Jenn Awa, MPH, CPC: I have gained my expertise through the lens of direct service provision, multi-dimensions of management, a kaleidoscope of training and skill development, and private consultation over the past 20 years. I have specialized in serving the most vulnerable populations with an emphasis on communicable disease prevention, trauma informed services, and cultural humility. I believe that all communities should have the opportunity to have adequate healthcare, compassionate providers, and comprehensive programs.

I have acquired a plethora of skills that I can apply as a consultant to assist in the enhancement of your services or individual goals. I have formal training in public health that includes Harm Reduction Principles, Motivational Interviewing, Stages of Behavior Change, Adult Learning Theory and Transformational Coaching. I am certified as a HIV and HCV test counselor, Group Facilitation, WRAP Facilitator, ASIST Suicide Prevention, Community Health Outreach Worker, Sexual Violence Prevention, and I am a Licensed Phlebotomist. I am a Professional Certified Coach from the International Coaching Federation, the only globally recognized professional coaching certification. Furthermore, I have a Bachelor’s in Health Science and a Master’s in Public Health, both emphasizing in Community Health Education.

Here is a link to my resume: ManaFirst Resume for J.Awa

I bring my instinctual strengths of my own heritage and mana, my understanding of complex and diverse communities and meeting individuals where they are at. I utilize my experiences, expertise and desire to learn about how to better help others and to be a facilitator of change. I am inspired by individuals and survivors who tap into their inner strengths and resources to become the best person that they can. Additionally, I believe that this work chose me and I accepted the greatest gift I could be offered.

Some highlights of my professional path:

  • The Vulnerable Populations I Serve: People who use chronic substances, specifically injection use, mental health consumers, survivors of trauma, transgender populations, incarcerated individuals, sex workers, homeless people, peer staff, people seeking change in their lives, and individuals that just need someone to listen to them with lots of compassion and no judgment.
  • Working with Vulnerable Populations: Institute for Community Health Outreach, Tri City Health Center, Continuum, Tenderloin AIDS Resource Center, Tenderloin Health, Mental Health Association, Forensic AIDS Project, UCSF
  • Research: UCSF Urban Health Study, UCSF UFO Project, St. James Infirmary
  • Trainer/Facilitator: National Capacity Building for CBO’s and Health Departments including Guam and American Samoa, Harm Reduction Therapy Center, UCSF Project 3-3-3, Tenderloin Housing Clinic, UCSF Navigation Project, Samoan Community Development Center, CA State Treatment Education Project
  • Teaching: City College of San Francisco, Holy Names University
  • Coaching: Certified Professional Coach focused on resourcing inner strengths to cultivate what you want in your life

Why I chose Mana: Mana is an ancient word that is rooted in Polynesian culture. For Hawaiians, which is part of my heritage, we consider our mana as placing authority or power into something or to empower and authorize the work to move forward. I channel the mana (inner strength) that we all bring to our work and resource it to strengthen our work together. By utilizing our mana we can build stronger individuals, programs, agencies, and communities.

My dragonfly icon: The dragonfly is able to show itself in different colors depending on the angle and polarization of light falling on it. This magical ability is associated with the discovery of one’s own abilities by unmasking the real self and removing the doubts one casts on his/her own sense of identity. The dragonfly spirit surprisingly shows up to teach you something during a particular point in your life. Should this happen, the dragonfly spirit is one to be honored and listened to openly since dragonflies carry messages that deal with deeper thought.  They ask that we pay attention to our deeper thoughts and desires.

The Spirit of the Dragonfly’ also reminds us that everything is possible, that we can achieve our dreams and our goals, and we learn to understand more about ourselves and our self belief. The Dragonfly Spirit is the keeper of our dreams, seeing out true potential and ability, giving us the capability to fulfill our birthright.

With such character, strength and determination, I felt that the dragonfly is the ideal icon for Mana First. So much of our self-determination is guided by our thoughts and experiences and by resourcing our inner strengths we can work toward our full potential.

Dragonfly Icon by Edward Boatman, from the Noun Project & adapted by Jennifer Awa, MPH, CPC.