COMMUNICATIONS LEAD

FAVORITE MAP: Maps Accompanying Alesina et al.’s 2006 paper “Artificial States”

FAVORITE ISSUES: Community-led development, animal welfare, disease politics

Elizabeth Carter is the Communications Lead at PublicHealthMaps. She is a recent graduate of the University of Georgia where she received her Master of International Policy and Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs degrees. Her studies have focused on the changing role of the private sector in international development, effective altruism, and environmental politics.

Elizabeth has worked with the Microenterprise Development Team at the International Rescue Committee in Atlanta, Georgia, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) at the US State Department’s Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator and Health Diplomacy, and the UPS Government Affairs Office in Washington, DC.

During the summer of 2021, Elizabeth worked at the non-profit Emfasis Foundation in Athens, Greece. Read more about her experience here.

In her spare time, she enjoys cooking for her friends and family, putting too much stock into the results of online personality tests, and buying new books despite having not yet finished the last one she bought.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH LEAD

FAVORITE MAP: US Map of Biodiversity Importance

FAVORITE ISSUES: Ecosystem services, mental health, minority health concerns, climate change, biodiversity

Sydney Garcia is the Environmental Health Lead at PublicHealthMaps. She is a researcher and GIS professional with a passion for public health in the built environment. Her recent master’s thesis involved quantifying ecosystem services provided by green infrastructure in Austin, Texas and prescribing areas that could use the most benefits. She also has recent research experience in surveying physical and mental health in urban greenspaces.

Sydney is currently the Operations Manager at the Save Barton Creek Association which protects and conserves the flora, fauna and water quality of Barton Creek and the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer in Austin, Texas. She was previously a Community Planning Fellow for the National Parks Service where she worked to create beneficial and productive parks, trails, and other recreational environments for various communities across Texas. 

Prior to earning her Master of Environmental Management degree and GIS certificate from Duke University, she graduated from St. Edward’s University with a B.S in Environmental Science and Policy. In her free time, Sydney enjoys painting, bird watching, chilling at the pool, and everything else that brings her outdoors.

PARTNERSHIPS LEAD

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FAVORITE MAP: Dogs of the World and Their Countries of Origin

FAVORITE ISSUES: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Healthcare, Mentorship

Melinda Perera is the Partnerships Lead at PublicHealthMaps and a founding member of the Board of Directors. After the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hit, she formed her own company and owns her own healthcare business. Prior to this, she worked for eighteen years in the fashion industry in New York City focused on the areas of Product Development, eCommerce, Buying and Planning. 

Melinda is a California native, but still a New Yorker at the same time! She is the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Chair for the Junior Board of Girls Inc. of New York City, a non-profit that inspires all girls to be strong, smart and bold through direct service and advocacy.

DESIGN LEAD

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FAVORITE MAP: Harry Beck’s London Underground Tube Map

FAVORITE ISSUES: Social Media, Public Education, Minority Representation in Media

Chris Espiritu is the Design Lead at PublicHealthMaps and a founding member of the Board of Directors. He is a graphic designer with a BA in Art from Rutgers University – Newark. In the 17+ years in this profession, Chris has worked on projects in both print and digital media for various companies, organizations (mostly non-profit) and individual clients.

In the past 14 years, he has been a graphic designer for the American Kennel Club in New York City and a client liaison for the award-winning Philadelphia based design studio, gdloft. During this time, he’s been part of a publications team that has won numerous DWAA awards (Dog Writers of America Awards) for their work on AKC Family Dog and the AKC Gazette, which is one of the longest running magazines in the United States.

During his spare time, he is a life-long video gamer, collector of vintage games and a proud owner of his Labrador Retriever. Fascinated with the impact of social media, he created a fan-based Twitter account (@CultofLasso) for his love of the Apple TV+ show, Ted Lasso, to combine his skills in design and create social engagement through the use of original content. He also makes his own ice cream.

ADVISOR FOR MARKETING & PRODUCT MANAGEMENT

FAVORITE MAP: CDC’s Interactive Influenza Surveillance Map

FAVORITE ISSUES: Cancer treatment and recovery, health education and wellness

Franco Libunao is the Advisor for Marketing & Product Management at PublicHealthMaps. With over ten years of experience, he's contributed to organizations like Aol., Samsung, the Hospital for Special Surgery, Newsela and now PublicHealthMaps.

In 2016, Franco was struck with brain cancer which almost took his life. With the help of his medical team and the support of his family & friends, he won that hard fought battle. He learned a lot of important lessons about himself from that fight and since then he started his personal mission of giving back and helping others the way that they have helped him. Empowering people with relevant public health and other useful information are just some of those ways.

Franco graduated from Rutgers University as a triple major (Psychology, Philosophy, and Justice), Rutgers Business School with two MBAs (Marketing and Supply Chain), and Seton Hall School of Law with a Juris Doctorate. When he wants to have some fun, he's usually playing games (video games, board games, escape rooms), watching lots of sports & movies, staying active with his fitbit, and traveling with his family & friends.