Interview with Amanda Spence, MPH
Listen Here:
Highlights from this episode:
- How her work focuses on closing systemic gaps in public health through equity-centered programs.
- Why addressing the needs of the most marginalized communities benefits everyone.
- How understanding systems thinking is crucial in public health and why that pushed her to pursue a MPH
- Why advocating for oneself is key to career advancement
- How pursuing real-world experience during grad school can invaluable.
Episode 242 of Public Health Careers
Amanda is the Senior Manager of Program Partnerships at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
She is a public health equity strategist and program leader with over 10 years of experience across healthcare, nonprofit, and government sectors. She’s passionate about creating innovative, community-driven solutions that close systemic gaps and improve health outcomes.
She conferred her Bachelor’s degree in International Relations with a focus on the Developing World and a minor in Anthropology from SUNY Geneseo where she founded the campus’s first Partners in Health Engage Chapter. During her time at SUNY Geneseo, she also co-authored a book chapter with her professor, Dr. Rose-Marie Chierchi.
Following undergrad, she served as a Public Health Volunteer in the Peace Corps in Guinea before earning her Master of Public Health at New York Medical College. After graduate school, Amanda held multiple roles at the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and worked at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene,
Links from show
Partners in Health Engage Chapter
“WHAT IF WE WERE TO GO?”: UNDERGRADUATES SIMULATE THE BUILDING OF AN NGO FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE”
Peace Corps – Public Health Volunteer (Guinea)
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Connect with Guest
Amanda Spence, MPH on LinkedIn