#2020Trojan: Meet Jana Wright, Master of Public Health online program graduate

Jana Wright earns her Master of Public Health with a concentration in community health promotion.

Why did you choose to pursue your degree?

I hold degrees in both political science and biology. A master of public health made sense to combine these two fields of study in my graduate work.

What has been your biggest accomplishment during your studies?

Landing my current full-time job in maternal and health policy. I have spent my public policy and government affairs career focused on health policy. As a mom of three children under the age of 5, I had become more interested in maternal and child health policy. My current role allows me to focus on my passion!

What’s an important lesson you learned?

I learned what it means to be truly resilient. During this program, I lost my mother to a stroke while I was six months pregnant with my son. Life does not stop just because you are pursuing a degree. You must find a way to fight on!

What’s one of your favorite memories from your program?

2019 Homecoming and MaPHSA tailgate!

What will you miss most and why?

I will miss all the friends I have made in the program. They are really an incredibly supportive group!

What are you doing after you graduate?

Using my education to further policy goals related to maternal and infant health disparities in my role as Director of Policy at LA Best Babies Network.

What do you look forward to in your career path?

I look forward to creating policies with a community health focus, particularly ones that are born out of community based processes.

What advice do you have for future grads?

Remember why you wanted to pursue your MPH. Allow that passion to drive and guide your future endeavors.