With graduation on the horizon, the Association of Black Public Health Students at UMD (ABPHS) hosted a conversation with Dr. Georges Benjamin, the 2026 School of Public Health Commencement keynote speaker and CEO of the American Public Health Association (APHA). Benjamin, who has advised the White House and Congress on health policy and previously served as Maryland’s Secretary of Health, sat down with students last week to talk about careers in public health.
“We thought it would be a great idea for him to answer questions regarding the future of public health given not only where he is positioned, but also his identity as it relates to his position,” said BSMPH public health practice major Joi Kenner ‘26, president of ABPHS.
“I’m frequently the only person who looks like me in the room,” said Benjamin when asked what it is like to be in a position of leadership as a minoritized person.
After a brief Q&A with Benjamin, moderators Kenner and ABPHS Vice President Jah’Kei Randolph ‘26, a public health practice major, turned to audience members for questions. In this discussion, Benjamin reminded emerging public health experts of their power.
“Don’t forget the opportunity to be a leader at something,” said Benjamin, encouraging students to use social media strategically, to keep making connections in every space and, above all, to take action.
He added that the tools and medicines we have to combat illness and protect everyone’s wellbeing are only effective if they are used.
“It makes no sense to make a great vaccine if you’re getting no shots in the arm,” said Benjamin.
Benjamin also shared practical resources for students. The APHA has several ways to help students find jobs, he said.
- APHA Public Health CareerMart – free for students
- APHA webcasts – online learning that earns continuing education credits
- APHA Student Assembly – great for networking
Students shared their appreciation for both the APHA resources and Benjamin’s hopeful encouragement to soon-to-be graduates.
His words reminded Alyssa Maragh that public health careers are essential, opportunities are out there and change is still possible. “Even if certain things have been broken down, it doesn’t necessarily close the door,” said Maragh, who is getting a master’s of health administration. “If anything, it opens up a new door in a new way.”
— Rachel Kebler, ‘27