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Vivian Martin

705

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

I am a social entrepreneur and public health practitioner committed to promoting wellness, sisterhood, and belonging for women of color. I lead a virtual health and wellness community that centers on the socioeconomic and interpersonal impacts of chronic illness, disability, and disease. With over 20 years of academic, personal, and professional experience, my work focuses on developing person-centered, community-led solutions to improve chronic disease management, disability inclusion, and continuity of care for historically marginalized communities. I aim to address systemic barriers through health education, program development, research and evaluation, mental health counseling, advocacy, and holistic therapies. I use a trauma-informed, collaborative approach to healing and believe in the power of partnerships to reimagine what accessible, affirming care can look like. I envision a world where every person is recognized in their full humanity in every healthcare encounter. My lived experience with fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that brings widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive challenges, has shaped my perspective on health equity and deepened my commitment to creating transformative change. This journey has fueled my dedication to ensuring that all people, especially those affected by social determinants of health, have equitable access to healing and well-being. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and a master’s degree in Social Work. I am pursuing a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree, focusing on health equity and social justice.

Education

Johns Hopkins University

Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
2024 - 2029
  • Majors:
    • Public Health

Fordham University

Master's degree program
2018 - 2020
  • Majors:
    • Social Work

Stony Brook University

Bachelor's degree program
2005 - 2007
  • Majors:
    • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other

Community College of Philadelphia

Associate's degree program
2003 - 2005
  • Majors:
    • Science, Technology and Society
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Health, Wellness, and Fitness

    • Dream career goals:

      My long-term career goal is to improve health outcomes for individuals with disabilities by advancing innovative approaches in social care, program development, evaluation research, and holistic wellness. By integrating evidence-based practices with community-centered solutions, my vision is to create sustainable and transformative change that uplifts the lived experiences of persons with disabilities, ensuring their voices play a central role in shaping healthcare policies and practices to advance disability care for those most vulnerable.

      Vivian Martin Student Profile | Bold.org