Q and A with Julie Brooks, GHTASC Junior Program Assistant, supporting the Bureau for Global Health’s Office of the Assistant Administrator

What drew you to health and development?

I have been in healthcare administration for over 15 years, my background is Health Information Management where I hold a degree from Coppin State University. I knew that I wanted to do more and wanted my work to be more impactful. Once I was accepted into the MPH program at Howard University, I started to set the stage with the help of my Credence HR Representative. She informed me that there were more technical roles that I should start applying for. I felt that it would be great to work in the field of global health while in school.

What is your favorite part about supporting USAID and/or your current team?

My GH/FO team is the absolute BEST! I have a two-hour commute into the office, and a longer commute when I go home. But I am not bothered because I enjoy working amongst some amazing people. It feels great to feel appreciated and supported; I am blessed to be a part of such an awesome team.

Tell us about the American Public Health Association (APHA) conference that you recently attended.

For my professional development [workforce learning], I was approved to attend 2023 APHACON. The experience was amazing to attend various meetings on health topics that affect our world and communities. I encourage attending these meetings to stay abreast of trending health topics, networking with peers from all over the world and visualizing the importance of being active in such associations. A takeaway that is important to me is that I was able to hone into my capstone which will be researching how CBT-I [cognitive behavioral therapy for Insomnia] affect youth in redlined areas of Baltimore and other urban communities.

What has been the most interesting activity you’ve had the chance to work on?

Volunteering to be co-lead on the Ghana Country Team. It’s such a great experience huddling with our bureau staff here in DC and those in Ghana. I am so impressed with all the work we do to help other countries, and how it's important to stay on top of various diseases to gain control of, and prevent, epidemics.