Develop 21st Century Leaders for Global Health

Jabari Allen, Co-President of GlobeMed at Truman State University, shares his GlobeMed experience as a budding leader within the movement for global health equity. With support from the National Office, Jabari will work alongside his partner organization in Torbeck, Haiti this summer.

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Like many students in GlobeMed, I entered college on the pre-med track. But with a deep interest in public health and human rights, I was looking for something more. Luckily, I found GlobeMed.

I was initially struck by GlobeMed’s partnership model that facilitated sustainable, community-based solutions. The unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience by working alongside a grassroots health organization seemed invaluable. I knew right away that I had to get involved and joined GlobeMed at Truman State University (TSU).

Our chapter is partnered with Maison de Naissance (MN), a modern maternity center in Haiti that supports healthy mothers and babies with high quality medical care and community support. Since 2006, our chapter has collaborated with MN and raised over $47,500 for various projects, such as a vaccination initiative and solar panel batteries. As an undergraduate student and a future leader for global health, it is humbling to contribute to such incredible impact and learn from today’s grassroots leaders at MN. Too often the passion and power of students is underestimated. GlobeMed proves otherwise.

Because of GlobeMed, I am learning how to become a better leader. As a current Co-President of GlobeMed at TSU, I strive to foster a collaborative environment within my chapter because I’ve learned that no one person has all the answers. Across all ages, majors, and ethnic backgrounds, I know that we must work together to create change.

Because of GlobeMed, I am gaining new insights into the realm of global health. Through GlobeMed’s global health and social justice educational curriculum, I was exposed to different avenues to enact change. I learned that global health transcends borders, sectors and generations, and I became interested in new fields that I had not previously considered.

Because of GlobeMed, regardless of my career path, I will be a lifelong leader for global health. Thank you for your support and belief in GlobeMed’s vision for a healthier world today and tomorrow.

With gratitude,
Jabari