Whether he’s teaching future public health leaders, mentoring high school students of color or advocating for a more equitable healthcare system, Jayson Forbes believes lasting change begins by putting people first.

At 29, the educator, researcher and community advocate is shaping the next generation of healthcare leaders while encouraging young people to imagine careers beyond the familiar roles of doctors and nurses.

An assistant professor of public health at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Forbes, who holds a Ph.D. from Florida International University, teaches and mentors students in public health foundation, research methods and applied research projects.

However, research, teaching and advocacy weren’t always part of the plan.

The son of Jamaican immigrants, Forbes grew up expecting to become a physician, eager to fulfill his parents’ dream. Then chemistry got in the way.

“I sucked at chemistry,” he says with a laugh. “I told my pre-med advisor I can’t do medicine anymore. He said instead of working at the hospital, how about running the hospital?”

The advice changed his career trajectory. Personal loss also gave it purpose.

After losing a 27-year-old cousin and later his sister to breast cancer, Forbes saw public health through a different lens.

“My sister was my rock…I took her passing as a sign that I was supposed to pursue public health and try fixing the system.”

Today, Forbes is committed to expanding opportunities for students who haven’t considered careers in healthcare beyond the bedside. By introducing high school students to fields such as public health, healthcare administration, research and policy, Forbes said he hopes to broaden the pipeline of future leaders and create opportunities for the next generation.

Being closer in age to his students than many of his colleagues also comes with unique challenges.

“I’m a young Black male in a field where there aren’t many of us,” he says. “I’m never sure if I’ll be treated as a colleague or an equal because of that.”

Still, Forbes refuses to let other people’s perceptions define him. While colleagues know him as an outspoken and passionate advocate, away from work he enjoys reading, working out and quiet time to recharge.

Beyond the classroom, Forbes serves in professional leadership roles across state and national organizations. He is president of the Florida Chapter of the National Association of Health Services Executives and serves on the Healthcare Committee and the Leadership Miami Executive Planning Committee with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. He has also served in committee leadership for the American Public Health Association.

“I’m active in the community not because it helps my resume, but because giving back gives to me,” Forbes said.