Meet Alexandra Alvarenga, TSOPHE's President-Elect! Learn more about her public health journey, her goals for TSOPHE, and the advice she has for future public health professionals below.

We asked, “As TSOPHE’s President-Elect, what are some of the priorities TSOPHE should focus on?”

Alexandra Alvarenga: One of the biggest priorities I’d like TSOPHE to continue focusing on is supporting the next generation of public health professionals through mentorship, networking, and professional development opportunities. Public health is such a broad field, and from my personal experience and observations, students and early-career professionals benefit tremendously from having guidance and connections.

I also think it’s important for TSOPHE to continue strengthening advocacy efforts and helping members understand how public health policies directly impact communities across Texas. Additionally, I’d love to see continued collaboration among academia, community organizations, healthcare systems, and government agencies to translate research into real-world impact.

Finally, I think creating spaces that encourage collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity within the public health workforce is incredibly important as the field continues to evolve.

“What advice would you give to students who want to learn more about pursuing a career in public health?”   

Alexandra Alvarenga: My biggest piece of advice is to explore as many areas of public health as possible. The field is incredibly broad and diverse. Public health careers can range from epidemiology and biostatistics to health education, policy, research, program evaluation, and community outreach. There are even mixtures and overlaps in all of the different domains, so there is room for everyone, no matter their interests. I encourage students to seek out internships, volunteer opportunities, conferences, and mentorship experiences early and to dip their toes into different topic areas to see what they are interested in. Also, don’t be afraid if your career path changes over time. Public health is interdisciplinary, and many people discover their passions through hands-on experiences. For example, I was a behavioral science and health promotion major during my master's, but found that I really enjoyed epidemiology, program implementation, and program evaluation through my coursework, practicum, and graduate research assistantship. Stay curious, keep learning, and build relationships with people in the field.

“What motivated you to get involved with TSOPHE, and what has your experience been like serving on the board as the President-Elect?”

Alexandra Alvarenga: I initially became involved with TSOPHE because I wanted to connect with other public health professionals who were passionate about improving health in their communities. I was especially drawn to the organization’s focus on advocacy, professional development, and creating opportunities for students and early-career professionals.

Serving on the board as President-Elect has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It has allowed me to collaborate with professionals from many different backgrounds and learn more about the important work happening across Texas. I’ve also enjoyed helping create opportunities for networking and student engagement within the organization.

“What do you hope your career path will look like after graduation, and what kinds of impact would you like to make in the field of public health?”   

Alexandra Alvarenga: I actually just graduated with my PhD a few weeks ago (yay!), so I'm looking out for positions where I can continue working in applied research and/or program evaluation, particularly in areas related to nutrition, food access, and chronic disease prevention. I’m passionate about using data and research to help improve programs and policies that support underserved communities.

Long-term, I hope my work contributes to making healthy food more accessible and helping organizations make evidence-based decisions that improve population health outcomes. I also hope to continue mentoring students and supporting future public health professionals throughout my career.

“What advice would you give to individuals who want to get involved with TSOPHE?”

Alexandra Alvarenga: I would encourage people to attend webinars, sign up for our newsletter, and not hesitate to reach out to me or any member of the board, even if it's just to say hello and introduce yourself! TSOPHE is a very welcoming organization, and we truly want to serve as a resource and support system for our members. Getting involved is a great way to build professional connections, develop leadership skills, and learn from others in the field. Whether you’re a student, early-career professional, or experienced practitioner, there is a place for everyone within TSOPHE to contribute, connect, and grow.

Thanks for reading, we look forward to sharing more member spotlights and TSOPHE updates with you soon!