As a high school grad from Queens, New York, Wilma (Tilson) Robinson 96C wanted to become a doctor and run a community wellness center. But life has a way of changing childhood goals. Today she is a senior health policy analyst in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation at the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in Washington, D.C. “I did not become a pediatrician and develop the wellness center, but I did receive my doctorate in organizational leadership several years ago, and I have been instrumental in developing national programs and policies around health promotion and wellness over the last 11 years,” she says. Day to day, Robinson conducts policy research, evaluates national programs and initiatives, and assists in program planning and development around women’s health, health disparities, health promotion, and disease prevention.

So how did her career evolve? It all started with a trip to Emory’s campus. “Coming from inner city New York, it was a refreshing change,” she admits, adding that she was impressed by the University’s academics, the push for civic duty and volunteerism, and athletics. In hindsight, she reflects on her college experience, “I really value the education I received at Emory. The curriculum challenged me to become a better student and helped me to gain a breadth of knowledge across a myriad of topics.”

But Robinson sidelined her goal to become a doctor after an earned visit to view a cadaver in her junior year at Emory made her realize “I really did not like blood. I wanted to help people but without the graphic visual often displayed on the television shows like ER,” she recalls. A career fair visit introduced her to the School of Public Health and her professional future crystallized.

Three major moments stand out as she looks back on her career path. She cites these as developing the Physical Activity is Fundamental to Disease report for the Secretary and attending the 2002 White House launch of the President’s Healthier US initiative, traveling the country in 2004 with the HHS Secretary to develop the National Diabetes Action Plan, and most recently “joining Secretary Sebelius in her keynote address at the annual meeting for the Society for Public Health Educators in October to present the Healthy Living Innovations Awards.”

Since leaving Emory in 1996, Robinson has accepted many personal challenges as well. Athletic since childhood, Robinson was honored to carry the Olympic torch for the 2002 Winter Olympics Torch Relay. Four years ago, she founded a community-based physical activity program through non-profit The Garment’s Hem in honor of her dear friend and Emory graduate Karen Tanner who died at age 35 of a massive heart attack.

Robinson’s commitment to good health and public education is clear. She was awarded the HHS Office of the Secretary Employee of the Quarter in 2003 and has been selected as the HHS Challenge Ambassador “for my work on the Healthy Living Innovation Awards earlier this year,” she says.

Though Robinson wishes she has done a semester abroad while at Emory, she urges students to proactively plan. “If you have not already begun, start career planning now! Many students wait until their junior or senior year to start career planning, but this process should begin in high school, continue through college and throughout life,” she suggests.

She recommends taking on focused work study jobs that support career goals, structured internships, and experience abroad. “Enjoy your time at Emory. It will be one of the most memorable times of your life.”

It's always so heartwarming to hear how others celebrate their family traditions at the holidays. Here are a few more stories from our EAA family:

Visit your Emory Bookstore online and celebrate your alma mater!

A century ago, limb transplantation was merely a fiction writer's dream. But as medical science has advanced, so too have the life-changing opportunities for amputees. "We are interchanging tissues to reconstruct the human body," said Dr. Linda Cendales 12G, assistant professor of surgery, Emory School of Medicine, at the November 17 program of Faculty Within Your Reach at Emory Hospital Midtown. The evening was moderated by Isabel Garcia 99L, Emory Alumni Board member and Lawyer for the Piedmont Law Group.

That wonder was remarkable for the patient as well. Cendales said, "A very important moment for her was the moment of bonding and seeing herself back again with two limbs. She took ownership of her hand. It was immediate."

Cendales explained that surgery was just the beginning for Lu. Lu continues to undergo physical therapy and emotional support from various University departments. By week 8, Lu was very dedicated to her occupational therapy. Her first session at the Mason House kitchen was noteworthy. Cendales said with a smile, "She learned that I like brownies." At her first cooking session, Lu learned to make the treats on her own. "They were the most special brownies I've ever tasted because she baked those using her left hand."

She recalls how she and Lu experienced momentous occasions together. "The small things are not small things. Lu shared with me just how incredible she felt the first time she could walk into the room and not have people turn around to stare at her amputation," Cendales revealed. "That's powerful."

Enthusiasm for patient care is universal, but the scholarly pursuit of excellence is also academic. By maximizing "shared brilliance" between University resources and centers of excellence, the transplantation team regularly brainstormed ideas and techniques to create new approaches. "Lu gave us the privilege that we could take care of her," she says. "This one case has given us many collaborations." In reflection, she added, "It's not the end of a process as we did our first transplant, but the beginning of a program."

To experience more engaging conversations like this one, the next Emory Alumni Association's Faculty Within Your Reach program will present “A Matter of Life or Death” on January 18, 2012 featuring Jay Ewart 03L and Emory Law Associate Professor Kay Levine. Jay Ewart 03L was fresh out of Emory law school when he took on a Georgia death penalty case pro bono, supported by his Washington, DC, law firm. Seven years later, after working tirelessly and very nearly successfully to get the sentence overturned, Ewart was the attorney Troy Davis requested in his execution chamber. Ewart and Levine will discuss the complexities of the case, its twists and turns, and the definitive outcome.

Dreams often grow from a seed, as do delicate-blossomed cherry trees. Emory alumnae Yukiko Giho 08N is a big believer in dreams. Originally from Japan but now living in western Pennsylvania after graduating from Emory, Giho shares her “dream to celebrate the beauty of cherry blossoms right here in Pittsburgh,” she explains. “We people of the greater Pittsburgh area, not only Japanese but anyone who shares this dream, get together. We've been planting cherry trees and other native trees in the North Park twice yearly.”

The Pittsburgh Sakura Project began in May 2007 and Giho has volunteered her time to support the project in honor of Emory Cares Everywhere. On Saturday, November 12, Giho and friends planted 22 cherry trees along with nine native trees.” The trees Giho planted during last year’s Emory Cares International Service Day are already beautifying her new hometown.
When asked why she decided to get involved in Emory Cares Everywhere, Giho’s response was heartfelt. “Because I love the Emory spirit of commitment in serving the community.” Throughout the year, she also volunteers at area home and garden shows and benefit concerts.

On a professional level, Giho uses her Emory education as a nurse practitioner who specializes in women’s health. At Adagio Health, she provides her clients with reproductive and sexual health care, including annual well-woman visits, birth control consult and screening services for sexually transmitted infections (STI).

“Each day brings me lots of excitements as well as challenges, which I enjoy,” she says. With clients ranging in age from “tweens to 70s,” Giho embraces the challenge of educating people on “various reproductive and sexual needs across the life span.” Though most of her clientele is female, she also works with men for STI screening and treatment. Her passion for her work is evident. “I try to spend as much time as I can with each client so he or she has a better idea how to maintain and improve his or her health once they walk out the door.”