See yourself as a leader.
That is one of the key messages from Jackie Valenzuela, Chief Advisor to the County Health Officer of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. She has held multiple leadership positions within the one of nation’s largest public health departments. And she recounts coming to them by being open to opportunities to rise through the ranks. 
Ms. Valenzuela spoke to undergraduate and master of public health students and early career public health professionals from the California State University Los Angeles Department of Public Health. This forum was part of a series on public health leadership held in support of a unique semester-long department-wide read of the book Lifelines by Dr. Leana Wen.
Here we summarize Ms. Valenzuela’s most impactful messages on public health leadership. You can view the full interview here.
Mentors can help you see yourself in a different light
Ms. Valenzuela described having mentors who can help you see paths toward leadership that you may not have considered for yourself. Mentors can provide guidance, share their experiences, and offer different perspectives that can help you see yourself as a leader. She described having many mentors (formal and informal) who helped her to find her passion in public health and her fit in various roles. These included educators in the school system with whom she worked early in her career, her fellow public health colleagues, and county leadership.
After years of working as a health educator, for example, her department was looking for a new director. She ran into a colleague who asked if she was going to apply for the position. She described never having seen herself in such a position, and felt it wasn’t the right time or the right fit. But her colleague urged her on saying, “Jackie, you have to do this. Think about the impact you could have. Think about all of the Latinos across LA County who could benefit from your leadership.”
That woman was not her workplace superior. But she was older and had more knowledge and experience. And she saw Ms. Valenzuela in a light that she didn’t see for herself. She applied for the position and got it. She realized that it wasn’t that she didn’t have the skills or experience, but that she just hadn’t been able to envision herself in this role. Mentorship can come from various angles. You just have to be open to it, and be willing to see yourself as a leader.
We are networking in some way every day
Ms. Valenzuela explained how opportunities open for people who build relationships and work to be valuable colleagues. She explained that we are all networking to some degree in everyday life. Working in a group, for example, offers an opportunity to showcase individual skills while demonstrating qualities like dependability, humility, and the ability to handle stressful situations. Whether contributing to a school project or engaging in large-scale projects in your career, the underlying principles are similar.
She also shared a quote from Maya Angelou, highlighting that, “People remember how you make them feel.” In a tight-knit public health community, Ms. Valenzuela invited us to be mindful of our interactions, as others are constantly observing our actions. At the same time, it’s important to remember that perfection is not attainable. Instead, she reiterated the significance of being mindful and showing up consistently, as it can create lasting connections and future opportunities.
There is power in being genuine
Ms. Valenzuela emphasized the value of our unique experiences. She said, “There have been moments where I’ve been either the only person of color or the only Latina in a room.” And she realized that there should be no shame in coming from East Hollywood, a community deeply affected by the LA riots, or having immigrant parents from Guatemala. She recognized the value and power of these experiences, as they offer real-life challenges with unique solutions. 
Rather than relying solely on data, Ms. Valenzuela emphasized the importance of looking at her family and community for guidance and inspiration. She finds deep meaning and power in these personal connections. Embracing her authentic self, including her background and community, allowed her to bring those genuine experiences to her leadership.
In essence, Ms. Valenzuela recognized the power of being genuine and authentic. She described that by embracing her true self, she became more effective in her role. The social and cultural aspects of our lives are assets we bring to our professions. They contribute to our unique perspectives and strengths. And they enhance our ability to make a positive impact in our work and the lives of others.
Embrace your individuality in leadership
Ms. Valenzuela further described how individuality plays a crucial role in leadership and how it separates you from others. She mentioned that embracing your individuality allows you to lead with authenticity. This can help you stay true to your values, beliefs, and strengths. And it can help inspire trust and credibility among your team members, stakeholders, or communities.
She explained how every individual has a unique perspective shaped by their experiences, knowledge, and background. And by embracing your individuality, you bring fresh ideas, innovative thinking, and diverse viewpoints to the table. This diversity of perspective can lead to more creative problem-solving and better decision-making within any leadership role.
Ms. Valenzuela also reiterated the importance of how strength-based leadership and teamwork is crucial in leading change. She explained that recognizing and leveraging your unique strengths can allow you to be a more effective leader. Each individual possesses a distinct set of talents and skills that can contribute to positive change in the community.
The series on public health leadership continues next week
Next week, the series continues with a conversation with Dr. Leana Wen. And if you missed our first forum featuring Dr. Chris Chanyasulkit–the dynamic and inspiring president of the American Public Health Association–you can read about that here.
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