Impact Global Health Alliance is fortunate to have the help of these talented, hardworking young women in our office this semester. Interns and volunteers are essential to Impact Global Health Alliance’ programs and provide the creativity, manpower and knowledge to move our programs forward. We are pleased to introduce our six new interns that are joining us this semester:
Lisa Chowthi
Lisa studied Economics at North Carolina State University and is currently working on her Masters in International Studies at North Carolina State. Her passion for public health stems from the knowledge that a lack of proper health care in developing countries negatively affects economic growth, despite labor and educational infrastructure. She believes that public health is incredibly important in developing countries where proper access to health care does not exist, as it causes people to become too weak and too sick to learn and work. While working at Impact Global Health Alliance, Lisa looks forward to learning more about development and the processes of successful international public health programs, such as Impact Global Health Alliance’ programs in Guatemala and Sierra Leone. In her free time, Lisa not only enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling with friends, but she adores zip lining, riding insane roller coasters and anything that involves speed and heights!
Jennifer Comer
Jennifer holds a B.A. in both History and Political Science from UNC Chapel Hill. Currently, she is pursuing a Master of International Studies degree from North Carolina State University, with a concentration in global water and sanitation. While working at Impact Global Health Alliance, Jennifer looks forward to seeing first-hand how relatively simple health solutions, community engagement, and raised awareness, through educational sessions, can positively impact the lives of mothers and children in Impact Global Health Alliance’ project areas. She believes that public health is a field with the potential to change the world through disease prevention and that positive impacts from improved public health initiatives, such as the increase in school attendance, are immense. In Jennifer’s free time, she enjoys scuba diving, hiking, reading and traveling. She has even ridden an elephant into the Mekong River where she was thoroughly sprayed in the face with water by the elephant! She keeps a photo of this moment on her desk as a reminder to never take herself too seriously!
Nicole Lawson
Nicole is currently studying to obtain her BA in Dance Studies and Spanish at Meredith College. Her passion for public health comes from her knowledge of health being a primary barrier to empowerment. Nicole believes that people should have equal access to basic healthcare so that they can access opportunities to improve themselves and their communities. At Impact Global Health Alliance, Nicole looks forward to learning more about the operation of a successful non-profit organization, as she hopes to start one of her own one day. When she has free time, Nicole enjoys taking walks, visiting museums and doing yoga. She also loves TED Talks and has a fascination with human anatomy and kinesiology.
Lauren Nolley
Lauren is currently studying Biology and Spanish at UNC-Chapel Hill, and will graduate in May 2016. Her passion for public health comes from working in a hospital clinic where the importance of proper healthcare, prolonging life, and preventative medicines were implemented. Lauren believes that healthcare should be considered a necessity rather than a luxury, as it is in many parts of the world. Public health not only provides opportunities for life-saving medicines and treatments, but also life-saving medical practices that many in both international and domestic communities are not exposed to. While working at Impact Global Health Alliance, Lauren hopes to learn more about public health initiatives abroad through the programs that Impact Global Health Alliance offers as well as gain insight into program development operations. When she is not busy with school, Lauren enjoys reading, watching documentaries, and traveling. Her love of traveling took her to Europe, where she completed service projects as a student ambassador for three weeks.
Lesa Sexton
Lesa obtained her B.A. in Communication Studies, with a focus on interpersonal communication, from UNC Chapel Hill. She is currently in graduate school at North Carolina State in the Master of International Studies program where she is specializing in Education in Development. Although her background is not in public health, Lesa believes that it is important to have an understanding of this work and its impact on the larger field of international development. Without access to basic health services, individuals cannot develop to their full potential, families cannot climb out of poverty, and communities cannot build their capacity. She is excited to learn more about the public health field and the results-driven, community-based methodologies used by Impact Global Health Alliance to implement effective and successful projects around the world. When Lesa is not too busy with graduate school, she enjoys reading, running and traveling. In September, Lesa will be participating in her first Bike MS Event where she will bike 150 miles over two days! Good Luck, Lesa!
Jasmia Shropshire
Jasmia received her degree in Sociology and International Studies, with a concentration in Economy and Environment, from North Carolina State University. While working at Impact Global Health Alliance, Jasmia looks forward to rallying support for the organization locally and becoming more active in vision: Hope through Health. She believes that one’s health is their wealth, and not having healthcare should not prevent anyone from reaching their dreams. Jasmia is also passionate about providing sustainable education and resources to help others live happy and healthy lifestyles. In fact, she lived in Sololá, Guatemala for 2.5 months doing research on criminal justice institutions. In her free time, Jasmia loves to craft, particularly hair accessories, headbands and hats.
