Alumni Feature: Transforming Passion Into Purpose Through Public Health Leadership

For Margarita Driscoll, public health began as a personal mission to prevent disease but quickly evolved into a career dedicated to creating healthier, more supportive communities.

After earning her Master of Public Health in Health Promotion Sciences from the OU Hudson College of Public Health in 2023, Driscoll has continued turning her passion for public health into meaningful action. Today, she serves as Marketing and Educational Services Program Administrator at Metropolitan State University of Denver while also supporting the University of Colorado Denver, the Community College of Denver and the Auraria Higher Education Learning Center.

Driscoll's interest in public health was inspired by personal loss. After losing her father to cancer, she became determined to help prevent diseases that continue to impact families every day.

"Initially, I was drawn to public health because of preventable disease," she said. "I wanted to be part of the solution."

As she progressed through graduate school, that motivation grew into something even greater.

"My passion turned into a fierce advocacy for the injustices faced by marginalized communities."

At Hudson College, Driscoll found a community of faculty and classmates who shared her commitment to improving lives through public health.

"I loved my program," she said. "It feels so special to be surrounded by so many people who care so much about the work we are doing together."

She credits the program with providing practical skills that continue to shape her work today, particularly through courses that emphasized thoughtful program planning and implementation.

"The intentionality in which I approach my work today is because of the insights I gained from my classes at Hudson College."

One of the most transformative experiences during her time at HCOPH came through her graduate research assistantship with Dr. Marianna Wetherill.

Working on her first public health programming project pushed her outside her comfort zone while giving her the confidence and experience that continue to influence her career.

"It made me so uncomfortable in the best way," she said. "It is because of this experience that I get to do what I love today."

Today, Driscoll leads and supports initiatives that improve student health and well-being across the Auraria campus. One project she is especially proud of is expanding access to menstrual health products through a campus-wide Period Equity initiative.

After securing approximately $10,000 in funding, Driscoll helped provide more accessible menstrual product dispensers while working to ensure students across multiple institutions have greater access to essential resources.

She also serves on the campus's Gender Affirming Care Task Force, collaborating with partners across counseling services, campus safety and student support to strengthen policies and practices that foster a welcoming campus environment.

In addition, Driscoll helps oversee the Auraria Recovery Community, supporting students in recovery while pursuing grant funding to establish a permanent dedicated recovery space that will provide long-term peer support for students.

"Public health is about creating environments where people have the resources and support they need to thrive."

For students considering the Health Promotion Sciences program, Driscoll encourages them to believe in themselves, even during moments of uncertainty.

"When you feel imposter syndrome, remember that you earned your place here."

She reminds students that the challenges they face throughout graduate school prepare them for meaningful careers dedicated to improving the lives of others.

Through her leadership, advocacy and commitment to student wellness, Driscoll exemplifies the impact of Hudson College graduates—professionals who turn compassion into action and create healthier communities through education, collaboration and service.