Mickdaelle Etienne is a self-proclaimed public health nerd. With a background in biology and epidemiology, she has previously worked in local and state government alongside public health specialists to strengthen disease surveillance systems and provide valuable expertise to community leaders. Her work focuses on ensuring that public health initiatives are effective, data-driven, and responsive to the needs of the communities they serve.

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Mickdaelle holds a master’s degree in public health from The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, with a concentration in epidemiology. Her experiences include extensive community outreach and public education, focusing on bridging gaps in public health access. In addition, she has worked with nonprofit organizations in New York to support homeless prevention efforts for at-risk populations.

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

I am passionate about what I do at Community Solutions because I get to contribute to public health and community development efforts across vulnerable populations in Indiana. Strengthening public health and community systems and ensuring that communities have access to essential services aligns with my long-standing commitment to equity and social justice. 

 

What inspires you?

As a Haitian-born woman, I’ve seen firsthand how inequities in public health can impact communities. This drives me to contribute to creating a more equitable public health system where everyone has access to the care and resources they need, regardless of their background. I’m inspired by the resilience of underserved populations and the belief that we can build healthier and stronger communities through compassion and innovation. 

 

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

I would tell her that her voice is needed in this world, to take up space, and not be afraid to fail.