Cecily Rodriguez

ACTIVE MEMBER • Associate Director for Research and Organizational Innovation

Institute for Policy and Governance, Virginia Tech

crodrig1@vt.edu

My research and practice in the realms of language access, cultural competence, and migrant and refugee health seem to align closely with the mission of the WHC by emphasizing holistic, inclusive care that addresses the diverse needs of individuals. As I understand it, the WHC aims to enhance health and well-being through comprehensive approaches that recognize social determinants of health, which my work directly supports. By focusing on language access, I am interested in effective communication particularly in behavioral health and developmental disability settings and identifying strategies for migrant and refugee populations to navigate healthcare systems and access services needed. I am always looking for ways to understand and promote structural and organizational understanding of the cultural contexts that influence health behaviors and outcomes.