Taban Herrington brings a unique perspective to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. While growing up, her father’s job took the family to Mexico to build self-sustaining communities. At times, the family lived without electricity and running water. This and other experiences deepened her empathy and commitment to help others in meaningful ways. Herrington’s family later moved to the U.S., where she graduated from high school and obtained a master’s degree in risk and crisis communication. More recently, her efforts helped provide immediate assistance to hospitals during the pandemic and contributed to jumpstarting future public health careers. Herrington is currently “living her dream” as chief of staff at the Kentucky Department for Public Health. In today’s episode we discuss grit, community service, and how public health came together during a worldwide pandemic.