Gabriela Chavez

Where Purpose Meets Policy

When Gabriela Chavez was twenty-four years old, her mother suffered a series of strokes that left her frequently unconscious, unaware, and unable to make medical decisions for herself.

Following her mother’s health complications, Chavez stepped into the role of caregiver, interfacing with hospitals and her mother’s nursing homes, bridging the language gap between her mother, who is Mexican, and providers as she fought for the best care possible. 

At the time, Chavez was working in Chicago as a senior health care data analyst for the Federal Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). She was used to crunching numbers behind a desk and analyzing health care statistics. But her mother’s condition forced her to see health care through a new lens. 

“There’s a lot of neglect in nursing homes,” Chavez said. “I saw a lot of gaps within the health care system. Seniors are a population that deserves more dignity. ”

Eight months later, her mother passed away. Chavez, who had bachelor’s degrees in science and applied statistics from the University of Chicago, was frustrated with what she had experienced.   

“I was tired of seeing so many health disparities with marginalized and underrepresented communities,” Chavez said. “I don’t want other families to go through what I did.”

"I saw a lot of gaps within the health care system. Seniors are a population that deserves more dignity." 

Chavez reached out to her mentor at the FQHCs about master’s programs in health care and policy work. He directed her toward the MSPH in Health Policy and Management (HPM) at the Bloomberg School. 

When Chavez talked to Hopkins alumni, they highlighted key details of the School, including the “open door” policy of many faculty, the hands-on projects, and paid field placements that reduce the overall cost of the program. These interactions with alumni, as well as with students, helped her select Hopkins. 

“Everyone is so nice and willing to support you and your interests,” Chavez said. “You build a community here.” 

Chavez started her MSPH in HPM in August 2024, moving from the Midwest to the East Coast. While she was initially nervous about such a big transition, she found support and connection within her cohort and student organizations. 

"I want to change the world, and it's personal for me."

Since beginning her program, Chavez has joined the Public Health Artificial Intelligence organization and is on the leadership board of the Latino Public Health Network Society. She is a public health program assistant for SOURCE and the Lipitz Center. 

Her research focuses on quality and communication between caregivers and care recipients, working on the kind of change she wanted to see when she was acting as a caregiver. 

After graduation, Chavez plans to work in positions involving health care reform and policy. Her overall goal is to continue advocating for marginalized groups who may be struggling. 

“If times are tough or you feel like you don’t belong, remember you’re here for a reason,” Chavez said. “I want to change the world, and it’s personal for me.”

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