Research Associate Denice Villar shares what she’s working on at ICH right now, the experience that prepared her for this role, and how she likes to spend her downtime. Read on to learn more!
How would you describe your role at ICH?
In my role, I am responsible for supporting the creation of logic models, data collection (both qualitative and quantitative data), synthesizing data findings, writing reports, facilitating meetings, and note-taking during both internal and external meetings.
What is your educational background?
I have a Bachelors of Science in Sociology with a minor in Computer Science. I received my B.S. from Salem State University in May of 2020.
What was your career path before coming to ICH?
Before coming to ICH, my career path was eclectic. I was working four part time jobs. I was a front desk receptionist as well as the social media coordinator for a cute hotel in downtown Salem named the Salem Inn. I am still working as their social media coordinator and newsletter writer. Alongside both positions at the Salem Inn, I was Salem State University’s Case Manager and Multicultural Specialist. Lastly, I was StarLuna Consulting’s Executive Assistant and Chief of Staff.
What made you decide to come to ICH?
I really aligned with ICH’s mission. I am a passionate advocate for interpersonal and community care. I have not worked directly in the realm of healthcare, but my previous experience has granted me insight into the detrimental impacts that environmental conditions, and systemic barriers and oppression have on marginalized communities’ wellbeing and sustainability.
What are some projects that you are working on right now?
The first project that comes to mind is the MGB-MassLeague SUD Equity Grant. The project focuses on increasing equitable access and engagement with substance use-related services in community health centers across Boston, with a focus on Black, African American, Hispanic, Latine, Tribal and Native Tribal identifying communities.
The second that comes to mind is the MGB Community Health Initiative Funds Evaluation. I am supporting two components of the evaluation: the process evaluation as well as evaluation outcomes for grantees working in food and nutrition. I enjoy being in both sectors! The process evaluation has been really interesting when it comes to understanding who made decisions, why those decisions were made, how processes were determined, and how they were both done equitably. And working on nutrition, I’m learning about different practices and research that speaks to the need for food justice and equitable access to locally grown food.
Very recently, I’ve been added to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Dominant Narratives project. It’s a really cool project exploring narratives among front line workers and media in relation to immigrant wellbeing and immigrants’ ability (or rather lack thereof) to obtain equitable access to healthcare. I am really excited to see where this project goes and to hear from front line workers during focus groups. I’ll be cofacilitating!
What are your favorite project topics and why?
I don’t have favorite project topics at the moment as I’m pretty open and excited to learn about any and all! This field and our projects are different to ones I have worked on with my previous research firm where we focused on projects addressing environmental justice and environmentally vulnerable groups, housing inequity, organizational equity, and racial equity. I know it’s a bit of a broad response, but I’m just excited to learn more.
What are you most excited about for the future of ICH?
Really looking forward to venturing into more cross-disciplinary projects and topics – maybe some within the realm of environmental impacts or systemic barriers – but that’s just me being my Sociologist self. But, I am also really excited to continue seeing how the data and insight we collect is visualized in a manner that is easily digestible by the public.
What are hobbies or things you like to do for fun?
I’ve been venturing into a few hobbies the past few years! I reconnected with reading a few years back. I also really like pottery – both working from scratch with the clay alongside with “ready to play with” clay. I’ve recently discovered the joy of completing puzzles while a good podcast is playing in the background as well!
Do you have any plans for the summer? Anything that you are looking forward to?
I sadly don’t have any plans for the holidays/summer. Last year I had the opportunity to travel to Nosara, Costa Rica and this year I’m feeling a bit more in “energy save mode” as I like to call it. Just hope the heat waves aren’t too bad this year with climate change so we’re able to enjoy more days at the park, beach, or water parks with the kids!