Bonnie Duran DrPH ’97, MPH ’89 is a professor in the Schools of Social Work and Public Health at the University of Washington, and is on the leadership team at the Indigenous Wellness Research Institute. She has worked in public health research, evaluation, and education among Tribes, Native Organizations, and other communities of color for over 35 years. Her past work includes partnering with the Navajo Nation, Indian Health Service, the National Congress of American Indians Policy Research Center, and other Indigenous community-based organizations on projects aimed at health equity, improving health services, and developing culture-centered health promotion. She is also a Buddhist mindfulness practitioner and teaches mindfulness retreats at the Insight Meditation Society and Spirit Rock Meditation Center and is on the Spirit Rock Teachers Council.

On public health and the challenges we face

Public health is important for California and the world because it privileges community health, social determinants and, therefore, community voice and knowledge over other deleterious interests.

Secrets for success

I received an excellent education at Cal and felt included in a much larger national and international movement toward health equity and decolonizing the medical industrial complex.

Theme song while at Berkeley

“Roar” by Katy Perry: “You held me down, but I got up / Get ready ’cause I’ve had enough…” I was significantly empowered by my experience at UC Berkeley SPH and other departments on campus.