
TiTi San
Fairbanks School of Public Health
Work Experience
I worked with the Burmese American Community Institute (BACI) during my undergraduate years, an organization that supports refugees and immigrants by providing education, workforce development, and community assistance programs. BACI helps individuals and families successfully adjust to life in the United States by offering language support, employment resources, and social services.
My ROLE at BACI included responsibilities such as:
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Providing Burmese–English translation to support communication
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Assisting community members in understanding services and resources
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Supporting clients in navigating community and health-related programs
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Helping reduce language barriers that impact access to services
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Promoting culturally respectful and inclusive communication
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Collaborating with staff to support community outreach efforts

I was able to help my team support the community through food pantry services.


I also participated in the Matu cultural dance, where I showcased my traditional dance at Myanmar Union Day.
I attend the events organized by BACI
In my role as a community health support worker and Burmese translator, I assisted clients by helping them understand information related to community services, appointments, and available resources. I supported communication between staff and community members with limited English proficiency, ensuring that individuals could access services safely and confidently. My work helped improve access to information and resources that support overall health, stability, and successful integration into the community. I also assisted my team with community outreach efforts, including supporting food pantry services that provided essential resources to families experiencing food insecurity. Through these activities, I contributed to creating a supportive environment where community members felt welcomed, informed, and empowered to seek assistance.
Through this experience, I developed strong cross-cultural communication, cultural competence, and advocacy skills. I learned how language access and trust are critical components of community health and health equity, particularly for immigrant and refugee populations. This role strengthened my ability to work with diverse populations, communicate sensitive information respectfully, and support individuals facing social and economic barriers that impact health outcomes. Additionally, I gained a deeper understanding of the social determinants of health, including how factors such as language barriers, access to resources, and community support systems influence overall well-being. This experience further reinforced my passion for public health and my commitment to improving access to services for underserved communities.