Photo: Tricia Burrough, Lilac Blossom Photography
Amy can be reached on twitter [ @AmyHRiley ]
1. What qualities do you look for in the people you hang out with?
I find myself drawn to passionate people, like myself, who are driven in their field, whether it is in public health, communication, the arts, or a different area entirely. I also look for people who have a great sense of humor and who like to try new things.
2. What do you do?
I am a doctoral candidate and researcher at the Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health in Philadelphia in the “all but dissertation” (ABD) phase (http://drexel.edu/dornsife/). Drexel has a contract with UNICEF Mozambique to monitor and evaluate “Ouro Negro” (Black Gold), an entertainment-education radio program, and I work as the Project Manger for the project under the guidance of Dr. Suruchi Sood, the Principal Investigator and my research advisor. My research focuses on health communication, global health, entertainment-education, and the intersection between the arts and health promotion. I have worked in research and evaluation in the United States, Ghana, Mozambique, India, and overseen projects in Belize and Nigeria.
3. Why do you do what you do?
At the root of my research and work is the belief that communication, particularly storytelling in all its forms, is a powerful way to reach audiences, to deliberately promote health and prevent disease, and to inspire social change.
4. Is this where you thought you would end up?
Nope. I moved to New York City when I was 18 years old to study to be an actress. My bachelor’s degree is in theater and I thought I would end up with a stage or film career. In my mid-20’s, I decided to pursue a master’s program in health education at Columbia University. It was in this master’s program that I first learned about social and behavior change communication and entertainment-education, which has shaped my career and professional goals ever since.
5. What values are you committed to?
I am committed to dedication, dependability, and creative thinking.
6. How many hours do you work in a typical week?
I’d rather not know.
7. What skills are required in your position on a day-to-day basis?
For the Project Manager position, the skills required include research coordination, delegation of tasks, organization, and attention to detail. As a doctoral candidate working on my dissertation research, the skills include research skills, communication skills, and plenty of self-motivation.
8. Are there any negatives to your job?
Quality research and evaluation takes time. It can sometimes feel like progress is slow, but the time is worth it in the end.
9. What is the background of most senior-level executives in your SBCC circles?
The Principal Investigator (and my research advisor), Dr. Suruchi Sood, has a PhD in Communication and over 20 years of experience working in health communication around the world.
10. What do you wish you knew at our stage? (IE: Entry-level SBCC practitioners)
I remember learning about theory in my master’s program and not really understanding its role in planning, implementing, and evaluating programs. I wish I had better understood the importance of theory earlier in my career.
11. What is the best piece of professional advice you've ever received -- and used or implemented?
The best advice comes from my father, a family physician, whose motto is: “Be good to people.” It’s a simple and direct message and is applicable for any professional or personal situation.
12. If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I would start my master’s and doctoral work earlier. I am 33 years young but there are still so many things I want to learn, so many projects I want to contribute to, and so many places I want to travel and work.
13. What should keep entry-level SBCC enthusiasts up at night?
Thinking about how we can work with colleagues outside of communication fields to nurture our messages and translate them into tangible change.
14. What professional organizations are you associated with, and in what ways?
I am a member of the American Public Health Association, the Society for Public Health Education, and the International Communication Association.
15. What mistakes have you made?
I have made plenty of mistakes, but I always try to learn something from each one.
16. What one thing do you still struggle with?
Saying no. I am very passionate about this field so it is hard for me to pass up opportunities, whether big or small.
17. What traits impress you the most in a working professional, irrespective of their area of expertise?
I am most impressed with people who are confident in themselves and their work.
18. Considering all the people you have met in your line of work, what personal attributes are essential for success?
One the greatest lessons for success comes from my background in theater: make the other guy look good. The best actors are not focused on themselves, but instead make their fellow actors look good. The same is true in research and evaluation. When you trust, support, and make your colleagues look good, everyone succeeds.
19. What's the best advice you can give to help plan a career rather than simply work to keep a job?
Enjoy what you do. You won’t love it every day, but do something you enjoy and are passionate about or you will never be happy.
20. What has been your most rewarding accomplishment?
My most rewarding accomplishment will be in 1-1.5 years from now: completing my doctorate!
21. What developments in the horizon could affect future career opportunities in this field?
Shifting global priorities and frameworks for change.
22. Can you recommend a "must-read" book that will help us broaden our skills as working professionals or inspire us to reach our highest potential?
“Entertainment-Education and Social Change” – Edited by Singhal, Cody, Rogers and Sabido. It is a few years old now but a wonderful history of EE and still very relevant.
23. Which other SBCC maven would you recommend for this interview?
Carmen Cronin, MPH, Fulbright Fellow in Uganda
Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your blog! Please connect with me on Twitter @AmyHRiley to converse about all things health communication.
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