Meet Rosalba Cain, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Community Engagement core group at the Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute. Rosalba has over a decade of experience coordinating health-related workshops and recruiting for research studies within the Latino population in Los Angeles. Here, Rosalba shares what compelled her to join SC CTSI and why working in the community is a rewarding experience.

Where are you from?
Mexico

What do you do in your current role?
As a community outreach coordinator, I work directly with communities surrounding USC and CHLA. I coordinate health workshops to empower underserved communities to be more involved in their health. The goal of our workshops is to help remove the barriers that many communities face in deciding whether to participate in a research study. We engage the Latino community by promoting health and scientific literacy.

Can you share a bit about your past work experience?
I have over 15 years of experience working in research at USC on various community-based projects in East Los Angeles. I connect with community members by coordinating educational workshops and recruiting for research studies.

What compelled you to join the Community Engagement group at SC CTSI?
I joined the Community Engagement core group because I was seeking a role that would allow me to work closely with the Latino community. I want to continue to educate my community about ways they can prioritize their health.

What does community mean to you?
A supportive group of people that care for the well-being of others. 

What is most rewarding about your job?
Being active in the community and using my knowledge and experience in community work to positively impact the lives of others. 

What inspires you? 
Faith, love, and hope.

What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
Hiking and making memories with family and friends.

What advice would you give to someone who is looking to get involved in community work? 
Work with your heart and have a sense of compassion for others. Working in the community is a rewarding experience and it will allow you to learn more about yourself.  

NIH Funding Acknowledgment: Important - All publications resulting from the utilization of SC CTSI resources are required to credit the SC CTSI grant by including the NIH funding acknowledgment and must comply with the NIH Public Access Policy.