Did you know that there is a Master of Public Health program that focuses on Black Health at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto? This program was recently implemented in 2023, and Hiwote Addisalem (she/her) is a first-year student in this program! She was particularly enticed with the Black Health stream because it provides culturally relevant frameworks to understand and address diverse public health issues faced by Black communities.
This program recognizes the complexity of Black identity by highlighting the importance of intersectionality – a framework that recognizes how various genders, ages, sexual, experiences with anti-Black racism, orientations, and backgrounds plays a role in one’s health outcomes. Hiwote believes that the program's emphasis on decolonizing pedagogy (ways of teaching) and anti-oppression frameworks help Hiwote effectively engage and serve racialized communities.
Hiwote has extensive experience working in community organizations, not-for-profit, and academic sectors where her she supports the delivery of health promotion initiatives towards priority populations. She currently works at the Black Health Equity Lab (BHEL) as a research analyst. The BHEL is a community-based social science research lab led by Dr. Notisha Massaquoi at the Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto Scarborough Campus. The Lab is committed to working with and for Black communities to conduct health research and develop advocacy tools, strategies, and programs to improve health outcomes, well-being, and success in Canadian systems.
Hiwote’s work involves conducting systematic literature reviews, qualitative data collection methods (facilitating in-depth interviews, focus groups, observations, and thematic data analysis), and contributing to research publications. One of the projects Hiwote is most proud of working on is the AYA circle of care project, where “This project aims to increase accessibility to racially and culturally informed HIV support, treatment, and care for Black communities living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)”.
As Dr. Benoit and Dr. Massaquoi are academic partners, Hiwote received the opportunity to collaboratively work at the Benoit Lab! She is involved in the Health-Related Quality of Life in African, Caribbean, Black and Indigenous people living with HIV/Aids in Ontario. “I am looking forward to analyzing the qualitative data using coding and collaborating with the research team to interpret findings”.
As Hiwote is already halfway into her graduate studies, she provides insights on her experiences:
“Pursuing graduate school can be a rewarding journey, and it’s important to clarify your goals to align your program selection with your career aspirations. Staying organized with deadlines, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance will help your experience. Finally, don’t hesitate to seek support and remain resilient in the face of any challenges”.
In the future, Hiwote hopes to work and address the social determinants of health and other structural barriers. We are so grateful to be working with Hiwote, and we wish the best for her throughout her academic journey!
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