Dreamers, Doers, and Disruptors: Elizabeth Sablon

After graduating with her Master of Public Health from the Department of Health Policy and Management in 2006, Elizabeth Sablon has spent over two decades working at the intersection of public health, research, and community engagement. She is passionate about building programs that advocate for underserved populations, are culturally responsive, and are rooted in real community needs. 

Sablon currently leads newborn screening project at Emory’s School of Medicine focused on assessing long-term outcomes for children with rare diseases. Throughout her career—from creating multicultural health programs at Grady Memorial Hospital to partnering with families for genetic research studies—she has been driven by a commitment to education, empowerment, and improving health outcomes.   

In this interview, Sablon discusses how overcoming language and systemic barriers shaped her passion for health care equity, the importance of service-driven leadership and relationship-building, and her commitment to mentoring others while improving access to care for underserved populations. 

What experiences, in your upbringing and at Rollins, do you believe shaped your personal and professional journey?  

English in not my first language and I faced many language and systemic barriers when my family moved to the United States. Those experiences shaped my desire to gain the necessary skills to address the needs of individuals experiencing similar situations and improve health care outcomes for underserved populations. 

Rollins gave me enormous exposure to people and resources that helped me sharpen and gain those skills. It also gave me the opportunity to give back by serving as a host family for the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program for two years. Meeting professionals from other countries who are learning from us and adapting our systems to serve their communities in their home countries has been very rewarding.  

How has your perspective on leadership evolved over time, and what qualities do you think are essential for a good leader?  

When I was growing up, I thought leadership was about making sure that people were accountable for completing tasks.  Although this is an essential component for success in any organization, I have learned that some of the most important qualities a leader can have are influence and service. Individuals follow leaders who are willing to get in the trenches with them. The best way to influence your team is by setting an example and seeing for yourself what it is to do the work.  

What role has mentorship played in your life, both as a mentor and a mentee?  

Mentors have been essential for my success. I have been mentored by individuals who have had a wealth of experience in the health care field and other arenas. This allowed me to learn the best practices. These mentors have also encouraged and supported me during challenges and transitions, both professionally and personally.  

As a mentor, I have had a wonderful opportunity to give back. I have been able to orient younger generations with the guidance that I myself received so that they can be successful in their careers, and I too have been enriched by those relationships.