Taiye Ojo came to The Washington Center’s (TWC) Health Policy Immersion Program as a dual-degree Master of Business Administration (MBA)/ Master of Public Health (MPH) candidate at the University of Texas at San Antonio and UTHealth Houston.
Her professional passion lies in addressing profound maternal health disparities by improving social determinants of health and expanding access to care. She chose the MBA/MPH route believing that to drive sustainable, systemic change in our healthcare systems, we must skillfully combine deep public health expertise with robust business acumen. Today, she shares her reflections on her experience at TWC’s experience.
The Most Rewarding Element: Connection and Impact
The most rewarding element of the Health Policy Immersion was a tie between two powerful experiences. “First, the opportunity to connect with a cohort of brilliant, passionate young professionals from across the country, all united by a shared mission to improve our health system. Second, learning directly from seasoned experts across multiple disciplines—from government to clinical practice—who illuminated the real-world, on-the-ground impact of the policy changes currently shaping American healthcare.”
Carrying the Immersion Forward
“This experience powerfully illustrates how policy is not an abstract concept but a force that profoundly shapes daily life. It reinforced my conviction of the critical importance of advocacy. Moving forward, I will carry this by intentionally using my voice to represent those without a seat at the table, championing equitable policies, and continuing to build the cross-sector collaborations necessary to advance health equity in every role I step into.”
A Resonating Moment: "Nothing About Us, Without Us"
“One phrase repeated throughout the immersion that truly stood out to me was, “nothing about us, without us.” This powerful statement perfectly captures the essence of authentic patient advocacy: no choice about an individual’s health should be made without their meaningful involvement. It resonated deeply because it highlights a critical flaw in our system. Often decisions about health and access are made without truly listening to patients, effectively driving a wedge between the patient and their provider. This phrase underscored for me how the heavy politicization of healthcare, alongside complex regulations and litigation, can too often undermine evidence-based practice and sideline the essential component of empathy.”
A Wholehearted Recommendation
“I would unequivocally recommend this program to others. It not only provides an invaluable opportunity to build a network of peers who share your passion but also deeply enriches your understanding of the intricate intersections between healthcare, policy, and government. For me, it reinforced the indispensable role of advocacy and demonstrated why it is critical for the next generation of healthcare leaders to stay actively engaged in these foundational conversations.”
The Washington Center's accelerated programs connect students and young professionals with career-defining opportunities in Washington, D.C. all in one week or less. Through direct access to industry leaders, hands-on professional development and meaningful networking, participants gain clarity about their future and build connections that open doors.
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