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Anne-Marie Braga
Population and Community Health Manager at The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Professional Background
Anne-Marie Braga has dedicated over a decade of her career to enhancing the well-being of children, youth, and families, primarily through her impactful role at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. In her capacity as the Population and Community Health Manager, Anne-Marie is at the forefront of numerous statewide initiatives aimed at fostering positive change in health equity and community well-being. Her efforts encompass a diverse range of programs, notably in teen driving safety, mental health systems change, and promoting positive youth development. Anne-Marie's expertise in collective impact strategies ensures that the needs of women, children, and youth are not only acknowledged but effectively addressed in health policies and initiatives.
Prior to her notable tenure in Colorado, Anne-Marie accrued valuable experience in various roles that gave her insights into the complexities faced by children and families. With over ten years spent as a case manager in a residential treatment facility in rural Arkansas, she has firsthand experience navigating the challenges these communities encounter. Furthermore, her work has taken her to urban settings where she provided counseling and group therapy for inner-city youth in New York City, emphasizing mental health support and constructive engagement through service learning activities. Additionally, she has successfully managed early childhood education programs in New York and Colorado specifically designed to support children with disabilities, showcasing her commitment to inclusive education and early intervention.
Education and Achievements
Anne-Marie's educational background is as impressive as her professional trajectory. She earned her Master of Science in Social Work from the prestigious Columbia University in the City of New York, graduating with a commendable GPA of 3.9. Her studies focused on families and children, equipping her with the theoretical and practical skills necessary to effect meaningful change in this vital demographic. Her alma mater is renowned for its rigorous academic environment and emphasis on social justice, values that resonate throughout her work.
In addition to her master's degree, Anne-Marie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hendrix College. This foundation in psychology has been instrumental in shaping her understanding of human behavior and emotional well-being, further informing her professional practice in social work, counseling, and community health.
Anne-Marie's dedication to her field has not gone unnoticed. She has been the recipient of both state and national awards honoring her commitment to improving health outcomes for underserved populations. These accolades reflect her ability to not only develop effective programs but also to inspire others in her field, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
Notable Contributions
What sets Anne-Marie apart in her field is her unwavering commitment to integrating a health equity approach throughout her initiatives. She recognizes that health disparities exist within various population groups and actively works to mitigate these inequities through her policies and programs. By prioritizing partnerships with both youth and adults from diverse backgrounds across rural and urban communities in Colorado, Anne-Marie ensures that her work is inclusive and representative of the populations it serves.
Throughout her career, Anne-Marie has remained dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to take control of their health and well-being. By championing initiatives that address the root causes of health inequities, she has played a pivotal role in shaping a healthier future for Colorado’s children and families. Her leadership in population health not only enhances individual lives but also strengthens the fabric of communities across the state.
