Cheryl Young

Cheryl has long been passionate about understanding the social determinants of health in both rural and urban communities worldwide. As part of her studies in the Bachelor of Health Sciences program, she spent one semester in rural northern India working with local social workers to promote maternal and reproductive health awareness, gender equality, and access to healthcare for marginalized populations. Cheryl also worked at St. Michael Hospital’s Centre for Research in Inner City Health, where she pursued epidemiological research projects to better understand the health outcomes of Canada's immigrant populations. In Hamilton, she extended her academic interests to her community work with various at-risk populations.

As a Forum Fellow, Cheryl planned to advance her experience and knowledge in using innovative and sustainable initiatives to bring about social change. She was also the co-chair of the Forum’s student subcommittee, and helped lead events to engage students in discourse on pressing health challenges. At the time of the Forum Fellowship, Cheryl was in her final year of the B.H.Sc. program, specializing in global health. She completed a thesis on local perceptions of malaria-like symptoms in rural Zambia.