Written by: Izobella E.
"Be proactive, find a mentor, and take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow. The work you do today will pave the way for a healthier, more equitable future."
At the forefront of health equity in Lake County is Dr. Venoncia Baté-Ambrus, a dedicated advocate for improving access to care and advancing community health. A proud alumna of National Louis University, Dr. Baté-Ambrus earned her PhD in Community Psychology, and her passion for helping underserved communities has shaped her career.
Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County, Dr. Baté-Ambrus has made it her life’s work to promote health equity across hospitals, clinics, behavioral health settings, and even hospice care. Her deep understanding of community needs, combined with her extensive experience in health promotion, has led her to champion the work of Community Health Workers (CHWs) across the state.
A Unique Academic Journey
Dr. Baté-Ambrus’ academic journey is as rich and diverse as her professional career. From returning to school as a nontraditional student to designing her own multicultural psychology degree during her undergraduate years, she has consistently sought ways to merge her passion for education with her work. With her strong passion for helping others, Dr. Baté-Ambrus initially considered a career in either clergy or law before ultimately pursuing her love of psychology.
Her decision to enroll in National Louis University’s Community Psychology Doctoral
Program was influenced by its flexibility and ability to accommodate her many roles—professional, academic, and personal. Unlike more traditional programs, NLU allowed her to continue working while earning her PhD, making it possible for her to achieve her goal without sacrificing her livelihood.
Reflecting on her academic journey, she credits National Louis University’s program for allowing her to balance competing responsibilities. "It was the depth of knowledge from faculty and the diversity within the cohort model that made the experience invaluable," she shares. The program’s interdisciplinary nature, which draws on fields like public health, sociology, and political science, enriched her understanding of the complex systems influencing health.
Mentorship and Overcoming Barriers
Dr. Baté-Ambrus is passionate about supporting students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. She recognizes that many students of color and first-generation college students face significant barriers in higher education. Her advice?
Find a mentor. “A mentor, especially one who shares some of your identities, can help you navigate systems and overcome challenges,” she says.
She also emphasizes the importance of taking advantage of tuition reimbursement programs and scholarships to further her education and earned multiple degrees, including a Master's in Organizational Leadership and certificates in areas such as healthcare administration and conflict resolution. Her advice to students is clear: seek out opportunities for tuition reimbursement and scholarships, as they played a crucial role in her ability to achieve her goals.
Why Community Psychology?
National Louis University’s Doctorate of Community Psychology stands out for its unique approach to psychological practice. Unlike clinical psychology, which focuses on individuals, community psychology addresses the well-being of communities, organizations, and populations. Dr. Baté-Ambrus highlights how community psychologists help communities in the same way that clinical psychologists help individuals. "We help improve the overall holistic health of communities," she says, focusing on social determinants of health and societal structures that impact well-being.
For Dr. Baté-Ambrus, this broader view of psychology was essential to her work in healthcare. With over 20 years of experience in the field, her passion for helping underserved communities led her to roles in community health work, hospice care, and health advocacy. The PhD in Community Psychology from National Louis University gave her the tools she needed to understand and influence the systems affecting these communities.
For those looking to make a meaningful impact on their communities, Dr. Baté-Ambrus offers this final advice: "Be proactive, find a mentor, and take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow. The work you do today will pave the way for a healthier, more equitable future."
Dr. Venoncia Baté-Ambrus’ story is a powerful reminder that education, combined with passion and perseverance, can lead to significant change in our communities. Her work in health equity and community advocacy highlights the vital role that National Louis University’s PhD program in Community Psychology plays in shaping future leaders. Her dedication to lifelong learning, her commitment to mentorship, and her work in advancing health equity make her an inspiring role model for anyone considering a career in community psychology or healthcare.
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