Meet Emma Keever | Master in Public Health & Health and Wellness Enthusiast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emma Keever and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emma, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am a Colorado native, originally from Fort Collins. Growing up, most of my family has worked within some capacity of science and healthcare and I have had a strong curiosity about these fields as a result. My mom was a 7th grade science teacher for over 20 years, and my twin sister and I would hang out in her classroom after school and read books, watch Planet Earth, she even let us dissect small critters from time to time. I think this is what initially sparked my interest in science, and my dad’s background in graphic design and creative directing also allowed me to explore the creative side of myself. As I progressed through my education I found myself having to decide what I wanted as my degree in college. I initially chose nursing, because my passion for helping people combined with science and anatomy seemed like the perfect fit for that career. However, when my mom was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder that prevented her from eating a lot of foods, I became more interested in the science behind nutrition. I selected Dietetics as my major, and set a goal for eventually becoming a Registered Dietitian. After completing my undergrad, I decided that I wasn’t done learning and I wanted to learn about health and wellness on a more macro scale. I was accepted into an MPH program in Denver, and moved there with two of my best friends from college. I learned about global healthcare systems, the social determinants of health, and epidemiology amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. I have since been pursuing a career where all of my interests can be integrated. As a byproduct of my creativity, I started my EmmaLizHealth accounts on both Instagram and TikTok as an outlet for my knowledge and interests, and to help others be motivated to optimize their health and wellness. Where I am today is a result of everything I was exposed to growing up, and I can’t wait to see where my passions continue to take me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I would say that my career is just getting started. I am in that in-between phase that so many people go through in their mid twenties where I am navigating all of the different areas of life in addition to what I want to do professionally. I would really love to have my online content become somewhat of a personal brand, and create a niche audience that truly benefits from what I have to say. I absolutely love talking to people about all things health and wellness. I am also on the lookout for a professional role that will allow me to make a difference in my community. Whether it’s working in public health policy, working to increase access and affordability of health services, or educating others I am still figuring that part out. I am a strong believer that everything that’s meant to be will be, and I try not to put too much pressure on myself to have it all figured out. That’s something that I am proud of myself for, and something I think a lot of other young professionals can try to implement. I think that in a world where there is so much pressure to be perfect, I want those reading this to know that there’s no such thing. Part of my mission as an online presence is to push that narrative, and provide tips, tricks, and motivation to those who are trying to reach their goals.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Denver is the best because there are things to do outdoors and indoors depending on the time of year! If it were warmer, I would plan an itinerary full of beautiful hikes, good food, and relaxation. some of my favorite hikes are only about a 30-60 minute drive from Denver and make for a perfect day-trip. Idaho Springs has some of the best hiking nearby, and hitting Beu Jo’s pizza on the way home is a must. Some other go-to places around Denver are Uncle, Bartaco, Venice Wine Bar, and Blue Sushi. For a margarita, The Rio Grande or My Neighbor Felix are definitely at the top of my list.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The love and encouragement that I have continued to receive from my family and my friends throughout my education has been monumental. I have always felt that I can do anything I set my mind to, and that is thanks to all of the support I’ve been given along the way. I still have a long way to go, but I know that I’ll always have the best support system to keep me going. Not only have my loved ones helped me to become who I am today, but also women I have never personally met, and who I consume on a daily basis through social media outlets. Whitney Simmons, Krissy Cela, Katelynn Nolan, Tinx, and Sydney Adams are all mentors to me in my eyes whether they know it or not. Whether I am listening to their podcast on my morning walk, or watching their YouTube videos, I always leave feeling more motivated and inspired to do better in my own life.

Instagram: @emmalizhealth

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/emma-keever-mph-62a538192

Other: TikTok: @emmalizhealth