Jillian Bergstrom '23 G'26, a candidate in Bay Path University’s Master of Public Health program, is driven by a deep commitment to community health and education.
A Foundation in Service and Public Health
Jillian’s interest in public health was shaped by hands-on experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she worked with Partners in Health. That work, combined with her current role in hospice care managing clinical records, helped her discover a strong interest in both epidemiology and community-based health initiatives. These experiences motivated her to pursue a graduate degree in public health, where she could blend data-driven analysis with direct community engagement.
A central focus of Jillian’s graduate work is women’s health education, particularly around menstruation and endometriosis. Through guidance from her Bay Path University advisor, Ali Fulcher, Jillian began developing a project centered on menstrual health awareness for teenage girls. She highlighted the widespread lack of education, research, and understanding around endometriosis, a condition that affects approximately one in ten women and is often underdiagnosed. This condition is also highly personal for Jillian as she was diagnosed with the disease after years of struggle.
Jillian emphasized that many schools lack comprehensive health education resources or classes, leaving young people without the information they need to understand their own bodies. Her goal is to help close that gap through accessible, culturally sensitive education.
Internship Spotlight: Girls Inc. of Worcester
Beginning in January 2026, Jillian puts her academic training into action through an internship at Girls Inc. of Worcester, secured through a Bay Path alumni connection. Running through April, the 160-hour internship will involve 10–14 flexible hours per week and includes a stipend.
Her internship stipend was as a result of her project being selected in the highly competitive New England Public Health Training Center (NEPHTC) Student Stipend Award, sponsored by Boston University. Jillian secured a $3,500 stipend to advance her project which focuses on improving menstrual product equity for teenage girls.
The NEPHTC Student Stipend Program selects only 27 students, from undergraduate to doctoral candidates, across all New England each year. Jillian’s selection places her among an exceptional group of emerging public health leaders and reflects the strength of Bay Path’s MS in Public Health program.
At Girls Inc., Jillian will revitalize the organization’s menstrual education program. Her project includes updating outdated educational materials, developing interactive games and resources, and creating mini-emergency hygiene kits for program participants.
Worcester’s cultural diversity is a key consideration in Jillian’s work. She is intentionally designing educational materials that are respectful of different cultural and religious perspectives while still promoting accurate health information. Drawing on skills gained through her MPH coursework, such as community assessment, data analysis, and cultural sensitivity, Jillian aims to create a program that could potentially be shared with other Girls Inc. locations in the future, expanding its reach and impact.
Mission Focused
For Jillian, success means more than completing an internship or a degree. It means increasing awareness of endometriosis, empowering young people with knowledge, and contributing to a more informed and compassionate public health system.
