April Forrest
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Mission-driven public health and education leader with 15+ years of experience designing, leading, and evaluating community-based programs across academic, nonprofit, and public-sector settings. Proven expertise in community engagement, health promotion, policy advocacy, coalition-building, and program management at local, national, and global levels. Adept at translating complex public health issues into inclusive, culturally responsive programs that advance equity, wellness, and community impact. Experienced people manager, mentor, and collaborative leader with strong communication and stakeholder-relations skills.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Faculty – Semester at Sea (Fall 2025 Voyage)
Institute for Shipboard Education
01.2025 - 12.2025
- Selected as faculty for the global Semester at Sea program, teaching public health–related coursework to a diverse, international student body.
- Integrate global health, population health, and community-based perspectives through place-based learning across multiple countries.
- Facilitate experiential learning through field classes, reflective assignments, and applied analysis of health systems, culture, and policy in global contexts.
- Mentor students in connecting academic content to lived experience, ethical engagement, and cross-cultural understanding.
Adjunct Professor – Program Planning & Evaluation
California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
01.2025 - Current
- Teach undergraduate and graduate-level coursework in Program Planning and Evaluation, with emphasis on needs assessment, logic models, implementation strategies, and evaluation methods.
- Guide students in applying public health theory to real-world community and organizational contexts.
- Emphasize equity-centered planning, stakeholder engagement, and data-informed decision-making.
Adjunct Professor (Public Health & Health Education)
Chapman University
01.2024 - Current
- Develop and manage courses in Behavioral Health Sciences, Program Planning & Evaluation, Global Health, Community Literacy, and Health & Spirituality.
- Design syllabi, curricula, and assessments aligned with equity-centered and community-engaged pedagogical approaches.
- Foster inclusive learning environments responsive to diverse student needs and lived experiences.
- Integrate applied public health frameworks, policy analysis, and community case studies into coursework.
Adjunct Professor (Public Health & Health Education)
Cal State University, Los Angeles
01.2023 - Current
- Develop and manage courses in Behavioral Health Sciences, Program Planning & Evaluation, Global Health, Community Literacy, and Health & Spirituality.
- Design syllabi, curricula, and assessments aligned with equity-centered and community-engaged pedagogical approaches.
- Foster inclusive learning environments responsive to diverse student needs and lived experiences.
- Integrate applied public health frameworks, policy analysis, and community case studies into coursework.
Co-Instructor, MPH Program – Theoretical Foundations in Health Promotion & Education
Claremont Graduate University
01.2021 - Current
- Co-plan, instruct, and assess graduate-level coursework in health promotion theory and application.
- Support student research, applied projects, and professional development in public health practice.
Health Promotions & Community Engagement Manager
American Lung Association
01.2019 - Current
- Lead community engagement and advocacy initiatives advancing lung health policy at local, state, and federal levels.
- Build and manage coalitions with community organizations, health professionals, and advocacy networks to drive policy change.
- Recruit, train, and supervise interns, volunteers, and community advocates; provide ongoing mentorship and leadership development.
- Design and deliver public health education campaigns using digital platforms, community events, and legislative outreach.
- Represent the organization in cross-sector coalitions, media engagements, and public forums.
- Track program outcomes, document success stories, and support reporting for grants and funders.
Adjunct Professor (Public Health & Health Education)
Occidental College
01.2022 - 01.2025
- Develop and manage courses in Behavioral Health Sciences, Program Planning & Evaluation, Global Health, Community Literacy, and Health & Spirituality.
- Design syllabi, curricula, and assessments aligned with equity-centered and community-engaged pedagogical approaches.
- Foster inclusive learning environments responsive to diverse student needs and lived experiences.
- Integrate applied public health frameworks, policy analysis, and community case studies into coursework.
Health Expert / Program Lead
Pasadena City College
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Served as preceptor for undergraduate and graduate interns in university-affiliated health education programs.
- Designed and launched a Peer Mentor Program, including curriculum development, training materials, and evaluation tools.
- Collaborated with the LGBTQA+ Center and CalWORKs to implement inclusive, equity-driven health initiatives.
- Led campus-wide health promotion campaigns using social media, workshops, and tailored educational resources.
Education
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) -
Claremont Graduate University
Master of Public Health (MPH) - Global Public Health – Leadership & Management
Claremont Graduate University
01.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Global Public Health & Community Engagement
Pitzer College
01.2018
Skills
- Community Affairs & Stakeholder Engagement
- Program Design, Implementation & Evaluation
- Public Health Policy & Advocacy
- Coalition Building & Partnerships
- Equity-Centered & Inclusive Programming
- Grant Writing & Reporting
- Staff, Intern & Volunteer Supervision
- Curriculum & Training Development
- Public Speaking & Media Outreach
- Data-Informed Decision Making
Affiliations
- DrPH Peer Mentor Vice Chair & Advisor, Claremont Graduate University
- Member, CGU Academic Committee, Steering Committee, Curriculum Planning Committee, Academic Integrity Committee
- Advisor, Active Minds & Peer Mentors Program, Pasadena City College
- Volunteer: Boys & Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Crisis Text Line, KaBOOM!, Hollywood Heart
Certification
- HIPAA Certified
- Microsoft Office (Advanced)
Timeline
Faculty – Semester at Sea (Fall 2025 Voyage)
Institute for Shipboard Education
01.2025 - 12.2025
Adjunct Professor – Program Planning & Evaluation
California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
01.2025 - Current
Adjunct Professor (Public Health & Health Education)
Chapman University
01.2024 - Current
Adjunct Professor (Public Health & Health Education)
Cal State University, Los Angeles
01.2023 - Current
Adjunct Professor (Public Health & Health Education)
Occidental College
01.2022 - 01.2025
Co-Instructor, MPH Program – Theoretical Foundations in Health Promotion & Education
Claremont Graduate University
01.2021 - Current
Health Expert / Program Lead
Pasadena City College
01.2021 - 01.2023
Health Promotions & Community Engagement Manager
American Lung Association
01.2019 - Current
Master of Public Health (MPH) - Global Public Health – Leadership & Management
Claremont Graduate University
Bachelor of Arts - Global Public Health & Community Engagement
Pitzer College
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) -
Claremont Graduate University
Selected Guest Lectures
- Family Life Education Methods & Professional Ethics – Cal State LA
- Concepts of Drug Prevention – Cal State Dominguez Hills