BMCC’s Health Studies program offers major options such as Community Health Education, Gerontology, School Health Education and Public Health. Our alumni have pursued a variety of career paths. Here are a few of them:
Steven Rose
Year of graduation: 2023
Major: Community Health Education
Update: After graduation from BMCC, I started working for the Research Foundation of SUNY at the STAR program (Special Treatment and Research) at Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, NYC. STAR aims to achieve health equity through quality care, education, research and community empowerment. I am also currently enrolled at Hunter College in the Public Health program.
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/steven-rose-7147b3b3
Advice for students considering a career in Health Studies: As you continue your educational journey at BMCC, remember to build and cultivate networks with your professors and fellow students, even after you graduate.
Rajwana Zaara
Year of graduation: 2023
Major: Community Health Education
Update: Upon graduating from BMCC, I started my career as Patient Navigator at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. It has been an incredible experience so far, working as a navigator and learning many different skills while working with people and their lifestyles.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajwona-z-1950a4215/
Advice for students considering a career in Health Studies: Start with an open mind–every day is a new learning experience. I originally planned to become a nurse, but changed my major, which led to this wonderful career in community health. I would like to thank my professors and BMCC for support throughout this journey–it would have been much harder otherwise. Stay open-mind and keep working hard, because it will be a win-win for the future.
Ardita Alija
Year of graduation: 2019
Major: Public Health
Update: I work as a health educator with a nonprofit organization, teaching health education to thousands of high school students across New York City to help them make healthier choices. I am also pursuing a Master of Science in Global and Migrant Health Policy, with an expected graduation in fall 2024 from the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health (CUNY SPH). Alongside my studies,
Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/ardita-alija-73b800184
Advice for students considering a career in Health Studies: Before discovering public health, I experienced firsthand the impact of health inequalities. During the Kosovo War in 1999, my family fled as refugees. Living in camps and later navigating an unfamiliar system in Belgium to access essential resources was challenging. These childhood events coupled with my experience as an immigrant in the Unites States fueled my passion for studying health disparities and improving the health of disadvantaged populations. My advice to anyone interested in public health is to stay passionate and committed. Embrace your experiences and let them drive your efforts to help those in need.
Oladipupo Eddie Babatunde
Year of graduation: 2019
Major: Gerontology
Update: I am a Community Health Worker in Brooklyn, educating and promoting a healthy lifestyle in the Brooklyn community. After graduating from BMCC, I attended York College CUNY and obtained a BS in Gerontological Studies and Services. I also earned a Master of Arts from Lehman College, where I studied Health Education and Promotion.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oladipupo-babatunde-16b615102/
Advice for students considering a career in Health Studies: Be open and respectful towards the cultural, social, and economic diversity of the populations you serve. Understanding and respecting different perspectives can improve your effectiveness in the field.
Juliana Campos Hu
Year of graduation: 2019
Major: Public Health
Update: I am working at NY Presbyterian Hospital as a Health Educator. I earned a certificate in Medical Interpretation from Hunter College and a Masters in Public Health (MPH) from the CUNY School of Public Health, specializing in Maternal, Child, Reproductive and Sexual Health.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianacamposhu/
Advice for students considering a career in Health Studies: The field is broad and has many opportunities, so you’ll always find something you like working with. Keep up with current public health issues, research findings, and policy changes. Subscribe to reputable public health journals and follow health news outlets. Building relationships with professors, professionals, and peers in the field is also essential. Networking can open doors to mentorship, job opportunities, and collaborations that enhance your career prospects. Public Health is a challenging field, but seeing the positive impact on the population through your work is gratifying.
Jonathan Martinez
Year of graduation: 2018
Major: Community Health Education
Update: I am a Policy Analyst at NYU Langone Health, where I apply the knowledge and skills I gained from earning my Associates degree in Community Health Education, Bachelor’s in Public Health and Master’s in Public Health with a concentration in Policy and Healthcare Management. In my role, I explore the political and policy landscape in New York State to identify pressing issues and challenges. This understanding helps me position the hospital to better serve our communities and enhance its capacity to care for patients by advocating for legislation that benefits NYU Langone Health.
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-martinez-5b5559196
Advice for students considering a career in Health Studies: I highly recommend that anyone interested in healthcare policy gain experience through internships with elected officials at all levels of government. It is also beneficial to pursue degrees that explore the healthcare system, such as those in Health Studies, Allied Health, Health Sciences, Community Health Education and Promotion, or Public Health—fields offered at BMCC. Also, don’t be afraid—education opens many doors and opportunities. As I learned not too long ago, BMCC’s ubiquitous slogan– “Start here. Go anywhere!”–is indeed true.
Aboudramane Berte
Year of graduation: 2017
Major: Public Health
Update: I am working as a public servant for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. I have always been passionate about protecting the health of the population, regardless of their races, skin colors, or religious beliefs. I believe this agency gives me that opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was activated for almost a year to work as part of the Agency’s Response Group to protect the lives of New Yorkers against the virus. As a result, I received a Distinguished Service Award for my dedication to our mission of protecting and promoting public health.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdourahmane-berte-msol-83b506249/
Advice for students considering a career in Health Studies: The main advice that I have for people who are interested in public health is to encourage them to do some research about the essential skills needed in the field. More importantly, I would encourage them to develop some passion for public service or helping others because that will help them to overcome many challenges. In addition, I would advice that they communicate with their professors and advisors to get specific information about internship opportunities.
Jannella J Rodriguez
Year of graduation: 2017
Major: Community Health Education
Update: I am a program coordinator for the Health Home Program at New York Presbyterian. My focus is servicing infectious disease patients in managing their health care needs and reaching their overall health and life goals.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jannella-rodriguez-2b38361b5/
Advice for students considering a career in Health Studies: Be open to hearing patient stories without judgment and biased opinions and follow your work through empathy and compassion; Stigmas are very much present and we should work together to break it through our work for every patient you meet.
Angelica Mercado
Year of graduation: 2016
Major: School Health Education
Update: I work at Population Services International (PSI), as an Acting Program Manager. I oversee global health projects implemented in Asia, Latin America, and Africa, and support field staff with capacity building and operational needs. I began my career by co-founding EDUSINLI, where I focused on improving literacy for children in rural Dominican Republic. Through my leadership at EDUNSINLI, the organization served over 250 individuals and supported the opening of a school library. I then led corporate development at the League of United Latin American Citizens, where I played a key role in raising $4 million in 9 months to empower the Latinx community in the US. After BMCC, I transferred to Mount Holyoke College where I graduated with a bachelors in Anthropology.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelica-mercado/
Advice for students considering a career in Health Studies: Don’t be too hard on yourself; your journey is unique. Try to immerse yourself in the field by attending events and connecting with people virtually. Share your interests and learn from others’ experiences to help guide your next steps. Lastly, stay informed about what’s happening to identify new projects or topics that might open new doors for you.
