Alumni Highlights
Pia Sampaga-Khim, MS, ’25
What made you decide to pursue a MS in Community Health and Social Justice?
I’ve spent many years in public health and always intended to eventually pursue my MPH. Over the past few years, I’ve focused on my equity journey, exploring ways to enhance community collaboration and develop programs that integrate equity and social justice principles. While browsing LinkedIn, I came across the program’s objectives, and I felt that they were perfectly aligned with what I was looking for. I was looking for a degree program that integrated public health education with social justice issues, discusses impacts on historically marginalized communities, and aims to dismantle systemic inequities – and I felt that this program offered that.
How are you using your degree?
Pursuing my master’s has long been a personal goal of mine, but my decision to return to school was primarily motivated by a desire to do my job better. As a current employee of the Snohomish County Health Department, I am eager to apply the knowledge and insights I’ve gained from this program to my work. This experience has not only enhanced my contributions to the department but has expanded professional growth opportunities within the public health field. By deepening my understanding of social justice principles, I am able to better serve my community and make a meaningful impact in my role.
What was your favorite part about the program?
We had a small but powerful cohort, rich with diverse experiences and perspectives. It was wonderful to learn from each other and find support within the group. This program helped me strengthen my voice in my work, advocating for our communities and ensuring they have a say in how we serve them in Public Health. I’ve learned the importance of being intentional in our approach and how essential it is to embed social justice into our values.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
Participate in meaningful discussions with your peers and instructors, support each other, and challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone. Learning to embrace discomfort can deepen your understanding of diverse perspectives, enabling you to serve your community more effectively.
Rachel Allison, MS ’25
What made you decide to pursue a MS in Community Health and Social Justice?
I decided to pursue a MS in Community Health and Social Justice because I spent the last several years learning and creating online content about the systemic problems in our country and across the world. I wanted to do my part in fixing these issues and restoring a sense of equity and justice. I became aware of this program, and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to move my activism offline and into a place of enacting more direct change. I decided to take a leap of faith and completely change my career path, with the first step being my entry into this program.
How are you using your degree?
I am very excited to take the CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist) exam and go on to work for the state of Washington. I would love to work in a role where I can implement equity, anti-racism, and inclusion as praxis, while providing access to opportunities, power, and resources to reduce disparities and improve health outcomes in Washington state. I would also love to use my creativity and expertise to create different forms of content to spread awareness of how white supremacy, colonialism, patriarchy, and capitalism are having detrimental effects on the overall health of different communities across the globe.
What was your favorite part about the program?
Finding a community of like minded individuals who care as deeply about the issues we are facing in Public Health as I do. It gave me hope to see my fellow classmates speaking on these systemic issues and coming up with new, creative, and equitable solutions to reduce health disparities nationwide. Another part of this program that I really loved was how it challenged me both as a writer and an activist. My skills as a writer exponentially broadened by the classes. My portfolio now includes pieces I never could have imagined and my confidence as an activist has deepened with the knowledge I’ve gained.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
Take the leap of faith and do not listen to your imposter syndrome. You are meant to be here, and your voice is a necessary contribution to the conversations happening about health disparities and injustices faced by different communities here and across the globe.
Updated February 2026