Cal State Long Beach health science professor Britt Rios-Ellis has been federally commissioned to serve on a prestigious committee that advises government organizations on HIV and STD prevention and treatment.
The advisory committee, CHAC, or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Health Resource Services and Administration Advisory Committee on HIV and STD Prevention and Treatment, is a work group that attempts to figure out how to get people with HIV to disclose their condition.
In addition to her four-year term with CHAC, Rios-Ellis has been elected to serve on the President’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS.
She will advise leaders of the government on policies for HIV and STD prevention and treatment.
“Serving the government in this unique capacity is a real honor,” Rios-Ellis said. “To be able to provide advice and incorporate my experiences as a community-based HIV/AIDS researcher within Latino communities is a privilege.”
While her new position with the committee requires her to meet a couple times annually, Rios-Ellis’ role as director and founder of the Center for Latino Community Health at CSULB requires her constant attention.
Rios-Ellis encourages her staff to embrace the motto of the center “power with, not power over,” in order to eliminate hierarchy in the workplace.
Graduate student Leighanna Hidalgo said there is a strong sense of unity and passion in the center and said the motto is frequently applied in the office.
“Britt might be working on an important research project here in the office and she will call one of us over to be included by asking for our input and suggestions,” Hidalgo said.
Rios Ellis said everyone at the Center for Latino Community Health works towards a common goal in improving health status, access and educational opportunity for Latinos.
During her studies at the University of Guadalajara, Rios-Ellis said she knew that she wanted to work on Latino issues.
Jessica Aguilar, a graduate student who is working on a project that is targeted to reduce childhood obesity among the Latino community, said Rios-Ellis is “phenomenal” at creating trusting relationships with participants.
“She is a person with so much passion and drive, and she makes it happen,” Hidalgo said.
“I admire how she balances her career and family. She gives me the example of how you can have both,” she continued.
Hidalgo said Rios-Ellis has passion for her work and that is what fuels the professor.
“Knowing that we have made a difference in the community every day, I think is what keeps me moving so quickly,” Rios-Ellis said.
Disclaimer: The Daily 49er is not responsible for Postings made on www.daily49er.wpengine.com. Persons commenting are solely responsible for Postings made on this website. Persons commenting agree to the Terms of Use of the website. If Postings do not abide by the Rules of Conduct or Posting Regulations as listed in the Postings Policy, the Daily 49er has all rights to delete Postings as it deems necessary. The Daily 49er strongly advises individuals to not abuse their First Amendment rights, and to avoid language suggestive of hate speech. This site also encourages users to make Postings relevant to the article or other Postings.