Valentina Gómez and Mary Kai Patterson named This is Public Health student ambassadors

By Jill Pease

University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions Master of Public Health students Valentina Gómez and Mary Kai Patterson have been selected as This is Public Health student ambassadors for 2024-2025 by the Association of Schools and Programs in Public Health.

They are among 97 graduate students from 61 ASPPH member schools worldwide who are charged with raising awareness about public health through activities such as This is Public Health social media takeovers, virtual fairs with prospective public health students, book clubs, public health presentations, panel discussions and more.

Valentina Gomez
Valentina Gomez at the Hispanic Scholarship Fund Healthcare Summit 

Gómez, a student in the social and behavioral sciences concentration, intends to raise awareness about breast cancer prevention and early detection, particularly among Hispanic women, during her social media takeover, scheduled for January 11-12, 2025. She hopes to emphasize the importance of regular screenings and the role public health plays in reducing disparities in breast cancer outcomes.

“I am thrilled to represent UF’s College of Public Health and Health Professions as a TIPH ambassador since this role provides me the opportunity to highlight the incredible work being done in the field of public health and inspire others to make a difference in their communities,” Gómez said. “I am eager to share the passion the students, faculty and staff share at PHHP to contribute to impactful change and promote health equity for all communities.”

Patterson, a student in the population health management concentration, looks forward to engaging with students of diverse interests, experiences and backgrounds on a national level.  

Mary Kai Patterson at an event for Delta Omega, the public health honor society

“As a person who began my educational journey as an English major in the pre-law track, I am excited to encourage current and prospective students to pursue their own path in public health shaped by their unique passions,” Patterson said. “I am also excited for the opportunity to grow my communication and presentation skills further and to work with public health students from around the country.”

Patterson’s social media takeover of the This is Public Health social media accounts is scheduled for September 30-October 4. Her content will focus on medical-legal partnerships and their significance in holistic and quality care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and targeting social determinants of health.

“I hope to educate my audience on what these partnerships involve and discuss the public interest attorney’s ability to end health-harming cycles,” she said.