Jessica Bonilla

I would describe myself as someone who leads with empathy and a strong sense of purpose, shaped largely by my work in funeral service. Supporting families during moments of loss has taught me patience, emotional awareness, and the importance of simply showing up when people need it most, while also exposing me to how health, finances, culture, and access to care all intersect. These experiences pushed me toward studying Public Health, where I realized I want to support communities earlier, before they reach a point of crisis. Balancing school and funeral service has strengthened my discipline and reinforced my commitment to this path, allowing me to connect what I learn in the classroom to real-life situations. My goal is to combine my background in funeral service with public health to address health disparities, improve access to culturally responsive care, and expand mental health and bereavement support, ultimately helping build more informed and compassionate communities.