Featured Story in Women Leaders to Look Up to in 2024

The magazine is out! Honored to be part of an amazing cohort of 50 ambitious, female visionaries, leaders, and changemakers from across the globe, from the USA, Mexico, to Portugal, UK, Dubai, India, and beyond, named as part of Passion Vista - Magazine Women Leaders to Look Up to in 2024. Thank you for covering my journey (and what a journey indeed).

A vanguard of health equity

In the heart of San Francisco, amidst its vibrant diversity and dynamic spirit, the story of Dr. April Joy Damian unfolds—a narrative of resilience, empathy, and an undying commitment to health equity that transcends the ordinary. With a heritage rich in Filipino and Spanish roots, Dr. Damian’s journey is not merely a tale of academic excellence but a vivid testament to the power of a purpose-driven life, aimed at dismantling the deep-seated health disparities embedded within our society.

Raised by immigrant parents, Dr. Damian’s path was shaped by a profound understanding of the social and structural determinants impacting health outcomes. “Both of my parents modeled and instilled the value of civic engagement and being of service,” she recalls, highlighting the foundational influence of her upbringing on her career choice. This early exposure to the complexities of public health fueled her pursuit of knowledge, leading her to graduate Phi Beta Kappa with Highest Honors from the University of California, Berkeley, and further her education at Harvard Medical School and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

However, Dr. Damian’s journey has been far from straightforward. Navigating the challenges of high expectations and systemic barriers as a woman of color, she emerged more determined, using her experiences to mentor and inspire the next generation. “I have been conditioned to work 10x, 100x times harder than my peers,” she admits, reflecting on the pressures that have both challenged and shaped her. Yet, through these trials, Dr. Damian has triumphed, attributing her success to a trusted network of advisors, mentors, and friends who provided her with wise counsel and unwavering support.

Balancing the demands of home and work has been a deliberate act for Dr. Damian, marked by intentional time management and clear boundaries. She poignantly shares the sacrifices made at each career stage, including the pivotal moment when she became the sole caregiver for her mother, demonstrating her ability to navigate personal responsibilities alongside professional aspirations. “As my pastors says, a step back can be a setup for a comeback,” she remarks, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and reflection.

Dr. Damian’s insights into the organizational culture and the strides towards gender equity are both critical and hopeful. She emphasizes the need for an intersectional approach to support women in the workplace, particularly those with marginalized identities. Her advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion as “essential pillars” for any organization reflects her deep understanding of the complexities involved in creating a supportive environment for women.

The strategies she proposes for women to achieve a more prominent role within organizations underscore the importance of sponsorship, equitable pay, and executive mentorships. Dr. Damian herself has navigated these challenges, identifying the lack of sponsorship as a significant barrier in her career. “Over-mentored and under-sponsored” describes her early professional experiences, underscoring the critical need for active advocacy in career advancement.

Inspired by her parents, mentors, and role models from various walks of life, Dr. Damian’s passion for public health is deeply rooted in a commitment to service and a desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of those most in need. Her weekends volunteering in her community reflect this commitment, as does her leadership at the Weitzman Institute and involvement with AcademyHealth. “Volunteering with my church/local community…reminds me of why I do the work I do,” she explains, highlighting the importance of staying connected to the real-world impacts of her work.

Dr. Damian’s ‘me time’ involves traveling, learning about and from different cultures, and embracing solitude for deep reflection, activities that fuel her creativity and strategic thinking. These moments of introspection are crucial to her well-being and contribute to her holistic approach to leadership and mentorship.

With numerous accolades, including Marquis Who’s Who in America, Harry S. Truman Scholarship, and the Community Well-Being Warrior Award funded through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Dr. Damian remains grounded. “Every recognition I receive is a testament to the mentors, colleagues, and communities I’ve had the privilege to work with,” she states, emphasizing the collaborative nature of her achievements.

Her journey, marked by personal sacrifices, professional achievements, and a deep-seated desire to serve, offers a powerful example of what it means to live for a cause greater than ourselves. “My passion is defined by living a life on purpose, for a purpose,” she affirms, encapsulating the essence of her drive and commitment to improving the health and well-being of communities worldwide.

As we delve into the life and work of Dr. Damian, we are reminded of the power of resilience, the importance of mentorship and sponsorship, and the transformative impact of serving with love and grace. Her narrative is not just an inspiration but a call to action, inviting us all to contribute to a healthier, more equitable world.

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