Karleen graduated with an MA in Women’s Studies and a Graduate Certificate in Public Health in 2019. She is a Program Manager for the HIV/STD Department for the State of Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
When I began the master’s program in 2017, I had a passion for Black feminist theory and public health. I am amazed at how a 2-year program could nurture my passions and provide so many opportunities, not only for me as a student but as a young professional upon graduation. The MA program was transformative, leaving a lasting impact on me personally and professionally.
As a graduate student, I was able to present my research on Black women living with HIV and their access to healthcare at the National Women’s Studies Association annual conference. Being a panelist and presenting a solo poster on my research were the most proud moments of my time at the Center. I was also able to take advantage of training and become a certified Peer Sex Educator with Planned Parenthood. The skills I learned were crucial as I transitioned to my career in public health.
Since graduating, I have held multiple public health roles, first as a Community Health Worker in rural eastern North Carolina. There, I helped people connect to social services, receive proper medical care, and mitigate daily living barriers. I also served as a Public Health Education Specialist for a county health department where I had the opportunity to provide health education and write and successfully implement a grant that focused on reducing infant mortality, particularly among families of color. In my current role as an HIV/STD Program Manager for the State of Texas Department of Health and Human Services, I conduct and oversee HIV/STD testing, prevention, intervention, and surveillance in 50 counties.
I owe much of my academic, professional, and personal growth to the guidance and support of my UF mentors Dr. Manoucheka Celeste, Dr. Bryce Henson, and Dr. Kathryn Ross. The knowledge I gained from them has been a guiding force in my work. Being able to implement Black feminist theory into public health policies and community health has been rewarding and healing. To have the guidance of Dr. Celeste—an award-winning author, professor, and Black woman, who believes in supporting student success through mentorship—has defined the standard on how I, a mixed-race Black woman, approach leadership, feminist IMAGE CAPTION theory, and community in professional and personal settings.
As I continue to hold leadership positions in my career and have an active presence in the communities I live and serve in, I will always prioritize Black feminist theory, justice and equality to ensure I give a voice to those who are voiceless and neglected. I thank the Center for providing the resources, opportunities, and caring faculty and staff that have paved the way and provided the framework for me to be as successful as I am today.