Ali Navarro

Background

About Ali Navarro

With a decade of teaching experience spanning from kindergarten to 9th grade in subjects such as mathematics, science, STEM, and English, I have had the privilege of working with culturally diverse populations, ranging from inner-city schools in the United States to rural, public schools in Japan. Upon my return from Japan, where I served as an English teaching assistant in 2021, I made the decision to transition from education to Community Health Work (CHW). My commitment to engaging with my community and contributing to the well-being of others inspired me to volunteer at local homeless shelters in Cleveland. This experience illuminated the increasing demand for community navigators and advocates to assist underserved and vulnerable populations in my area. It was through this involvement that I discovered my passion for community outreach. In September 2022, I completed the Community Health Worker course at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) and earned my CHW certificate from the Ohio Board of Nursing. I am currently employed at MetroHealth System's Institute for H.O.P.E, where I advocate for vulnerable populations and connect them with essential resources. Now I am approaching two years in my role as a community health worker at MetroHealth Hospital, where I focus on assisting patients with the social determinants that impact their health and overall well-being. It has been a privilege to collaborate with an exceptional team and to deepen my understanding of the community I serve. Together, we have connected thousands of patients to vital resources that enhance their quality of life. This journey has been both humbling and enlightening, significantly expanding my cultural awareness and competency. I have developed patience, honed my listening skills to better understand patients' needs, and cultivated empathy. In addition to my role as a CHW, I have a keen interest in photography, video editing, and vlogging. This passion unexpectedly led to my emergence as an official social media influencer with META (Facebook & Instagram) in 2023, following the viral success of one of my videos, which received nearly 11 million views within a couple weeks. In my leisure time, I enjoy creating content for my social media platforms, as well as promoting and supporting local businesses and artists in my hometown of Cleveland.