Layla Contreras

Layla co-founded a student organization during her undergraduate career called “CodeRed”. The organization focused on Menstrual Health Equity, Education, and Empowerment! In this organization, they were able to donate menstrual health products to students on campus and the Champaign-Urbana community. As well, the organization had reproductive health experts on and off campus speak with students to bring awareness.

After her time in undergrad, Layla worked full time for Coordinated Oral Promotion (CO-OP) Chicago. CO-OP Chicago is a series of research studies that focuses oral health disparities for low-income children. They are now following families over time to better understand their oral health and social needs. Layla is continuing this work as a Graduate Research Assistant while pursuing her MPH.

With her background in psychology, Layla is interested in examining how menstrual health issues impacts mental health and treatment approaches. Another area that interests Layla is global reproductive health disparities, specifically how healthcare access can effect outcomes and the
impact of socio-economic factors.

In the future, Layla would want to work within the community advocating for reproductive health equity while educating those in need on the topic. She may also be interested in pursuing a PhD after finishing her MPH.

Fun Fact: Layla graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana in 2022 with a Bachelor in Psychology. She loves to travel and has traveled to over 15 different countries including some in South America, Europe and Asia. Layla has a cat named Milo who is about to turn 5 years old. He experienced her undergraduate years with her and is now experiencing graduate school. He is a silent study buddy for Layla!