For Angel Turner, a mother of four and a bachelor’s in public health student at the USF College of Public Health (COPH), education is more than just an academic pursuit—it’s a testament to resilience and determination. Born and raised in Tampa, Turner has faced numerous challenges on her journey but continues to excel both as a student and a mother.
"I’ve been pursuing a higher degree for over eight years now, taking at least one class each semester," Turner said. “I was a teen mom who has experienced firsthand how your environment can impact your outlook on life. I’ve been working in banking for over 12 years, and during that time, I’ve been slowly but surely working to educate myself and those around me.”
Turner’s introduction to public health came during her freshman year at USF. Initially focused on health sciences, she soon found her passion in public health.
“I realized that most of the courses I was excited about were focused on public health rather than health sciences,” she said. “Public health helps me understand how our environment and social factors affect our health and allows me to turn my empathy into action to support those who need it most.”
Throughout her time at the COPH, Turner has made significant strides, including maintaining a high GPA, which she cites as one of her proudest accomplishments. She is also a member of the Delta Omega National Honorary Society, a current Health Scholar and was involved in the inaugural Black Maternal Health Week Initiative of Tampa Bay.
Angel Turner volunteering with the Delta Omega National Honorary Society (Photo courtest of Turner)
Additionally, she applies her public health knowledge in her banking career, where she is involved in a business resource group focused on equity.
“I'm applying what I learned from my time at the COPH to my banking career by leveraging my skills in a business resource group focused on equity," Turner explained.
Turner said her drive to learn and share knowledge is fueled by her own experiences of lacking access to critical health information.
“I have learned so much while at the COPH. I feel like a kid in a candy store, eager to learn more, do more and share this information with the world,” she said. “I know firsthand what it's like to lack access to information that can improve not only individual health, but also society as a whole. This experience has been truly eye-opening.”
While balancing her academic and personal life has not been without challenges, she credits her success to a strong support system.
"I have a village of friends and family who support me, but I’m proud of myself for pushing through and reaching any goal I set for myself,” she said.
Turner is set to graduate in May 2025, with plans to pursue a master’s degree in public health. Her long-term goal is to work in project management, focusing on initiatives that address disparities caused by social determinants of health.
“My dream job is to work in project management, focusing on initiatives that change the lives of those experiencing disparities due to social determinants of health outside of their control and to educate communities on these issues,” she said.