Mentor Spotlight: Essentia Health’s Emily Anderson

Three questions with Emily Anderson, Community Health Director at Essentia Health.

Question 1: How was your Mentor Connection experience?

It was a great opportunity to network with other professionals and meet young people excited to start their career. I enjoyed the variety of activities and locations.

Mentor Connection is a unique program to get new college grads connected to local opportunities and keep them in the Twin Ports area. For me, it was a way to develop more of a connection with the colleges. Since mentoring Stephany, I’ve had more interns from UMD. I am trying to routinely create internships in my department for students who have an interest in getting practical experience in community health.

Question 2: What made you decide to become a mentor?

Our HR department specifically reached out to me because there was a student interested in public health. I was brand-new to Duluth at that time and thought it would be a good way to get engaged in my community. I’ve been lucky to have had mentors who supported me throughout my career. I would not be in the position I am in today without the support of mentors helping me grow in my career and get connected to new opportunities. This was a nice opportunity to pay it forward.

Question 3: What keeps you “North By Choice” here in Northeast Minnesota?

I chose to move to Duluth for two reasons — first, for the culture, and second for a career at Essentia Health.

Over the last ten years, I’ve had the opportunity to live in large cities like Los Angeles and Atlanta, and two rural communities with populations under 3,000. I have enjoyed certain aspects of each location and felt that Duluth offered a nice balance. I appreciate the proximity to nature, and the friendly “small-town feel” that I loved when I lived in rural communities. I also appreciate the restaurants, culture, and career opportunities that larger cities provide. Duluth is truly the best of both worlds!

My specific career interest is around rural health disparities. Through Essentia Health’s rural service area, I believe that we are positioned to make a truly impactful difference in health outcomes in Northern Minnesota. I feel lucky to have found an organization that is working to improve health in so many rural communities.

The Mentor Connection Class of 2020 is accepting applications from students of all majors and professionals from all fields. This year’s program kicks off October 8! Learn more and sign up HERE.

Share this Page