Sirbrinna W.G.

A dedicated public health professional driven by empathy and a deep desire to heal her

community through service, advocacy, and accessible support.

Why This Work Matters

My desire in life is to improve the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) for everyone. As a

public health professional, I understand that health encompasses where people "live, work, learn and play in", and if we want to change it we must focus on improving the SDOH at the systemic, community and individual levels. I believe Shared Harvest has a purpose driven approach that is aimed at improving the SDOH and increasing Health Equity for those who need it most, the people of Altadena. Shared Harvest has identified the barriers to recovery and is working to level the emergency response for the people of Altadena. I am interested in the "serving" aspect that Shared Harvest is providing daily.

On culturally responsive care: It means listening to people, respecting who they are, and

understanding what they’ve been through. We must keep attention on the individual's needs and the challenges their community may face. In return we are able to build trust and a lasting

partnership to keep them healthy.

Connection to Altadena

The people of Altadena were forced to be resilient, they did not have a choice. I really admire

the community’s history of resilience. Despite redlining, limited resources, and systemic barriers, the people of Altadena transformed challenge into strength, building a thriving, self-reliant community rooted in pride and determination.

Meaningful tradition: I love Christmas time. Having been married in December and welcoming a

baby a few days after, Christmas Tree Lane holds a special place in my heart.

In my work: The resilience of my ancestors lives in me, just as it lives in the people of Altadena.

This community has taken its rich culture—and the barriers meant to limit equity—and transformed them into collective strength. In times of challenge or disaster, that strength shows

up through unity, mutual support, and a commitment to lifting one another up. My work with families reflects the same shared values of resilience in that I aim to bring equity while connecting to the community based on the same lived experiences.

A Defining Moment

I once worked with a mother who had just learned she tested positive for syphilis, gonorrhea,

and chlamydia. She was overwhelmed with fear, shame, and worry about what this meant for

her health and her child. As a mother myself, I understood the weight of that moment—the fear

of the unknown and the instinct to protect your family at all costs. 

I led with compassion. I walked her through each step of treatment, helped her understand that these infections are treatable, and reassured her that she wasn’t alone. By supporting her through the initial shock, connecting her to care, and empowering her with education, she was able to regain control of her health and protect her child. 

That experience reflects the impact I hope to make: to meet people in their darkest, most vulnerable moments with empathy, guidance, and a path forward—helping them move from fear to healing, one step at a time.

How this shapes my work: That moment shaped the way I show up for families by reminding me that behind every diagnosis is a real person who deserves compassion, not judgment. Supporting that mother through her fear and helping her regain a sense of control taught me the power of meeting people exactly where they are—with empathy, clarity, and patience.

Vision for the Future

My hope for Altadena: From a public health standpoint, my hope for Altadena is that every

family has the support, connection, and resources needed to achieve optimal health and

wellbeing—regardless of background or circumstance. Altadena’s long history of resilience,

cultural pride, and community strength is a powerful foundation, and my goal is to help reinforce

and expand those assets so families can continue to thrive.

What I hope families feel: I hope families leave feeling stronger and more hopeful and confident

that they have the resources, support, and community behind them to truly thrive.

Bringing to the Work

Strengths: Empathy and compassion, Cultural Competency, Health Education and Outreach,

Crisis & Emergency Response and other supportive roles.

On collaboration: It means that I am part of a team committed to improving health equity across

the community. Together, we work to remove barriers, uplift families, and ensure everyone has

access to the care and support they need to thrive.

Beyond the Work

What brings me joy: My village of friends and family keeps me grounded. Going on new adventures with my family keeps me looking forward to a new day.

Favorite genres: Comedy

When not volunteering: Taking my sons to indoor playgrounds for play dates or volunteering at church.

Fun fact: I am a twin.

Words I live by: "Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto

thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths"