Build Skill. Build Legacy. A Black History Month Reflection from Dr. Marissa Robinson

Black History Month is a time to honor those who paved the way in public health and to reflect on the legacy we are actively building today. For me, this work is deeply personal. It is rooted in years of engaging communities, translating complex challenges into solutions, and ensuring the voices of Black women and other underrepresented communities are centered in HIV prevention, policy, and research.

Public health is expansive, and its possibilities can feel overwhelming. There are countless areas to contribute: epidemiology, academia, policy, community engagement, research, leadership, or health equity strategy. Impact comes from focus, from building skill, and from moving intentionally in a direction that allows you to develop depth and credibility. Depth turns knowledge into influence and work into lasting impact.

One of the things that makes public health practitioners phenomenal is our ability to adapt and apply transferable skillsets across settings. Whether it is analyzing trends, leading teams, managing projects, building partnerships, translating evidence into action, or communicating across diverse audiences, these skills are powerful in any context. Developing these capabilities early sets the foundation for leadership and long-term impact.

Stop waiting for permission. Apply for roles that stretch you. Message leaders. Volunteer strategically. Say yes to assignments that push you outside your comfort zone. My own path from the Peace Corps to HRSA, then CDC, HHS, and now GWU was not linear. At times, I had no clue where I would be going next. I did not have every step planned, but I kept moving, kept learning, and kept building skills that transferred across every role. Careers are rarely straight lines. They are built through action. Action creates visibility, opportunity, and growth.

Do not compare your Chapter 1 to someone else’s Chapter 20. Social media compresses time and makes seniority look effortless. It is not. Skill compounds. Discipline compounds. Reputation compounds. Institutional knowledge grows with time. You are not behind. You are building. Black history was never built overnight. It was created through generations of disciplined, strategic, skilled leadership. This month, as we honor those who came before us, let us also commit to building our own competence with intention, courage, and focus.

Build skill. Build discipline. Build legacy. Keep going.

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