Outstanding Graduate's Bold Leap Transforms Healthcare—You Won't Believe What Happened Next!

Natasha Burrell's journey to becoming a registered dietitian is deeply rooted in her desire to address food access and combat the chronic diseases that have plagued her family for generations. This passion for improving health care access became not only her career choice but also a call to action as she encountered the many challenges within the healthcare system firsthand.

“I realized how the system wasn’t serving anyone particularly well. The healthcare professionals and providers I worked with were skipping lunches, working exhausting hours, and navigating endless regulatory hurdles to take care of their patients. And patients were facing long wait times, high costs, and confusing, fragmented care,” Burrell explained. This realization, which she had heard about in school, ignited a fire within her to seek systemic change.

Currently, Burrell is set to graduate this December from the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation with a Master of Healthcare Innovation, where she will also be honored as the college's Outstanding Graduate. As a first-generation student, her journey has not been without its hurdles, but she has consistently chosen to push through discomfort and embrace personal growth. “It was a six-year gap between my undergrad and starting this program, but taking that leap of faith and investing in and believing in yourself even when it's hard, it pays off. It really does,” she said.

Today, she serves at Arizona State University's Learning Enterprise, where she manages a health literacy program that utilizes her extensive experience to help others navigate the complexities of health care.

Education and Innovation at ASU

Choosing ASU was a pivotal decision for Burrell. “I chose ASU because I needed to grow and push myself. I wanted to build confidence, develop an entrepreneurial mindset, and learn how to understand and tackle complex systems. Health care needs new and bold solutions that challenge the status quo, and I wanted to be in a place that encouraged and nurtured that kind of thinking,” she stated. Her time at ASU has provided her with the tools to identify problems and devise innovative solutions.

One of the most transformative lessons for Burrell came from her elective course on User Experience with Dr. Lynne Cooke. “The class helped me see how design shapes nearly every interaction,” she reflected. “When I go to websites, use apps, visit health clinics, or even just drive my car or use a coffee machine, I think about the user experience now.” The feedback she received from Dr. Cooke enabled her to improve rapidly, making the learning experience far more engaging.

Burrell emphasizes the importance of curiosity for students. “Be curious about subjects, about people and their experiences, and about the different paths your life could take,” she advised. This mindset not only enriches the learning experience but also opens doors to new opportunities. “If you stay curious and open-minded, you can walk away with so much knowledge you’ll feel like you have a secret extra degree.”

A Vision for Health Equity

Looking ahead, Burrell’s aspirations are rooted in her commitment to health equity and systemic change. “The great thing about this degree is that there are so many different opportunities it prepares you for,” she said. “As I am most passionate about systemic change and health equity, I hope to eventually move into health policy innovation. I also hope to open my own business centered on Black women’s health and well-being, especially because we’ve been historically underrepresented in research and continue to face major health disparities.”

Burrell's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of pursuing one's passions, even in the face of adversity. Her commitment to transforming the healthcare landscape reflects a broader need for innovative solutions in a system that often leaves many behind. As she prepares to graduate, she carries with her the hope of making a meaningful impact not only in her community but also in the lives of those who have been historically marginalized in the healthcare system.