We first met Alison Paxtor (she/her) when she joined our Making Waves college and career success program and shared her passion for advancing health equity through public health. Now, catching up with her three years after earning her bachelor’s degree in health sciences from California State University, East Bay, Alison’s journey is still filled with dedication to her community and impact in the public health and healthcare industry.
From intern to infection prevention coordinator
After graduating from college, Alison applied for and was accepted to several roles including a competitive and rigorous fellowship with the California Department of Public Health, or CDPH, in partnership with UCSF and UCLA, and was placed at Marin County Department of Public Health as an Infection Prevention Coordinator and Pathways Fellow.
Alison supported Marin County’s public health accreditation process, collaborating closely with the accreditation coordinator to identify gaps, support policy, and align departmental goals.
She also led a community partner satisfaction survey through the county’s community resilience teams initiative. She managed the whole process including building data visualization dashboards using Excel and Tableau to help community organizations track progress and satisfaction over time.
“It was really rewarding to collaborate with other local nonprofits, learn from each other, and identify the areas where we can focus and improve,” Alison shared.
As part of the fellowship, Alison worked with Canal Alliance, a local nonprofit focused on breaking the generational cycle of poverty for Latino immigrants and their families. She worked with community health workers, going door to door to educate residents on topics like overdose prevention or reproductive health, a project that was especially meaningful to her.
“It felt really rewarding because I grew up in that area and I speak Spanish, so to be able to communicate and have that trust with the community was really fulfilling,” Alison shared.
Her outreach work led to presenting to the Marin County Board of Supervisors alongside the former county’s public health officer, where she highlighted and was recognized for her extensive work in overdose prevention initiatives, educating communities, and the distribution of hundreds of Narcan boxes.
“It was an accomplishment for me to be able to be up there and talk about the work that we were all doing for the community,” Alison shared. “Being recognized by the board was such an honor, and I’m proud of that. Serving the community I grew up in has been deeply rewarding.”
From infection prevention coordinator to Q/AI project manager
Following her fellowship with the county, Alison transitioned into a full-time role at Marin Community Clinics, an organization providing medical, dental, and behavioral health care for the community. Within just under one year, Alison was spotlighted for the work she has done to help transform the clinic.
She works as a Quality Assurance and Improvement Project Manager, leading complex projects including the installation of eight new diabetic retinopathy cameras and improved screenings for patients. She continues to analyze data, implement new systems, and identify opportunities to innovate care.
“I enjoy my role. It gives me motivation. Knowing that I’m making a difference and helping to save lives, it keeps me going everyday. I like to think about what’s outside of the box: What has been done? What’s not working? What can we do that’s new?” Alison shared about her new role.
Advice for new college grads
Alison acknowledges that transitioning from college to post-grad life comes with its challenges. Yet, she emphasizes that it’s also a time of new growth and opportunity.
She encourages students to stay open-minded and continue to seek opportunities, especially internships and early experiences, which she shared were incredibly important stepping stones that led her to where she is now.
“Research as many internships and hands-on work opportunities as possible and use your connections,” Alison shared.
Most of all, Alison is a strong advocate for mental health especially for first-gen and underrepresented students navigating intense and high-achieving spaces.
“Life will throw things at you outside of work too so continue to do things for yourself and not be so hard on yourself,” Alison shared. Continue to stay positive in whatever situation it may be.
Today, Alison is excited to continue making a difference in the field of public health and healthcare, continuing to work towards preventing disease and advocating for healthier, stronger communities.
