Global Health's recent alumna, Princess Cervantes, MPH, ASCPi (MLS), began her journey as a pre-med student, soon realizing her true passion is working with systems and communities. It wasn’t until a chance meeting with a Global Health program graduate from Loma Linda University School of Public Health (LLUSPH) that she discovered her calling. LLUSPH became her sole application destination – and she was accepted.
Throughout the Global Health program, she delved deep into the intricacies of systems, reinventing and critically analyzing the different components that came with the profession. Challenged to think outside the box, a concept unfamiliar to her, she honed her adaptability, an invaluable skill she leaned on throughout her academic journey.
Cervantes acknowledged the profound community ties of her program. To her, professors were more than just educators; they opened doors to expansive networks. Currently, she splits her time between two fulfilling roles spanning local and international health.
She oversees communications for community-based projects in Southern California as a project coordinator for El Sol Neighborhood Educational Center. Half her time is also spent with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency, where she assists with business development endeavors for USAID-funded programs across different regions of the world. She began working with these organizations as a student through the affiliations she’s made in her program and, recognizing her exceptional commitment and prowess, received offers to stay on even after graduation.
While still drawn to international development, Cervantes grew to appreciate the nuances and impact of community grassroots work. Yet, she remains steadfast in her broader ambition: to educate the next generation of leaders and contribute significantly to the collective knowledge of Public Health.
“It is fulfilling to see these relationships that [I] invest in and this work that [I] invest in; invest in me as well,” Cervantes says as she reflects on her post-graduate journey, “I think that my program, professors, and faculty really helped nurture the skills that I have and teach me new skills that are helpful for my job now.”
Princess Cervantes's journey is a testament to her growth and commitment as a Public Health professional. Her story is a beacon of inspiration for those at the crossroads of education and career.