Kasia Rogalski
MPH in Health Sciences
Inspired by community-centred work and youth advocacy, Kasia Rogalski is dedicated to addressing inequities through prevention and systems-level change.
Beginning undergraduate studies with aspirations of pursuing physiotherapy, Kasia Rogalski鈥檚 experiences working in a private clinic ultimately shifted her academic and professional goals toward public health. While she valued the importance of rehabilitation and improving individual quality of life, she came to recognize the systemic factors that contributed to many patients鈥� health challenges, as well as the barriers preventing them from accessing care. This realization sparked her passion for understanding the social determinants of health and inspired her to pursue a Master of Public Health in the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) to better understand how policy, health promotion, and population-level interventions can create equitable change.
Rogalski鈥檚 involvement in youth work has been one of the most influential experiences shaping her public health perspective. As a Youth Leader in the Maple Ridge community, she works closely with youth facing housing instability, gang involvement, mental health struggles, and barriers within the education system, deepening her understanding of health inequities and the importance of trauma-informed, community-based support. Through this role, she helped foster a safe and socially-inclusive environment where youth are encouraged to express themselves, build confidence, and access support systems.
In addition to her community work, Rogalski is completing her practicum with the CHART Lab at SFU, where she is involved in evaluating school-based initiatives aimed at increasing Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs). Through this role, she continues to develop her interests in health promotion, program evaluation, and community-centred research. Alongside her academic and practicum involvement, Rogalski also serves as the Administrative Coordinator for the FHS Graduate Caucus, supporting student engagement and communication within the graduate student body.
Rogalski has also volunteered with the Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly in the Philippines, an experience that held deep personal significance because of her connection to her mother鈥檚 hometown and family roots. During her time there, she supported older women through daily exercises, social programming, and assistance with care. She described the experience as an opportunity to reconnect with her cultural roots and better understand the social and healthcare realities shaping the lives of many Filipino families. Before returning to Vancouver, she connected members of her own family with the organization so they could continue building relationships and long-term support.
Throughout her academic and professional journey, Rogalski has remained committed to advocacy, equity, and supporting resilient populations. She hopes to continue building her skills through the MPH program with the goal of developing inclusive and equitable strategies that improve health outcomes for diverse communities. For future students, she offers this advice: 鈥淪tep out of your comfort zone and embrace every opportunity that comes your way. Growth often happens in unfamiliar moments. Trust yourself, stay curious, and remember that you are meant to be here.鈥�