached the counter window and served them nourishing meals and refreshments. Also, we distributed essential resources including fresh groceries sourced from local markets and small businesses, clothing, diapers, menstrual products, and first aid supplies. This volunteer experience allowed me the opportunity to engage and build relationships with individuals with diverse backgrounds daily. The Women’s Daytime-Drop In Center functions as a sanctuary for vulnerable MCAH populations in the Berkeley area. In addition to meal services, it served as a vital link for families seeking access to social support services such as housing assistance, CalFresh benefits, and mental health counseling services.