Through careers in journalism, public relations, nonprofit and executive search work, Kathy Bremer has combined her passions for public service, fostering connections and making a difference.

A pair of "bat women" are battling rising rabies exposures in Illinois: Lab scientist Dusty Staake is testing for rabies-positive bats, and Senior Epidemiologist Chanée Massiah and her team are ensuring that community members exposed to the deadly disease are properly vaccinated.

Deandra Smith, director of the AmeriCorps Climate R.E.A.D.Y. program at Wayne State University, and her team of 11 volunteers work in Detroit to help residents remedy flooding.

Cross-sector relationships are pivotal to ensuring the community is at the forefront of public health decisions. A systems change approach helps sustainably build these partnerships.

Throughout his career, Dr. Peter Drotman has been guided by his passion for global public health, leaving his own distinct mark on the field. As one of the last epidemiologists to see a case of smallpox, Drotman also became one of the first to see a case of HIV/AIDS.

By addressing root causes of health inequities, we can build meaningful, lasting systems change to create inclusive, equitable public health systems.

Lorenza Beati, PhD, gave us instructions as we gathered on a nature trail in Statesboro, GA. “Don’t believe the sock theory. Ticks can bite through socks, and they can go through the mesh of socks. Use the Deet available. And tape the bottom of your pants. We have duct tape.”

“Public health isn’t just about epidemiology; it’s about taking care of these people who volunteer to help vaccinate in places where there is the threat of true danger,” says the program manager for the Bob Keegan Polio Eradication Heroes Fund.