ALUMNI PROFILES
Ashanti Carter , Ed . Dc , MPH , ' 14
Ashanti Carter , Ed . Dc , MPH ' 14 is a graduate of the College of Science and Health . It was Carter ' s dream to attend CDU and she is thankful for the opportunities that the Public Health program has afforded her . " I thought I would be a physician , but I pivoted in my career and when I learned that CDU had a Master of Public Health program , I couldn ’ t resist learning more about it ," shared Carter . " After attending an information session , I was hooked . I learned more about the social determinants of health and how education plays a vital role in our health and well-being ."
Before coming to CDU , Carter worked as a teacher with the Los Angeles County Office of Education ( LACOE ). " I taught math and science to incarcerated youth and it changed my life ," said Carter . " I saw the social determinants of health at work right before my eyes but didn ’ t know it yet ."
Her career at CDU began in the Office Admissions followed by a role in the College of Medicine . " Not only was I a CDU student in the Master of Public Health Program , but I was also working with our 3rd year medical students ," remembers Carter . " I had so much fun managing their educational activities . I learned so much about education administration , the decision-making process and leadership ."
Carter took the knowledge and skills she obtained from CDU to institutions such as Johns Hopkins University and the George
Washington University before making her return home to accept a new position at CDU . She is currently the Director of Community College Partnerships , where her goal is to increase enrollment at CDU and provide initiatives that align with the needs of current and prospective transfer students . " As a graduate of a community college , it is important that transfer students have a clear understanding of the health professions pathway and we at CDU provide the tools they need as they pursue their degree ," explained Carter .
Carter finds it humbling to be back at the institution that enhanced her life in numerous ways . " Never in my wildest dreams would I think this young woman from South Los Angeles would be working with people in the White House . I never thought I would be meeting with the Mayor of Washington , DC or working with DC ’ s Superintendent of Education ," said Carter . " I never thought I would serve 3 terms as Chair of the Health Sciences Industry Advisory Board where the Association of American Medical Colleges ( AAMC ) has a seat on the board that I was leading , and we worked side by side . I can say that all of this was made possible because my time at CDU laid a solid foundation for academic excellence and community responsibility ."
She encourages current and future students to use their time here to network . " Don ’ t be afraid to ask your professors and even those in leadership positions questions about their journey . Ask them if they would like to mentor you ," stated Carter . She also urges students to take advantage of the assistance the Student Center offers . " There are so many activities that are being planned for you . Tell us what you need to make sure that you get that great career after you graduate ."
46 Alumni Profiles