Being granted the opportunity to attend the APHA Conference this year with Young, Gifted & Green was a truly amazing experience. Having the brightest minds in public health served as a beacon of hope as I hail from Flint, MI, where a public health crisis has been going on for over a decade. It served as a symbol of a rallying cry for action and change. Over two days, I had the privilege of listening in with leaders, policy experts, and passionate advocates, all united by a common goal of advancing public health equity.

The conference kicked off with a riveting fireside chat on the Farm Bill featuring Jacqlyn Schneider (FGS Global), Ellen Teller (Chief Government Affairs Officer), and Claire Borzner (Senior Professional Staff). They touched on Access in a general sense, which hit close to home. They also spoke on how access to healthy food is a basic human right. Ellen Teller’s words, “The problem is not availability of food; what is lacking is political will to eradicate hunger,” resonated deeply with me. As she spoke about the emotional toll of food insecurity, it served as a powerful reminder of the humane side of policy.

The panelists explored the importance of advocacy and the need to break down communication barriers between government policy and healthcare. They emphasized the crucial role of relationships with federal officers and the impact of SNAP on low-income families. It allowed me to think about engaging more actively in advocacy at both the federal and local levels.

The second day brought a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Robert Califf, MD, the Commissioner of Food and Drugs at the USFDA, talked about public health standards for vaping and the role of vaccines. His emphasis on combating misinformation and the critical role of local advocates in promoting vaccine uptake was especially relevant in today’s climate.

One of my favorite sessions was “Youth Who Are Changing the Public’s Health,” featuring inspiring young leaders like Zamaan Qureshi, Selina Mathis, and Kyndall Knight. They discussed the necessity of warning labels for social media and its impact on mental health. Their advocacy for age-appropriate web designs and data privacy for youth was a powerful reminder of the intersection between public health and digital well-being.

In another insightful session on health equity, the emphasis on participatory-based research and mixed methods to showcase the downstream consequences of policy decisions was enlightening. The discussion on the “Three Faces of Power” framework provided a strategic approach to advocacy, emphasizing the need to understand and leverage power dynamics to drive public health initiatives.

In all, the APHA Conference was an amazing experience that reinforced the power of youth advocacy and the importance of equitable public health policies. I was also able to connect with other leaders, professors, and advocates at the conference. I look forward to working together with my professional connections to advance public health equity. As I return to my community, I am inspired to apply the insights and strategies learned to drive impactful change.