De'Janae' Williams, MPH, PMP, Research Services Senior Professional in the Department of Family Medicine (DFM) and Program Manager at the Eugene S. Farley Jr. Health Policy Center, is the current feature in the spotlight series, “DFM Profiles.”
De'Janae' has been with the Farley Health Policy Center for five years and, as of August, will have been with the DFM for four years. While she is celebrating these milestones, her journey at CU Anschutz began even earlier. In August of 2020, she arrived on campus as a Master of Public Health (MPH) student in the Colorado School of Public Health.
As part of her MPH program, De'Janae' was required to complete a practicum—a supervised, hands-on academic experience that provides MPH students with valuable field training. This is where she was introduced to the Farley Health Policy Center.
Through community-based projects at the Farley Center, De'Janae' discovered a passion for the intersection of arts, health, and policy. Those experiences ignited a spark that would ultimately shape her career and led her to her current position.
Throughout her journey with the Farley Health Policy Center, De'Janae' has remained committed to health policy research that informs equitable policy development. The community-based projects she worked on early in her career continue to influence her work today, as she prioritizes elevating community voices and lived experiences. Their inclusion, she believes, is essential to creating meaningful, system-level change.
Today, De’Janae’ has evolved from student to mentor. She now teaches and supports learners at various stages of their educational journeys, from high school students to graduate students, who come through the Farley Center.
“Being able to support learners and contribute to their educational and professional journeys is incredibly rewarding and is something I consistently find meaningful and fulfilling,” said De’Janae’.
For De'Janae', mentoring the next generation is a full-circle moment and one of the most rewarding aspects of her career. Watching students grow and contribute to more equitable policy development and research aimed at improving health and well-being continues to inspire her.
What is a topic or specialty that you are most passionate about within your work?
“I am most passionate about health policy research that informs equitable policy development and advances integrated approaches to improving health and well-being, particularly through non-traditional approaches that actively engage and center community voice. This passion is grounded in my belief that meaningful, system-level policy change depends on the inclusion of community voices and lived experience."
Can you share a time or experience within your career that you look back on most fondly?
“My current role allows me to work closely with learners (from high school students to Master of Public Health students) who come through the Farley Center. Being able to support learners and contribute to their educational and professional journeys is incredibly rewarding and is something I consistently find meaningful and fulfilling.”
What is one thing your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?
“One thing my colleagues might be surprised to learn about me is that I really love to sing and have since I was a little girl.”
Outside of work, what is a favorite hobby or activity that you enjoy?
“Outside of work, you’ll usually find me with a book in hand. Give me historical fiction or a mystery/thriller and I’m happy.”
Whether she’s singing, enjoying historical fiction and thrillers, or working with students at the Farley Center, De’Janae’ approaches every endeavor with passion and purpose. The DFM is proud to recognize De’Janae’ for her contributions and looks forward to the impact she will continue to make through her health policy research and commitment to amplifying community voices.
The segment of “DFM Profiles” initiative is to celebrate the collective contributions of the Department of Family Medicine, this newsroom series shines a light on the faculty, researchers, staff, and affiliates, whose dedication and craft drive our mission forward. By sharing their professional journeys, areas of expertise, and a few fun facts, we aim to strengthen connections and promote a deeper appreciation for the individuals who make our work possible.
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