Imani Richardson

Hometown: Miami, FL

Educational Background: BSH concentration in Community Health and Minor in Health Education from the University of North Florida

Host Site: Florida Department of Health at Clay County

What is your role at your host site?

I will be serving as the Teen Health Center Advocate by conducting outreach throughout the local community. I will be partnering with different organization to discuss different reproductive health topics and facilitating Teen Center discussions.

Why did you join AmeriCorps/National Health Corps?

I chose to join AmeriCorps because I wanted to be a mentee at an organization that has a tremendous impact on the community around them. I also wanted to gain the experience and knowledge in order to move forward with my career path and education.

What are you hoping to gain from your year of service?

I am going to gain much more than I could have ever imagined through this experience in my personal life as well as professional. There are so many things I am going to learn from time management, budgeting, organizational skills, organizational structure, how to be a motivator, how to work as a team and so much more. Those things barely scratch the surface when it comes down to the wealth of knowledge I am currently gaining, especially with having the honor to serve directly at the Health Department under the Health Director.

What are your plans after AmeriCorps service?

I plan to work, apply for a CDC fellowship program, and seek my MPH.

Where do you envision yourself in 5 years?

In the next 5 years, I envision myself working at the CDC. By that time, I should have my MPH, and I will be a researcher and developing program plans or be very effective in public health policies. In addition to that, I may be seeking PhD programs or seeking an MD. In 5 years, I will be doing great things.