Today marked an exciting milestone for UTMB's School of Public and Population Health as the SPPH Student Association hosted their first Lunch & Learn of 2025 featuring the newly formed Sisters in Public Health (SIPH) Galveston Chapter. Led by MPH candidate and Chapter Chair Allie Murphy, the kickoff meeting introduced students to this growing organization dedicated to empowering women in public health.
The session provided students with insights into SIPH's mission of creating safe spaces to "empower, educate, and evolve the next generation of women in public health." Attendees learned about scholarship programs, internship opportunities, and upcoming events, including the Coffee and Chat - Chapter Launch Event scheduled for March 25th.
Established in 2017 at UTHealth School of Public Health in Houston, SIPH has expanded to connect women in public health across the country. The organization focuses on core values including self-care, mentorship, scholarship, diversity and inclusion, women empowerment, and professional development.
“Bringing Sisters in Public Health to UTMB's School of Public and Population Health felt like a natural extension of the supportive community I've experienced here. SPPH has given me the foundation and confidence to take on leadership roles while pursuing my MPH,” said Allie Murphy, MPH candidate and Galveston Chapter Chair. “Our goal with the Galveston chapter is to create opportunities for mentorship and professional development that complement the excellent education we receive at SPPH."
UTMB's SPPH takes pride in the diverse, student-led initiatives that enrich our academic community. The arrival of Sisters in Public Health adds another dimension to the collaborative and supportive environment that defines the student experience at our school.