2018 Light on the Hill Society Scholar
Naima M. Cooper ’22
Atlanta, Ga.
I lost my grandmother to diabetes and obesity complications in 2006. She was a remarkable woman, and I miss her dearly. Her passing was very traumatic for my family, but it helped me to determine my passion.
My career aspiration is to improve healthcare disparities through disease prevention and healthy lifestyle promotion. After completing my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Public Health, my goal is to continue to grow and contribute to this field. In addition to UNC’s nationally ranked public health program, the sense of community and commitment to service at Carolina makes it a truly unique place.
When passionate and educated people work with systems and agencies to focus on removing barriers and increasing community health education, positive change is possible. So much of the pain of losing loved ones early, the strain of rising healthcare costs, etc., can be avoided with increased information, support and resources to encourage healthy behaviors. I believe the environment and resources at UNC will help nurture and support my personal and professional goals. I hope to contribute to positive change in the field of Public Health so that more people like my grandmother can live longer, healthier lives.