Emely Diaz Barragan (COPHP MPH ’26) has been selected as one of just two students nationwide for the 2026–2027 American Public Health Association (APHA) and Kaiser Permanente Community Health Fellowship, recognizing her dedication to advancing community health and her commitment to serving diverse communities.
The highly competitive fellowship selection marks an important milestone for Diaz Barragan, who will bring her background as a bilingual, bicultural social worker and public health practitioner to her new role. By combining her expertise in both fields, she hopes to continue advancing community-centered approaches to health and well-being.
A graduate of the University of Washington (UW), Diaz Barragan brings experience in both social work and public health to this next chapter of her career. During her four years at the UW Latino Center for Health, she served as a program and research coordinator while also working as a teaching assistant for four years at the UW School of Public Health. She also completed a hybrid practicum and capstone experience with the Fuerte program in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco.
As a first-generation student, Diaz Barragan credits education, mentorship and financial support with helping her pursue two graduate degrees at UW without student debt. Her journey reflects years of hard work, resilience and a commitment to translating education into meaningful community impact.
“UW was my home away from home,” Diaz Barragan said, expressing excitement for this next chapter and the opportunity to follow her passion through the fellowship.
Learn more about the 2026–2027 APHA and Kaiser Permanente Community Health Fellowship recipients on the APHA website.