Fabiola Catulle, MPH

I attribute my success to the values of service that my grandmother instilled in me from an early age and the unwavering support and mentorship I have received from my parents. Those foundational values shaped my understanding of what it means to serve others and have guided my career in public health. I believe public health is deeply connected to who I am because of the principles I learned at home. My family’s example continues to motivate me to approach my work with purpose, compassion, and dedication.

The most valuable career guidance I have received has come from my family, particularly my grandmother and my parents. My grandmother taught me from an early age that caring for others, treating people with kindness and dignity, and contributing to the well-being of my community are fundamental responsibilities. My parents have continually encouraged me to pursue meaningful work, supported my goals, and given me the confidence to explore opportunities and remain committed to making a difference. Their example taught me that service is more than a profession—it is a way of living grounded in compassion, generosity, authenticity, and a genuine commitment to helping others.

I encourage young women to continue moving forward in their passion for public health and to remain committed to creating meaningful change. This is an important time for emerging professionals to bring their ideas, skills, and perspectives to the field because communities need people who are willing to step forward and serve. Do not be afraid of the challenges happening around you; instead, recognize that there are places where your leadership and expertise are needed. Stay passionate, keep moving forward, and look for opportunities where you can make a difference.

Public health is facing significant challenges, particularly during periods of uncertainty, changing policies, and shifting funding and priorities. One of the greatest challenges is navigating complex systems while ensuring communities continue to receive the resources and services they need, but these challenges also reinforce the importance of advocacy and engagement. I have learned that issues such as housing instability, substance use, healthcare access, social determinants of health, and health inequities are interconnected and require collaboration across government, healthcare, nonprofit, and community organizations. I see tremendous opportunity in using quality improvement, policy, regulation, stakeholder engagement, and stronger partnerships to turn gaps in the system into opportunities for meaningful change. I also believe these challenges create an important opportunity for the next generation of public health leaders to bring fresh ideas, energy, and determination while remaining focused on equity, service, and improving the conditions that shape people's health.

My faith and respect for the beliefs of others are important to me, along with integrity, community, and collaboration. In public health, I believe meaningful progress depends on respecting the communities we serve and building strong relationships with partners and stakeholders. I value working collaboratively because complex public health challenges cannot be solved by one person or organization alone. I strive to approach both my professional and personal life with honesty, respect, service, and a strong commitment to community.