By Maricela Arias-Cantu, MS, MHA, CAE
As I continue to listen to our members, I have been reflecting on when I first started working for SOPHE almost seven years ago. Although I worked at SOPHE over the pandemic, it was apparent to me about the meaningful connections and relationships our members have with each other. I have since worked at other organizations, but was brought back to SOPHE in March 2024.
The conference in St. Louis was my first week back at SOPHE. It was nice to see all our members who I have had the pleasure to get to know in online meetings and see everyone in-person. I was amazed with the energy and interconnectedness our membership community brings. During that conference in St. Louis, I not only heard, but felt the sense of belonging within our membership. Since then, I have heard that our members share that SOPHE is family and a community where we support, mentor, and grow each other.
From Conversation to Connection
Today, it has been almost two and a half years since the SOPHE conference in St. Louis. I am in a different role and engaging in meaningful conversations with our members. A word that I am hearing more frequently in these meaningful interactions is passion. As I keep hearing this word in a variety of conversations, it became more than a word. Instead, it is a very real feeling, one that resonates within my core. I feel even more motivated to find ways to spark the passion in all we do.
Spark the passion
Passion for our profession is not just loving what we do, it is also about finding opportunities to put our commitment to work. This idea came most recently to me on a recent visit to LA Pierce College as our family helped our youngest prepare for her first year of college. As we walked on campus to help our daughter navigate her Fall course schedule, I was impressed with seeing a wellness vending machine in the library’s courtyard. It immediately caught my attention. What I learned since then is that this is part of an initiative that started in 2025 with providing 51 Community Health Stations across Los Angeles County and has plans to grow to over 100 (L.A. County Public Health, 2025) I experienced an aha moment! This reinforced that health education is everywhere. It shows up in who we are and in places where we learn, live, and make important decisions.
A Closer Look
As I think about these two stories converging, I am reminded of our members’ passion. Our passion is valuable because it helps us drive innovation, make an impact, and provide a service. As I continue to listen to our members, I am reminded about how our members care deeply about advancing the profession. My recent college visit reminded me how passion sparks innovation when it meets an opportunity. Advancing our profession means anticipating needs, changing systems and policies, and making an impact in our communities. Whatever form health education takes, our passion matters in making human connections and reaching people where they are. I am excited for what is up ahead.
References
Greer, M. (2026, April 15). Vending machine provides discreet health products on campus: Machine supplies students emergency contraception and hygiene essentials. Pierce College Roundup. https://www.piercemediaarts.com/the_roundup/vending-machine-provides-discreet-health-products-on-campus/article_5aecc88d-de65-430c-a837-98e791c667df.html
(2025, May 5). Public Health Introduces Community Health Stations to Provide Lifesaving Products. Los Angeles County Public Health. http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/phcommon/public/media/mediapubhpdetail.cfm?prid=5024
