Empowering Change: Lilly Sabet’s Journey in Public Health Leadership

Lilly Sabet’s passion for public health stems from a desire to create healthier, safer environments where people can thrive. As the Associate Director of Environmental Health and Safety at San Diego State University, she takes a people-centered approach to leadership, focusing on empowerment and collaboration to build a shared vision of well-being. Her drive and focus allow her to make a positive impact in her community.

For Lilly, the DrPH program in Executive Management at SDSU offered the perfect opportunity to bridge research and practice. "Public health is most impactful when evidence-based strategies are successfully integrated into policy and practice," she explains. Through this program, she is refining her leadership skills while deepening her ability to translate research into action. Creating actionable steps from her research further allows for real-world implementation of new ideas.

Lilly notes that one of the most rewarding aspects of the program is collaborating with public health leaders from around the world. “We share ideas, navigate obstacles together, and celebrate each other’s successes,” she says. This sense of community reinforces her belief that leadership in public health is a collective effort, which she describes as invaluable. Her current research interests focus on organizational leadership, risk management, and integrated occupational wellness.

Being part of the DrPH program has already been a transformative experience for Lilly, and she is eager for future opportunities to tackle emerging workforce challenges and continue leading with purpose.