These stories are based on confidential interviews conducted as part of the CDC Listening Project. Participants review and approve written summaries describing their work, their contributions, and the circumstances surrounding their separation. Stories are published without names or identifying details.
Building Capacity to Detect Health Threats and Manage a Strategic Response
This public health leader built systems that strengthened outbreak response, workforce training, and strategic planning nationwide. During COVID-19, this CDC professional helped streamline emergency grant distribution—processing hundreds of awards in days instead of months—to ensure states, tribes, and communities received critical resources when they needed them most.
From Peace Corps to Organizing Community Health Workers During Covid
From Peace Corps service in South Africa to organizing community health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting youth overdose prevention coalitions nationwide, this CDC public health professional built a career grounded in service, partnership, and prevention. Their work strengthened community-based responses in some of the country’s hardest hit areas.