June 6th marked the arrival of two new program fellows at the Foundation, and for the first time they are joining us for two full years. Nava Kantor and Tracy Sexton, both recent graduates of master’s programs in the St. Louis area, will gain hands-on experience in the wide variety of work underway at MFH.
“This is one of the ways that we’re working to create new leaders in the health field,” said Stacey Easterling, MFH’s VP of programs. “Whether these fellows ultimately decide to stay in philanthropy or work elsewhere in the health sector, they will leave here having gained new perspective, along with a great deal of experience.”
Kantor and Sexton will have the opportunity to work alongside the entire Program team. Their duties will include research, writing, reviewing grant proposals, outreach activities to communities and policymakers, assisting with trainings and workshops, evaluation support, relationship building with various organizations and agencies, and even more. They will work directly with our infant mortality and childhood obesity initiatives, our Ferguson and Beyond work, and also take part in outside professional development, attending conferences and networking events.
“Having Nava and Tracy here is also extremely helpful for us,” explained Easterling. “These fellows give us more hands on deck, offering fresh eyes and skills. It’s a symbiotic relationship to be sure. We’re very excited to welcome them, and I know they’ll do great work.”
About the fellows:
Nava Kantor holds a Master of Social Work degree from Washington University in St. Louis and a B.A. in English literature from Barnard College in New York City. Nava’s work experience ranges from direct service with clients experiencing homelessness and mental illness, to social work internships in planning and allocations at the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, and in strategic initiatives at Grace Hill Settlement House. She is also an Americorps alum.
Tracy Sexton received her Bachelor of Science from Rockhurst University and her Master in Public Health from Saint Louis University. In the past, Tracy worked as a fitness specialist at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City and has interned at the National Association of Community Health Centers and BJC HealthCare. She is a passionate health policy professional who is especially interested in preventative health, precision medicine, and obesity.
