Biography and Research Interests: This past summer I returned from my Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship year in Mexico City (2006-2007). During my scholarship year I conducted research based at a Mexican non-governmental organization (NGO): The Mexican Institute for Family and Population (IMIFAP). The primary focus of my work is a book that I am co-authoring with Dr. Susan Pick, a professor at The National University of Mexico (UNAM) and the director of IMIFAP. The book presents a framework and outlines a strategy for more sustainable human development programs. We draw from IMIFAP participant testimonies, program evaluations, and the literature to show how Amartya Sen’s development framework can be made operational for marginalized populations in Mexico and other Latin American countries. Participant testimonies from interviews in Oaxaca and Mexico City will be used in the book to provide a human perspective of how the theory can work in practice. I also was able to experience some of the NGO programs, take part in training sessions, and visit the communities where IMIFAP works (see pictures). My research focus, enhanced by practical experience at IMIFAP, demonstrates the interdependent relationship that can exist between academic research and community development programs. I grew up in Bedford, NH and attended the Derryfield High School in Manchester, NH. I graduated in 2004 with a B.A. from Tufts University in International Relations and Spanish, and a concentration in Latin American Studies. After graduation, I lived in Cambridge, MA and worked as a Care Manager in the health care empowerment study based at the Harvard Center for Multicultural Mental Health Research. I facilitated training sessions with Latino mental health patients in Boston area clinics that focused improving communication with health care providers. While in Cambridge, I also conducted preliminary research for book and related articles at the Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies. Upon my return to Boston, I began a Ph.D. program in Health Policy at Brandeis University in the Heller School for Social Policy and Management. I am also still working on finishing the book, which was recently accepted for publication by Oxford University Press. I am currently working on a project focused on quality Improvement in community health centers, based at the Schneider Institute for Health Policy at Brandeis University. I would like to thank Rotary International, the Bedford NH Rotary Club, District 7870, and my sponsor club, The Rotary Club of San Rafael Mexico, for your generous support and genuine interest in my work. Thanks to all the Rotarians who invest in Rotary International scholarship programs and believe in the power of my generation to make a difference in the world. http://www.imifap.org.mx/imifap/portal/default.cfm?idioma=enghttp://www.multiculturalmentalhealth.orghttp://www.hsph.harvard.edu/centers-institutes/population-development/index.htmlhttp://heller.brandeis.edu/http://sihp.brandeis.edu/http://www.rotarybedfordnh.com/index.htmlhttp://www.rotary7870.orgshapeimage_1_link_0shapeimage_1_link_1shapeimage_1_link_2shapeimage_1_link_3shapeimage_1_link_4shapeimage_1_link_5shapeimage_1_link_6
Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship
Jenna Taube Sirkin Rotary Scholar 2006-2007 Mexico City Photo Albums Oaxaca Hidalgo Rotary Events Mexico City Rotary International Scholarship Information Visit the IMIFAP website Please feel free to email with any comments or questions: jenna@jennasirkin.com Oaxaca.htmlHidalgo.htmlRotary%20Events.htmlMexico%20City.htmlhttp://www.rotary.org/foundation/educational/amb_scho/index.htmlhttp://www.imifap.org.mx/imifap/portal/default.cfm?idioma=engmailto:jenna@jennasirkin.com?subject=shapeimage_4_link_0shapeimage_4_link_1shapeimage_4_link_2shapeimage_4_link_3shapeimage_4_link_4shapeimage_4_link_5shapeimage_4_link_6