Today we’d like to introduce you to Asia Rivers.
Hi Asia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am a South Carolina native. I found my love for public health while attending undergrad there. I’ve done a lot of work in spreading awareness about safe sex practices and advocated for comprehensive sexual health education being taught in schools. I planned a lot of community events in the tri-county area around safer sex and HIV prevention. Like coordination and providing health education at massive STI/STD testing events.
For World AIDS Day, I did something really cool. I created a local edition of a sexual health cultural event called Project Condom Charleston. It was challenging but rewarding. The overall goal of that initiative is to bring awareness to the importance of condom usage and again, safer sex practices. It also was a creative way to incorporate fashion into an uncomfortable topic for some people. I always tell people if anyone is interested in sexual health education facilitation, they can reach me on LinkedIn. I talked about it for years.
Now that I live in Atlanta, I am in graduate school getting my Master’s of Public Health and certificate in the social determinants of health. Other things I am enjoying in the city is its food scene. I am a huge foodie so I really enjoy trying new restaurants and culinary cultural events. I’m working my way through my extensive restaurant list.
Lastly, I have met some great people in Atlanta and look forward to networking more.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My professional work is in public health advocacy. It has mainly focused on educating on sexual health, advocating on the importance of comprehensive sexual health education and adolescent health. I see myself pivoting into other areas of public health as I continue the work. Most likely digital health literacy and health communication.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
My most important lessons learned (in no particular order):
– Be an active listener.
– Don’t allow negative thinking.
– It’s okay to ask for help.
– View the cup half full, always!
– Engage with people by being your authentic self.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealmsrivers/
