Meet Allyson Luong, Dawn Rogers, and Martina Michael, three amazing individuals who have been supporting the TSOPHE board and conference throughout the year! Read more about them below.

We asked each of them, "What motivated you to get involved with TSOPHE, even without serving on the board, and what has been the most meaningful part of your experience as a volunteer?"

Allyson: I joined TSOPHE to connect with other public health professionals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I had difficulty connecting with peers because most of my MPH coursework at UTHealth was remote. Thankfully, I was able to work alongside our current TSOPHE President, Dr. Shelby Flores-Thorpe, when I was a graduate assistant. She has been my professional mentor ever since. I also had the amazing opportunity to watch her dissertation in person before I graduated from UTHealth. I am grateful I get to collaborate with her through the TSOPHE newsletter and stay updated about upcoming public health events and research. 

Dawn: Being a volunteer for TSOPHE has been an amazing experience because it has given me the opportunity to help others, gain practical experience, and build connections with professionals in the public health field. Volunteering has allowed me to contribute in meaningful ways while also learning from the knowledge and experiences of others. I value the chance to be part of a community that is dedicated to advancing health education and improving community well-being, and I am grateful for the relationships and growth I have gained through this involvement.

Martina: I first heard about TSOPHE during my Maternal and Child Health fellowship at the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). At that time, I was looking for ways to become more involved in a statewide professional organization that actively works to push the needle forward in public health. TSOPHE immediately stood out as a community that not only advances health education but also empowers professionals to collaborate, advocate, and grow together.

Volunteering has given me the chance to connect with like-minded professionals who share the same vision of improving population health. The most meaningful part of this experience has been realizing that even small contributions—like sharing research findings—play a role in strengthening the broader mission of public health in Texas. It’s been both rewarding and inspiring to be part of that momentum.

Thank you to all three of you for your contributions to TSOPHE this year - we are truly grateful!