The Illinois Public Health Association is proud of our AmeriCorps Members and the contributions they make to public health in Illinois.
We created the 'Meet the Member' feature to highlight these hard-working individuals.
We are pleased to introduce Jasmine Maldonado, IPHA AmeriCorps Member currently serving her 2nd term of service at Erie Family Health Center.
Name: Jasmine Maldonado
Host Site: Erie Family Health Center-Evanston
Length of time serving as an IPHA AmeriCorps Member: 1 year and counting
1. What are your primary responsibilities at your host site?
I am an AmeriCorps Health Educator at the clinic. I do the verification of pregnancy and offer assistance to prenatal patients so they can make appointments and receive prenatal care. I also help with the Cooking Matters class, which helps pre-diabetic and diabetic patients learn how to eat healthy meals.
2. What did you do before you came onboard as an IPHA AmeriCorps Member?
I recently graduated with my Bachelor’s in Sociology from UIC. I was looking for an opportunity to expand my knowledge of public health before I applied for my Master’s in Public Health and I found out about IPHA AmeriCorps and I thought this was a perfect opportunity.
3. Where did you go to college and what degrees do you have (if applicable)?
I attended the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and I received a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a minor in Latin American and Latino Studies.
4. What made you decide to join the IPHA AmeriCorps Program?
I was interested in gaining more experience in public health before I went back to school and I knew I could do that with the IPHA AmeriCorps Program. I am very interested in volunteering and doing my part in my community, and the mission of the IPHA AmeriCorps Program aligned with my values and beliefs. I believe that this was the perfect opportunity to find out if I truly wanted to continue on the path of public health and it served as reaffirmation that I had chosen the correct field.
5. What is your favorite thing about the program and/or being an IPHA AmeriCorps Member?
I really enjoy the host site that I am in and I never would have found out about it had it not been for the IPHA AmeriCorps Program. I also enjoy meeting like-minded individuals that are in the program with me. I have met some pretty amazing people that I have grown close to.
6. Where do you see yourself professionally in 2 years?
In two years I see myself receiving my Masters of Public Health and entering my career field.
7. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy traveling and going to concerts.
8. Who has been the greatest inspiration in your life?
My greatest inspirations are my parents. They both have overcome obstacles to be where they are today and they always made sure my siblings and I had everything we needed. I hope to one day repay them for everything they have done for me and they are the reason I chose my career path.
9. What is one thing about you that might surprise people?
I do not think a lot of people know that I like to sing (I am not the best) but I enjoy singing along to the radio or doing karaoke. I would like to think that I have a not so terrible voice.
10. What goal (personal or professional) do you hope to achieve this year?
I hope to be able to apply for graduate school for this coming year and get accepted. It would be a dream come true to be able to further my education.
For more information about the IPHA AmeriCorps Program, contact Jennifer Hopper, Program Director, at jhopper@ipha.com
