After recently graduating with her Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) from the University of Georgia, we’re proud to feature Sherri Livingstone as our November Employee Spotlight! Serving on our Evaluation and Research team, she has a pivotal role in recognizing the many factors influencing public health outcomes and sharing that data with our clients and partners. However, this month Sherri gives us insight into her life outside of the impactful work she does here at Karna.
Q: What is your position and what do you do?
I started with Karna in Feb 2021 in Evaluation and Research as an Evaluation Specialist III, supporting the CDC DASH project. In my role, I work with the client in the data collection process and analysis, ensuring data quality to produce reports that inform programmatic decisions.
Q: What has been your favorite project at Karna and why?
I enjoy the DASH project and seeing the data over time allows me to communicate what we are observing in the data to the client, allowing them to make data-informed decisions.
Q: What have you gained from working at Karna?
I get to work with some incredibly smart folks across different project areas. Also, to be able to take on new tasks and support other projects. I am especially excited about learning new ways to show data and the tools that are available to do so.
Q: What do you do to stay fit/healthy?
I enjoy a good spin class, but more than often, when I am in the Atlanta office, I hang out in the gym in the building, which is super convenient and very quiet.
Q: Do you have a tip for coping with stress?
Depending on the time of year, like during this time of year, I like to bury my stress in Blue Bell pistachio ice cream while bingeing on Hallmark holiday movies. During the warmer months, I will spend time gardening and chasing my kiddos around the house with the garden hose.
Q: Where is your hometown?
I have a few, it seems. I am originally from the island of Jamaica and my parents moved to Brooklyn, New York when I was in the 6th grade. I relocated to Georgia after college, and my mom moved to Connecticut. So, on holidays, I bounce between NY and Connecticut and, on awesome occasions, a trip to Jamaica.
Q: What did you want to be growing up?
It has changed many times, a lawyer in my early days and a doctor, but then I realized I did not like open wounds, and for a very short period, I believed I wanted to be a contemporary dancer after seeing a high school performance. However, I am pretty happy with my public health decision.
Q: You are happiest when?
I am on the beach!
Q: What is something most people do not know about you?
I have never had grits.
Q: Anything you would like to add or say to help your colleagues and clients know you a little better?
This is an exciting time to be in public health. We are recognizing the many factors influencing the health and well-being of an individual and the collective efforts that are working to make a difference. I get excited by the rich discussions that are being had internally and with external partners, and I enjoy the problem-solving and the work we are doing to find solutions to some pressing public health issues.