Last night, Sigma Iota Rho (SIR), the Global Studies student honorary at Washington University in St. Louis, hosted its highly anticipated semesterly town hall. The event, moderated by Noé Umaña-Ramos and Mari Cabrera, two SIR members, focused on health disparities in the Global South and featured two distinguished panelists (you can find their bios below):
- Dr. Ashley Bardon, Assistant Director of the Global Health Center at WashU
- Maggie Probert, Chief Advancement and Strategic Communications Officer at Meals and Food for Kids
Both panelists shared compelling insights about their professional journeys and the work they have undertaken to address health inequities across the globe.
A central theme of the discussion was the importance of culturally appropriate and localized approaches to global health challenges. Both Bardon and Probert emphasized the significance of building long-term strategies that tackle the root causes of health disparities rather than relying on short-term solutions. They highlighted how community-based interventions—designed and led by local stakeholders—are essential for creating sustainable change. The panelists also discussed the role of cultural humility in their work, urging future global health practitioners to prioritize listening and collaboration over imposing external solutions. Drawing from their diverse experiences, Bardon and Probert spoke candidly about the challenges of working in resource-limited settings and navigating complex and systemic barriers.
The town hall offered attendees a unique opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals while engaging in thoughtful dialogue about some of the most pressing issues in global health. SIR’s commitment to fostering critical conversations on global issues shone through in this informative evening.
This event deepened participants' understanding of global health disparities and highlighted the power of collaborative, community-centered solutions in addressing global challenges.
Bios:
Dr. Ashley Bardon is the Assistant Director of the Global Health Center at Washington University in St. Louis. An epidemiologist with over a decade of experience, her work has focused on global health research, including healthcare delivery in sub-Saharan Africa and self-testing strategies for diseases like HIV and malaria. She holds a PhD in epidemiology from the University of Washington, an MPH in health policy from Saint Louis University, and a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences from the University of Missouri.
Maggie Probert is the Chief Advancement Officer at Meds & Food for Kids, a locally based organization dedicated to combating malnutrition and improving health outcomes in Haiti. With her extensive leadership experience, Maggie oversees efforts to advance the organization’s mission, which has treated nearly 1 million malnourished individuals through locally produced Ready-to-Use Therapeutic and Supplemental Foods. Meds & Food for Kids also works with the St. Louis community to drive its mission forward, engaging local donors and collaborators in advancing their goals in Haiti.
