Public health is embedded in everything! I would like to continue my work with in the public health and youth advocacy sectors. I would like to build upon the knowledge and experience that I have gained in order to become more qualified to be involved with preventative methods, such as empowering communities to promote health and reduce inequalities and creating public and private partnerships to improve laws that support community health initiatives.
Syretta Shealey
Healthy CPS Specialist
Chicago Public Schools, Office of Student Health and WellnessA native of Georgia, Syretta Shealey holds a Master of Public Health in community health from DePaul University. Over the last seven years, she has worked to improve the health of hundreds of thousands of youth across Chicago. Starting her public health career as a program facilitator, with the Teen Outreach Program, Syretta empowered high school students to develop skills in healthy decisionmaking necessary for them to become thriving adults. Through this evidence-based youth development program, she not only educated young people on comprehensive sexual health education, but also coordinated efforts in helping students implement service learning projects in collaboration with local nonprofits within the city, totaling more than 13,000 hours of service.
Syretta has made it her personal mission to improve the health of Chicago’s students. In her free time, she actively volunteers as a member of the Metropolitan Board of the Chicago Urban League and Link Unlimited President’s Advisory Board. She also mentors as a “coach” with One Million Degrees. In this mentor experience she has the opportunity to connect with community college students and assist them as they navigate their educational goals.
BOLD SOLUTION: Through the implementation of Healthy CPS, a district-wide initiative, Syretta provides technical assistance to administrators, educators, and strategic partners in order to ensure that students have a safe and healthy learning environment. This is done by offering daily physical activity, nutritious foods, school-based health services, health education, and other supports for students with chronic conditions. With her strategic guidance, she leads a cohort of 300 schools, provides grant oversight for 170 schools, and vets curriculum resources for the district.
