Two students from the UMD School of Public Health were selected as 2024-25 ambassadors in the “This is Public Health” (TIPH) program, hosted by the Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health (ASPPH). The students, Isaiah Griffith and Fatoumata Diallo, were among 97 graduate students selected from 61 ASPPH member schools worldwide.
For the next year, in addition to Griffith’s MPH studies in Health Policy Analysis & Evaluation and Diallo’s MPH studies in Behavioral and Community Health, their role will be “creating positive change in their communities,” per ASPPH. They will work to raise awareness on public health topics, network with graduate students across ASPPH member schools and represent the UMD School of Public Health.
Both students are eager for the challenge.
“As a TIPH Ambassador, I am excited to support my peers in any way possible,” Griffith said. “Whether it's offering guidance on navigating the field of public health or sharing resources, I am here to assist.”
For Diallo, “this ambassadorship is more than a role for me; it's a mission to elevate the voices of those often unheard in public health discussions. This role aligns with my commitment to addressing health disparities and promoting equitable health outcomes,” she said. “Specifically, I am deeply invested in improving sexual and reproductive health for women and girls throughout West Africa. I hope to inspire others to pursue careers in public health and contribute to building healthier communities.”
This ambassadorship is more than a role for me. It's a mission to elevate the voices of those often unheard in public health discussions.
Griffith, previously an SPH ambassador out of UMD’s public health science undergraduate program, also has big goals that require his expertise as a leader in health policy development and advocacy. “I want to improve health outcomes in Baltimore by bridging the gap between preventive healthcare resources and the residents who need them most. Ultimately, I believe Baltimore can be a model for reducing health disparities in urban communities,” he said.
SPH Graduate Recruitment and Admissions Coordinator Lanna Duarte facilitated the nomination of both students for the position. “Fatoumata is working toward a more equitable healthcare system for communities. She is a mentor and a leader committed to creating a welcoming space for all people,” Duarte said.
“Isaiah is an enthusiastic advocate for public health, a leader and an experienced ambassador. His dedication to diversity and inclusion will make him an outstanding TIPH ambassador,” Duarte said.
Both, she said, “are academically outstanding and highly engaged within the SPH, campus and public health communities. They consistently showcase leadership skills, passion for public health, and communication ability with peers and faculty.”
Both Griffith and Diallo credit their time at Maryland and in SPH with helping them develop the skills to lead.
“A key lesson I've learned at the School of Public Health is the importance of building a strong professional network,” Griffith said. “I constantly find new opportunities and career paths well-suited for someone with a public health degree. It's one of the most flexible degrees for someone who wants to be a changemaker.”
Diallo’s experiences at SPH have enabled her to work closely with communities near and far from College Park. “At UMD, I've seen how involving community members in the research process not only enriches the data but also empowers those communities,” she said. “This approach is essential for developing interventions that are truly effective and sustainable, and it's something I plan to carry forward in all my public health endeavors.”
-Amy F. Reiter