This month, Olivia Burnett ŮٱƵ24 will graduate from ŮٱƵ with a BS in Health Sciences, having specialized in the pre-Physician Assistant track with a concentration in Global Health. The program is known for its academic rigor, but that didnŮٱƵt deter Olivia from pursuing her deep commitment to community service. Her leadership in initiatives like the Pace MarketŮٱƵalong with her participation in clubs such as Pace Pride, Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, and the NYS Public Health AssociationŮٱƵhas earned her the 2024 Pleasantville Campus Community Service Award.
Olivia's commitment to community service, especially in addressing food insecurity, stems from her experience growing up in an disadvantaged area of Upstate New York. According to Olivia, ŮٱƵI witnessed how families struggled to access, afford, and transport healthy and nutritious food.ŮٱƵ However, it was the community's response to such need that truly inspired her passion for service. ŮٱƵAt the same time, I saw how community members surrounded those people with love and support. I also observed the schools and churches in my area working to ensure that community members had everything they needed.ŮٱƵ
ŮٱƵActs of service help in creating healthy, safe, and successful communities.ŮٱƵ
As she grew up, Olivia became one of these helpers, getting involved in community groups that addressed issues of food insecurity, loneliness in older communities, and cycles of violence. This service spirit continued once she came to Pace. ŮٱƵWhen I came to Pace, I realized that the issue of food insecurity was still prevalent,ŮٱƵ said Olivia. ŮٱƵI felt compelled to do something about it from a public health standpoint.ŮٱƵ
Denise Tahara, PhD, has witnessed OliviaŮٱƵs passion for public health firsthand. ŮٱƵOlivia is committed to the health profession through her volunteer work and curiosity.ŮٱƵ She watched as Olivia brought her vast experience to Pace, particularly the Pace Market, a food pantry open daily on the Pleasantville Campus.
Creating and sustaining campus programs and clubs that support different student groups is the key to creating happier, safer, and healthier communities for everyone.
Tahara noted that Olivia didnŮٱƵt just show up, she stood out. ŮٱƵShe has been working with the pantry to get the word out, particularly to BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities who underutilize the pantry.ŮٱƵ Not only did Olivia work to expand access, she wanted to increase her understanding of food insecurity on campus. Tahara explains, ŮٱƵShe administered a survey to learn more about student food insecurity and patterns of usage by the students.ŮٱƵ
For Olivia, addressing food insecurity doesnŮٱƵt just help those affected by it, but uplifts the entire community. ŮٱƵI believe that everyone should be willing to do acts of service that may not directly impact them but rather benefit the larger community they are a part of,ŮٱƵ she says. ŮٱƵActs of service help in creating healthy, safe, and successful communities.ŮٱƵ
I believe that everyone should be willing to do acts of service that may not directly impact them.
After graduation, Olivia has decided to take a year to get firsthand experience in the field of public health as an EKG technician and continue her community work. After that, she plans to obtain a masterŮٱƵs degree in public health, bringing her closer to her goal of becoming a physician assistant. Tahara is confident in OliviaŮٱƵs future, saying, ŮٱƵI believe that OliviaŮٱƵs commitment to food security and advocating for underserved communities will make her a strong leader in the health professions.ŮٱƵ
Her advice to current students remains focused on the power of community involvement: ŮٱƵOrganizing on campus is important to ensure the community's success. Programs like the Pace Market work because volunteers take the time to get together and work towards a common goal,ŮٱƵ says Olivia. ŮٱƵCreating and sustaining campus programs and clubs that support different student groups is the key to creating happier, safer, and healthier communities for everyone.ŮٱƵ
Alicia Bennett '24, a double major at Pace, is this year's NYC Campus Community Service Award recipient, in part for her dedication to helping people who are incarcerated. Find out how her passion for service shaped her journey at Pace.
Anthony Moretto ŮٱƵ24 will graduate from Pace as the Pleasantville Campus 2024 Trustee Award Winner; an honor he earned by leveraging his academic talents into tangible impact for the Pace student community.
As Mikayla Meachem embarks on the next chapter of her journey, she joins SisterLove Inc. in a full-time role, continuing her mission to champion sexual and reproductive justice. Her message to current students? "Ask questions and pursue topics you're deeply passionate about!"