For this month’s spotlight, we are highlighting a student who participated in our Wisconsin Express program and currently serves as the Milwaukee Regional Representative on the AHEC Alumni Board. Learn more about Andrea Spagnoli’s involvement with AHEC and her plans for the future.
Where are you from?
Buffalo Grove, Illinois
What school are you attending/did you attend?
I am currently in graduate school at the UW-Milwaukee Zilber School of Public Health, studying Public Health.
Where do you work/what is your profession?
I work at the Fostering Futures Wisconsin (Public Health Nonprofit).
What are your hobbies, interests, or activities?
Personally, I am a graduate student in Public Health at UW-Milwaukee. I live in Milwaukee and enjoy spending time trying new restaurants, spending time at the lakefront, and hiking the area’s parks and trails.
How were you affected by your participation in an AHEC program?
After participating in the Wisconsin Express program, I developed a new appreciation for how broad the field of health and health care is. I also gained insights into the issues facing Wisconsin’s public health systems in rural communities. I enjoyed hearing from a range of professionals, and it was beneficial to learn more about the day-to-day roles that all affect population health. Overall, it reaffirmed my decision to go into the field of public health.
Why did you decide to serve on the AHEC Alumni board of directors?
I decided to serve on the AHEC Alumni Board in order to remain connected to a program that I found beneficial. I also thought that I would be able to contribute to the board my experience as a young professional and graduate student. I hoped to connect with the Milwaukee area AHEC office, and remain involved.
What’s something you hope to accomplish or impact during your term?
I hope to learn more about the Milwaukee area AHEC Alumni.
What would you like other AHEC Alumni members to know about the AHEC Alumni association?
I would like AHEC Alumni to know that there’s a whole network of students and professionals out there–in your area! It’s a great opportunity to connect and learn from one another. s.
What are your future plans? How do you want to impact the health or Wisconsin?
I will graduate from UW-Milwaukee’s public health graduate program in December 2019. After that, I will continue working full time. Ideally, I would like to work in a local health department or public health-related nonprofit.
If you have participated in any of AHEC’s signature programs (at least 40 hours), and are interested in learning more about our AHEC Alumni, please visit: https://ahec.wisc.edu/ahec-alumni/