We are absolutely delighted to welcome our new Advocacy and Research Officer, Isalean Phillip. Isalean has a strong background in policy and advocacy with a concentration in gender, equity, diversity and inclusion.
Isalean will be taking the lead on our new project to create a healthy food environment where the public can easily make healthy choices. Specifically, her work will focus on advocating for government and private sector policies and decisions related to healthy and unhealthy beverages and implementing a campaign focusing on sugar-sweetened beverages.
In today’s blog, we take you behind the scenes to learn more about Isalean and what inspires her.
Tells us about your career journey so far.
I think I’m fortunate to have a diverse professional background having worked with non-profits, NGOs and government departments on various aspects of policy development, including academic research and analysis, lobbying and advocacy, public education, policy writing and program/project implementation and coordination. Given my passion for social development and transformation, I tend to gravitate towards organizations and projects that address issues affecting vulnerable populations like women, children and youth, black, indigenous and people of colour.
What inspired you to pursue a career in policy and advocacy?
I have a history of youth leadership and advocacy. I was a former Leeward Island debater, youth parliamentarian and Commonwealth Youth Ambassador and the exposure I gained in these areas really ignited my passion for advocacy, particularly around social policy. I’m also very scholarly so it felt like a natural pivot to build a career as a policy professional who is able to apply strong communication, research and analytical skills to lead and coordinate various aspects of policy development.
What role do you think policy plays in improving the public’s health?
I believe that policy is an essential tool for enabling social change and transformation. Ultimately, public health policy is intended to protect and preserve the health and wellness of all persons to ensure we live full and productive lives. And so, polices play a critical role by regulating health practices and procedures, removing barriers for more equitable access to health-related resources and influencing behavior change to cultivate healthier habits and lifestyles.
What are you most looking forward to about working with Lake Health and Wellbeing?
I’m really looking forward to making an impact in St. Kitts and Nevis and the wider region through this campaign and the other research projects that LHW is executing. I love the energy and professionalism that Abi and Oyehmi bring and I’m excited about learning and growing with them in this new role. I believe working with LHW presents me with a great opportunity to do something worthwhile and make a positive change for the collective good, and that excites me.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself?
It is my lifelong goal to visit the 7 wonders of the world. I’ve got 2 down (the Colleseum in Rome and the Chichen Itza in Mexico) and 5 to go.
When you’re not working, how do you spend your time?
I spend my free time at home mostly. I enjoy listening to music and podcasts, Netflix and chill and I’m always up for spending quality time with loved ones, eating good food and having great conversation.
We are very much looking forward to working with Isalean and if you’d like to contact her about our new sugar-sweetened beverages project, you can send leave her a comment below or send her an email
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