Don’t wait to lead.
That is a key message from Dr. Chris Chanyasulkit, the president of the American Public Health Association (APHA). And it resonates with many students and early career professionals anxious to make a change. 
Our conversation with Dr. Chanyasulkit was the first in a series on public health leadership. The Department of Public Health at California State University Los Angeles hosted this series to support a unique semester-long, department-wide read of the book Lifelines by Dr. Leana Wen.
In this post, we summarize our conversation with Dr. Chanyasulkit. We learned how she came to be involved in leadership, her unique platform for APHA, and why students and early career professionals shouldn’t wait to lead.
You can view our complete interview here.
What motivated you to become a leader?
As a first-generation Asian American, I spent a significant amount of time alone at home while my hardworking parents held full-time jobs. They instilled in me the importance of education, good grades, and keeping a low profile. Their expectation was for me to become a surgeon and return to my parents’ country to deliver care.
Initially, I focused solely on my studies and never considered taking on leadership roles. However, over time, I realized the significance of speaking out, especially for those in my community who couldn’t advocate for themselves or communicate fluently in English. It became clear to me that being part of a larger change was inspiring.
Stepping outside of myself, I recognized that I needed to be a voice for those who couldn’t speak up. I raised advocated for causes such as age-appropriate sexual health education and free menstrual products in public buildings. I realized that collective action could have a profound impact.
What were some of the practical steps you took to become involved?
My journey towards leadership began in my own community of Brookline, near Boston. Despite living in a close-knit neighborhood, there are significant disparities among the residents. While some enjoy affluence, around 13% of the population lives in poverty, and we have three food pantry sites. It’s a unique situation where we have what my friend aptly described as ginger ale families living in a champagne town.
Despite these disparities, we strive to support one another. My front porch became a hub for community-oriented initiatives, such as my Little Free Library. I volunteered within the town, particularly focusing on helping women and children and addressing gender inequities. I joined the Brookline Commission for Women, a group of dedicated women who plan various initiatives to support the community. We worked on projects like providing winter coats for families in need and organizing symposiums on breast cancer awareness.
Through this involvement, I realized the importance of advocating at the state house and local legislature to ensure that policies consider the needs of women and children. As I engaged in these activities, I came to see that legislators are just people. They are public servants. And I appreciated the importance of maintaining open communication with them. By actively participating in the political process and speaking out, we can create a better future.
Tell us a little bit about your APHA platform–play, read, and vote.
I’m thrilled to connect with all of you because it feels like being part of a book club that combines my love for libraries and public health. Winning the election and becoming the president of APHA was a surprise, especially considering the historical lack of representation for someone like me in this position. But here I am, and I’m determined to make the most of it. 
My goal is to do for public health what I believe public health should do for our nation – make some noise and let people know how important we are and the incredible power we have to create healthier societies. We need to ensure that this understanding extends beyond those directly involved in public health programs. Everyone, from mechanics to accountants, plays a part in public health.
The pandemic brought a sudden awareness of public health to the forefront. Even my parents, who previously didn’t fully grasp its significance, finally recognized its value. But I’m concerned that people may forget. We must learn from this experience and strive to create a new normal that prioritizes health and well-being. That’s why my efforts focus on three things: reminding people of the importance of play and relaxation, supporting reading for health and diversity, and emphasizing the crucial role of voting for health in shaping policies.
What are some of the challenges and joys that you find in leadership?
When I first ran for office, I felt fear and trepidation. Being in grad school at the time, the thought of shaking hands and knocking on doors seemed overwhelming. The silver lining of COVID is that handshaking is no longer a requirement, though door-knocking remains part of the process. My family tended to be reserved and focused on our own responsibilities, so stepping up and putting myself out there was a challenge.
During my recent campaign for president of APHA, I realized the importance of finding joy in all aspects of life, whether it be school, work, or campaigning. Time passes swiftly. So, it’s vital to relish the moments and embrace the experience. I found that as I learned the ropes of running for office, I began to enjoy it. It was fun to revel in activities like crafting puns and designing campaign materials. And I forged incredible friendships. You never know; your best friend might be out there waiting to be discovered.
I would also say that embracing your authentic self can be challenging. But it is absolutely crucial. Sometimes, I may appear a bit disheveled, like during this past week when I skipped a shower and attended Zoom meetings wearing pajama bottoms with my APHA vest on top. This authenticity builds trust, fosters connection, and inspires others to be true to themselves as well. I’m still working on loving myself as I am. So this authenticity doesn’t come easily, especially after years of code-switching, dealing with the model minority myth and the stereotype of the perpetual foreigner, and my own imposter syndrome. Embracing authenticity can create a kinder, happier, and more inclusive world.
One of your mottos is don’t wait to lead. What can we do right now?
If you want to run for office, I recommend exploring organizations like Ignite. It focuses on helping young women to become the next generation of leaders. Also, consider reaching out to your local League of Women Voters, as they welcome new members and often need technical help with video creation, managing newsletters, and social media expertise. Your unique talents and abilities can make a tangible difference, and people are eager to learn from you. Change is necessary, and I firmly believe that everyone has the capacity to contribute right now.
If running for office isn’t your thing, there are still valuable ways to contribute to someone else’s campaign. You can join their team, knock on doors, assist with childcare, stuff envelopes, or provide support in various other capacities. The political process has a place for everyone. Embrace your skills, don’t wait to get involved, and let’s collaborate to create a positive and impactful change together.
The public health leadership series continues next week
We continue this public health leadership series next week with Jackie Valenzuela of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. If you want to read more about public health leadership, check out this great post on authentic leadership at The Medical Care Blog by Lisa Johnson Flaherty and Tiffany Johnson. You can also read more about Cal State LA’s department-wide book-read event from last year. It featured Dr. Michael Fine speaking about his book Health Care Revolt.
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