August Virtual Cafecito
In August, the ¡DALHE! Career Committee had the pleasure of hosting Carolina Mejía, PhD, MPH, Implementation Science Technical Advisor and Health Services Researcher, for a powerful and personal Virtual Cafecito session. Dr. Mejía brings over 15 years of global experience advancing health equity, with work spanning HIV/STIs, cancer prevention, and health systems research across the U.S., sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America.
As a Nicaraguan immigrant and first-generation scholar, Dr. Mejía shared her compelling journey into public and global health, offering thoughtful reflections on mentorship, cultural values, career adaptability, and the importance of authenticity in professional spaces.
Below are the key takeaways from her conversation:
♦Mentorship is Active and evolving
Dr. Mejía emphasized that mentorship is a two-way relationship that requires intentionality. Whether seeking guidance or mentoring others, success lies in building trust, aligning goals, and creating space for mutual learning.
♦Networking is a Lifelong Tool
She encouraged attendees to invest in their networks through genuine, ongoing connections not just formal meetings. Tools like LinkedIn and WhatsApp can support meaningful collaborations, job opportunities, and peer support.
♦Embrace Cultural Identity at Work
Cultural values from Hispanic/Latino backgrounds like humility, community, and respect are strengths. Dr. Mejía shared how these values have shaped her leadership style and how finding your voice is essential, especially in settings that may undervalue assertiveness.
♦Stay Rooted While Adapting
With recent changes in NIH funding leading to her departure from Duke, Dr. Mejía shared insights on navigating uncertainty with grace. She highlighted the importance of staying true to one’s values while remaining open to new opportunities and growth.
♦Human Connection in Healthcare Matters
She reminded us that while technology like AI continues to evolve, empathy and human touch remain irreplaceable in public health. Her work reflects a deep commitment to centering people in every aspect of health research and implementation.
