Candace Webb, a USF College of Public Health (COPH) graduate, drew inspiration from the ‘80s sitcom “The Cosby Show.” 

“I was really impacted by seeing representation of two black professional parents on TV. I always wanted to go into medicine and was always really interested in science and human biology.” 

While a student at Tampa’s King High School, Webb volunteered at Tampa General Hospital as a Red Cross candy striper. 

“I loved patient care—the teamwork and communication between providers. And I really liked the clinical environment.”  

Through a fortunate discovery in the library at King, Webb found a program that allowed her to work in the labs at USF’s Morsani College of Medicine. It was a program that gave minority high school students an opportunity for mentoring and exposure to biomedical research. It was a formative experience that propelled her to pursue a biochemistry major at the University of Florida (UF). 

In her first year at UF in 2000, Webb experienced her mother’s untimely passing from complications related to HIV.  

“It was Thanksgiving Day, and it was traumatic and tragic,” Webb remembered. “Her experience made me ask questions like, ‘Why are African American families disproportionately impacted by a preventable condition like HIV? Why are children of African American women being orphaned in America at higher rates – especially when there’s highly effective treatment available?’ This introduced me to health care disparities, health inequities and how the health insurance system is tied to employment. My mom was caught in that gap period where employers hold initiation of benefits for six months. She passed away in that period of time. That is what drives me now and also what led me to public health.”   

It was during her time at UF that she noticed something. 

“I started seeing that the people who were doing the work that I cared about all had MPH at the end of their names,” Webb said. “I told myself, ‘I need to learn more about this MPH degree,’ and so I shifted from wanting to treat one person to wanting to treat communities and to affect systems.” 

Webb subsequently earned her MPH with a concentration in maternal and child health from the COPH in 2006.  

Driven by her personal experiences and a desire to create change, Webb said she embarked on a path that combined her scientific background with her passion for public health. In 2018, Webb was presented with the USF COPH Outstanding Alumni Award, which is given to alumni who demonstrate—as judged by their former professors and current colleagues—exceptional dedication and improvement to public health. 

Currently, Webb holds a position in the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as the chief of the Adolescent Health Branch in the Maternal and Child Health Bureau.  

“ I think HRSA is one of the best places to work in the federal government and especially in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,” Webb commented. “Equity has been at the core of our mission. While other organizations have broader missions, ours is squarely on underserved and rural communities, people living with HIV, maternal and child health populations and the health workforce.”  

Drawing from her own experiences, Webb offered advice and recommendations to current students and young alumni who aspire to make their mark on the world. She emphasized the following key points: 

• Stay connected: “Maintaining strong connections is essential. I am still connected to individuals I met during my time at USF. And I’m friends with folks who went to USF at different times than I did. The program’s quality and the caliber of its graduates are evident in the strong network of USF alumni. It truly feels like being part of a family.” 
• Broaden your connection: “Join organizations like the American Public Health Association, be an active member and engage with different sections, interest groups and caucuses.” 

Alumni Fast Five:

What are you reading recently? “I recently started reading ‘My Dear Comrades,’ by Sunu P. Chandy, a social justice activist and civil rights attorney who works at the National Women’s Law Center. The book of poems weaves together her personal experiences as a woman of color and her legal and activist work. It provides a refreshing contrast to my daily technical reading. I’m also reading “The Boy, The Mole, the Fox, and The Horse” by Charlie Mackesy.

What did you dream of becoming when you were young?
“I’ve always been interested in science, medicine, dance, and culture so I dreamt of being a physician (an OB-GYN or a pediatrician), a medical geneticist, or a member of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.”

Where would we find you on the weekend?
“You will likely find me covering a performance at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC for The Rogers Revue, at a book talk or book festival, Latin dancing (salsa, bachata), enjoying brunch with friends, or playing with my rescue kittens Lucky and Nigel.”

What superpower would you like to have?
“I would love to be able to communicate and connect with more people meaningfully. So, it would be cool to be a hyperpolyglot (proficient in more than 6 languages)!”

What’s your all-time favorite movie?
“There are so many. A few are Love and Basketball, Dirty Dancing, Happy Feet, Up, and The Sound of Music.”

Bonus! What podcasts are you listening to? “Loretta Ross, a remarkable human rights activist, has a TEDx talk on the ‘Calling in Culture.’ It emphasizes the importance of fostering understanding rather than calling people out. I also love Michelle Obama’s podcast, ‘The Light We Carry.’ The former First Lady explores themes of resilience, hope and personal growth, inspiring listeners to reflect on their own journeys and find light in challenging times.” 

Story by Liz Bannon, USF College of Public Health