Collaboration

Collaboration is the cornerstone upon which meaningful progress is made. It is the process of working together toward a common goal, and is dependent on thoughtful, and effective communication. In the context of health, collaboration is essential for addressing complex challenges and finding inclusive, and equitable health solutions. Throughout my academic, professional, and personal life, I have experienced and witnessed collaboration within myself, my work, and my community. 

Successful collaboration requires active listening, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to achieving a common objective. Collaboration can yield outstanding outcomes when it involves diverse perspectives, skills, and expertise. Effective collaboration requires a balance between advocacy and compromise– knowing when to yield for the collective good while also standing firm on critical issues.  Collaboration ensures that multiple voices are heard, valued, and integrated into decision-making processes, whether in a small-scale community initiative or a large-scale policy implementation. Most importantly, it is imperative that the community that is being collaborated on is involved, and respected in the collaborative process. 

Global and community health thrives on interconnectedness. Health disparities, systemic inequalities, and emerging public health crises cannot be tackled in isolation; they demand coordinated efforts between individuals, organizations, and governments. Collaboration facilitates knowledge-sharing, resource distribution, and culturally sensitive health interventions that prioritize the needs of diverse populations. 

As a birth doula, collaboration is essential to providing personalized, meaningful care that aligns with my clients' needs. I practice this by actively listening to their desires, summarizing their preferences to ensure mutual understanding, and adapting my approach based on their feedback. I also encourage open communication, allowing them to voice any evolving needs. My primary goal is to ensure my clients feel comfortable and well-informed about their options. This means setting aside my personal opinions—such as whether they should receive a dose of Pitocin—so that I can fully support their choices and autonomy.

Collaboration is at the core of my role as the Global and Community Health Communications and Event Coordinator. My responsibilities require constant exchange of ideas and knowledge with a diverse range of individuals, including fellow students, the director of GCH, Communication Coordinators from other departments, advisors, and professors. For example, while organizing the Women’s Health Career Series, I collaborate with healthcare providers to design interactive and engaging workshops that are both informative and meaningful. I also work closely with students to determine the most accessible timing for events, incorporating their feedback to ensure the series meets their interests and needs. Through this role, I have learned that effective collaboration requires active listening, flexibility, and a willingness to integrate multiple perspectives to create impactful programming.