“We Believe in You”: Blue Shield of California and UC Berkeley Celebrate School of Public Health 2026 Graduates
Dirk Tolson III, Devon Sternberg, Claire Schutz, and Chloe Ortiz, Blue Shield of California and UC Berkeley public health fellowsIn 2022, Blue Shield of Californialauncheda five-year collaboration with the. . .
Dirk Tolson III, Devon Sternberg, Claire Schutz, and Chloe Ortiz, Blue Shield of California and UC Berkeley public health fellowsIn 2022, Blue Shield of Californialauncheda five-year collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health to expand access to public health careers for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Through the Blue Shield of California Fellowship Program, cohorts of up to 27 master’s students receive rigorous academic training, professional development, and hands-on experience — preparing them to address health inequities and build impactful careers. In May, Blue Shield hosted an event at its Oakland headquarters to honor students in the program. The event recognized the third cohort for graduating and the fourth cohort for completing the first year of their two-year program. Together, these cohorts reflect the program’s mission to broaden opportunity in public health:93% identify as African American, Chicano/Latino, Native American/Alaska Native, or Pacific Islander70% are first-generation college students, and 84% are first-generation graduate students51% come from economically disadvantaged backgroundsThe celebration also marked a program milestone, bringing the total number of fellows recognized to 89, with the fellowship on track to reach nearly 100 graduates in its fourth year. Two graduating fellows, Bay Area natives Dirk Tolson III of Antioch and Cieara Simmons of Oakland, shared reflections at the May 6 event. Professor Kimberly MacPherson"I believe what I learned over the last two years wouldn't have been possible without the Blue Shield of California Fellowship,” said Tolson. “It helped me make connections within my cohort, the Berkeley School of Public Health, alumni, and Blue Shield. This experience gave me the chance to learn and grow and understand public health from a more in-depth perspective and supported my aspirations in biostatistics. I want to thank everyone for their support and guidance throughout this graduate journey. "Simmons shared that her decision to pursue public health was shaped by growing up in underinvested communities in Oakland and witnessing firsthand how structural inequities affect health outcomes. “I didn’t just want to understand these challenges; I wanted to be part of changing them," she said. "As I move forward, I plan to work at the intersection of public health and systems change, using both policy and practice to design and support programs rooted in equity, dignity, and community voice. This program taught me that real change requires action, collaboration, and a commitment to reimagining systems that have historically left communities behind. "Beyond internships and fellowships, the collaboration extends into the classroom. Professor Kimberly MacPherson, who previously worked at a health plan, has spent more than two decades teaching at UC Berkeley designing coursework that bridges public health and business. Over the past five years, her students have partnered with Blue Shield on real-world challenges, developing and presenting solutions directly to employees. Dean Dr. Michael C. LuMacPherson notes that Berkeley’s public health students bring a distinct strength to this work: a mindset grounded in storytelling, empathy, and listening — skills essential to meeting communities where they are and driving meaningful change. That message was echoed by Dean of the School of Public Health, Dr. Michael C. Lu, who addressed the 2026 graduates with both encouragement and perspective. He shared that while public health is not always easy, it is always the right thing to do. He also reminded students that their lived experiences, education, and enthusiasm will take them far in their careers. He closed with a simple message: “We believe in you. Go Bears. ”Relevant storiesBlue Shield of California to Invest $7 Million in New Health Equity Fellowship at UC Berkeley School of Public HealthIn the News: Coverage of Blue Shield of California's Investment in Health Equity Fellowship at Cal BerkeleyJoel’s Story: UC Berkeley Student says Blue Shield Fellowship is Helping Turn His Trauma into a CareerMikaela’s Story: UC Berkeley Student Says Blue Shield’s Fellowship Is Helping Shape Her Vision to Tackle Food InsecurityRezahn’s Story: Blue Shield Fellowship Helps UC Berkeley Student Pursue Career in Public Health and Environmental Science