Student Spotlight: Daisy Zapata

Published
By
Mary Alice Yeskey
Health Equity
Daisy Zapata

Meet Daisy Zapata

  • Degree Program: MSPH
  • Area of Interest: Maternal, Fetal, and Perinatal Health
  • Hometown: Fair Lawn, New Jersey
  • Previous Degree(s) Earned: Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Global Public Health from Quinnipiac University
  • Fun Fact: I am a first-generation American; my family is from the Dominican Republic.
     

What sparked your interest in public health? 
Originally, when I begin my undergraduate studies, I was focused on pursuing a career in medicine. However, as I progressed through my Global Public Health minor course load, I was exposed to the many health inequities faced by Black and immigrant populations in the U.S.—often due to unique barriers that seemed to be overlooked. This realization led me to reflect deeply on my career path, and I ultimately decided that I wanted to work in a field where I can empower and make a broader impact on these communities. 
 

Why did you choose Bloomberg School of Public Health? 
I chose the Bloomberg School because of its stellar reputation as the number one school of public health. I was particularly impressed by the various initiatives and centers housed at Bloomberg, which promised to be valuable resources for my education and professional development. 
 

What led you to join the Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health? 
My decision to join the Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health was driven by my passion for addressing health disparities and promoting well-being among vulnerable populations. I was particularly interested in maternal health within Black and minority communities. This department provided the perfect opportunity to explore frameworks of the challenges faced by these individuals both at the population and family levels, while addressing significant reproductive health issues. 
 

What is one experience in PFRH that stands out as a favorite or most memorable? 
One of my most memorable experiences in the Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health was meeting my now close friend during orientation. I was nervous about moving to a new city and starting graduate school, but also very excited about the journey ahead. It was thrilling to bond with a fellow student who shared my passion for advocating for women's health. Over the past year, my friend has been a constant source of support, always ensuring that I am doing well.

I was nervous about moving to a new city and starting graduate school, but also very excited about the journey ahead. It was thrilling to bond with a fellow student who shared my passion for advocating for women's health. 

Tell us about your field placement. 
For my field placement, I am working as an asylum seeker advocate at Asylee Women Enterprise (AWE). AWE is a nonprofit organization that works with partners, including Johns Hopkins, to support asylum seekers, survivors of human trafficking, and other forced migrants as they rebuild their lives in Maryland. I have been able to support clients with holistic case management support and connect them to health care and community resources.
 

What do you hope to do or accomplish after graduation? 
After graduation, I hope to find work in the advocacy programming servicing Black and immigrant communities. My goal is to address health disparities and promote equitable access to health care. I aim to develop and implement initiatives that empower these communities, ensuring they receive the support and resources needed to thrive. 
 

What are some of your favorite places or aspects of living in Baltimore?
My favorite aspects about living in Baltimore is how community oriented the city can be. There are always lot of events going on, such as the fall festival, Latino festival, Artscape, Healing Her festival, and Caribbean festival. 


What advice do you have for prospective students interested in joining the PFRH community? 
For prospective students interested in joining the PFRH community, I would advise them to explore the Baltimore community and take advantage of the various opportunities that may be available to them. The time will fly by quickly!