Tulane SPHTM student making her mark at the DNC

The Democratic National Convention has switched things up in 2024, inviting social media influencers to attend as credentialed members of the media for the first time ever. The party is hoping to drive more votes among younger audiences by reaching them where they are.

One of Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine’s very own is participating virtually, as Shelby Rosa Richardson, who is in the MPH program for Community Health Sciences, has been chosen to serve as a virtual content creator.

A nonprofit called Civic Influencers arranged the opportunity. Richardson has been able to experience the DNC through the event’s virtual platform and network with other creators and media representatives. 

And while Richardson isn’t able to be on the ground in Chicago, she is getting a rare behind-the-scenes look at the event from afar. “It has been super exciting so far getting to see the inside of the convention and network,” she says.

That’s not all she has going on. During the first week in September, she will also be in Las Vegas for the Healthcare Advocate Summit where she will present a poster based on her Interactive Learning Experience research on trauma informed anti-racism trainings for healthcare providers. Funding from the Penny Jessup Travel Fund aided her ability to attend.

“It definitely feels like a monumental few weeks for my professional career,” Richardson said.