Andrea is an Associate at Community Solutions who works with the entire team on multiple projects for their data analytic needs. Andrea believes that having reliable data is the backbone of all evidence-based practices. “In supporting the advancement of all public health activities, reliable data is essential to improve policies and guide interventions.” Andrea has supported the evaluation, research, and overall analysis of our public health projects, specifically data regarding HIV in Indiana.

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Andrea has personal experience extensively advocating for herself within our current medical system, which made her think about all the people who don’t have the ability to advocate for themselves. “I wonder all the time about people who just go home and continue being sick.” Her own complicated experience with medical systems and access to care sparked her interest in a career in public health. The more she learned about the people behind the work, the more she wanted to join in the fight with them. Andrea earned her undergraduate degree from Ball State University and recently graduated with her Master of Public Health from Benedictine University with specializations in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. 

Why are you passionate about what you do at Community Solutions?

I love what I do here at Community Solutions because I am passionate about holding institutions and organizations accountable to the populations they serve. I want people to get the care they need and for it to be easy. Working as a data analyst here allows me to provide evidence of disparities within our state that need to be addressed.  

 

What inspires you?

Strong, motivated people working towards the same goal.  

 

If you could offer advice to a younger version of yourself, what would you say?

Stop forcing yourself into a box to fit someone else’s expectation. Develop your interests and know that you are good enough. The only person you prove anything to is yourself.