We were lucky to catch up with Kelly Valentin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kelly, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

Since my early years, I’ve been captivated by the workings of the human body and its impact on individuals. Growing up in a household where I was sensitized to chronic illnesses and limb differences, I nurtured my curiosity by engaging with kid-friendly science kits. These kits became my gateway to exploring the realms of modern medicine, biology, and forensics. Despite my desire to pursue a career centered on understanding and addressing human health, I initially doubted my capabilities.

Instead of tending to human patients, I found myself fixing computer devices as my ‘patients’ in the IT field. However, throughout my years in this profession, I realized an inherent calling to advocate for and support accessibility in healthcare, particularly for individuals with chronic illnesses and limb differences. My involvement in annual fundraisers aimed at securing medical devices and enhancing healthcare access in the USA, Ecuador, and Guatemala further reinforced this passion.

The pandemic served as a catalyst, prompting a realization that my childhood passion for healthcare should no longer remain on the sidelines but take center stage. I’ve committed myself to becoming an epidemiologist. My focus lies in delving into the intricate connections between chronic illness and mental health, studying these intersections, and raising awareness.

Kelly, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m thrilled to share a bit about myself and my journey in psychological research and community advocacy through data. My name is Kelly Valentin, and I have been in the Public Health industry for several years. I was introduced to this field due to my strong passion for advocating for patients with marginalized intersectionalities. I’ve published five publications for The Seattle Psychiatrist Magazine, covering topics such as derealization, effectiveness of psychotherapy, and adult autism diagnoses. These works reflect my commitment to sharing valuable insights with a general audience. I take immense pride in my involvement in the Accessible Virtual Pride initiative in Summer 2023, where I worked to help increase the representation of the chronic illness community within the LGBTQ+ Pride movement. We successfully brought attention to a marginalized community by developing, moderating, and promoting an inclusive, COVID-conscious Pride event. Additionally, I host monthly online cooking classes that focus on accessible cooking where I focus on low-effort cultural meals. The photos I include are from the first online cooking class where are making arroz con gandules. My services include consulting for needs assessments, public health and mental health research, and editing documents.

Any advice for managing a team?

My advice regarding managing a team and maintaining high morale is rooted in two key principles: genuine care for the team’s well-being beyond productivity and fostering a collaborative environment.

It’s crucial to demonstrate genuine concern for the team as individuals, not just as contributors to the project. I believe in showing appreciation for their efforts, recognizing accomplishments, and acknowledging the importance of work-life balance. Everyone needs time to recharge, and as the team lead, I actively encourage and support adequate rest. I provide explicit and transparent guidance on expectations, goals, and the overall vision to eliminate ambiguity. When team members clearly understand their roles and the broader objectives, it reduces stress and fosters a more focused and motivated atmosphere. Furthermore, I believe in inclusivity and collaboration. Allowing team members a voice in decision-making and providing opportunities to contribute to the overall vision enhances their sense of ownership and engagement.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

Given my childhood passion for medicine, I initially took the IT route because it seemed more accessible, and I lacked the confidence. Growing up, I was familiar with computers and enjoyed fixing them with my family. However, I have since discovered that my true calling lies in public health, particularly advocating for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. Reflecting on my deep connection with my community members who faced such health challenges, I would definitely go back and choose a career in public health sooner. The satisfaction and fulfillment I derive from making a positive impact on the well-being of others make it a choice worth embracing. If I could turn back time, I would align my professional path more closely with my childhood passion for the medical field and contribute to the betterment of public health.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kellycvalentin
• Other: buymeacoffee.com/brightIT