Allyson Galarte, FACES Imperial Valley Class of 2013, is approaching her fourth year at the University of California, Berkeley where she is majoring in Public Health. Allyson is currently working on a productivity project alongside the CFO and financial team of Sutter Health Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Oakland. This opportunity was made available to her through one of FACES pipeline program partners, Health Career Connection.
Allyson enjoys her time working closely with communities similar to her own, such as Oakland. Earlier this year, she interned for a semester-long internship at a non-profit organization called dNaga’s The GIRL Project, which supports middle-school female youth in Oakland through a week of intensive empowerment activities. Allyson says, “I want to help these girls find a voice in the vulnerable space of abuse, violence and prostitution in East Oakland.” Allyson is proud to be a part of the program, as the GIRL Project aims to provide each girl with safety and the freedom to be independent thinkers and set goals.
Allyson also participates in Berkeley United in Literacy Development (BUILD), a program through the Public Service Center at UC Berkeley, where she is able work directly with elementary Oakland youth. When asked what makes BUILD a unique program, Allyson said, “All of these kids have a unique story. I love hearing all of their stories and getting to know them on a personal level so I can customize their learning environment to meet their comfort and their needs. It has been through programs like The GIRL Project and BUILD that I have realized how satisfying it is to make a positive impact on a community member’s life.”
“I was fortunate enough to participate in FACES for the Future while as a high school student in the Imperial Valley. I gained clinical experience at the local hospital and got the support I needed to be confident in my future endeavors as a health care provider. Joining FACES in the Imperial Valley played such a pivotal role in my life. If it weren’t for FACES, I would have never had the opportunity to venture out to the Bay Area and attend the FACES Summer Medical Academy Program back in 2012, which was also my first exposure to UC Berkeley. Dr. Magaña has served as a wonderful role model and friend. I look forward to seeing the growth of FACES continue, so it can impact more people the way it impacted me so greatly.”
“Seeing how much progress my Imperial Valley community still needs to make is what motivates me to accomplish my goals. I am passionate about social justice and about bridging the gap between under-served communities and the services they need. As a future health administrator, I envision a more equitable, diverse health care system where patients from various backgrounds will feel comfortable and welcomed in their doctors’ offices.”
Watch Allyson in her Alumni Spotlight video here: