Career pivot takes journalist from on-air to BW public health

Her radiant smile and poise earned her on-air kudos as a reporter with WKYC news. But ask her about spin, and the passionate instructor is ready to break a sweat with her lululemons and a fire playlist. So, it should come as no surprise that when Dorsena Drakeford '23 was ready for a career pivot, she found a way to unite her professional and personal interests.

The Georgia native turned Clevelander is now a media relations professional with The MetroHealth System. It was a perfect fit for the health and fitness enthusiast. And when it came time for her to authenticate her focus on wellness with a degree, Drakeford looked to Baldwin Wallace's master of public health program offered in partnership with MetroHealth.

Changing interests, Changing lives

"I started my career in English as a journalist, but as the times changed, so did my interests," explained Drakeford. "I've always been intrigued with the health of others and my community. I would love to be a health educator or eventually work in nutrition."

She admitted she was hesitant to begin the master's program because she graduated from college nearly 10 years ago. "But learning all the ways public health is integrated into everything we do, it felt right for me to explore a different career. I'm particularly interested in nutrition because I know food is medicine. Working at MetroHealth and being a fitness instructor has enabled me to witness how food and knowledge of one's own health can change lives."

With the first year of the program already completed, Drakeford believes its content is rich and applicable. "This pandemic was something no one could have planned. But I love that my professors allowed the biggest public health event we'll see in this lifetime to shape our lessons. No matter the career field, this degree will be the foundation for my success."