Her Story
About Anna
I'm an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I focus my research on addressing structural-level factors that affect health and well-being. My work specifically examines issues like poverty and lack of access to basic needs, and I've led research on social safety net programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps) and how they can not only support economic well-being but also function to prevent various forms of violence, reduce the occurrence of substance use disorders, help improve mental health.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Anna
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think it's a combination of hard work, a lot of luck, and being really fortunate to have great collaborators, supporters, and mentors at each stage of my career.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Find what inspires you and what your passions are in terms of the bigger issues you want to address, and really keep that at the forefront. It's easy to get pulled in a lot of directions, but staying true to what you're passionate about and staying true to your values can help you get a lot of meaning and fulfillment out of your career.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges and opportunities in my field are realted to policy change. Changing policies is hard, but policies also represent an opportunity to reach large numbers of people and to shape the broader context and conditions affecting health and well-being.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being a good friend and colleague and being there to support people in my life, whether professionally or personally, is important to me.
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