2nd Year MPH: Yesenia Ramirez

For this week’s special edition of #IamEmoryEpi, we met up with recent Women of Excellence Award recipient Yesenia Ramirez!

Tell us a little bit about your academic history:

I graduated from Wellesley College in 2015 and double majored in Chemistry and Italian Studies. After graduation, I worked as a research assistant for the child and family health department of the city of Chicago, then became a clinical research coordinator for the asthma and immunology department for a local hospital. 

What are your primary research interests?

My research interests include social epidemiology and issues affecting maternal and child populations (so most things), which led me to pursue the maternal and child health (MCH) certificate here at Rollins. I am currently researching how immigration policy has affected birth outcomes among minority populations in Georgia and have been privileged to work on various projects ranging from births defects, maternal mortality, and children and youth with special healthcare needs in my time here.

Are there any exciting projects or experiences you are involved in right now?

I am currently the principal investigator on a research project funded by a Health Innovation Student (HIP) seed grant with an interdisciplinary team of students across Emory, Georgia State University (GSU), and Georgia Tech, working with Embrace-Friends of Refugees to improve their pregnancy curriculum. Our team has filmed culturally-tailored videos on the late and postpartum stages of pregnancy focusing on topics like labor induction, infant care, and postpartum depression. Recently, our team was invited to the 2020 Association for Maternal and Child Health Programming (AMCHP) conference to present our work. Additionally, I work as an intern with the birth defects branch at the CDC and help manage data for the National Birth Defects Prevention Study.

Tell us about the Women of Excellence Award

The Woman of Excellence Awards are presented by the Center for Women at Emory and are awarded based on nominations submitted by the Emory community. There are eight distinct categories and I was nominated by fellow peers to receive the Student Leadership Award. They will be having a ceremony March 5^th at 6:30pm and anyone can RSVP.

What are you receiving the award for?

I am receiving the Student Leadership Award for my work with Embrace– Friends of Refugee as well as other leadership endeavors, including being the co-president of Health Organizations for Latin America (HOLA) and involvement with local grassroots organizations providing assistance and advocacy for immigrant populations here in Atlanta.

What are you most excited about for receiving this prestigious award?

I am mostly excited to be able to spread the word and bring attention to the great work being done by Embrace- Friends of Refugees. They have amazing programs and could always benefit from Emory-Rollins Student volunteers.

What are three fun facts that you want people to know about you?

1. I am an art appreciator and love learning about new artists.
2. I speak three languages.
3. I am on a quest to learn how to make vegetarian/vegan Mexican dishes.