“It’s all about you, yet it’s not about you at all.” This is a saying that resonates with Brandi Reano. “I like this saying because it reminds me of where my place is as a public health professional and how to balance my individuality with being a community member,” said Reano, who graduated with a master of public health degree in fall 2023 from the University of Washington School of Public Health’s Department of Health Systems and Population Health.
As a Navajo and Pueblo woman, Reano grew up learning the cultures and traditions of her community and is passionate about working with other Indigenous communities on strength-based approaches to mental health and wellness. In this Q&A, Reano describes why she was drawn to public health, her thoughts on how to improve health equity among Indigenous communities, and advice for public health students entering the workforce.