Finding Purpose Through Public Health and Advocacy

When I began my journey in public health, I did not realize how deeply it would shape my career and my sense of purpose. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to help others. Whether through healthcare or community work, I felt like I was calling to serve and lead. As a first-generation college student and the first in my family to pursue a master’s degree, this journey has been especially meaningful. I am honored to be named a 2026 NMAC Gay Men of Color Fellow. This opportunity reflects both my lived experiences and my commitment to serving communities that are often overlooked.

Being selected for this fellowship is more than national recognition. It is a platform to strengthen my advocacy and connect with leaders across the country. It also allows me to contribute to advancing health equity, especially for communities disproportionately affected by HIV and other public health challenges.

My journey into public health is deeply rooted in my lived experiences and the communities I come from. As someone who has navigated spaces where health disparities are prevalent, at a very young age, I saw firsthand the gaps in access, education, and support. Like many other immigrant students here, I often serve as a translator for my parents. Even as a child, I did my best to communicate with doctors, even when I didn’t fully understand what was being asked. I remember being seven years old and calling insurance companies to ask about medication coverage for my family. These experiences were overwhelming at times, but they also sparked a desire not only to understand these inequities, but to be part of the solution. 

My time in the Master of Public Health program at Wayne State University has been transformative. The program strengthened my academic foundation and helped me see myself as a leader. Through coursework and mentorship, I built confidence in my abilities. My professors also played a key role in encouraging my growth. Their support helped me engage in meaningful community work. Most importantly, the program reinforced my commitment to uplifting others.

That support inspired me to give back. I am committed to using my voice, experience, and education to uplift others. I want to mentor future public health professionals and advocate for more equitable health systems.

Throughout my professional journey, I have stepped into spaces that many have felt uncomfortable in. I have worked with the suicide hotline and supported communities affected by substance use and mental health challenges. For the past four years, I have served as a project coordinator with Wayne State University’s School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine. I support the community health team in a variety of ways. My role includes education, outreach, collaboration with local partners, and patient advocacy.

This work allows me to show up authentically. I focus on supporting minority communities and LGBTQ+ youth. I have helped connect individuals to critical resources and life-saving HIV medications. I also provide education on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Through this work, I realized these conversations are not happening often enough. Many people still struggle to access care and prevention. This reinforces the need for culturally responsive education and outreach.

This realization strengthened my commitment to this work. I also strive to mentor others and help them grow into leaders. With the support of my supervisors, I have learned to trust my instincts. I continue to step into challenging spaces and grow both personally and professionally.

This recognition is not just a milestone. It is a responsibility I carry forward. I am grateful for the journey that brought me here, and I am excited for what lies ahead. My mission remains the same. I will continue to learn from my community, advocate alongside them, and never give up on the people who raised me.

To those reading this, one piece of advice I can offer is simple: never stop advocating for what you believe in. Believe in yourself, believe in your dreams, and go after them. 

Jose Arizmendi-Gomez, 
Master of Public Health Candidate 2026