Kennedy Hewitt is making significant strides in public health accessibility through her leadership and community service efforts in Tallahassee, Florida. As a graduate and teaching assistant in the Master of Public Health program at Florida State University (FSU), she has played a pivotal role in connecting students and local residents with essential health resources. Her initiatives include organizing events and collaborating with various organizations to improve health equity in the community.
Hewitt’s commitment to public health is evident in her role as a key organizer of the Public Health Professions Conference, which brought together over 300 students and professionals from across Florida. This event not only facilitated networking but also sparked discussions on innovative health solutions. Through her academic and professional endeavors, Hewitt is shaping future public health leaders and enriching the educational experience at FSU.
Community Engagement and Initiatives
In addition to her academic responsibilities, Hewitt has actively contributed to community service. She partnered with Ability 1st, a nonprofit organization that supports individuals with disabilities, to construct wheelchair ramps throughout Tallahassee. This initiative underscores her dedication to enhancing accessibility for all community members.
Hewitt also collaborated with the Department of Urban & Regional Planning on an interdisciplinary project aimed at developing a cultural resource center for the Frenchtown community. The center is designed to reflect the community’s heritage and needs, demonstrating the importance of inclusive public health initiatives. This project exemplifies her belief in community-based planning and her commitment to empowering local residents.
Reflecting on her choice to attend FSU, Hewitt stated, “From the moment I toured the campus, I knew Florida State University was where I was meant to be. The welcoming community and opportunities for growth immediately stood out to me.” Her passion for health equity and community well-being has driven her to further her education, which she believes will enhance her ability to advocate for vulnerable populations.
Academic Experiences and Leadership Roles
Hewitt’s academic journey has been marked by valuable experiences that have honed her skills in leadership and collaboration. Serving on the planning team for the Public Health Professions Conference allowed her to manage finances, outreach, and event promotion, enhancing her organizational abilities. She emphasizes that this experience taught her the vital role of collaboration in public health education.
Her work at the Florida Department of Health in the STD Surveillance section as a data analyst involved a comprehensive 10-year epidemiological study focused on trends in congenital syphilis in Florida. This research examined critical factors such as race, ethnicity, and potential preventability of cases. Her contributions to the study helped the team understand the rising trends and develop strategies to address them effectively.
“As a graduate assistant, I worked with the accreditation coordinator to collect and analyze data that supports continuous improvement of FSU’s public health programs,” Hewitt noted. Her efforts have played a significant role in enhancing the academic standards within the program, ensuring future students receive a rigorous and impactful education.
Hewitt has also taken on leadership responsibilities as the treasurer of the Master of Public Health Student Association. In this role, she has managed the budget and coordinated various events aimed at professional development and community engagement. Her dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment is evident in her mentoring of undergraduate students, guiding them through complex public health concepts.
Through her extensive community involvement, including volunteering with Ability 1st and collaborating with local leaders, Hewitt has strengthened the ties between FSU and the Tallahassee community. Her work reflects a deep commitment to advancing education, health equity, and public service, embodying the values that make FSU a leader in academic excellence.
