Managing in Turbulent Times: Emerging Leaders in Public Health

Current Scholars

Imelda RochaImelda Rocha, MBA/GM
Public Health Analyst, HHS/HRSA/MCHB/DRTE

Area of work: Maternal and Child Health

Serves as project officer for Extramural Research Projects by participating in the development of grant guidances, assisting in the planning of objective review committee meetings, providing direction, Technical Assistance and oversight on funded projects, monitoring program budgets and work plans. Responsible for the data analysis of the performance measures for all the DRTE Division programs, the Research Program, Training Program, Healthy Tomorrows Partnership for Children Program, and the Bright Futures for Infants, Children, and Adolescents Program by developing statistical reports, performance measurements at DRTE Division programs. As well as she is responsible for assisting the Programs in developing dissemination plan.

Personal Information

Imelda says, in her Public Health career, community service and global cultural awareness are necessary skills to service the public. As a Public Health Analyst, Imelda has dedicated herself to provide leadership for all federal employees and the community. Her hobbies are: Computers; swimming, hiking; cake decorating; sewing; needle arts; collecting rocks/fossils/gems/stones. Coordinating events as a Leader for 600 Latinas in the Washington, D.C./Maryland/Virginia area; as well as Co-Coordinating Singles Special Events for 150 singles at Church of the Redeemer, Gaithersburg, MD and spending virtual time communication with her nephews and nieces.

What I would like to get out of this program

The world is changing at a fast pace. Organizations need leaders who can motivate others to achieve goals. Leaders that can courageously accept challenge unify us and take us into the future with purpose and confidence. Volunteering as a leader in Toastmasters International, I have realized that leaders must be visionaries, risk-takers, planners, motivators, courageous, good listeners, excellent organizers, and critical thinkers. Because of my interest in becoming a leader in Public Health for the benefit of many other Latinos, I am interested in participating at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill's Emerging Leaders in Public Health program. I know that this program would allow me to refine some of my leadership skills and to learn & improve others that I need to become an effective leader. My ultimate goal is to occupy a position of leadership within the Federal Government that will allow me to assist in the support of Public Health issues in the Latino community. I believe that I am ready to begin shaping a better world with passion, pride, and eloquence. But, I realize that further training in leadership is a key element to achieving my goal. I am looking forward to grow at the Emerging Leaders in Public Health Program. It will be fun and educational!