In presenting our research findings on youth disconnection to legislators at the Capitol, we utilized a "data walk" approach to engage policymakers in a hands-on experience with the data. This innovative method allowed legislators to explore key statistics and narratives visually and interactively. We organized a series of stations where data and youth testimonies were presented, fostering deeper engagement with the challenges highlighted by the report, Connecticut's Unspoken Crisis: Elevating the Voices of Young People. The interactive nature of the data walk enabled us to communicate the urgency of the crisis effectively, which helped catalyze discussions that ultimately led to the successful passing of House Bill 5213. The bill aimed to address systemic youth disconnection by fostering a multi-system, trauma-informed approach to better support disconnected youth in Connecticut.

The Colorado Trust’s Community Partnerships for Health Equity (CPHE) initiative empowered local communities across Colorado to lead efforts addressing health inequities, particularly among marginalized populations. As the Health Equity Evaluation Specialist, I conducted content analysis of partner documents and qualitative analysis of interviews with residents, site coordinators, and external partners. The evaluation highlighted successes in areas like housing affordability, food insecurity, and language justice, demonstrating the impact of community-led solutions. My strategic recommendations aimed to strengthen collaboration between local organizations and policymakers, ensuring the long-term sustainability of health equity efforts and informing future policy reforms.

Education is more than academic success—it's a powerful driver of health and well-being, particularly when addressing social determinants of health (SDOH). Our latest blog, The Paradigm Shift: Education as a Determinant of Health and Well-being, explores the urgent need to reframe education as a tool for fostering equity, reducing health disparities, and building resilient communities. By leveraging education to address issues like poverty, food insecurity, and mental health, we can create a holistic approach to student and community well-being. Discover how integrating education with broader social systems is key to promoting lasting, systemic change.