Kathy Luangrath is a first-generation Lao American social worker and public health professional whose career is rooted in advancing social justice, equity, and access. She is pursuing a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree at New York Medical College, specializing in Health Policy and Management. In her roles at the Washington State Department of Health, Kathy co-led the launch of the agency’s first paid internship program and “Pathways Professionals” cohort, expanding equitable entry points into public health careers. She contributes to statewide initiatives in language access, workforce development, and equitable access, ensuring that public health systems are culturally responsive and linguistically accessible.

Beyond her professional work, Kathy is actively engaged in community service and leadership development. She mentors youth in her community, fostering resilience and educational success, and leverages platforms such as pageantry to amplify issues of social justice, equity, and representation.

Kathy’s educational and professional career reflects a dedication to bridging social work and public health, with a focus on workforce development, health equity, and systems change. She aspires to advance justice-centered approaches to public health policy and workforce transformation that strengthen communities and create sustainable pathways for historically marginalized populations.

Hometown

Lake Stevens, Washington State

Undergraduate School

University of Washington

Undergraduate Major

Health studies

Undergraduate Minor

Global health

Graduate School(s)

University of Washington, Seattle

Focus Area/Interests

• Health policy and management 
• Social work and public health
• Workforce development
• Health equity

Career Experience

• Washington State Department of Health