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Writer's pictureFabienne Dupiton

A Semester of Growth and Advocacy

My practicum experience at SWOP Behind Bars was both illuminating and gratifying for me. I'm proud to share some moments and comments from my experience, which have greatly influenced my knowledge and enthusiasm for public health advocacy. One of the most beneficial components of this semester was having meaningful chats with my committed preceptor, Melanie. Her advice assisted me in thoroughly understanding the program and being acquainted with the vocabulary specific to our target market. Melanie's insight added pertinent clarity and depth to my learning experience, instilling in me a feeling of purpose and enthusiasm for public health advocacy.


Attending the Red Sand Event was a memorable experience. The event provided direct insight into the issues faced by marginalized people, such as women, victims of human trafficking, and jailed women. Witnessing these communities' resilience and tenacity reinforced the relevance of our advocacy work and revealed possible possibilities for effective assistance and action. Throughout the semester, our weekly phone meetings became active venues for studying course themes and engaging in thought-provoking conversations. These conversations opened my understanding and encouraged my interest in bringing about good change in our communities.


Working in the chat gave me firsthand knowledge of how advocacy and support services are used in practice. These experiences underscored the need for empathy and proactive participation in meeting the needs of persons in vulnerable situations.


Attending Zoom sessions with my preceptor demonstrated the collaborative aspect of our work in non-profit organizations. These meetings created an environment of shared learning and mutual support, highlighting the collective effect that can be achieved via collaboration and cooperation.


M. Dante supplied a plethora of materials, including research articles and recommended readings, for which I am quite thankful. These resources increased my comprehension of important ideas and motivated me to learn more about related subjects, which stoked my interest and helped me advance academically.

Recently, I had the amazing chance to work closely with the team at SWOP Behind Bars and my preceptor to submit an abstract to the APHA Women Caucus. It gives me great pleasure to announce that I will be one of the presenters in October. This is evidence of our combined efforts and commitment to further public health advocacy for underserved areas.


I will conclude by saying that my experience at SWOP Behind Bars has had a lasting impact on my career path and given me a strong sense of purpose and dedication to fighting for the rights and welfare of underrepresented groups. Having gained information and skills from this experience, I can't wait to put them to use in the field of public health advocacy to make a significant difference.

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. I look forward to sharing more updates and insights with you in the future.


Warm regards,

Fabienne Dupiton


 

Meet Fabienne Dupiton

A Journey of Resilience and Passion for Public Health


Hello everyone,

My name is Fabienne Dupiton, and I am a proud graduate of the University of South Florida with a Bachelor's in Public Health. Returning to school to pursue my Master of Public Health (MPH) was a challenging decision. Life's twists and turns—marriage, children, and a battle with cancer—made the journey more complex. While applying for my master’s program, I was diagnosed with leukemia, which put my academic ambitions on hold.


The good news is that I am now in remission, and it has been six years since my last chemotherapy session. I am still in the maintenance phase of my recovery, but I am grateful for the progress and the strength I have gained along the way.

I have been happily married to my Navy Veteran husband for 13 years, and we have three wonderful children, aged 19, 15, 11, and 6. Our family also includes our beloved dog, who is 8 years old.


In March 2024, I achieved a significant milestone by receiving my Master of Public Health. With this degree, I aim to inspire change within our communities and to collaborate with government agencies to bring about meaningful improvements and provide essential resources to underserved populations.


Thank you for your support and interest in my journey. I am excited to continue this path and make a positive impact in the field of public health.

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