Student Spotlight: Natrina Kennedy
The DrPH program at the Bloomberg School allows Kennedy the flexibility to complete her doctoral degree while running the non-profit organization she founded, which focuses on eliminating health disparities.
Meet Natrina Kennedy
- Degree Program: Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
- Concentration: Women's and Reproductive Health
- Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
- Previous degrees earned: Bachelor of Science, Health Systems Management; Master of Public Health, Loyola University of Chicago
- Current professional roles: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Women’s Health Initiative, Inc., and Associate Divisional Strategy Consultant, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois/Health Care Service Corporation
- Fun fact: I have trained in over 10 genres of dance—my favorite is modern.
What sparked your interest in public health?
In 2017, I was working in a private OBGYN office, attending a predominantly white institution, learning about the health care system, and living on the Far South Side of Chicago, where I, my family, and my friends did not have access to resources and quality care. I found myself stuck between two worlds, which resulted in me launching the nonprofit Women’s Health Initiative (WHI). WHI required me to understand population health in a new way, which sparked my interest in public health.
What are your research interests?
My research interest is centered around understanding how the power of community-led interventions can empower Black women and improve intergenerational health.
Why did you choose the Bloomberg School?
I wanted to gain deep-rooted knowledge of the impact of structural racism and policy on women’s health. I believed that the flexibility of the DrPH program at the School would allow me to do that while leveraging all of my previous experiences.
What drew you to the DrPH concentration in Women’s and Reproductive Health?
As a public health entrepreneur with an emphasis on women’s health, I was drawn to the concentration due to the interdisciplinary faculty with expertise in women’s health policy, the unique course offerings, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers in the field.
Have you made any discoveries at Hopkins that you recommend to other students?
I recommend the use of the on staff to support research.
What do you hope to accomplish after graduating from the DrPH program?
After graduation, I hope to scale WHI, and grow our community network in a manner that leads to decreased health disparities and systemic change.
